2018 Trip Dossier TURKS & CAICOS CUBA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAITI CAYMAN ISLANDS JAMAICA TRIP OVERVIEW TOUR AT A GLANCE: HONDURAS COLOMBIA.

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1 2018 Trip Dossier TURKS & CAICOS DiscoverISLANDS Costa Rica CUBA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAITI CAYMAN ISLANDS TOUR AT A GLANCE: Costa Rica Length: 15 days Departs: San José HONDURAS Trip code: DCR Accommodation: 14 hotel/eco lodge nights JAMAICA TRIP OVERVIEW WILDLIFE HOTELS ACTIVE Meals: 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners Staff: Professional tour leader Group size: Maximum 16 Transport: Private vehicle and boat Please see our website for detailed destination information and insider tips. u re NICARAGUA A tropical paradise bursting with wildlife; Christopher Columbus was right to christen Costa Rica the Rich Coast when he discovered it in Home to 6% of the world s plant and animal species, many endemic, the country s rich biodiversity is extremely colourful. Over 850 bird species have been recorded here - far more than found anywhere in North America, Europe and Australia. A cornucopia of exotic flora and fauna, Costa Rica is a nature lover s delight. Costa Rica has the most enlightened conservation policy in Latin America. As a result, protected areas comprise almost 27% of the country. Specific environments are being carefully preserved, including varied kinds of forests, mangrove swamps, marshes, rafia swamps and coral reefs. Staying in privately owned hotels and eco-lodges, we travel to each of the diverse habitats of the country; from hot and humid Caribbean seas to dense tropical rainforests, from idyllic beaches to volcanoes. Every area we visit has its own flora and fauna, to fascinate any eco-enthusiast. Costa Rica is a vivid and politically peaceful country with stunning scenery and a tropical climate - this comprehensive tour offers the perfect introduction to Central America. Please note: dedicated bird-watching departures are also available with a specific bird guide. Please note the section under the itinerary. p CA RI B B E A N S E A ca u a C PA N A M A HIGHLIGHTS: M a gdalen a PACIFIC OC EA N A Arenal Volcano NP Tortuguero NP Monteverde COSTA Santa Elena RICA San José Savegre Valley Manuel Piedras Antonio NP Blancas NP COLOMBIA Stay in eco-friendly lodges and hotels M Two night stay in Esquinas Rainforest Lodge Idyllic Pacific coast beaches e Experience rainforest, lava fields and cloud forests Visit beaches of Tortuguero (optional nesting turtle viewing) ta G u Get up close to a variety of unique wildlife Guided tropical nature trails visit La Fortuna Waterfall Hiking trails through lava fields and rainforest Fresh water swimming opportunities GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE i av ar

2 ITINERARY AND DETAILS Day 1: San José Take in the sights of Costa Rica s cosmopolitan capital, San José. This is an excellent opportunity to orientate yourself and to try some of the local cuisine ahead of your adventure into the jungles of Tortuguero National Park. Free transfers are available for all clients. This evening s welcome briefing is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. Accommodation: Hotel included Day 2: Tortuguero National Park Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José behind as you travel to the north-east of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero s vast network of waterways, canals and swamps is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, you ll board a small motorboat for the one hour fifteen minute journey to our lodge, which is nestled on a small strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the main lagoon. Your afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered Green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Giant Leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and during November to January baby turtles start to hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today s travel time will be in the region of six hours including a break for breakfast. Accommodation: Lodge included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Day 3: Tortuguero National Park An early morning boat trip enables you to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide you are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300+ bird species recorded here. You ll return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon if you want to take some time out to enjoy the facilities, or alternatively you can join a second boat trip or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Lodge included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Day 4: Arenal Leave Tortuguero the same way you arrived by taking a small boat to the pier. Your bus will be at the pier waiting to drive you to the region of Arenal, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was Costa Rica s most active volcano until fairly recently, when it entered a resting phase and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However, there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you ll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. In clear weather there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base in the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today s travelling time is around five and a half hours including a lunch stop. Accommodation: Lodge included Meals: Breakfast and lunch included Day 5: Arenal Waterfalls are abundant in the region of Arenal and this morning you visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 65 metre cascade of water plunging into an emerald pool below. A short trail through the rainforest brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that you must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to the exit - the hike/climb takes around minutes and is within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness. Reward your efforts with a dip into one of the natural pools punctuating the foliage to cool off! Alternatively you could visit the lookout point and wait for the group. After lunch, you take a short scenic hike within Arenal National Park, walking through secondary rainforest and passing some of the lava fields from past eruptions. The high vantage points on this walk allow great views overlooking Lake Arenal, and the birdlife is plentiful. Options: Ecotermales hot springs (4 hours) approx USD37 Sky Tram/Sky Trek (zip line) USD70 Sky Walk (hanging bridges) USD26 Sky Tram/ Sky Walk USD58 Accommodation: Lodge included Meals: Breakfast included Day 6: Monteverde From Arenal, you travel to the Tilaran Mountain Range in the Central Highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as you ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex eco-system where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400+ different varieties here. Today s drive is around four hours- the last 40km of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. Optional Activities: Sky Walk suspension bridges approx USD32 Sky tram + Sky trek approx USD63 Coffee tour USD30 Canopy Tour USD26 Accommodation: Hotel included Meals: Breakfast included Day 7: Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve This morning, you have a guided walk in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first communitymanaged reserves in Costa Rica and an area that is world-famous for its biodiversity. To this day, the reserve is managed by the Santa Elena High School with funds channelled into protecting the reserve and providing environmental education classes within the local community. Thanks to its high elevation, Santa Elena is bathed in thick misty clouds which support a huge range of flowers, ferns, mosses, vines and orchids. Birdlife thrives in the cloud forest with over 425 species recorded here. Santa Elena is also one of the best places to spot noisy Howler monkeys swinging through the trees! In the afternoon, it s possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country, or join a canopy tour to get a different view of the forest. Accommodation: Hotel included Meals: Breakfast included Day 8: Manuel Antonio National Park Your journey takes a south-easterly turn today as you follow the Pan-Am Highway along the coastline to Manuel Antonio, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Manuel Antonio National Park consists of a vast marine reserve as well as 1,700 acres of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands. Your drive to Manuel Antonio takes around four hours. You spend the next two nights here, normally in a hotel close to the beach and the entrance of the national park. Depending on your time of arrival, you should have time to enjoy various optional activities this afternoon or enjoy the hotels facilities. Accommodation: Hotel included Meals: Breakfast included

3 Day 9: Manuel Antonio National Park A guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning should enable you to have some close wildlife encounters. White-faced Capuchin monkeys play in the trees and are frequently sighted on the beaches, whilst noisy Howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered Titi monkey (Squirrel monkey) are fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti and two and three toed sloths are also commonly sighted in the national park. Manuel Antonio s beaches are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the country and you have all afternoon to enjoy them or try one of the optional activities available in this region. Please note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays. If your visit falls on a Monday, the timing of this activity will be adjusted so that you visit the park on the previous day, and today will be at leisure to enjoy the many optional excursions of the region. Optional Activities: Mangrove boat tour USD58 Sea kayaking (4 hours) approx USD59 Horseback riding USD59 Accommodation: Hotel included Meals: Breakfast included Day 10: Piedras Blancas National Park - Golfito Travel four hours south towards Golfito, a relatively wild and undiscovered region. The dense jungle here has hardly been explored or researched. The next two nights are spent in the beautiful Esquinas Rainforest Lodge set in the heart of primary rainforest and bordered by the newly created Piedras Blancas National Park and Golfito Nature Reserve. The lodge was originally financed by the government of Austria as a project combining forest research, development aid and nature conservation. Most employees are local and profits are used to help with projects in the nearby village. This afternoon, you discover our peaceful surroundings and search for the abundant bird and insect life that resides here. Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (or similar) Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Day 11: Piedras Blancas National Park - Golfito Hike through the rainforest this morning with your guide and experience all of the sights and sounds of the jungle. During this activity, you are likely to see snakes, monkeys and maybe sloths. This hike can be quite slippery after rainfall but is a real highlight and well worth the effort. This afternoon has been left free for optional activities - delve deeper into the forest on a 10 mile network of trails departing directly from the lodge, or simply relax by the stream-fed pool. Accommodation: Lodge included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Day 12: Savegre Cloud Forest Your journey takes a north-westerly turn through San Isidro and up and over the Cerro de la Muerte mountain range to our next destination, the Savegre Valley, located around four and a half hours away from Golfito. The cloud forest of Savegre is said to be one of the best places in the whole of Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy Resplendant Quetzal and you have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat - the males in particular are striking with a green crest, red breast and tail feathers that can reach a metre in length. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well amongst the wet leaves of the forest! After lunch, you take a short walk from your lodge into the cloud forest. Accommodation: Lodge included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Day 13: Savegre Valley Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. For those who are passionate about trekking, an extra optional tour to Los Quetzales National Park can be arranged to admire the tropical cloud forest and sub-andean vegetation of the area (this is a 6-hour tour so would normally replace other activities today). Birds that may be seen in this area include hummingbirds, colibri, tanagers and trogons. Optional Activities: Trekking in Los Quetzales N.P. USD$97 (6 hours, minimum 2 adults) Accommodation: Lodge included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included Day 14: San José Visit the village of Copey this morning, to step momentarily into the agricultural lives of those living in the highlands of the Central Mountain Range. You take a short walk to the picturesque village before visiting a local school in this area - the children are very welcoming and it is a great opportunity to interact with locals. The school visit only takes place during term time, and the location of the school you visit may vary according to school schedules, therefore please allow flexibility. Some snacks will be prepared for us with a local family, which is sure to be a memorable touch of Costa Rican hospitality! A two and a half hour journey takes you back to San José, where there is time to explore the modern capital. Accommodation: Hotel included Meals: Breakfast and lunch included Day 15: San José There s still plenty left to explore in and around San José. If you wish to stay on for a couple of nights we can organise accommodation for you. Otherwise, your tour will come to an end after this morning s breakfast. Free transfers to San José airport are available to all clients today. Meals: Breakfast included THIS TOUR IS RUN BY OUR TRUSTED SISTER COMPANY. SPECIAL DEPARTURES If you want to make sure you re right in the heart of the action at the absolute best time to be there, then why not book one of our Special Departures. Bird Watching Special Departures For keen birders, we have designated a number of departures that will be accompanied by a specialist bird-watching guide. Walks and visits to national parks will be led with the intention of seeing as much bird life as possible. Book trips departing and 24 January, 7 and 21 February, 16 April, 7 and 14 November. Departure date 22nd December 2018 For this departure we cannot stay in Manuel Antonio and instead will stay in Dominical at the Villas Rio Mar. This enables us to have peaceful accommodation away from the incredibly busy tourist areas of Manuel Antonio. There will be a slightly longer drive to get to/from Manuel Antonio (it is about 1 hour away), but you will still spend the same amount of time in the national park. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES There are many opportunities for optional activities during your tour. Your tour guide will organise these on your behalf and you will pay locally in cash. You ll find the main optional activities listed above under each itinerary day description, along with guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour.

4 PHYSICAL RATING/PREPARATION Active Our active tours are suitable for people of all levels of experience and fitness. Active tours are about exploring the places you visit so whether it s sightseeing, hiking, or wildlife spotting you ll be out discovering the area. You ll also be able to choose from a whole range of optional activities, and with everything from Sea canoeing to horse riding, depending on your interest, budget and ability. There are several included and optional walks on the itinerary which occasionally involve walking on rough paths. These are suitable for most levels of fitness and usually last from two to three hours. During times of heavy rain, trails can be muddy and slippery and extra care should be taken. Many of the areas visited on the trip are hot and humid and there is the chance of heavy rain year-round - this is why Costa Rica is so green! TOUR ITINERARIES Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and from time to time our tour guide may suggest changes. This may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will be a highlight of the tour. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, local weather conditions and time of year. Driving distances are not very long and most of the roads that we travel on are of good quality. However, the road which leads to the river on the way to and from Tortuguero and the road into and out of Monteverde have poor surfaces and this can result in slow driving times, particularly following heavy rain. All details are provided in good faith. Due to the nature of travel, this information can change and should therefore be taken as an indication only and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Grand American Adventures. If you have any questions, please contact us. Please ensure that you download an up-to-date copy of this dossier before you depart to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Our itineraries are occasionally amended in response to customer feedback or for operational reasons. This dossier is valid for all tours departing in Itineraries may be subject to change with the publication of our 2019/20 brochure in Autumn 2017, at which point revised 2019 dossiers will be made available. CUSTOMER FEEDBACK A truly amazing trip which surpassed my high expectations. Everything was perfect, the accommodation, the food, the guide, Giovanni, the local guides, the itinerary which included close contact with lots of amazing wildlife and chance to become familiar with some of the culture of Costa Rica with a visit to a coffee plantation, a school and an appetising lunch with a lady who makes delicious cheese. Dianne Rooks Please see our website for more customer reviews from independent reviewer Feefo. BEFORE YOU DEPART FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS For anyone leaving from the UK we would be pleased to book your flight in conjunction with your tour. Please contact us for competitive prices on flights departing from most UK airports. If you are booking your own flights, you are free to arrive at any time on day one but it is advisable that you arrive in plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend your welcome meeting. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations, changes to your flights, or any missed flights. We are unable to delay a tour, or finish a tour early due to your flight times. Please make sure if booking your own flight to San José, please be sure to book a flight into San José, Costa Rica, and not one of the multiple San José destinations. TRAVEL INSURANCE It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue service). You will be asked to provide details of your insurance policy, including insurer, policy number and phone number before embarking on the trip.

5 We offer an insurance policy that is designed specifically to cover the potential risks on our tours - particularly the many optional activities offered. If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that the policy you do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the activities involved - be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, coverage for this type of travel. There may be cheaper policies available, but this does not mean it may be better value - we strongly advise you check fully what will and won t be covered. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. Please note: We can only offer cover for passengers residing within the European Union. PASSPORT AND VISAS All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Holders of British, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and most EU passports can enter Costa Rica for a stay of 90 days without a visa. Proof of onward travel may be required when entering Costa Rica - we suggest you take a print out of your flight details in case officials ask to see them. All passengers flying via the USA will have to clear immigration during transit. Prior to travel you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (USD14) under the Visa Waiver Programme. If you are not a UK citizen please check with your local U.S. Embassy. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Programme (most British and western European citizens with a machine readable passport are), you are now required to register in advance for an Electronic Travel Authority (ESTA). There is a US$14 charge for the ESTA, which is only payable online with a credit card. All other nonresidents passing through the US must get a visa in advance. Check with your local embassy or consulate for more details on how to obtain a visa. DEPARTURE TAX COSTA RICA There is an international departure tax on leaving San José at the end of the trip; this was USD29 at the time of writing, but this is subject to change and isn t applicable for all airlines. At the time of writing, United and American Airlines include this tax in the cost of the ticket. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND VACCINATIONS There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Zika fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The symptoms and impact of the disease is not serious, but a significant risk to foetus development has recently been highlighted. Therefore, if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant you should seek additional advice from a health professional. Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR SPENDING MONEY Currency Information The national currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 750 to the UK and 576 to the US$. It is best to take US dollars to Costa Rica, as sterling is difficult to exchange and the rate can be poor. In practice, US dollars are widely accepted as payment in Costa Rica. ATM availability ATMs are widely available in Costa Rica, particularly in the main tourist areas. A flat fee of up to USD3 and a small commission usually applies with debit card withdrawals. MasterCard and Visa are quite widely accepted in the bigger hotels, restaurants and tourist shops, though not, of course, in rural areas. Always check the handling fee when paying by credit card as it can be high. Travellers cheques (in US dollars also) can be quite difficult to change, especially outside the capital. It is certainly much more convenient to carry as much of your money in cash as possible, so long as you are security conscious. We recommend that you bring some small denomination notes (USD1 and USD5 notes) since getting change is often a problem when paying for small items. EXTRA EXPENSES & SPENDING MONEY It is best to take US dollars to Costa Rica, as sterling is difficult to exchange and the rate can be poor. In practice, US dollars are widely accepted as payment in Costa Rica. You should allow extra to cover the cost of meals not included in the price of the holiday. Snack lunches are approximately USD15-18 and evening meals USD25-32 per meal (excluding drinks).average costs for drinks are USD1-2 for mineral water or soft drinks, USD3-4 for a bottle of beer and USD4-5 for a glass of wine. There is an international departure tax on leaving San José at the end of the trip (approx USD29) but this is subject to change and isn t applicable for all airlines. At the time of writing, United and American Airlines include this tax in the cost of the ticket, however, British Airways do not and so if you are travelling with BA you will be expected to pay the tax at the airport.

6 PRE-PAID CURRENCY CARDS It is personal preference as to how you take your money and it s recommended to take some cash with you for arrival. Grand American Adventures recommend FairFX prepaid credit cards, as these can be a cost effective and safe way to take funds overseas. Please ask one of our sales consultants or visit to find out how to receive a FREE currency card, worth a retail value of TIPPING Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with us. However, it is usual for groups to tip guides and drivers and it would be reasonable for each group member to contribute about USD3 per day for this purpose, although you may wish to tip more if travelling in a small group. Porters at the airport and hotels are normally tipped about USD1 per piece. LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, you should contact your airline carrier to confirm luggage restrictions prior to departure. For the boat to and from Tortuguero, the maximum luggage allowance is 25lb (11kg) per person (one piece). You can take a travel bag with the items you need for the trip and leave the rest of it in the luggage room of the San José hotel. Your main luggage will be collected by our local partners and returned to you on day four when you are met off the boat from Tortuguero. This restriction is often relaxed locally - please ask your tour guide for current information. TEMPERATURE CHART Costa Rica is located 10º north of the equator and has a tropical climate. The average temperature range is 10ºC - 13ºC in the highlands, and from 22ºC - 26ºC in the lowlands. There is a rainy season from May to November when there are daily downpours, though these are usually quite short and there is still plenty of bright sunshine, so midsummer is not necessarily a bad time to go. December to April is the driest time of the year but you should still expect some rain. HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES IN CELSIUS (ºC) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC San José HIGH LOW Monteverde HIGH LOW Arenal HIGH NP LOW Tortuguero HIGH NP LOW Manuel HIGH Antonio NP LOW C / F Conversions: -10ºC = 14ºF 0ºC = 32ºF 10ºC = 50ºF 20ºC = 68ºF 30ºC = 86ºF 40ºC = 104ºF PACKING TIPS CLOTHING Please keep in mind that our dress tends to be informal. It is advised that you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to suit the season. Please see the temperature guide showing the highs and lows that can be expected in key locations that your tour visits. However, please remember that this is just a guide and you may encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions - so it s best to be prepared! Sunglasses Sunhat Sunscreen Waterproof poncho or waterproofs Warm sweater (for cloud forest) Shorts Swimming gear Umbrella Camera with zoom lens Binoculars Flashlight Small daypack for walks Universal sink plug Insect repellent Sandals or flip-flops Camera / binoculars Small flashlight / torch Travel power adaptor (optional) Toiletries / personal medicine 2 x 1 litre water bottles (ideally metal or reusable Nalgene due to trail restrictions) A lightweight quick-drying towel A small sewing kit with safety pins Cold water detergent or laundry soap (biodegradable) Personal music player / books etc. for the long drives Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill sites or get burnt, both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip we have decided to include drinking water in order to reduce the amount of plastic used. This means that safe filtered drinking water will be available throughout which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to re-fill along the way. Please note airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your luggage - if in doubt check with your airline before travelling.

7 FOOTWEAR We recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good ankle support will make all walking more enjoyable. If you do not own a pair, then sports trainers will suffice although this is very much a personal choice. Don t forget your flip flops too! It is best to bring weather-proof shoes. CLOTHES WASHING You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes whilst you are on tour, and this can often be done at the hotel or in a local town. Ask your tour guide for local information. BATTERY CHARGING Many of our travellers bring mobile phones, music devices and cameras that require frequent battery charging during a tour. Your hotel rooms will have an electrical outlet (just remember your international adaptor!) You may want to consider bringing extra batteries to avoid missing out on that amazing photograph. EMERGENCY OUT OF HOURS ASSISTANCE In the event of an emergency or if you wish to report a problem on tour please do not hesitate to call our 24-hour emergency contact number. Remember, if we don t know about it we won t be able to do anything about it. Phone number for family to contact you: Phone number for family to contact you in case of emergency: Tel: PRE/POST TOUR HOTELS Grand American Adventures tours begin and end at our gateway hotels, which are conveniently located in the departure and arrival cities. We offer you the option to book additional hotel nights before or after your tour however, they should be booked prior to departure with our reservations team. See below for joining and end hotel details. Please note some hotels may take a debit or credit card as a deposit at check in. They may also take an amount to cover incidentals. Funds can be held until check out at which time the amount actually incurred will be charged. Please clarify with the hotel when you check out that all deposits will be refunded as promptly as possible. JOINING POINT San José can be very busy during the main tourist season and for this reason the joining hotel can change. Please see your tour voucher for hotel details. Airport transfers are included for anyone booked to fly into San José. It is important you advise us of arrival and departure flight details no later than one month prior to departure to secure you free transfers. If you decide to take a taxi from the airport, this will cost approximately US$30 with a duration of about 25 minutes. ARRIVAL COMPLICATIONS Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may even miss it! If you have missed your tour departure, first check with the hotel to see if your tour guide has left you a message. If not, call the relevant emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you catch up with the group. Please note that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses incurred due to you missing your tour s departure, so please be on time. FINISHING POINT This tour ends on the morning of day 15 in San José. If you require accommodation for the last night, it is essential that you book this before your tour departs. JOINING YOUR TOUR TOUR AND ACCOMMODATION VOUCHERS A tour voucher will be ed to you once your balance has been paid in full. Vouchers for any hotel nights you have booked before or after your tour as well as any additional day tours will also be sent to you. You can print off the PDF vouchers or download to your smartphone. For those without access your vouchers will be posted. Please make sure that these vouchers are correct.

8 ABOUT OUR TOURS TRANSPORTATION We travel in air-conditioned buses and also boats in Tortuguero. Depending on the group size, we either use a 16 seater coaster minibus or a 24 seater Senior bus. All vehicles are air-conditioned. There is a shared transfer to Tortuguero on Day 2 of the itinerary in a larger coach. ACCOMMODATION 14 nights spent in hotels and eco-lodges, all with en suite facilities and most with swimming pools. We use fairly small, family run establishments: wooden lodges set in tropical gardens or eco-lodges nestled in the rainforest. The highlight of this trip will no doubt be our stay at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, a 100% carbon neutral property within Piedras Blancas National Park - wake up surrounded by the sound of birds! OPTIONAL SOLO SLEEPER The accommodation on our tours is based on twin-share, so if you re travelling on your own, you ll share a room or tent with a fellow passenger of the same sex. However, if you would prefer your own space we offer a Solo Sleeper option where you can have your own room for an additional fee. On this tour, we are able to provide the option of pre-booking a guaranteed single room for every night of the tour. Please note that the number of single rooms we can offer per tour is limited, so it s best to book early if you would like this option. Please see our website or call us for the for the Solo Sleeper option cost. SECURITY No matter where you find yourself in the world, you need to look after your valuables. In general, the safest place for items such as passports, flight tickets and cash is on your person or in a hotel safe where available, and do not leave valuables in the vehicle. When in doubt consult your tour guide. We would like to remind you that you are ultimately responsible for your safety and well-being. Whether you are taking public transport, going for a hike or taking part in an optional activity, we request that you carry yourself in a mature and responsible manner - not only for your own personal safety, but for that of the group and other travellers. MEALS The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit us at /travelaware The advice can change so check regularly for updates. All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet style, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge are also buffet style. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Costa Rican specialities include Gallo Pinto, a black bean and rice dish considered to be a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time in the tropics. YOUR TOUR GUIDE Your tour leader will take care of all the planning and organisation throughout your tour, they will drive the van taking you from A to B and make sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure you get the most out of your tour; organising activities, providing information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting out any queries or problems you may encounter. If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do on your tour, then please let your tour leader know at the beginning of the tour and they will do their best to help you. We will also use specialist tour guides in certain locations, to provide in depth information. If for any reason you have an issue and do not feel comfortable raising this with your leader, please contact info@grandamericanadventures.co.uk. THE GROUP The maximum group size is 16 passengers. Passengers come from a range of countries worldwide (average of four nationalities per group) and many will be solo travellers. You will find you have many things in common with your fellow travellers, including a passion for discovery and a strong interest in culture and exploring new places. Grand American Adventures tours are designed for adults over 16 years old (anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian 18+). While most passengers are aged 25-55, every year we get many people both above and below this age range. All travellers over the age of 70 will be requested to complete a self-declaration of fitness form prior to travel. Our tours are a unique holiday experience and much of your enjoyment will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you ll have together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of bringing a positive attitude with you on tour; a sure guarantee to enjoying each and every moment, even in the adversity of the odd rainstorm!

9 Grand American Adventures travellers will join our trusted sister company for this tour. RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL We are committed to offering low impact tours that benefit the places and communities we visit as well as our travellers. It is important for us all to be aware of the delicate balance that exists in the variety of natural wonders you will visit. National parks and monuments, archaeological sites and other sensitive areas should and must be treated with respect. We are proud supporters of Bay Area Wilderness Training ( a charity based in Oakland California which works to connect disadvantaged children in the local urban area with the great outdoors. Their work helps to provide these young people with life changing experiences which they can apply to everyday life. Everyone booking with Grand American Adventures has the option to donate 1/$1/ 1 to support this well-deserved charity and we will match this donation. Whenever possible, we use local accommodation and activity providers. We also shop locally for groceries, eat in small family-run restaurants and visit local shops whenever possible. This all brings economic benefit to the local communities that we visit. Responsible Tourism on Discover Costa Rica... With its abundant natural diversity, Costa Rica has a world-renowned tradition of conservation. On this trip we visit national and private parks, including the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the first community-managed reserves in the country. Entrance fees directly support conservation efforts in the areas we visit. We also visit a typical rural school to meet the children and deliver a gift of educational supplies (donation included within the trip cost). The majority of accommodation that we use is in family-owned lodges. An example of eco-friendly accommodation on this trip is the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, a model project combining conservation, environmental research and community development in a rural area. It is 100 % carbon neutral and helps to fund local healthcare and education. WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS! We can always use your holiday snaps and short videos to better depict and promote all the fascinating places we visit. Whether it s hiking the trails or enjoying a great meal, there s no better way to share your Grand American Adventure. So if you want to send over a couple of your best shots (max 10MB) please them to comments@grandamericanadventures.com. You know what they say, a picture s worth a thousand words! HOW TO BOOK Contact us by telephone, or via our website to check availability for the tour you are interested in. We can normally hold a seat on option for up to three days to allow you time to finalise your travel arrangements. In order to secure your place we require a deposit (full payment within eight weeks of travel) and an agreement from you to our terms and conditions. Check availability early to avoid disappointment: FURTHER QUESTIONS Please contact our UK Sales team on: Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Enquiries: info@grandamericanadventures.com AFTER YOUR TOUR FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS We want to hear about your experience and stories from the road, so please feel free to us any comments, feedback or reviews whilst you are on tour or when you return home to: comments@grandamericanadventures.com. We value your feedback and tour reviews, which help us in developing and improving our programme. Input and suggestions from travellers like you has helped make Grand American Adventures what it is today. This dossier was last updated 02 Nov 2017