This peaceful, democratic Central American country, with a long history of respect and care for its environment, deserves its reputation as the wildlife sanctuary of the Americas. It has preserved a greater proportion of its habitat than any other country in the world and, as a result, has an excellent system of national parks, biological reserves and wildlife refuges that has won praise from conservationists around the world.
We've chosen our favourite "off-the-beaten-track" locations to show you the best of this amazing tropical treasure house of birds, plants and mammals. We'll avoid the cities and popular beaches and explore varied habitats on both sides of the Continental Divide.
Our tour will include a visit to the Central Highlands where we'll have a front row seat to watch Arenal Volcano as its bursts of fire and red-hot rocks light up the darkness. In the high misty slopes of a magnificent Cloud forest along the Continental Divide, we'll peer through the moist, dense canopy in search of Resplendent Quetzals, toucans, tanagers, sloths, monkeys and exotic orchids. We’ll visit La Selva, a nature reserve where the Organization for Tropical Studies conducts research in many aspects of tropical nature. We’ll experience the diversity of the arid Pacific lowland jungles, a stronghold of the American Crocodile and the endangered Scarlet Macaw.
The tour has an optional extension to the lush flora and fauna of the remote Pacific Coast rainforest, as it explores the high-canopied forest trails of Tiskita Biological Reserve. There will be Howler, Squirrel and Capuchin monkeys dangling from mossy branches, sloths high in the canopy, brilliant butterflies such as the stunning Blue Morpho, and a large variety of colourful neotropical birds. We'll be based in the rustic, comfortable cabins of Tiskita Jungle Lodge, on a breezy hilltop overlooking Pacific beaches.
Quest Nature Tours has been touring Costa Rica for over 20 years, and it has proven to be one of the most satisfying vacation destinations for our participants. We are pleased to again include this wonderful country in our nature tour program with
Pete Read as our Quest leader.
COSTA RICA
Itinerary
(Breakfast - B, Lunch - L, Dinner – D)
Day 1 Mon. Feb 9
Arrival at San Jose
We will arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose, and transfer to our hotel for the night. Dinner will be provided at the hotel for those who are arriving earlier in the day. If your flight is arriving late, dinner may be provided on the airplane.
o/n Hotel Bouganvillea (D)
Day 2 Tues. Feb 10
Braulio Carrillo National Park / Sarapiqui
After our breakfast and orientation, we will drive northeast, over the Divide and through Braulio Carrillo National Park. The modern highway takes us through high mountains covered in dense rainforests, with canyons carved by rushing rivers and waterfalls. Our final destination is Selva Verde, a private reserve on the Rio Sarapiqui, next to Braulio Carrillo National Park. We’ll have a leisurely hike through the jungle, as an introduction to the rainforest.
o/n Selva Verde Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 3 Wed. Feb 11
La Selva
Our day will start with an optional pre-breakfast bird hike. After breakfast we will have a walk guided by the excellent naturalists from La Selva and in the afternoon we’ll explore some of the 15 kilometres of trails and cross the Rio Sarapiqui by suspension bridge to look for basking Caimans on the banks of the river. The trails wind through a secondary forest reserve and butterfly garden, and the flowers also serve as a magnet for many species of hummingbirds and honeycreepers. This is a large area of primary and secondary forest where the Organization for Tropical Studies conducts its research and educational program. The trees can be alive with tanagers, toucans, oropendulas and motmots. With luck, we may see a flock of endangered Great Green Macaws. Three-toed Sloths are resident here as are colourful Poison-Arrow Frogs and Green Iguanas. Agoutis roam the grounds and, if we are lucky, we may come across a foraging Armadillo.
o/n Selva Verde Lodge (B, L, D)
Days 4 - 5 Thurs. Feb 12 – Fri. Feb 13
Arenal Volcano
After our early morning walk, we will leave mid-morning for the volcanic area of Arenal. For the next two days we will explore the trails and forests around this active volcano. The perfectly conical volcano was dormant for centuries before its spectacular eruption in 1968. Since then it erupts regularly, but with relative safety to the observer. The park area includes the watersheds of many rivers and streams that flow into Arenal Lake, which provides hydroelectric power for this part of Costa Rica. Near the volcano there is little vegetation, where the lava rock from recent eruptions is slowly being colonized by a handful of plant species, including some orchids. Further away there are forested areas that escaped direct damage.
If we have good conditions in the evening, we’ll visit the Kioro Lookout to observe the night-time display of lava flowing down its sides
o/n Arenal Observatory Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 6 Sat. Feb 14
Monteverde Cloud Forest
In the past, we have visited the well-known Monteverde for the Cloud Forest habitat, but in keeping with our “off-the-beaten-path” goal, we will be going instead to the Bosque de Paz Rain/Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. The scenic route will take us to an isolated valley west of Bajos del Toro, where the private 1000-hectare reserve creates a natural biological corridor connecting Poas Volcano National Park with the Juan Castro Blanco National Park. It is located on the Continental Divide with altitudes ranging from 1450 to 2450 metres above sea level. We will walk the misty trails to waterfalls and lookout points, and explore the hummingbird gardens. In the forests we might spot howler, capuchin, and spider monkeys and more bird species than anywhere in Costa Rica. The Resplendent Quetzal, arguably the most beautiful bird in the neo-tropics, hovers near the lodge. At night, we might encounter a majestic Spectacled Owl, or a Paca, a large distant relative of the Agouti. Among the dense vegetation in the misty forest we will find many wild relatives of our familiar tropical houseplants, including philodendrons, ficus trees, bromeliads and ferns. Walking through the forest trails, we may encounter a procession of Army Ants, and all the associated wildlife activity feeding on the small invertebrates escaping the wrath of the swarm.
o/n Bosque de Paz Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 7 Sun. Feb 15
La Paz / Bosque de Paz
This morning we’ll visit the famous La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where we’ll enjoy the waterfalls and the largest butterfly garden in Costa Rica. The gardens are alive with multi-hued butterflies and the plantings attract many hummingbirds and songbirds. After lunch, we’ll head back to the Bosque de Paz Rain/Cloud Forest Biological Reserve for further exploration.
o/n Bosque de Paz Hotel (B, L, D)
Days 8 - 9 Mon. Feb 16 – Tues. Feb 17
Pacific Coast / Tarcoles / Carara Reserve
After an early breakfast we will leave the cool mists of the mountain and make our way to the Pacific. Along the way we’ll stop and take a flat-bottomed riverboat along the Rio Grande de Tarcoles, which forms the Northern border of Carara Biological reserve. This park is in the transition zone between the tropical dry and wet forests, and is criss-crossed with several streams. The Tarcoles is full of crocodiles, Basilisk Lizards and Scarlet Macaws. Although everyone comes to see the huge crocodiles, we should see an abundance of other wildlife, including the enigmatic Boat-billed Heron, and a great variety of plant life. We’ll have ample time to explore the lush tropical forest trails of the Carara Reserve.
o/n Villa Lapas (B, L, D)
Day 10 Wed. Feb 18
San Jose
This morning we’ll have another guided tour into Carara National Park followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way back to San Jose. A farewell dinner is scheduled for this evening.
o/n Hotel Bouganvillia or La Condesa (B, L, D)
Day 11 Thurs. Feb 19
Departure Day or Extension to Tiskita Jungle Lodge
After breakfast, we will be driven to Juan Santamaria International Airport for our flights home, or to the domestic airport for the flight to Tiskita Jungle Lodge.
(B)
Please Note: An extension to Tiskita Rainforest Lodge is available after this tour. Please ask Pamela for further details.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Quest Leaders in Costa Rica
Quest Naturalist Leader: Pete Read
Pete is an educator and expert interpretive naturalist who has travelled extensively in North America and the Caribbean. He has led Quest trips to Cuba and Iceland.
Level of Difficulty - Moderate
We will be walking at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops, with longer days in the field and some uneven and inclined trails. You will also need to be able to get in and out of small boats. At Tiskita Jungle Lodge, some of the trails are steeper, and because of the heat, may seem more difficult.
Flights to Costa Rica
Once this tour has been confirmed as operating, we will be able to book your flights. Nitu Jhajj, the manager of our flight desk, will be in touch with you regarding the group flights.
Please note: Since the airlines are constantly changing their prices, the quote we give you will be subject to change until you actually confirm and book your flights with us.
We will do our best to book your seat and meal as requested. However, it has been our experience that airlines change seating assignments after we have placed them in our Sabre System. Some of these changes seem to be made at the check-in counter, on behalf of early arriving passengers, and are beyond our control. We recommend that the earlier you check in for your flight, the more likely you are to get your requested seat.
Please note that airlines have recently changed, and continue to change, their requirements regarding checked and carry-on baggage. Please check your airline’s website for up-to-date information concerning weight allowances and restrictions.
Accommodation and Meals
All the hotels we are using in Costa Rica are small, comfortable hotels with friendly service. They all have double rooms with two beds, and en-suite bathrooms. They have been chosen for their location in or proximity to natural areas, as well as for their service and facilities. The meals in Costa Rica are similar to what you would expect in North America or Europe, and offer a good choice. Fresh tropical fruit is always a highlight, and past participants grow to enjoy the ubiquitous “beans and rice” and the hot sauce served as an option with almost every meal. Although Costa Rica has a high standard in terms of its water treatment, we strongly advise against drinking the tap water. Do not brush your teeth with the tap water. Bottled water is available for purchase at all locations.
Hotel Bougainvillea
The Hotel Bougainvillea is located in Santo Domingo de Heredia, a small town about 10 minutes north of San Jose. Set among 10 acres of lush gardens and surrounded by coffee plantations and citrus orchards, it provides panoramic views. Each of the rooms have two beds, tub or shower and separate sitting area. There is also a pool located within its own private walled garden.
Selva Verde Lodge
This is a beautiful eco lodge in a pristine setting. The rooms are connected by covered walkways on pillars that bring you eye to eye with the birds and monkeys of the first level of the secondary forest.
Arenal Observatory Lodge
The Arenal Observatory Lodge is a modern hotel with many conveniences. It is located high on a ridge 1.8 km from the active crater of Arenal Volcano, and is separated from it by a deep river valley. The location was specifically chosen by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution who needed a close but safe vantage point from which to study the volcano. Meals are served in a large dining room that features walls of windows offering fantastic views of the volcano.
Bosque de Paz
This family run inn has 12 rooms surrounded by forest and a hummingbird and butterfly garden. The rooms are fully furnished with exclusive ironworks and Costa Rican pottery. Each one has two double beds, private bathroom, and hot water. Wide balconies offer beautiful views to the forest.
Villa Lapas
The villa features an open–air restaurant and pool and has several kilometres of private trails. The gardens border on the river Tarcolitos and the south side of the Carara Reserve. Rooms are all ensuite and most are air-conditioned.
Hotel La Condesa
This is a modern 3 star property with lush gardens and a swimming pool. All rooms are ensuite. It has all the conveniences of a modern 3 star hotel.
Transportation
We will be travelling in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.
Travel Documents
You will require a passport for your trip to Costa Rica. Please make sure that it is valid for six months after the date of your return home. We suggest you take a photocopy of the information page of your passport and keep it in a separate part of your luggage. We also recommend leaving a copy with your contact person at home. If you lose your passport, this will make it easier to replace. A visa is not required for Canadian citizens entering Costa Rica. You will be asked to produce your passport and a completed incoming tourist card that you will fill out on the plane.
Currency and Currency Exchange
The national currency in Costa Rica is the Colon and the exchange rate of the colon floats in relation with the US$ and is currently approximately 491 Colones to US$1 (subject to change). Obtaining Colones outside Costa Rica is virtually impossible: so wait until you arrive and buy some at the airport currency exchange booths. If you miss doing this, then US dollar bills in small denominations will do. You can also use major credit cards at some hotels. We find US$1 bills to be very useful. You may need to give your bank notice that you require small denominations. Please note: it is illegal to exchange dollars for Colones anywhere but in the national banks and hotels.
Airport Departure Tax
You will require US dollars ($26 approx) cash, when you depart Costa Rica, for the international airport departure tax. This amount is subject to change at any time.
Health Requirements
While you are not required to have any inoculations or vaccinations for your trip to Costa Rica, it is a good idea to ensure that your tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster is up-to-date. In some areas of Costa Rica malaria is potentially present, and we suggest that you check with your doctor about this. Frequent hand washing helps prevent infections and diseases.
Your biggest problem will probably be overexposure to the sun. Take it in small doses at first and remember to wear a shirt when you go swimming.
If you live in the Toronto area, Dr. Mark Wise is our consulting travel physician and is available to Quest Nature Tours participants for pre-travel advice and inoculations. He may be contacted at The Travel Clinic, 3292 Bayview Avenue, Suite 308, North York, Ontario, M2M 4J5. Phone: (416) 221-7990. Just mention to the receptionist that you are a Quest participant. Website: www.drwisetravel.com
Smoking
We want your trip to be as smoke-free as possible. Since more than 90% of our tour participants are non-smokers, our smoking policy is clear. No smoking in the vehicles, at meals, or when in close quarters with the rest of the group. Ample stops provide time for "smoking breaks" on route. If we have placed two participants together in a room, and one is a non-smoker, then the room is designated as non-smoking.
Please Note: Quest Nature Tours always requests non-smoking rooms from our hotels. However, it is not possible to guarantee that the hotels will have these available when we arrive.
Electricity
The electricity in Costa Rica is the standard 110 volts and 60 cycles, just as in Canada. Most outlets are two-pronged.
Time Zone
Costa Rica is in the Eastern Time Zone, the same as Toronto.
Climate
Located just ten degrees north of the Equator, Costa Rica enjoys the advantages of the “perfect” tropical climate. The average temperature is 22ºC in the highlands and it varies from mid 20ºC to low 30ºC in the lowlands. All year long the conditions are pleasantly moderate with a rainy season from June to early November and a dry season from December through May.
CDN$ Price of Our Trip to Costa Rica
The Costa Rica tour has been priced in both CDN$ and US$. You may pay for the tour in either currency. We are able to guarantee the US$ price because we are charged in US$ by our foreign operator. Since the monetary policy of the Bank of Canada is to have the CDN$ float against the US$, the CDN$ price listed represents the value of the CDN$ at the time this itinerary was printed and is subject to change. Once you’ve made a reservation, we will invoice you in US$ which is the fixed cost. As a Canadian company, we will gladly accept Canadian dollars at our current exchange rate at the time of payment(s). Please Note: On final payment, the currency exchange rate is guaranteed and there will be no currency exchange adjustments.
Single Supplement
If you wish to have guaranteed single accommodation, the single supplement for this trip is an additional
Approx. US$825 / Approx.
CDN$825.
If you are travelling alone and you are willing to share, we will try and match you up with an appropriate roommate. If we can’t, you’ll be guaranteed a single room at no extra cost.
Please note that the single supplement cost is approximate and subject to change until we have the confirmed 2009 prices from our local operator.
Cancellation Policy
All deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. If you wish to cancel your trip with us, you must notify Quest Nature Tours immediately and in writing. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds will be given for services not used.
Insurance Waiver
QUEST NATURE TOURS offers travel insurance for Cancellation and/or Out-of-Province Medical coverage through RBC Insurance. Since participants on any Quest tour are often travelling in remote places and on active vacations, all must have travel insurance either issued by us or someone else. If you are purchasing travel insurance from Quest, then the policy MUST be purchased
within two weeks of booking. Your RBC travel insurance policy takes effect on the date it has been issued in our office.
If you have any questions regarding exclusions or any other specific issues in your intended travel insurance coverage, please call RBC Insurance directly at 905-791-8713 or 1-800-387-4357. Please call Pamela at the Quest office if you would like a quote on insurance.
Participation on Quest Tours
When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and detailed itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. If you wish to sign up for one of our tours, all travellers must sign the enclosed Health Statement and return it along with their reservation form and deposit. Since our small group adventures bring together people of all ages, it is very important you are aware that 'an average level of fitness and mobility is required' to undertake our programs. At a minimum, our travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, walk over uneven and slippery terrain, climb 2-3 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage. The minimum age to participate on a Quest tour is 16. An adult must accompany participants between the ages of 16 - 18. Travellers over the age of 75 are required to complete a short medical questionnaire as well as a Medical Advisor's Opinion that must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders 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. These forms will be sent upon reservation with the pre-departure package and need to be returned to the Quest office no later than 90 days prior to departure.
Please call Pamela Berton to book this tour or to obtain further details.
North America Toll Free: 1-800-387-1483 or Toronto: 416-633-5666
or e-mail pamela@worldwidequest.com
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