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Gadventures.com

Last Updated: September 20, 2016
Costa Rica Quest - CRQ
9 days: San José to San José • G Adventures-supported coffee plantation tour with local lunch (Sarapiquí) • Hot springs visit (La Fortuna) • Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve guided tour (Monteverde) • Beach time in Quepos/Manuel Antonio • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary.
Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case
there have been changes that affect your plans.
VALIDITY: Valid for all trips departing January 1st, 2016 and onwards
Day 1 San José
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.
Hotel El Sesteo (or similar)
Day 2 San José/La Fortuna
Drive to Sarapiquí to visit the G Adventures-supported Mi Cafecito Community Coffee Plantation. Learn about the impact this project has had on the community and sample some of the products they sell. Continue on to the Arenal region with a free afternoon to enjoy some of the many adventure activities such as whitewater rafting or a horseback ride to a waterfall. Later, soak in local hot springs.
La Fortuna is an excellent base for adventure. Opt to hike the area's nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall or go Private Van
San José - La Fortuna4h150km Stretch out, unwind, and check your messages aboard our private, wi-fi-equipped ride.
Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour
Sarapiquí Morning Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part - a fresh cup! Enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish. Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.
Hot Springs
Relax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in therapeutic waters heated by the earth's magma and infused with healing minerals and salts. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature's thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise.
Optional Activities - Day 2
Pull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water.
Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy! Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers, wobble across a hanging bridge, and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour)
Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it's done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above.
Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you're getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel.
Hotel Monte Real (or similar)
Meals included: Lunch
Day 3 La Fortuna
Free day in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area.
Spend the day getting your adrenaline pumping, viewing local wildlife, marvelling at the Arenal Volcano and getting to know more about Costa Rica in La Fortuna. There are enough activities here to keep you busy all day long.
Free Time
La Fortuna Full Day Experience the outdoor adventures, amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area.
Optional Activities - Day 3
Pull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water.
Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy! Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Strapped securely in your harness, descend deep into the canyon, get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers, wobble across a hanging bridge and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour)
Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it's done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above.
Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you're getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel.
Hotel Monte Real (or similar)
Day 4 La Fortuna/Monteverde
Head into the cloud forest with a free afternoon to explore.
Travel across Lake Arenal into the mountains and on to Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Arrive to spend time enjoying this nature-lover's paradise.
Shared van
La Fortuna - Laguna de Arenal30m Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Laguna de Arenal45m Climb aboard and get your float on.
Shared van
Laguna de Arenal - Monteverde2h Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Free Time
Monteverde Evening Opt for a night hike in the area.
Hotel Los Cipreses (or similar)
Day 5 Monteverde
Enjoy a guided tour of Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Opt to fly above the trees on a canopy zipline tour, go horseback riding in the hills or drive ATVs off-road.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour
Monteverde2h-3h Morning Pull on your poncho and boots. It's time to head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan and Jane as you imagine swinging from the giant vines. Trudge along 12km (7 mi) of trails, watch for wildlife, and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen too. Hear the haunting call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the forest and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.
Free Time
Monteverde Afternoon Spend free time in Monteverde exploring the cloud forest or visiting nearby attractions.
Optional Activities - Day 5
Buckle up your harness, don your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along cables suspended high above the cloud forest canopy.
Dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you spot a toucans or exotic orchids in this Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit
Get close to butterflies, bump into giant bugs, and make friends with hairy eight-legged spiders in this collection of gardens nestled in the mountains of Monteverde. Observe caterpillars, take prize-worthy photos of the iridescent blue morpho butterfly, and check out the leaf-cutter ant colony. The nature centre is home to 30 species of butterfly, a whole bunch of insects, as well as white-faced monkeys, coatis, motmots, and more.
Monteverde Horseback Riding
25-45USD per person Enjoy Monteverde's breath-giving wilderness by horseback. Spot toucans, bellbirds, and parrots as you ride through private mountain trails along the primary and secondary forest. Meet monkeys, see sloths, and possibly glimpse the Gulf of Nicoya through the clouds.
Take photos, inhale the pure air, and let your horse lead you on this memorable meander in misty Monteverde.
Monteverde Hanging Bridges
Get up high to see the tree tops of Monteverde's Cloud Forest from a bird's-eye view. Cross a series of hanging bridges to discover what biologists once required (ropes and pulleys) to glimpse the lush, green vista accented by bromeliads, vines, and orchids.
Wonder at this wet canopy, home to 90% of all the organisms in the forest, including thousands of species of birds, small animals, amphibians, and insects.
Hotel Los Cipreses (or similar)
Day 6 Monteverde/Quepos
Travel to Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. Opt to visit the park or relax on the beach in this fun surf town. Enjoy a night out and learn how to salsa.
Travel to the Pacific Coast. Enjoy Quepos or opt to visit Manuel Antonio National Park. The park offers excellent hiking, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife viewing. The park boasts beautiful white-sand beaches and the warm turquoise water. Opt to swim, fish, kayak, boogie board, surf or take a sailing trip.
Private Van
Monteverde - Quepos5h220km Stretch out, unwind, and check your messages aboard our private, wi-fi-equipped ride.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to play in the waves, explore Manuel Antonio National Park, or dance the night away.
Optional Activities - Day 6
Manuel Antonio National Park 8-55USD per person Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.
Manuel Antonio National Park Visit
Pack your sunscreen, snack, beach shoes, and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica's smallest yet no less stunning national park.
Manual Antonio offers four white-sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Swim, snorkel, surf, and sunbathe. When you're all beached out, head to the shade of the nearby hiking trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos.
Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area's off-shore islands.
Manuel Antonio National Park Choose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish.
Cast a line and (depending on the season) hope to hook a marlin, sailfish, tuna or dorado (mahi mahi). Fishing in Quepos, north of Manuel Antonio, is Costa Rica's most popular spot for blue water sport fishing.
Manuel Antonio National Park Throw on your bathing suit and head to beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Rent a boogie board and spend the day bodysurfing the waves. Hang out with the locals and enjoy some saltwater fun in the sun.
Manuel Antonio National Park Slap on some sunscreen and hop aboard as we set sail along the rugged Pacific Coast of Manuel Antonio National Park on a catamaran. Bask in the beauty of the white-sand beaches and small islands that accent the shoreline. Keep watch for dolphins, rays, and migrating whales. Hop into the warm water and snorkel with more than 50 species of colourful tropical fish.
Hotel Mimos (or similar)
Day 7 Quepos
Enjoy a free day to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, sail, snorkel or surf in the Pacific. Opt to kayak through mangroves or relax on Free Time
Spend a free day of exploring Quepos, or head to Manuel Antonio to enjoy a full-day of wildlife spotting or kayaking.
Optional Activities - Day 7
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Pack your sunscreen, camera, hiking shoes and bug repellent and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica's smallest yet biodiverse national park. Manual Antonio offers four white sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Head to the shade of the nearby tropical forest in search of sloths, monkeys, armadillos and iguanas. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area's off-shore islands. Learn how the wildlife has adapted to their environment and enjoy your exotic Manuel Antonio National Park Slap on some sunscreen and hop aboard as we set sail along the rugged Pacific Coast of Manuel Antonio National Park on a catamaran. Bask in the beauty of the white-sand beaches and small islands that accent the shoreline. Keep watch for dolphins, rays, and migrating whales. Hop into the warm water and snorkel with more than 50 species of colourful tropical fish.
Manuel Antonio National Park Choose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish.
Manuel Antonio National Park 8-55USD per person Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.
Hotel Mimos (or similar)
Day 8 Quepos/San José
Opt to chill at the beach in the morning before the journey back to the capital.
Free Time
Enjoy the day.
Private Van
Quepos - San José4h190km Stretch out, unwind, and check your messages aboard our private, wi-fi-equipped ride.
Hotel El Sesteo (or similar)
Day 9 San José
Depart at any time.
G Adventures-supported coffee plantation tour with local lunch (Sarapiquí). Hot springs visit (La Fortuna). Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve guided tour (Monteverde). Beach time in Quepos/Manuel Antonio. All transport between destinations and to/from included Soak in the thermal hot springs of Arenal Volcano, search for the elusive quetzal bird in the cloud forest, watch the sunset over the Pacific, learn about coffee production and support a local community While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.
Be prepared for rain and lower temperatures during the winter season (June-November), especially in Costa Rica's central valley.
Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Theme Packs! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, theme packs are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Theme Packs must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask you sales CEO.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team.
The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap.
Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Private vehicle, boat.
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Hotels (8 nts).
My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us), please make your way to the joining hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon). Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details! If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
If you have pre-arranged an arrival transfer, look for the driver holding a G Adventures sign in the arrivals hall. Please approach them, and ask them who they are supposed to be picking up (do not tell them your name, they should have this information already). Once they give you the correct name, have your passport ready to show them and you will be on your way! We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that: Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Office San Jose, Costa Rica During Office hours (Weekdays 9am-5pm Local Time): +506 2224 5560 After hours emergency number: +506 8322 9140 If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 What to Take
We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). You must be able to carry your luggage to our accommodations and should be prepared to load it on and off of transportation, as porters are usually not on hand. A good size daypack is also essential.
- Credit and/or debit card (see spending money) - G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details - Passport (with photocopies) - Travel insurance (with photocopies) - Airline tickets (with photocopies) - Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required - Camera and film - Reading/writing material - Plastic bags or cover for backpacks - Lock for luggage - Fleece top /long sleeve top (for hikes, jungle treks etc.) - Windproof/waterproof jacket - Small towel and swim wear - 6 shirts/t-shirts - Water shoes/sports sandals (optional) - 2 pairs of shorts - 2 pairs of long trousers - 1 pair hiking pants/track pants - Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes - Sport sandals (suitable for water if you are planning on rafting and/or waterfall rappelling/abseiling) - Rain poncho/umbrella - Toiletries (biodegradable) - Watch or alarm clock - Insect repellant - First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards with travellers cheques as backup is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence! Costa Rica airport exit tax: $29USD It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Please note that in Costa Rica, a 23% charge is added on to almost every meal (13% tax, 10% tip). Further tipping for wait staff is appropriate in the case of excellent service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON TOUR All prices are per person, in USD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
La Fortuna, Arenal San José to Arenal by rafting the class 3-4 Sarapiqui River Also available: Rafting class 2-3; or Safari Float 1-2; or Serpentarium & Birdwatching $68-$87 Stand Up Paddling on Lake Arenal (Lesson & Tour) Walk on water in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. $59 Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoneering Rappel, downclimb, & river trace along our exclusive canyon. $86 Whitewater Rafting Class 3-4 Río Sarapiquí Jungle Run Adrenaline-pumping action on a raging river $77 Whitewater Rafting Class 2-3 Río Balsa Whitewater & Wildlife Rolling rapids & plenty of flora & fauna $62 Mountain Bike Rides: - Single-track Madness (challenging) - Hills, Pueblos & Swimming Holes (challenging) - Volcano+Lake (Moderate) Great views of Arenal $62 Cultour Tortilla-making + Sugar Mill + Dinner $28 One Day Combo Tours in La Fortuna Mambo Combo Rappel & Raft! Rappel the Lost Canyon & Raft the Río Balsa (Class 2-3) for a full day of pure adrenaline near the Arenal Volcano $135 Extreme Mambo Combo Rappel & Raft! Rappel the Lost Canyon & Raft the Río Sarapiquí for two days of full-on adventure $149 Combo Lost Canyon+Horseback: Rappel the Lost Canyon & then ride to the La Fortuna Waterfall $135 Combo Pedal + Paddle: Bike along the base of the Arenal Volcano, have a snack & finish the day Stand Up Paddling on the beautiful Arenal Volcano-Rainforest & Natural History Walk Guided hike through the rainforest to the view point to learn about the Arenal Volcano past & present. $44 Combo: Arenal Volcano-Rainforest & Natural History Walk + Hot Springs (Dinner and Transportation: Los Lagos Resort $68 Baldí Resort $73 Hanging bridges $35 Horseback riding ($25 for 1 ½ hours, $30 for 2 hours, $45 for 3 hours) Butterfly garden $12 Trapiche Tour $30 Coffee tour Don Juan $30 ATV $60/single, $85/double Orchid Garden $10 Cheese Factory $10 Bat Jungle $10 + taxi Mangrove tour (kayak) $65 (incl. Lunch) Mangrove tour (boat) $70 (incl. Lunch) Rafting (Rio Naranjo) $78 Rafting (Savegre) $98 Sea Kayak tour $70 (incl. Lunch) Dolphin watch sailing tour $75 (incl. Lunch and snorkeling) Cycle tours $25-$55 Manuel Antonio Park $16 (entrance) plus $25 for a guide Surf lessons $55 (3-4 hours) Scooter rental $70 Boogie Board/Surf board rental $8/hr Catamaran $65-$80 (depends on the catamaran) Tours here depends on the arrival time from Manuel Antonio, sometimes the group decides to stay longer in Manuel Antonio and arrive to San José for dinner time. This is a decision taken by the group.
San José City tour $45 Ram Luna (Show And Dinner) $70 Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
As of November 1st, 2007, the Costa Rica government, requires those entering Costa Rica from certain countries in South America and Sub-Sahara Africa, to have an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. Those affected countries are: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, French Guiana and Venezuela.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
Petty theft, bag snatching and muggings have been on the rise in San Jose. Though not common, there are certain precautions you should take when visiting the city. Although the cities visited on our tours are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions, as they are the safest and easiest way to avoid any issues one might encounter on the streets after dark. In addition, always leave your passport (It's better to carry a photocopy of it instead), credit cards and money that you won't be using in the hotel. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes in the room, or a general one at reception, this is always the safest method of storing your valuables. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Remember that like in any other city, you should never leave your bags unattended, nor flaunt jewellery, cameras etc . A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Stick to the main streets only during the day, and after sundown, please take a taxi. Taxis can be organized from reception of your hotel.
Also, take the address of the hotel with you.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit: Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at: A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.
To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures' Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at [email protected] and we will send it on to you.
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation - Planeterra. Sign up for to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Travel Forum - The Watering Hole
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Source: https://www.gadventures.com/trips/costa-rica-quest/2591/details/download/