Pacific Costa Rica Tour Itinerary

Pacific Costa Rica Tour Itinerary
REF: CA15
VERSION: 10

Duration:	9 days - San Jose to San Jose
Countries Visited:	Costa Rica
Age Guide:	18-55 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Public Bus, Minibus, Taxi, Boat, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotel (8 Nights)
What's Included:	Fully Escorted Tour with Kumuka Tour Leader and/or Local Guide - All Activities and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - 5 Breakfasts
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Costa Rica - San Jose - La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - Quepos - Manuel Antonio National Park
Optional Highlights:	Costa Rica - White Water Rafting - Safari Float - Caving - Cerro Chato Extreme Hike - Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve - Canyoning - Horse Riding - Zip Wiring - Canopy Walk - Night Wildlife Tour - Butterfly Garden - Serpentarium
Meeting Point:	Hotel Inca Real Avenida 11 between 3rd & 5th Streets Barrio Amon San Jose Costa Rica Tel: + 506 2223 8883 Fax: + 506 2222 5318
Introduction:	Your chance to catch awe-inspiring, brilliant orange volcanic eruptions or relax in hot springs surrounded by verdant, tropical vegetation. Perhaps raft, horseride or abseil down waterfalls. Or spot the diverse flora and fauna for which Costa Rica is famous: exotic wildlife, colourful birds and marine life. Discover enchanting cloud forests, coffe plantations, and round your holiday off by kicking back on gorgeous white sand beaches where rainforest and ocean collide.
Day 1:	San Jose. We begin our journey in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Founded in 1737, San Jose is nestled in valleys filled with coffee and sugar cane. You have a pre departure meeting at 6pm today. You may wish to stay a day or two before your tour starts to enjoy the sights – don’t miss the fascinating Gold Museum or the beautiful National Theatre – Kumuka can book pre or post tour accommodation for you.
Days 2-4:	La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Not far away is La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano, a stunning sight on a clear night where you may see fluorescent lava flowing down its cone. The volcano has been active since 1968. Papaya, Ginger Root, Oranges, Pineapples, Sugar Cane, Beans and Cassava all flourish in the area. Nearby we visit Baldi Hot Springs, a complex of swimming pools, mineral pools and hot springs filled with thermal water heated by the volcano. There is a waterfall and water-slides flowing through the lush, tropical gardens. You’ll be surprised that the giant tropical plants that you’ll see growing naturally in the area are the enormous cousins of house plants growing in your home! In La Fortuna there is something for everyone. You can also make an optional visit to the Caño Negro National Park or go white water rafting.
Days 5-6:	Monteverde Cloud Forest. We travel to Monteverde (or Green Mountain!) Cloud Forest Reserve, protected by law, as it is a private haven for plants and animals, with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The actual town of Monteverde was originally settled by American Quakers and the park straddles the continental divide, and spends much of the year shrouded in mist. This area in home to the elusive yet resplendent Quetzal, a bird of majestic beauty. There will be plenty of time to enjoy some adventurous optional activities such as Zip-Wiring or Canopy Walking. You can also visit the Butterfly Farm or take a relaxing horse ride through the picturesque countryside.
Days 7-9:	Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park And San Jose. On the other side of the Cordillera Central mountain chain lies the town of Quepos, from where we visit Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s most popular national park and home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. You will find monkeys, birds and delightful hidden coves in this tiny reserve, and beautiful beaches surround the park. Walking through the park is wonderful along the well-set trails, and animal spotting is easy: the park is inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife ranging from howler, squirrel, and white-faced monkeys, to coatamundis, anteaters, crocodiles, and iguanas to name a few. Enjoy leisurely sun-bathing, swimming, diving and snorkelling or take a short coastal tour of the adjacent offshore islands. Then it’s back to San Jose via coffee plantations, small farms, and large cattle ranches where we arrive mid-afternoon on Day 9 and the tour ends.
Finishing Hotel:	Hotel Inca Real Avenida 11 between 3rd & 5th Streets Barrio Amon San Jose Costa Rica Tel: + 506 2223 8883 Fax: + 506 2222 5318
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Central America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions, visas and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.
Optional Activities:	During your tour your Tour Leader and/or Guide will recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. To start planning and budgeting for any optional activities that you may chose on your tour, please visit: http://www.kumuka.com/Central-America-Optional-Activities.aspx IMPORTANT: Some tours depart from the starting city very early on Day 1, therefore you might not have enough time to enjoy the optional activities in that area. Furthermore, some tours end on arrival in the finishing city and your flight may leave early the following morning, therefore leaving no time to partake in any optional activities in that area.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre-Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date at the meeting point. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your Tour Leader and fellow passengers. In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. Your Tour Leader will leave a notice at reception on the first day of departure with information as to where he/she can be contacted and you should inform him/her that you have arrived. PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Central America trip. Country entry regulations can change daily. Our website www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information & Vaccinations	Recommended inoculations: Hepatitis A Diphtheria Typhoid Tetanus Polio Yellow Fever - we recommend that you consult the UK Foreign Office travel advice for Mexico and Central American countries, which shows the latest requirements for Yellow Fever vaccinations, particularly for travellers arriving from infected areas. We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling. That you know your blood group in case of emergency. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit with the following recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills, A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Malaria:	Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of Central America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed.
Security:	We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. Belize, Costa Rica and the Yucatan province in Mexico are more expensive than the other Central American Countries, in those areas you should budget on US$ 30 per day. Take your money in US dollars only. This is the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America. Traveller’s cheques should be AMERICAN EXPRESS. American Express is the most widely accepted. Cash is far easier to exchange than Travellers Cheques, but also more risky as once lost, is irreplaceable. However, we do recommend that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20). In many countries, you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option. Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful. Included Excursions - All activities mentioned in the brochure unless optional are included in your tour price. This also includes many extra things that the group does as a whole such as ruins site entrance fees, domestic flights, local guides at some attractions, National Park entrance fees.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Try to limit yourself to 15-20kg. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your Tour Leader at the Pre Departure Meeting. A good quality backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, water, sunscreen) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards, travellers cheques, etc., on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you DO NOT BRING A SUITCASE due to the difficulty of carrying these and travelling with them on Central American transport. Please do not bring more luggage than you are able to comfortably carry without assistance.
Language:	Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Photography:	Most passengers will travel with digital cameras. Should you run out of memory you can download your photos onto CD at the local internet cafes or camera shops on your tour. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase extra memory cards. With regards to film, all types of camera film are readily available in Central America. However, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your camera confiscated. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.
Food:	Local Restaurants - Latin American food is delicious, nutritious and varied and local restaurants provide an important insight into local ways of life. There is always an excellent range of restaurants to choose from. An evening meal can range from US$1 up to US$20. Most travellers spend an average of US$5 to US$10 plus drinks. Local alcoholic drinks are generally inexpensive even in restaurants and bars. Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:	If you wish to spend a few additional days in your starting or finishing city, then we can arrange accommodation for you. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Tipping:	For better or for worse, tipping is an accepted part of everyday life and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE 40 Earls Court Road, London W8 6EJ Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
Map:

This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

Return to tour page