Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights Miami-San Jose
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 11 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels
- 3 nights San Jose
- 2 nights Arenal
- 2 nights Monteverde
- 2 nights Tamarindo
- 2 nights Tortuguero
- All transfers
- 15 meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager Days 1-8
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Lake Arenal boat ride
- Las Pumas Cat Zoo
- Visit to Sarchi
- City tour of San Jose
- Tortuguero
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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 DAY 1, Saturday - Depart the USA/San Jose
Depart the USA for Costa Rica. Arrive in San Jose and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and orientation with your Tour Manager
Overnight: San Jose
DAY 2, Sunday - View Arenal Volcano
Depart San Jose for Arenal, home to some of the world's most fascinating ecological tours. Stop for a photo opportunity in the charming village of Zarcero where you can see the Zarcero Park and Church. Proceed to the Arenal region, famous for its volcano and lake. Enjoy views of the conical Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's youngest and most active volcano, as well as the surrounding hot springs
Optional: Dinner in Local Arenal Restaurant
Overnight: Arenal
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Monday - Full Day in Arenal
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Arenal. Here, take in the spectacular natural scenery and take a tour or go on a hike for an opportunity to spot some of the native wildlife. Optional Entrance to Tabacon Hot Springs is available locally
Optional: Arenal Volcano National Park (AM)
Optional: Penas Blancas Safari Boat Tour (PM)
Overnight: Arenal
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Tuesday - Boat Ride Across Lake Arenal
In the morning, embark for Monteverde (Green Mountain) via a special land and boat route. The boat ride across the Arenal Lake provides a relaxing and unique perspective of the surrounding scenery. Continue to Monteverde by coach. Upon arrival, visit CASEM, a co-op of local artisans whose vision is reflective of Costa Rica's natural landscapes
Optional: Monteverde Trapiche Tour (PM)
Overnight: Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Wednesday - Full Day in Monteverde
Enjoy a day at leisure in Monteverde. The stunning Cloud Forest boasts an extraordinarily diverse ecosystem, being home to 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, 130 species of mammals, and an astounding 500 species of birds, not to mention more than 3,000 species of plants. Optional Entrance to Monteverde Sky Tram & Sky Trek is available locally
Optional: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike (AM)
Optional: Monteverde Hanging Bridges Tour (PM)
Optional: Dinner in Local Monteverde Restaurant
Overnight: Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Thursday - Visit Las Pumas Cat Zoo
This morning, drive from Monteverde to Tamarindo in the Guanacaste province. En route, visit Las Pumas Cat Zoo, a reserve for stray and injured jungle cats such as jaguars, ocelots, margays and cougars. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Tamarindo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Friday - Full Day in Tamarindo
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Tamarindo. Perhaps take advantage of this chance to see more of Costa Rica's incredible flora and fauna at the Guanacaste National Park
Optional: Guanacaste Outriggers Tour
Overnight: Tamarindo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Saturday - San Jose City Tour
Depart in the morning for San Jose with a stop en route in Sarchi, Costa Rica's most famous artisan town, where traditional colorful oxcarts and souvenirs can be found. Arriving in San Jose, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, driving through the West and Southwest residential districts, downtown San Jose and past the University of Costa Rica
Optional: Dinner in San Jose
Overnight: San Jose
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Sunday - Travel to Tortuguero
Depart early this morning for the Caribbean Coast. Drive by the Braulio Carrillo National Park to visit a local banana processing and packaging plant, where you will learn the nature of one of Costa Rica's most important exports. Passengers may opt to take a round trip flight between San Jose and Tortuguero in lieu of the included motor coach transfer for an additional fee. Continue to the nearby port to board a motor launch, which will travel along canals through the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to Tortuguero. Enjoy lunch on arrival, and afterwards, visit the Tortuguero Village and Turtle Museum
Overnight: Tortuguero
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Monday - Full Day in Tortuguero
This morning, acquaint yourself with the many tree and insect species of Costa Rica on an easy hike through trails in the nearby rainforest. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat tour along the canals, where you are likely to see turtles, caimans, monkeys, and many tropical birds thriving in the wild. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight: Tortuguero
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Tuesday - Transfer back to San Jose by Motor Launch
This morning, travel by motor launch and motor coach to your hotel in San Jose. Passengers who have opted for round trip flights will transfer from the motor launch port to the airport for their flight back to San Jose. Enjoy the balance of the day and evening at leisure
Overnight: San Jose
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Wednesday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Dinner at Local Arenal Restaurant |
Day #2 |
01 Nov 2008 - 30 Nov 2009 $24
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Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant in Arenal.
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| Penas Blancas Safari Boat Tour |
Day #3 |
01 May 2009 - 30 Nov 2009 $48
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Enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rain forest and experience its peacefulness as you quietly paddle the Peñas Blancas River. A professional bilingual guide will share with you educational and interesting explanations of the plants and animals encountered on the float. Some of the animals may include monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, and numerous tropical birds. Equipped with paddle and life jacket, you will truly appreciate the wonders of river and the surrounding rain forest as you glide along the water without a motor, allowing you to hear the sounds of nature and snap perfect photos. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
Please bring sunscreen, hat, and light clothes
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| Arenal Volcano National Park |
Day #3 |
01 Dec 2008 - 30 Nov 2009 $18
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Begin with a walk near the active sector of the volcano on a trail that leads across recent lava streams. Observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent lava rock formations and the Arenal Lake. Learn about the history of the majestic mountain and the Arenal Volcano National Park.
Suggested items to bring: Shorts, camera and insect repellent.
Pick-up from hotel 30 minutes prior to departure time.
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| Monteverde Trapiche Tour |
Day #4 |
01 May 2009 - 30 Nov 2009 $29
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Visit and learn at El Trapiche (sugar mill), which is located 4km northwest from Santa Elena center in Monteverde. The tour includes a walk through a small forest where occasionally wildlife can be seen, as well as the opportunity to visit the on site establishments. During this guided tour, you will learn about the natural history and the sugar cane process from plant to sugar. At the end of the tour, visitors are invited to take a ride in a real oxen pulled cart from the sugar cane fields to the Trapiche, worked by same oxen. There they will be able to witness how sugar cane juice is produced until brown sugar. Learn also about typical traditions such as wood stove, marimba, "el pilon" among others. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
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| Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve |
Day #5 |
01 Dec 2008 - 30 Nov 2009 $43
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Visit the private biological reserve dedicated to the conservation of the flora and fauna which exists in this complex ecosystem. The reserve consists of 10,000 hectares and serves as an important link in the growing network of protected areas in the country. This wildlife area has been created to protect the flora and fauna, as well as to carry out scientific studies and educational environmental programs. Within its borders 400 species of birds, including the Quetzal, 490 species of butterflies, 100 of mammals, 2,500 of plants and 200 of ferns have been identified.
Pick-up from hotel 30 minutes prior to departure time.
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| Monteverde Hanging Bridges Tour |
Day #5 |
01 May 2009 - 30 Nov 2009 $28
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On the bridges, visitors can easily observe a wide variety of plants, animals, and even insects that are only found in the upper elevations of the forest canopy, all this from a safe and comfortable perspective which the bridges can offer. From these hanging bridges and connecting trails, enjoy and learn about the beauty and complexity of the tropical forest.
Pick-up from hotel 30 minutes prior to departure time.
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| Dinner at Local Monteverde Restaurant |
Day #5 |
01 Nov 2008 - 30 Nov 2009 $29
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Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant in Monteverde.
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| Guanacaste Outriggers Tour |
Day #7 |
01 May 2009 - 30 Nov 2009 $62
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Today, enjoy a unique ocean canoe experience with an expert guide. Your 40-foot canoe utilizes outriggers to provide a stable, comfortable ride. Begin at Pan de Azucar Beach (Sugar Beach), where you will receive a paddle, life jacket, and brief safety talk. Paddling at a casual pace, arrive at one of the destination beaches in roughly half an hour. Enjoy time to swim, snorkel, or comb the beach for shells, followed by a fresh fruit buffet. Lastly, take a nature walk through the forest before going back to the canoe and returning to Pan de Azucar where showers and changing rooms are available. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, and a change of clothes
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| Dinner in San Jose |
Day #8 |
01 May 2009 - 30 Nov 2009 $41
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Enjoy a dinner at a restaurant in San Jose. (D)
Pick-up from hotel lobby. Details to be advised locally.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you’ll need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Costa Rica - Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons. The dry season is from December to April and the wet season is from May through November. Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing that can be layered, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.
Costa Rica Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#costa-rica-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
| Optional Tortuguero Extension - Due to limited space on the motor launch transfer to and from Tortuguero, passengers may only bring up to 25 lbs of luggage. Additional luggage can be stored at your hotel in San Jose for no additional charge.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
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| Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Driving - Costa Rica |
Pick-up & Drop-off Locations:
Vehicle Pick-up & Drop-off locations per itinerary. If picking up vehicle at an airport, a complimentary shuttle is available to the car rental office - a taxi to the office is unnecessary. Do not accept a ride or assistance from anyone other than uniformed rental company personnel.
Rental Duration:
Vehicle
rental is based upon consecutive 24 hour periods. Additional time will be billed
and payable locally. The full daily rate will be charged after 4 hours. There
will be no refunds for late pick-up or early return. Rates do not include fuel.
After the duration of the rental, the vehicle must be returned in the same
condition in which it was received or additional fees may apply.
Driver Registration:
Drivers must be at least 21 years old and
hold a major credit card and present a valid USA driver's license and a passport
at the time of rental. Additional drivers may be added at the cost of $3.00 per
driver per day, payable locally. Only drivers registered on the rental contract
will be eligible for insurance coverage.
Vehicle Security Deposit /
Deductible:
At the time of rental, an authorization will be obtained on a
major credit card for estimated additional fees and a deposit / deductible
guarantee of $750; the credit card must have sufficient credit to cover these
fees. For holders of MasterCard, an additional blank voucher will need to be
signed. Debit cards are not accepted.
Vehicle Insurance:
Car rental fees exclude mandatory Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) of $13-20 per day which can only be paid locally by credit card. Theft Protection and Personal Accident Insurance will be available at the time of car pick up and are also payable locally. Selections from these contracts may be found below.
Mandatory Coverage includes:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Car Theft, Vandalism, Tires &
Windshield. This coverage has a deductible of $750.
- Liability to Third Parties coverage has a deductible of 20% according to
the damages caused to the property of Third Parties in an accident.
- Death or Injuries to Third Parties coverage has no deductible and covers
up to $2 million in case of death or injury to Third Parties in an accident.
- These benefits are voided in any case where negligence is found, including
use of alcohol or drugs while driving; driving in rivers, sea, lakes, flood
submersion, or cross-country where roads do not exist; driving outside of
Costa Rica; if the vehicle driver is not registered on the rental contract; if
an official report of the accident is not provided (Traffic Report or
Insurance Company Report); if the accident is not immediately reported to the
rental car company at the time of the incident.
Optional Additional Coverage includes:
- Supplemental Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW): All of the benefits in the Mandatory Coverage, but excludes the $750 deductible for CDW, Car Theft, Vandalism, Tires & Windshield – with Optional Coverage, there is $0 deductible. Liability to Third Parties still maintains a 20% deductible as noted above. Optional SLDW Coverage has a cost of $10.00 per day in addition to the mandatory coverage cost and must be paid locally.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): All of the benefits in the Mandatory Coverage, including the $750 deductible for CDW and Car Theft, but excludes the deductible for Damages to Third Parties. Optional SLI Coverage has a cost of $7.00 per day in addition to the mandatory coverage cost and must be paid locally.
- Combined Full Coverage: All of the benefits in the Mandatory Coverage, SLDW, and SLI, but with $0 deductible for CDW and for Damages to Third Parties. Optional Combined Full Coverage has a cost of $15.00 per day in addition to the mandatory coverage cost and must be paid locally.
Customer Care and Roadside Assistance:
In the event of vehicle
malfunction or an accident, the rental company must be contacted immediately.
Failure to do so will compromise any claims for compensation. A customer care
representative will be available 24 hours a day. A roadside assistance program
is offered at the cost of $2 per day, payable locally, which includes:
- Towage service for the automobile, in case of accident or malfunction.
- Continued trip service for the customer and his/her party to the next
scheduled destination, via taxi service, in case of accident or automobile
malfunction.
- Basic roadside assistance, in case of discharge of battery.
- Locksmith service, in the case the keys are left inside the automobile.
- Ambulance service, in case of medical emergency due to an accident.
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Exclusion: change of a flat tire.
Road
conditions:
Roads in Costa Rica are not up to United States standards.
Short distances can take a longer time to cover than expected. Some roads are
not paved and certain roads are seasonly restricted and limited to only
4-wheel-drive vehicles.
GPS system and Cellular Phones:
A
GPS system for your vehicle is recommended and can be rented locally at an
additional cost of $10 per day and a credit card deposit of $300, subject to
availability. A cellular phone is also recommended as there can be long
distances between populated areas. Contact your cell phone's service provider
to see if international coverage is available. Cell phones can also be rented
locally at an additional cost of $10 for the entire rental period regardless
of rental duration, and subject to availability.
Safety:
Do
not leave luggage, passports, or any valuable objects inside an unattended
vehicle. In case of a flat tire, do not stop. Continue slowly to the nearest
gas station or call for special assistance. Do not accept help from strangers,
as this is sometimes a ploy to try to steal valuables from the
vehicle.
Local Laws:
Familiarize yourself with local laws before you travel. New traffic laws have been enacted in Costa Rica with increased penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and for speeding. Penalties include community service, fines and up to 3 years in jail. Additionally, anyone breaking these new laws automatically invalidates the car rental contract and is liable for all economic expenses including, but not limited to fines, vehicle confiscation expenses, and damage and robbery to the vehicle.
| | Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Costa Rica - Local markets feature interesting wooden items, ceramics, jewelry and leather handcrafts. Wooden and leather rocking chairs are a Costa Rican specialty.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Costa Rica - The Costa Rican Colón is the currency of Costa Rica.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Costa Rica - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Costa Rica
| | Languages | Costa Rica - Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Costa Rica - The voltage used is 110/220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Costa Rica - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. The notion of Pura Vida dominates the national outlook.
| | Holidays - Costa Rica |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Apr 10 |
Good Friday |
Apr 12 |
Easter |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
Jul 25 |
Annexation of Guanacaste Day |
Aug 2 |
Virgin of Los Angeles Day |
Aug 15 |
Mother's Day |
Sep 15 |
Independence Day |
Oct 12 |
Columbus Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas |
Dec 31 |
New Year's Eve |
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| Food | Costa Rica - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
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