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Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure

Caribbean Explorer: Costa Rica
What: An 8 day adventure program, operating Saturday to Sunday, for those wishing to explore the magnificent Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. These tours are designed for nature enthusiasts and include white water rafting, visits to nesting grounds of green turtles and leatherback turtles, and visits to Tortuguero National Park - habitat for monkeys, sloths, and over 300 species of birds. Tours include transportations from San Jose, bilingual guides, all accommodations, and meals as specified in the itinerary. Group size: 2 to 12 persons.
Dates and  Rates: Rates, based on double occupancy, are $725 per person from May 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007, and $795 per person from November to April 30, 2007. There is no set start up time and, therefore, you may begin your trip at any time during the scheduled seasons. Please call for additional details and alternative pricing options.
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General Description: Costa Rica is a magical land of spectacular natural beauty, hospitable people, proper creature comforts, and exceptional, easy-to-enjoy cuisine. It is a country without a standing army and has become a very popular tourist location, featuring an incredible diversity of wildlife, including 600 species of birds, monkeys, sloths, turtles, caimans, and crocodiles. The weather is generally warm year round, but can vary dramatically from one location to the next. Costa Rica is a nature lover's dream, yet offers a safe, relaxed environment and is perfect for families traveling with young children. The program offers bilingual guides, so you will not be handicapped by a language barrier (in fact, many of the residents are multi-lingual). Perhaps even more than the natural beauty and variety of wildlife, it is the warmth of the Costa Rican people make this a very special holiday destination.
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 WHAT TO EXPECT:
 Getting There* :
These trips are designed for travelers who desire flexibility and something more than a standard group tour. First day pickups from the airport or your San Jose hotel can be arranged to suit your convenience.
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Room and Board* :

Accommodations include 2 nights (first and last) in a San Jose hotel, 1 night at a country hotel, 2 nights at Tortuguero Hotel, and 2 nights at Puerto Viejo Hotel. All accommodations offer ensuite bathrooms with hot showers. Most meals are included in the package except on days with fewer scheduled activities and more leisure time, allowing you to sample a choice of local eateries.

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Weather:

The Costa Rican dry season generally runs from November through April. Temperatures vary very little year round, ranging from 70° to 80° Fahrenheit during the day. Evenings are always pleasantly cooler.

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ITINERARY
I- TOUR FACTS:

Tour Code: DV-CE08

Who is it for?: Designed for nature enthusiasts of any age who want to visit the main attractions along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica at a relaxing pace. A great vacation alternative for families, couples, and individuals looking to explore the diverse natural beauties of this friendly Central American country.

Overview: This program (8 days/7 nights), based in Costa Rica's Caribbean region, starts with rafting on the Pacuare River, one of the top 5 rafting rivers in the world, featuring spectacular scenery and exciting rapids. The tour continues exploring the waterways, forests and tropical mangrove swamps in Tortuguero, and finishing with a few days of rest and relaxation on beautiful Caribbean beaches. For those not comfortable with Class III-IV rapids or children under 14 years of age, options include doing Reventazon River rafting (Class II-III) or skipping it altogether and taking a 4-in-1 scenic tour instead. When the Pacuare River cannot be not run due to low or high water we use Reventazon River as an alternative.

Departures: Tours typically run weekly from Saturday to Sunday with a minimum of 2 people, but can be arranged to start any day of the week upon request (subject to availability).

Meeting Point: San Jose Hotel or Juan Santamaria International Airport if airport transfers are requested.

Group Size: 2 to 12 (some portions may involved larger group size).

Guides: Bilingual escort guides.

Activities & Tours: Pacuare Whitewater Rafting and boat trips in Tortuguero.

Meals: As indicated on sample itinerary.

Transportation: Transporation provided by air conditioned minibus or 4X4 vehicle on Days 2, 3 and 5 as well as ground transfer to San Jose on Day 7.

Arrival & Departure Transfers: Not included, but can be arranged for a small extra cost.

Keys: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner; LG=Local Guide; BG=Bilingual Guide;

T=Transportation; SB=Bus Transport; BT=Boat Transport.

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II- DAY BY DAY SAMPLE TOUR ITINERARY:
Day1: Arrival
Arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose. Overnight at a San Jose hotel.
Day2:

San Jose - Pacuare Rafting - Pocora de Guacimo
The tour begins with an early morning departure to Siquirres on the Caribbean slope, and then heads for the river take-in site, where the rafting guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment and provide complete safety and paddle instruction before starting your Class III-IV whitewater adventure on the Pacuare River. After lunch, you will travel to Pocora de Guacimo for an overnight stay. Other less adventurous tours like the "Rainforest Aerial Tram" or 'softer' rapids (e.g. Reventazon River, Class II-III) can be easily substituted, even if one part of the party wants to participate in the rafting adventure, while others prefer the Aerial Tram, at no additional cost. The idea is to offer as much flexibility and as many alternatives as possible, allowing your party to customize the tour to suit individual interests and requirements. Overnight at Guapiles Hotel or similar accommodations. (B & L) (BG) (PT)

Day3:

Pocora de Guacimo - Cano Blanco - Tortuguero
Morning drive to Cano Blanco dock for a scenic jungle waterways ride through the amazing Tortuguero Canals. Afternoon activities include a nature walk to the town of Tortuguero and a visit to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation museum, returning by boat. Overnight at Tortuguero Lodge. (B, L & D) (BG) (PT) (BT)

Day4:

Tortuguero
Explore the back channels of Tortuguero National Park by boat (fee not included) - one of the most important nesting grounds of the Green Sea Turtle in the Western Caribbean. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in this location and 3 types of monkeys. Other fauna include sloths, freshwater turtles, caimans and iguanas. An optional evening tour ($20 per person) to view the nesting turtles is available during the months of July through September. Overnight at Tortuguero Lodge. (B, L & D) (BG) (BT)

Note: The turtle nesting season is as follows: Green Turtle - late June to late October; Leatherback Turtle - late March to late May. Visits to turtle nesting grounds depend on natural patterns and, accordingly, it is impossible to ensure encounters.

Day5:

Tortuguero - Cano Blanco - Puerto Viejo de Limon
Morning transfer to Cano Blanco by boat, followed by a scenic drive to Puerto Viejo on the southern Caribbean coast. The afternoon is unscheduled, leaving time to relax or take advantage of various optional excursions (snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding and surfing), all of which can all be booked through the hotel. Overnight at Cariblue Lodge or similar accommodations. (B & D) (BG) (PT) (BT)

Day6:

Puerto Viejo de Limon
Day at leisure to relax, explore the dense jungle surrounding the coastline and its deserted beaches, or discover the wildlife and flavors of the Caribbean. You may choose to arrange extra activities through the hotel including a trip to a nearby indigenous village, rainforest hike, ATV rides, sea kayaking, snorkeling and boogie board rental. Overnight at Cariblue Lodge or similar accommodations. (B & D)

Day7:

Puerto Viejo de Limon - San Jose
The morning is free to enjoy the beach, soaking up the Caribbean sun and a swim in the surf. Afternoon return transfer to San Jose. The city offers various attractions such as the National Theatre, shopping and a wide variety of local and international restaurants. Overnight at San Jose Hotel. (B) (PT)

Day8:

Return Home
Departure from Juan Santamaria International Airport. (B)

 
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IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a sample itinerary, planned several months in advance. Accordingly, arrangements (routes or facilities) are subject to variation depending on local conditions and hotel choice may vary due to availability.  Also, the tour may be arranged in different order than is described above.
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III –SERVICES INCLUDED:
  • Tourist class accommodations at selected hotels and lodges
  • Meals as specified in the sample itinerary
  • All required transportation (air conditioned 4x4, minibus & boats) and unescorted transfers between destinations
  • The following tours and activities: Whitewater rafting & boat tour on Tortuguero Canals
  • Bilingual guide (Days 2 through 5)
  • Sales taxes and meal service tax
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IV–NOT INCLUDED:
  • Airport transfers
  • Airport departure tax ($26)
  • Meals - except as indicated in the sample itinerary
  • Entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park (payable on-site in cash)
  • Gratuities
  • Local and/or international phone calls
  • Personal and/or medical expenses
  • Extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, alcoholic drinks, room service)
  • Incidentals
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Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
Riding Holidays - Caribbean Adventure
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