Detailed description. Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama. Welcome. Day to Day schedule. tree frogs won t be the only red-eyed species around!

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1 Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama tree frogs won t be the only red-eyed species around! Trip code: Group size: Number of days: SCO Detailed description Welcome Experience walking through verdant rainforests, gaze over smoking volcanoes and relax in hot sulphur springs on this exciting tour. Get acquainted with brilliant green tree frogs, energetic capuchin monkeys and intriguing iguanas before kicking back and indulging in some reggae relaxation. Nicaragua will appeal, with it's friendly people, colourful markets and Spanish colonial buildings. Panama has brilliant white beaches and colorful coral reefs. This varied journey is taken at a relaxed pace and offers plenty of freedom for your own exploration. Day to Day schedule Below is a summary of the day-to-day description. Transport Route Overnight stay 1 San José San José 2 San José San José 3 Bus San José - Monteverde Cloud Forest Monteverde Cloud Forest 4 Monteverde Cloud Forest Monteverde Cloud Forest 5 Bus Monteverde Cloud Forest - Granada Granada 6 Granada Granada 7 Granada Granada 8 Bus Granada - Rincon de la Vieja Rincon de la Vieja 9 Rincon de la Vieja Rincon de la Vieja 10 Bus Rincon de la Vieja - La Fortuna La Fortuna 11 La Fortuna La Fortuna 12 Bus La Fortuna - Quepos (Manuel Antonio Quepos 13 Quepos Quepos 14 Bus Quepos (Manuel Antonio N.P.) - Boquete Boquete

2 15 Boat,Bus Boat,Bus Bus 20 Boquete - Bocas del Toro Bocas del Toro Bocas del Toro Bocas del Toro Bocas del Toro - Cahuita Cahuita Cahuita Cahuita Cahuita - San José San José San José End of tour Day to Day description Day 1: San José Welcome to Costa Rica! Your tour starts in San José, where you can use your hotel room from check in time (12.00 hrs at noon) on day 1. Most of your travel companions will arrive later this first day, the exact time will be depending on their flight schedule. You will meet your English speaking tour leader at 8.00 hrs A.M. on day 2 in the lobby of your hotel. Day 2: San José San José is set in a beautiful green valley, encircled by volcanoes. Enjoy a free day to explore this small capitals shopping streets and markets. Join a city tour to the Gold or National Museum and treat yourself to a coffee in a coffeehouse, a favourite pastime of the friendly locals. Book a day-tour to the nearby Poas volcano. Day 3: San José - Monteverde Cloud Forest Today we travel by private bus to the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest nature reserve. Just the trip to 'the green mountain' is an adventure and you ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. We shall stay two nights in a good hotel with an excellent restaurant and large garden. The entrance to the reserve is close by, as is the butterfly garden and a beautiful hummingbird gallery. Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest Enjoy another day in the nature reserve at Monteverde. You can enjoy other activities such as visiting the frog garden, horse riding or walking the suspension bridges built high above the cloud forest. A hike in the cloud forest is also an enchanting experience you will never forget. The variety of dramatic microclimates, an extremely short distance from each other is extraordinary. Usually, a one-day hike provides alternating fog, sunshine and rain with an average temperature of 18 degrees. Another special feature of the cloud forest is the kaleidoscope of greens. Due to the high atmospheric humidity, the giant trees are covered with an abundance of bromelia's, orchids, ferns, hart s horns and mosses. It is also the home of the beautiful yet shy, red green feathered, quetzal.

3 Day 5: Monteverde Cloud Forest - Granada Today we travel by bus and cross the border to Nicaragua. We will travel along the bank of Lake Nicaragua overlooking two impressive volcanoes, before reaching the beautiful colonial city of Granada. We will stay three nights in an atmospheric colonial hotel with pool and air conditioned rooms. Granada lies on the banks of Lake Nicaragua, with scores of beautiful buildings and a central square with an imposing cathedral and colourful market. Day 6: Granada You may choose to take an optional excursion to the city of Masaya and the Masaya National Park, where you can pay a visit to an active volcano. Alternatively visit Catarina from where you will have a brilliant view over the Laguna, the Apoyo and the city of Granada or take a trip to the nearby capital Managua, and visit the cathedral, the National Museum and the colossal statue of Sandino or take a boat trip out on to Lake Nicaragua. Day 7: Granada Our last day to immerse ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of Granada. Day 8: Granada - Rincon de la Vieja Today we head back to Costa Rica driving along an impressive landscape to Guanacaste province, where we arrive by the end of the afternoon. We stay two nights in a pleasant lodge surrounded by jungle and beautiful waterfalls. TIP: Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a must for adventurers and nature-lovers as this tropical mountain forest is crowded with exotic birds and animals. You can choose to take wonderful hikes in the nature reserve and cross the jungle on foot or by horse. There are sulphur springs and bubbling mud pools if you know where to look! Day 9: Rincon de la Vieja Our second day in Rincon de la Vieja. Continue to enjoy this fascinating area! An extremely special way to travel through the forest is on the Canopy Tour, where you swing from platform to platform like Tarzan! Real go-getters can hike to the crater of Rincón volcano; weather permitting, accompanied by a local guide. Day 10: Rincon de la Vieja - La Fortuna Today we visit Arenal, up until recently one of the world s most active volcanoes, and with a bit of luck, you will still hear the underground rumblings. We spend two nights in La Fortuna village, in a lovely hotel with swimming pool and views of the Arenal. On arrival you can take a walk to a nearby waterfall for a refreshing swim or hire a horse to explore the surroundings. In the evening, it is possible to visit the hot water springs around the Arenal.

4 Day 11: La Fortuna Why not join an optional excursion to the beautiful Caño Negro Reserve, a watery area abundant with birds, caimans, turtles, monkeys and reptiles. Day 12: La Fortuna - Quepos (Manuel Antonio N.P.) Today we drive along the coast to one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica and will stay for two nights in the city of Quepos. With an array of restaurants, soft sands and warm waters, perfect for snorkelling. Quepos is a great base from which to explore the 682-hectare Manuel Antonio National Park with its beaches, offshore islands, lush rainforest filled with monkeys, sloth and lots of birds. Day 13: Quepos Carry on exploring the wonders of Quepos. Day 14: Quepos (Manuel Antonio N.P.) - Boquete Today we cross the border into Panama and travel to the small village of Boquete, set in the highlands of the Chiriqui province. The climate is much cooler here allowing flowers, vegetables, coffee and citrus fruit to grown. On the steep slopes, the "Gnobe-Bugle" Indians, better known as the Guyami live and work on the coffee plantations. The mountains of Boquete, offer some truly breathtaking walks that you will never forget. Day 15: Boquete - Bocas del Toro We drive to Chiriquí Grande and take a boat to the resort of Bocas Toro on the island Isla Colón. TIP: We have two days here to enjoy the magnificent snorkelling, boat tours, scuba diving, swimming, waterskiing or kayaking. There is also the option of hiring bicycles to explore this magnificent island. It is a typical Caribbean island with wooden huts on stilts and a relaxed atmosphere. The local food has definite Jamaican influences and the local population are laid back at friendly. Day 16: Bocas del Toro Relax in Bocas for a second day.

5 Day 17: Bocas del Toro - Cahuita We head back to the Caribbean reggae town of Cahuita and chill out with the easy-going locals. Enjoy a drink or two at one of the bars, enjoy a spot of reggae music and dine in one of the welcoming restaurants. Or why not take a hike in Cahuita National Park and see if you can spot sloths, raccoons and toucans. Beach-lovers will appreciate the wonderful bay with white sand and surfing or snorkelling on the coral reef is a must. Diving tours out to the reef can also be arranged. Day 18: Cahuita Treat yourself in Cahuita to some famous fruit flavoured crepes or a delicious variety of their equally well-known grilled chicken dishes. Day 19: Cahuita - San José Today we travel back to San José for one final night. Day 20: San José The last day of your tour. You can use your hotel room in San José until check out time (most times at hrs noon). We wish you a comfortable journey home and are sure you will take with you some wonderful memories of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. Your personal µmy.shoestring page on our website is the perfect way to make contact with other travellers before and after your trip. You can read and create journals from trips and upload your photos onto the photo gallery. Visit my shoestring today. When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any posttour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (day 20) is not included. More info What's included: Accommodation in hotels; transportation with AC (mini) bus only for transfers from hotel to hotel; boat transfers in Bocas del Toro; English speaking tour leader. What's excluded: International flights, all meals; tips; visas; optional excursions; all entrance fees; border expenses; airport transfers; booking fee; travel insurance.

6 Travel documents Passport: It is your responsibility to ensure you have a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Visa: It is your responsibility to ensure you have visas for travel, where required. Visa information can vary depending upon ones nationality but at present, most nationalities do not require a visa for any of the countries visited on this trip. We recommend checking this information well in advance of travelling through a site such as this one. To arrange your visa, you should either contact your nearest respective embassy or use an agency such as CIBT Accommodation and transport Transport During this tour we travel in a good, private air-conditioned bus, which allows us to stop off at places along the way. The bus is not available to the group on the free days in Granada. Transportation to and from Bocas del Toro is by boat. The transfers to and from the airport are not included. Travel distances San José - Monteverde 155 Km/ 4 Hours Monteverde - Granada 300 Km/ 7 Hours Granada - Rincón de la Vieja 190 Km/ 5 Hours Rincón de la Vieja - La Fortuna 155 Km/ 4 Hours La Fortuna - Quepos 250 Km/ 5 Hours Quepos - Boquete 300 km/ 7 Hours Boquete - Bocas del Toro 190 Km/ 4 Hours Bocas del Toro - Cahuita/Puerto Viejo 110 Km/ 4 Hours Cahuita/Puerto Viejo - San José 200 Km/ 5 Hours Please note that duration's are of course approximate and will depend on the local situation at the time. Accommodation You will stay in a range of accommodations. In Granada and San Jose, you have charming hotels, situated along the coast with beautiful gardens and sometimes a pool. These are simple but comfortable hotels with 2-person rooms and private bathrooms. In Rincón de la Vieja you sleep in a cosy lodge. Travellers booking alone will share a 2-person room with a fellow traveller. We of course keep in mind to pair people of the same sex. It is possible to book a single room for the whole trip. If you wish to do this, please indicate so on your booking and a supplement will be charged. A triple room is sometimes available on a request basis. Please keep in mind that this is a room with two double beds, which means the beds are shared.

7 During your trip, it is possible to participate in 'single' excursions offered locally by the tour leader. These excursions are optional. To allow you to plan a budget for your trip we have provided you with an idea of the cost of these excursions. The price can change due to currency fluctuations. The amounts are therefore only meant to give you an indication of the cost. Entrance fees will often change and therefore are excluded from the prices displayed (unless explicitly stated). We display the prices in Euros/GB Pounds/US Dollars. When you are in your destination, it is possible to pay for the excursions in local currency. Single excursions Excursion Details Price Cahuita National Park - Snorkelling excursion Book at location Take a trip to one of the best places for snorkelling in Costa Rica! You will visit two different places where you can observe the underwater life. In the ocean here you will find more biodiversity than on the mainland in Cahuita! The coral reef lies off the coast of Cahuita National Park. After snorkelling you can take a boat or walk through the national park back to Cahuita. Duration: half day Minimum number of participants: 8 Includes: Boat tour, snorkelling equipment, bilingual guide, Fruit based snack, round-trip transportation and National Park entrance fee. 35 Granada - Masaya day excursion Book at location This day trip includes a visit to the Masaya Volcano, as well as to the artisanal market- and the town of Masaya. You will also be taken to the village of Catarina and the famous lookout lagoon over the Apoyo Lake. Masaya National Park is one of Nicaragua's most interesting and beautiful natural phenomena. It covers an area of 54 km2 and its' roads lead to and around the two impressive volcanoes and five formidable craters. The Masaya Volcano, also known as Popogatepe currently displays gaseous activity and incandescent lava in its interior. We will also pay a brief visit to the orphanage in Granada where we will make a donation for the children in need ($5 per person). Includes: Transportation, entrance fees to Park and Laguna de Apoyo, visit to Masaya and Catarina. Duration: Whole day 34

8 La Fortuna - Caño Negro day excursion Book at location This day excursion will be be a boat tour around the waterways of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is considered one of the best sites on the continent for bird watching. In addition Caño Negro is home to many animals, such as sloths, three types of monkeys, caimans, lizards, bats, and a variety of flora native of the wetlands. Includes: Boat tour, picnic lunch and transportation. Duration: Whole day 44 La Fortuna - Finca Educativa Don Juan Book at location Finca Educativa Don Juan is an educational center which provides a model for sustainable agriculture and inspiration to farmers from around the world. You can harvest the ingredients for your own meal, savour the tropical crops and learn how organic farming works. At the end of the tour you can operate the "Troja" (sugar cane press), to process sugar cane in a manual press. This is how fresh beet juice and sweets like 'sobado' and 'guaroliquor' are made. At the edge of the forest and the river, you can enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican meal, which is cooked on a wood stove. Duration: half day Includes: tour of the farm, lunch, meeting with local farmers. 34 Manuel Antonio - Jungle night walk and aquatic tropical gardens Book at location The Amphibian Aquatic Garden is a series of waterways and pools that are designed to provide a habitat for a variety of native species. Animals can reproduce here and move freely without limiting their natural behaviour. During this unique Jungle walk you see one of the most interesting and important ecosystems in Costa Rica, the night time tropical forest. You can get up close with all kinds of animals and have the chance to see one of the most interesting reptiles... the snake! With over 30 identified species you will learn more about which are the dangerous ones and which are not! 38 Minimum number of participants: 2 Includes: local guide, entrance and flashlight Duration: 2 hours

9 Manuel Antonio N.P. - Tarcoles River boat trip Book at location The 'Guacalillo the Estero (Guacalillo mouth) and the river Tarcoles allow you to see one of the largest populations of American crocodiles in existence. It is an impressive ecosystem, consisting of four different mangrove species, each an important ecological habitat for various bird species. As the boat nears the riverbank, you get up close with crocodiles of up to 15 feet in length. Thanks especially to the efforts of the local community, the crocodile population has grown from 50 to 150 crocs per square kilometer. 21 Included: Boat tour, fresh fruit, water, Duration: 2.5 hours Monteverde - Canopy tour Book at location The Canopy Tour consists of 13 cables and 18 platforms high up in the trees of the cloud forest and takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. During this tour you will be zipped through each of the cables while attached to a top safety harness and using the best climbing gear available. It is an adventurous tour that raises adrenaline as you fly through the treetops looking down on this beautiful landscape. Includes: Transportation, local guide, equipment & entrance fees. Duration: 2.5 hours Minimum 2 persons. 38 Monteverde - Tree top walkways Book at location On this excursion you can walk the 1.9 miles (approximately 3 kilometers) trail that crosses through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. You will walk on eight different bridges with various lengths ranging between 150 feet (50 meters) up to 510 feet (170 meters) and altitudes ranging between 36 feet (12 meters) up to 180 feet (60 meters). Each bridge has a width of five feet, the widest bridges in Costa Rica, and also a capacity of up to 80 people per bridge making them both the longest and strongest bridge systems in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The Tree Top Walkways are suitable for people of all ages. The duration of the hike is usually between 1.5 and 2 hours. Includes: Transportation, entrance fees and guide. Duration: hours Minimum 2 persons. 30 San Jose - Poas Volcano Book at location Half day excursion to the active Poas volcano some 2704 meters high. In clear weather you have spectacular views of the 300-meter deep crater. Includes: private transport, entrance to Poas National Park Duration: Half day, evening departure. 48

10 Festival info News 7/26/2018 Nicaragua unrest Due to the continuing unrest in Nicaragua, the trip commencing on 4 November will have an adjusted program. An alternative to Granada will be provided, in Costa Rica. Together with our local agent, we keep a close eye on the situation and take necessary precautions not to expose our travellers to any dangers. 7/26/2018 Nicaragua unrest Due to the continuing unrest in Nicaragua, the trip commencing on 6 October will have an adjusted program. An alternative to Granada will be provided, in Costa Rica. Together with our local agent, we keep a close eye on the situation and take necessary precautions not to expose our travellers to any dangers. 7/26/2018 Nicaragua unrest Due to the continuing unrest in Nicaragua, the trip commencing on 8 September will have an adjusted program. An alternative to Granada will be provided, in Costa Rica. Together with our local agent, we keep a close eye on the situation and take necessary precautions not to expose our travellers to any dangers. 12/10/2013 Important information: Crossing the Panama border The government of Panama has tightened the rules in regard to overland travel from Costa Rica in to Panama. Important: each person must now produce the following items in case of inspection by the immigration department: - A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from date of departure from Costa Rica. - A copy of your passport (minimum 2 copies). - A copy of your departure letter (containing flight + e-ticket number). - U.S. $ 500 cash OR a credit card with a copy of a bank statement in your name indicating that the card has a spendable limit of at least U.S. $ A tax document purchased from Bancredito in Costa Rica worth U.S. $ 7 per person (Your tour leader will go to Bancredito to buy this tax document with you). COUNTRY INFORMATION COSTA RICA BACKGROUND INFORMATION

11 Culture The cultural differences between Europe and Central America are huge, one could write a very large book on the subject. Below you will find some useful hints that we have picked up along the way to make your stay more pleasant and enable you to get along with the local inhabitants. Bargaining: Bargaining in Costa Rica is only customary when buying souvenirs or objects of art. In markets and shops food is bought at fixed prices. Politeness: Politeness plays an important role in communication all over Central America. When addressing somebody, in a shop or bus, say hello first. A simple "buenos días" or "buenas tardes", accompanied by a smile, works miracles. Likewise, a greeting will gain a return greeting, then, the actual interaction begins. Upon entering a communal space, such as a restaurant or waiting room, it is also very polite to say hello to everybody present. Clothing: Make sure you look well dressed and clean. This is an important issue to the people of Central America. Even poor people do their utmost to look well kept. As you seem to have the money to travel all the way from Europe to Central America, you are bound to be a rich person in the locals eyes. You will gain respect if you dress properly. Of course, this does not imply you have to wear your best Armani outfit when wandering the streets. Best leave jewels and valuables at home. Do not put on revealing clothes, as it is not always appreciated. Shorts are allowed, for men and women, but only on beaches and in some coastal resorts. Bathing clothes are only allowed in swimming pools and on beaches. Many local women wear a T-shirt on top of their bathing suit (in order to avoid male attention). Dress properly when visiting churches, out of respect for the locals and their culture. Macho behaviour: The myth that characterizes men as being strong and women as fragile and dependent has not been dispelled in Central America. Macho attitude and male pride are widely evident. Here men still whistle to attract the attention of a woman. Solo women travellers tend to receive plenty of (unwanted) attention. If you do not like this, it is best to ignore them. Minimise the problem by dressing conservatively. Carrying a wedding ring may help. Avoid dark places and lonely beaches if you travel by yourself. Of course, there are more than sufficient normal men around. In general: Be constantly aware of the fact that you are a guest in a country, which has a different etiquette. They do not behave differently, you do. Religion The larger part of the population is Roman-Catholic, introduced and enforced by the Spanish colonialists, who used religion as a control mechanism. Now 85% are Roman Catholic, and 15% Protestant. Festivals Public holidays: Because we will be travelling in a Christian country, so Christmas, Three Kings Day (January 6) and Easter are celebrated across the country. During the Holy Week (Semana Santa) almost everything will be closed in Costa Rica. The days between Christmas and New Year are considered an unofficial holiday, especially in San José. Then there are the festivals honouring the patron saints. San José s festival (Saint Joseph) is on March 19 and the day of the Virgin de Los Angeles (Costa Rica s patron saint) is on August 2. Día de Juan Santamaria on April 11 commemorates the national hero and Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) on October 12, is a national holiday all over Central America.

12 Food and drinks Costa Rican food is quite unpretentious. There are plenty of restaurants, but you might want to visit a small 'soda' (restaurant with local dishes). Preferably visit busy restaurants or eating-houses. They are busy for good reason and therefore guarantee a faster turnover rate of the food prepared. Wash your hands thoroughly before dinner. Breakfast (desayuno): You will most likely be served a solid breakfast including tortillas or bread, eggs (huevos) prepared by choice with bacon or sausages and bean sauce (frijoles). Typically Costa Rican is the so-called 'gallo pinto', a mixture of rice and beans, possibly served with eggs. If this is too much for you, you may opt for toast, jam and sweet rolls. An absolute must is Costa Rican coffee as Costa Rica produces the world s best coffee beans. Furthermore, fresh fruit juices (fresco natural) with milk (leche) or water (agua) are always available. Lunch (almuerzo), dinner (cena) and snacks: For Costa Ricans lunch is the most important meal of the day. However, this is not the case for visitors being on the road a lot of the time. Meat (carne), fish (pescado) or chicken (pollo) form the main part of the meal and come in larger quantities than Europeans are accustomed to, particularly in the pricier tourist restaurants. Delicious salads usually feature on the menu. Casado is a very complete dish including rice, beans, salad and meat, fish or chicken by choice. Most dishes are not terribly spicy. You ll find bottles containing local variations of Tabasco on your table. In the pricier restaurants in the cities you can treat yourself to excellent fish (especially ceviche, fish marinated in lemon). City restaurants offer pastas, pizzas and Chinese food as well. Fruit: Availability depends on the season: oranges, bananas and pineapples are most popular, but also more exotic fruits. To name a few: Chirimoy, carambola, granadilla (a passion fruit), guave, guayaba, cas (some sort of pomegranate) and papaya. The jugos naturales or fruit juices made from these fruits is delicious. Drink: Costa Rican drinking water, especially in the Central Valley, has an acceptable quality. Outside the region hotels often use filtering installations to purify water for drinking. If you don t want to run any risk, you are best to buy bottled water, on sale practically everywhere. Generally, meals are accompanied by beer. However, wine is available almost everywhere. Beer is for sale in all sorts and sizes. Stronger brews include rum, gin and the local guaro (firewater). Fresh fruit juices are available, everywhere. Tipping Restaurant and hotel employees are not well paid. You may not have a ready solution for the country s poverty, but the least you can do is to tip the ones working for you. The guideline is (provided you are satisfied with the service) about 1 tip per room per day for hotel employees. The same amount goes for the bus drivers, hired by Shoestring, per person per day. A tip box is useful in this case, for which the passengers will take turns in administering, in consultation with the travel guide. Moreover, while the group is on the road, snacks can be purchased from this money. You do not need to tip taxi drivers. In general, the fare tourists are charged exceeds by far the amount locals pay. The travel guide also expects a tip by the end of the trip; provided she/he has done her/his job well. Our guideline is 1 per passenger per day. The taxes you will encounter are: Sales tax ( impuestos de ventas ) This is a 13% tax added to sales of goods. Service tax. This is a 10% tax applicable only to restaurant bills. It corresponds to the tip to the waiter or waitress and is already added to the total. If not, this will be specified on the menu. Approximate prices for moderate meals, dinner / lunch at hotels and restaurants in Costa Rica are mostly around $ per person. At lodges mostly a little bit higher. Taxes are not included and consist of 23%; - Service tax. This is a 10% tax applicable only to restaurant bills. It corresponds to the tip to the waiter or waitress. - Sales tax. This is a 13% tax added to sales or goods. Restaurant bills will add a 13% sales tax and a 10% service tax; total tax to be added will be 23% to the price listed on the menu.

13 Weather and climate Climate: Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate and temperatures depend more on differences in height than the time of the year, varying between twenty degrees Celcius in the highlands up to thirty degrees at the coasts. The area bordering the Pacific Ocean and the Central Valley has two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season (or summer) runs from the end of December through April, and the rainy season (or winter) runs from April through November. During the rainy season everything blossoms beautifully and the scenery is much greener. That is why the Costa Ricans call it the green season. The mornings usually are very sunny, and are followed by cooling afternoon showers. Best travelling time: You can visit Costa Rica throughout the year. The Caribbean region enjoys a more humid climate and showers occur throughout the year. However, this won t spoil your holiday. Population Costa Rica s 4 million inhabitants (71 per sq. km.), called 'Tico's' or 'Tica's', are predominantly (95%) descended from Spaniards and, for the most part, Catholic. During colonization, European illnesses wiped out the larger part of the indigenous population. Less than two percent descend from Jamaican Negro slaves who were put to work on banana plantations during the 19th century. They live mainly in Limón province along the Caribbean coast. The original Indian population nowadays represents slightly more than one percent of the total population. Given the small cultural influence left by the Indians and the large European contribution, most visitors prefer Costa Rica for its nature and scenery rather than its culture. Landscape Costa Rica covers 51,100 sq. km and is about nine times smaller than the UK. It borders both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean. The coastal plains are low, contrasting with the tall volcanic mountain ranges that lie between them. The country s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó, has an altitude of 3,819 m. Costa Rica has two neighbours: Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. A large part of Costa Rica has been declared a protected reserve for good reason. Despite having been colonized by Spain, it was largely left to develop on its own due to its lack of treasures such as gold. For such a relatively small country, it is enormously diverse biologically and includes 200 species of mammals, 350 species of reptiles and amphibians, 850 bird species, different plants and some types of insect. Costa Rica has rainforests, cloud forests, active volcanoes, savannahs, mangrove forests, high mountains, palm beaches and coral reefs. Costa Rica is relatively sparsely populated and counts just four million inhabitants. Most economic, cultural and political activities are confined to the capital, San José. The city is in the central highlands, surrounded by ever-present volcanoes. But as soon as you leave San José, you feel as if you are travelling back in time surrounded by peace and nature. The eastern part of Costa Rica is mainly known for its banana plantations yet also houses the world s most important turtle breading grounds in the Tortuguero National Park. The west side boasts the most stunning beaches and a chain of idyllic bays. Flora and fauna Costa Rica s flora and fauna is abundant. The region is characterized by large differences in climate. A mountain range, consisting mainly of volcanoes, divides the country in two. The western coastal area has special flora, mainly semi-tropical rainforests due to the rainy season here. These largely unaffected forests are still home for special animal species such as poison-arrow frogs, jaguars and white-faced capuchin monkeys. The mountain chain is completely different, mainly rain and cloud forest. A notable example is the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to the magnificent quetzal, a bird honoured by the Maya s. An extraordinary number of hummingbird species are seen here to. The eastern lowland was once a tropical jungle, but has become a plantation area. There are many beautiful spots, where howler monkeys wake you up in the morning. A special feature in this region is the Tortuguero National Park, where between July and October, green turtles come ashore in great numbers (arribadas) to lay their eggs. PRACTICAL INFORMATION

14 Arrival information On your first day in San José, take it easy. Take time to adapt and acclimatize. The change of climate and time difference can be quite challenging. Setting off to explore San José is like a smooth landing, the city being up to date in many aspects. Later on you will come across less developed regions. Let the country sink in, try to pick up some Spanish and have fun in central America. Time differences In Costa Rica it is 6 hours earlier than in the UK (during summertime 7 hours). For Western Europe: 7 hours (during summertime 8 hours) earlier. Money The amount of pocket money we advise, is the minimum you spend on meals, drinks, optional excursions, entrance fees, local airport tax and tips. The amount of money you will finally be spending obviously depends on your personal habits. Therefore, souvenirs are not included. We suggest an amount of per week. The examples of extra costs to be expected on this journey are only an indication and can vary depending on your requirements. Luggage and clothing This tour leads us through tropical lowland as well as high mountainous areas, the latter enjoying a moderate climate, which may include cold nights. Therefore, bring along thin, cotton clothes. For the evening, a closed neck long-sleeved T-shirt or a thin cotton roll neck sweater is recommended to protect against mosquitoes. Also, bring along a jersey or sweater and a rain jacket. Nights in Costa Rica can be quite cold! Do not forget an umbrella as protection against rain and too much sun. Bring along a pair of good-quality, worn-in walking shoes and flip-flops or sandals. You should consider bringing along the following: sunglasses, sunscreen, toiletries, a traveller s health kit, a hat/scarf, a photo/film camera, spare batteries, a pocket knife, a lighter, a small stock of non-perishable snacks and sweets, an alarm clock, writing materials, books, passport, sufficient money, photocopies of your passport and travel insurance, your flight ticket(s), travel insurance-pass including alarm number, important addresses and a good travel guide, toilet paper, towel and a reading lamp. If you bring along electrical equipment, you will need an adaptor. During this trip, you won t need a mosquito net or sleeping bag. We prefer that you pack everything into a weekend bag or backpack, rather than a solid suitcase, which would take up too much space and can be hard to carry in some circumstances. A small backpack or shoulder bag comes in handy for hand luggage. Valuable papers are best kept in a thin cotton money belt, to be carried underneath your clothes. Take care to have an extra, clean set of clothes in your hand luggage, so that you can do without the other luggage for 48 hours, just in case it arrives later than you do. For example, make sure to put any important medication and a toothbrush etc in your hand luggage and that your luggage is not too heavy. Electricity Electricity is the same as in the United States: volt, 60 hertz, with matching (plug) sockets, so you need an adaptor. There are power failures in Costa Rica so it is wise to bring along a pocket lamp. Safety In the cities sometimes pickpockets are at work. A simple method keeps them away from you: stash your big money and valuables underneath your clothing, in a non-visible manner. Keep some ready money apart, so that you do not have to search for it in the middle of the street. Carry your backpack on your stomach if it contains valuables. Also, carry your camera in front, tied to a solid belt. Take these precautions, especially when visiting markets. Few robberies occur, but when this happens, it is on desolate places you would normally avoid, such as dark, quiet alleys. Your luggage will be reasonably safe in your hotel rooms, however, do not leave money or valuables lying about. Put them in a locked bag or even better, keep them with you or hand it over to the staff of the hotel lobby to go in the safe.

15 Health Travellers to Central America who pay some attention to hygiene and skincare usually don t run into health problems. However, we would like you to pay attention to the following health advice. Sunshine and heat: Sunburn is a frequent cause for health problems. Sunburn and sun/heat strokes are easier caught than you may think. You should therefore avoid the sun during the hottest hours of the day, always wear a hat and good sunglasses when you are walking, and use a good suntan lotion when sunbathing. The latter can best be brought along from home, where the choice of product is much larger and prices are lower. At high temperatures the body s need for water increases very rapidly, as does its need for salt. Make sure you drink enough when the heat is extreme and you will simply have to take it very easy during the hottest hours of the day. Make it a habit to treat wounds, however small, with something like iodine. Infections can occur and spread rapidly in the tropics, so take as much care as possible with scratches and insect bites. Diarrhoea: Next to sunburn, the most common health problem is diarrhoea. Travellers are often hit by it after they have been on holiday for only a few days. In most cases, it is an utterly innocuous phenomenon caused by the change of diet, the heat or harmless bacteria, against which the body will soon develop its defences. The main risk is dehydration, especially in children. It occurs when the body loses more fluid, salt and sugars than it receives. The result is a feeling of listlessness and weakness. It can be prevented by drinking a solution of water and ORS. It is sold in bags at the pharmacies and contains all the minerals and sugars that are evacuated with diarrhoea. Instead of this solution you can also take noncarbonated soft drinks or heavily salted broth. For many people, cola has a constipating effect in the first stages of diarrhoea. When the diarrhoea is accompanied by high fever, bloody defecation or strong qualms, it is sensible to consult a physician. When the diarrhoea lasts for more than a few days without the above-mentioned symptoms or when you have to travel, you may take Imodium or Diacure a couple of times. It is an opium-like preparation that stops the bowels completely for a number of hours. Insect bites: Mosquitoes are hard to avoid in Central-America. However, the following advice may help reduce the likelihood of being bitten. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes tend to bite after sunset and before sunrise. In the evening, wear long trousers and a long-sleeved roll neck T-shirt that covers well. DEET or other preventive remedies are effective, but do not expect miracles. Prickly heat: Prickly heat is an inflammation of the pores caused by excessive perspiration. It is common and innocent, but very annoying. The skin grows red and irritated in places. Places where skin touches skin, such as armpits and thighs, are particularly susceptible. The symptoms will decrease when you take a cold shower without using soap a few times a day and dry yourself off well. Talcum powder on the affected spots may also help. When it is hot and damp, do not sleep under a sheet but wear a cotton T-shirt. If it troubles you very much, the best thing to do is take an air-conditioned room for a couple of nights. Travellers health kit: A health kit for the tropics should contain adhesive bandages, bandages, cotton wool, scissors, thermometer, iodine, painkillers, malaria tablets, O.R.S.-packages (Oral Rehydration Solution), loperamide (against diarrhoea), sunscreen, pair of tweezers, insect-repellents such as DEET and a soothing ointment for persistent itching. If you are on medication, make sure you have a precise description available in English (no brand name, but composition and doses are important). Bring along a double quantity for the duration of travel and keep it separated from the other luggage. Medical passport: If you are on prescription medicine, bring an extra supply and keep it separated. This way you will always have a spare stock. Ask your pharmacy to draw up a medical passport for you. This includes names of the substances and the exact composition of the medication that you use. Keep this document and your medication in your hand luggage. If you have a chronic illness, ask your GP for a written explanation of your disease and its treatment (in English). Vaccinations: Please click on the following link for information regarding vaccinations and malaria requirements. Moreover, your needs depend on whether you have had previous vaccinations, whether you are allergic to certain medicine, if you are pregnant, your age, and so on. ALWAYS contact your GP or some other healthcare authority for advice. The complete vaccination package includes DTP, hepatitis A, and malaria. There are no compulsory vaccinations, except for those who have been to regions with yellow fever or cholera within two weeks before arrival in Costa Rica. Some additional recommendations for an enjoyable stay: Allow your body and mind some time to adapt to the new time zone and location. Avoid stress; do not plan to do too much at once. At least take it easy on the first day. It is a good habit to get up early; in hot climates the morning temperature is often the

16 most agreeable. Besides, the people in the countries you visit are also used to rising early. When you adapt to their rhythm you will make the most of your trip. When you are well rested you are best able to deal with all the new impressions and will have the energy to undertake more activities. Photographs Good-quality film rolls can be bought everywhere in the larger cities. Check the best-before date and only buy from stores where the materials are kept in cold storage. The best thing to do, by the way, is to bring enough film from home. Never leave films or cameras in the locked-up coach. The quickly rising temperature will soon affect the quality of the photographic materials. Not all types of camera batteries are on sale. Therefore be sure to take batteries that will last the entire holiday. People do not always like being photographed. When in doubt you had better ask first. Sometimes they will say no, every now and then they will ask for money. At a number of sites you are not allowed to take photographs. Information for people at home Ensure that those at home know in which country you are and how long you are planning to stay away. You should fix a date when you will contact them. Making telephone calls from Costa Rica is no problem. You can make collect calls and Internet cafes are everywhere. Provide the people who will pick you up from the airport with your flight times and numbers. Shoestring will not provide flight and/or travel information, hotel names and telephone numbers to third parties. Any information on delays may be retrieved via the airport information number or Teletext. Contact person In case of an emergency, it is important for us to have details of someone we can contact on your behalf. You have entered a name on the booking form. It is possible that this person is unavailable or on holiday during your trip. If so, enter a second person so that we are sure to be able to get in touch with somebody. COUNTRY INFORMATION NICARAGUA BACKGROUND INFORMATION Culture The cultural differences between Europeans and people of Central America are so big that you could devote an entire book to the subject. Below are some selected items that will help/be of interest to you during your dealings with the residents. Behavior: Nicaragua is known for its friendly and talkative people. Despite the misery that they sometimes experience or the dire situation they face, they stay ready prepared with a smile. The people are open and curious and you should expect direct questions about your age, marital status, weight, salary, or your opinion about Nicaragua. Despite their directness, Nicaraguans tend to cumbersome and their behaviour is indirectly associated with the cultural idea of "saving one's face''. If you ask something they do not know the answer to they will make something up or circle around the question to avoid being ashamed (tener pena). Greetings: In Nicaragua, offering one hand to both men and women in the first encounter is normal. Close friends or relatives will give each other a kiss. Male family members offer each other only one hand, often accompanied by an embrace, an abrazo. If someone appeals, even in situations in a shop or bus, start your conversation with a greeting. A simple buenos días or buenas tardes, accompanied by a smile will do wonders. Your greeting will be matched by a greeting from the counterparty. Then you can enter in to the actual conversation. If you enter a common space, such as a restaurant or waiting room, you should extend a general greeting to everyone in the room. A simple buenos días or buenas tardes will suffice. Politeness is a very important point in the interactions across Central America. Clothing: Make sure you look clean and cared for the people of Central America is important. Even poor people are doing their best to be groomed. Since you have the money to travel all the way from Europe to Central America you are, in the eyes of local people rich. You win respect if you dress nicely. This does not mean that you should go out to the streets in your most expensive Armani outfit. Jewellery and

17 especially expensive jewellery you had better leave at home. Do not dress too revealing, not everyone will appreciate it. Shorts are for both men and women well suited to the beaches and in some coastal towns. Swimsuits should only be worn in swimming pools and on beaches. Many local women swim with a shirt over their bathing suits (often to reduce male attention). Dress discreetly when you visit churches, out of respect for the local population and its culture. Dress neatly when you visit a church, cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the local population and their religion. Macho behavior: The myth that characterizes men as strong and women as fragile remains strongly present in Central America. A macho male attitude and pride are often exhibited as a local man tries to get the attention of a woman. Unaccompanied women especially will receive plenty of (unwanted) attention. If you do not appreciate this, it is best simply to ignore it. You can minimize these problems by dressing conservatively. Wearing a wedding ring can also help. Avoid dark places and lonely beaches if you are alone. Obviously there are plenty of 'ordinary' men here too! Buy: The many local markets in Managua and other cities are very interesting. Markets such as Roberto Huembes market in Managua, have a wide range of artesanía, hammocks, Spanish-language CDs, souvenirs and clothing. Mercado Oriental is also worth visiting, but it is chaotic and there are many relatively deprived people there. Masaya is known as the city of hammocks and has two markets filled with handicrafts from different regions. Typical souvenirs include handicrafts like wooden pots / sculptures, pottery vases, soap stone sculptures from San Juan de Limay, or a real-masaya hammock. Bargaining: In Nicaragua, haggling is a social sport. Keep in mind that bargaining must remain pleasant and fun. Maybe you are fooled once or you pay more than the locals, but prices are still considerably lower than in Europe. It is important that you arrange a price in Managua before you get in a taxi. In other cities such as León and Granada rates are reasonable and you may ask the locals what the usual prices are. It is wise to do that anyway. In the shops you can also haggle for items, but prices in supermarkets and buses are fixed. Begging: In Nicaragua begging for some people is the only way to survive. This is true for old or disabled people to whom you of course can give a donation, especially when you see the locals do so. But there are also those that are begging because they are addicted to alcohol and/or drugs. With children it is in principle better not to give money but instead fruit or anything else to eat. If children get their money in this way they are much less motivated to go to school or work. General: Always remember that you are a guest in a country where one simply has different manners. This is not abnormal, you're just acting differently! Religion The bulk of the population of Nicaragua is adherent to the Roman Catholic faith imposed by the Spanish colonists, who used religion as an important instrument of power for the suppression. In Nicaragua, 90 percent of the population is Roman Catholic. The rest are supporters of the many streams of Protestantism. Moravians, Assemblea de Dios and the Mennonite church are the most established, non- Catholic churches. Festivals Holidays: Since Nicaragua is predominantly Christian, the Christian festivals like Christmas, Epiphany (January 6) and of course Easter are celebrated everywhere. Furthermore, the country has its own holidays. Every village and town has its own patron saint, each with its own holiday. These festivals (fiestas Patronales) are often accompanied by various processions and mock battles, where the old Spanish conquistadores (conquerors) are ridiculed. The most famous of these holidays are held in honor of San Sebastian (January 20), Santiago (July 25), Santa Ana (Isla de Ometepe, July 26), Santo Domingo (Managua, August 1 to 10), Virgen La Merced ( Leon, 24 September) and San Jeronimo (Masaya, 30 September). Major holidays in Nicaragua are Independence Day on September 15 and Liberation Day on July 19th (the anniversary of the 1979 revolution).

18 Food and drinks Food: The Nicaraguan cuisine is simple and straightforward. It uses similar ingredients as the Mexican food such as beans, rice, corn, cheese, banana and tortillas, but without the spice and variety. Vegetarians will not have any problems, especially in rural areas where meat is a luxury product anyway. It's best not to say you are a vegetarian because the word often causes confusion and questions. Just indicate that you do not like eating meat and that you are trying to save money. Pollo (chicken) is very popular among Nicaraguans and that you can also eat in different forms (fried, in soup, breaded, grilled). Famous Nicaraguan dishes are delicious nacatamales (cornmeal dumplings filled with meat, vegetables and rice cooked in banana leaves), gallo pinto, Indio Viejo (purée of beef, corn flour and vegetables), cuajada (white farmer's cheese), vigorón (pork with yucca, cabbage salad served on banana leaf). Snacks such as tostones (thick fried green plantains), tajadas (crispy thin chips of green banana), Maduro (ripe, sweet plantain) and tortilla con queso (tortilla with cheese) are also highly recommended. On the coast, eat mostly fish. In this area, food is prepared differently than the rest of the country. Rice and spicy dishes are often cooked in coconut milk instead of water. Restaurants: The cheapest way to eat out in Nicaragua is at the comedor or cafetín. You can usually find them easily and park up alongside them. They serve a set menu (comida corriente) such as gallo pinto, white cabbage salad, white cheese and a choice of fried egg, meat and sometimes fish. Another cheap way to eat out is at the fritanga- restaurants that cook real, home-made Nicaraguan food. More elegant Nicaraguan restaurants all offer a similar range of dishes such as various meats, fish, salads and vegetables. Drinking: Nicaragua's national drink and pride is their Flor de Caña, or rum. The seven year old Gran Reserva is the best of the best. Other variants such as Ron extra lite are cheaper but also taste very good. Nica's usually drink rum with cola, ice and lime juice. Besides rum there is also a lot of beer drinking, the best known brands are Tona, Victoria, Brava and the more expensive premiums. Wine lovers have to resort to the supermarket where a small selection of wines are for sale (relatively expensive). Besides the usual soft drinks (soda such as Coca Cola and Fanta or Rojita), you can quench your thirst with delicious Refrescos (fresh juices) or batidos (kind of milkshakes). Tap water you should not drink but bottled water is fine and is on sale everywhere. Fruit: The availability of seasonal fruit: oranges, bananas and pineapples are the most popular fruits, but there are also more exotic fruits. To name a few: Chirimoy, carambola, granadilla (a kind of pomegranate), guava, guayaba, cas (a passion fruit) and papaya. The Jugos naturales or juices that are made here are simply wonderful. Tipping Restaurant and hotel employees are not well paid. You may not have a ready solution for the country s poverty, but the least you can do is to tip the ones working for you. The guideline is (provided you are satisfied with the service) about 1 tip per room per day for hotel employees. The same amount goes for the bus drivers, hired by Shoestring, per person per day. A tip box is useful in this case, for which the passengers will take turns in administering, in consultation with the travel guide. Moreover, while the group is on the road, snacks can be purchased from this money. You do not need to tip taxi drivers. In general, the fare tourists are charged exceeds by far the amount locals pay. The travel guide also expects a tip by the end of the trip; provided she/he has done her/his job well. Our guideline is 1 per passenger per day.