Costa Rica in Depth

15 Days

Feb 9 - 23, 2013
Tour Prices

Nature, Cultura and History In and beyond the Volcanoes and Rainforests

This tour not only explores rainforests, volcanoes, jungles, and the flora and fauna that flourish there – but also puts you in touch with ordinary people during visits to a farm, indigenous community, a primary school, and a research station. Thermal baths, hanging bridges, and more…..

Costa Rica In DepthTour

San Jose

Gran Hotel (1 night)

Day 1

Arrival and transfer to your hotel. You may have time to see the nearby Gold Museum.

Turrialba

Guayabo Lodge (2 nights)

Gualyabo Lodge Cooking Class

Guayabo Lodge

Day 2

Today we drive to the Irazú Volcano National Park. The Irazu Volcano is the highest in Costa Rica and a walk along the crater will allow us to see four additional craters and, if the weather permits, a spectacular view of the Pacific and Caribbean plains.

The intimate Guayabo Lodge is located 1500 meters above sea level in a lush cloud forest environment and the owner has organized a "one class cooking program" especially for our group! Learn local techniques using tropical ingredients, fruits, and vegetables.

Day 3

We travel to the Guayabo National Monument to learn about indigenous settlements as we walk through the recently discovered ruins of an ancient city.

At the Hacienda Tayutic site we will find out about the agricultural aspects of growing coffee, macadamia nuts, and sugar cane.

Tortuguero

Pachira Lodge (2 nights)

Howler Monkey

Day 4

This morning we board a boat and travel one and a half hours through canals to the small town of Tortuguero. This area has the greatest biological diversity in the country and you will see an abundance of tropical animals, birds, reptiles, and insects on hikes and boat tours in this national park. We visit the town of Tortuguero which is only accessible by water taxi from our jungle lodge.

Day 5

Today is spent in the park hiking and taking a more in-depth boat excursion.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Cariblue Lodge (3 nights)

Beach at Puerto Viejo

Day 6

We travel to an area of Costa Rica that has not yet reached the commercialism of other regions - the South Caribbean. Non-commercial beaches and an Afro- Caribbean culture result in a unique atmosphere. The resort is located across the road from a surfer's beach.

Day 7

This area is home to the largest indigenous population in the country. We will be welcomed by members of the community, learn about their history and stop at the local school where students and teachers will be expecting us.

Day 8

Enjoy a free day in the small town, on the beach, or relaxing at the lodge.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Hotel Bambu (2 nights)

Day 9

Travelling north we stop at the only Sloth sanctuary in the world and learn about these animals that spend most of their lives sleeping in tree-tops. In the afternoon we reach the North Plains region. We will stay at a hotel located in the heart of yet another town called "Puerto Viejo"!

Day 10

La Selva Biological Station has been a pioneer site for education, research, conservation, and eco-tourism since 1953. On a hike a specialist points out species only seen in this area that are in danger of extinction and the steps being taken to protect them.

Experience true "Tico" hospitality during a visit to a small, privately owned farm where the owner will take us on a tour of the property.

La Fortuna

Arenal Paraiso Hotel (3 nights)

Arenal Volcano

Zipliners ready for the Canopy Tour

Day 11

We board a tractor-pulled trailer and head out to the vast fields of the Corsicana Pineapple Farm to learn about growing pineapples organically. This is followed by a visit to the factory where they are processed.

We continue to La Fortuna located in the Arenal Volcano National Park which protects the active perfectly cone-shaped volcano that has constant moderate explosions. Our hotel offers a fantastic view of it.

This evening relax in the soothing waters of the natural hot springs at Ecotermales. Unlike some of the other crowded hot springs in the area, these lesser known pools are made of river rock which provides a "natural" feeling to the experience.

Day 12

Today is free. Perhaps you would like to try zip-lining, or take a hike up the volcano!

Day 13

We view the forest from a different view as we walk on a series of hanging bridges hung just below the canopy. Walk right into the forest on safe and beautiful trails formed by the bridges.

San José

Hotel Irazú (1 night)

Day 14

Today we return to San José for a farewell dinner before our flight home the following day.

Day 15

Transfer to airport.

2013 Costa Rica In Depth - Nature, Culture &History

	One 2-week fully escorted tour:	February 9 - February 23, 2013
	*In order to make each tour a special experience, space is limited to 20 people. Book early to avoid disappointment!*

Price is for tour only in Canadian dollars:
Per person based on double occupancy	$2790 CAD
Single supplement	$660 CAD
Book now to guarantee 2012 prices..

Call for flight and air fare information from your closest airport. Extend your tour or arrive early - ask us for suggestions.

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING OUR PRICING:
- Unlike many companies that offer several “optional” tours, we include a variety of interesting stops without leaving you exhausted at the end of the day.
- Many meals are included.
- This is a full 2 week, 14 night tour at a relaxed pace. Few companies offer a two week fully escorted tour.

Air fare is extra. Please call our office for information on the best fare and routing from your city.

Price includes:

14 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
Meals: All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 12 dinners (Many dinners are at local restaurants rather than the hotels for a more local atmosphere)
All admissions and cultural visits listed in itinerary
Air conditioned motor coach transportation
Fully escorted by Canadian Tour Director and Costa Rican guide

Not included: Taxes, optional cancellation and medical insurance, Costa Rican departure tax $26 USD.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The air inclusive prices are based on the lowest fare being available at the time of booking. It is important to book early in order to secure these rates. If you have points or air miles for air fare use the “tour only” prices.

Singles wishing to share: We often get requests for single travellers wishing to share accommodation. If you are interested in traveling with a companion please let us know and we can try to match you up with a suitable travelling partner.

Insurance: Optional cancellation and medical insurance is strongly recommended. The price depends on your age and the cost of the tour. Insurance will be discussed and prices quoted at the time of booking.

Payment Schedule:

Deposit: $250.00 on tour portion plus an additional air deposit which will be advised at time of booking.

Balance: 70 days prior to departure

Forms of Payment: Cheque, Visa and MasterCard.

Final payments made by credit cards will be subject to a 3% per person processing fee.
There is no processing free for deposits made by credit card.

Cancellation Policy In the event that you have to cancel you must notify Cuba Discovery Tours immediately. The following scale of charges will apply according to the date that notice is received. Air fare penalties may differ and will be discussed at the time of ticket purchase.

Notification:	Penalty:
65 days or more	Deposit Only
64 to 30 days	50% of Tour cost
29 days or less	100%

Note: This tour is booked through Cuba Discovery Tours and the same terms and conditions apply that are posted on this web site. (terms.htm)

For more information contact:
Discovery Tours
K-435 Rosser Avenue
Brandon, MB. R7A 6S2
PHONE 204-727-2305, FAX 204-726-5856
1-800-417-0250 from anywhere in Canada or the USA
info@cubadiscoverytours.com

Bookings: click here