NATURAL WONDERS OF COSTA RICA AND PANAMA

Transcription

1 NATURAL WONDERS OF COSTA RICA AND PANAMA A wildlife and culturally orientated holiday in Costa Rica and Panama See the wildlife in Tortuguero National Park, famous for the turtles Visit a sloth sanctuary and green iguana project Spend time with the Bribri indigenous people Learn about the production of chocolate from the cacao bean HOLIDAY CODE CRP Costa Rica, Panama, Discovery, Wildlife, 15 Days 3 nights lodge, 11 nights hotel, 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners, max group size: 16, 13 days wildlife / cultural experiences / boat trips / walks / sightseeing and beach

2 PAGE 2 VIEW DATES, PRICES & BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY HERE Introduction This is a holiday full of discovery as we travel to both the Caribbean and to the Pacific Ocean, taking a circular loop rich in culture and wildlife, from our arrival point in San Jose, Costa Rica. We start with a couple of days in Tortuguero National Park. Boat and guided canoe trips take us through the natural canals of this very rich wildlife forest and coastline, with possible turtle sightings. We then travel along the Caribbean coast, visiting a sloth sanctuary, a green iguana breeding project and meeting the indigenous Bribri people, before crossing into Panama. We take a boat into the archipelago paradise of Bocas del Toro to see dolphins and colourful island life. Returning to the mainland, we cross the width of Panama with a stop at the cool and lush mountain town of Boquete. Coming back into Costa Rica our route takes us along the spectacular Pacific coastline, looking out for whales and turtles in the many national parks, including Manuel Antonio, before ending our magnificent holiday in San Jose. This is a rare and unique journey, taking us through some special places in this wildlife rich and culturally vibrant part of the world. Is this holiday for you? There is a large focus on wildlife during this holiday. From breeding humpback whales to the leaf-cutter ants, in every corner of these two countries there is wildlife to enjoy. There are a few walks in the national parks and forest, most of which are quite short (2-3hrs), but these can be hot in the humid climes. We will travel by traditional canoe and boat on several occasions, and you will need to be able to climb in and out of these vessels. There are a couple of long driving days (up to 6 hrs) to cover the distances. Holiday Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in San Jose and transfer to the hotel. Rendezvous at group hotel. KE Land Only package services begin with the overnight stay at the group hotel. Day 2: Transfer to Sarapiqui and visit a chocolate farm. This morning we transfer eastwards towards Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. The journey is around 2-3hrs. We drive through the edges of the wild Braulio Carrillo National Park with its magnificent, dense rainforest. We also pass by banana and pineapple plantations and stop for a heart of palm plantation tour and have a delicious local lunch. In the afternoon we visit La Tirimbina natural reserve and learn about one of our favourite foods: chocolate. The tour takes us to the cacao-growing areas, where we see the transformations of the cacao bean, through harvest, fermentation and drying into chocolate. We can taste different kinds and will learn the story of pre and postcolonial chocolate - umm delicious! Check into our hotel in Sarapiqui. LODGE Day 3: Boat transfer into the Tortuguero National Park.

3 PAGE 3 Today we transfer by boat, navigating the Sarapiqui River and then the Grand San Juan, briefly crossing into Nicaragua, before entering, through the canals and forest teeming with wildlife, into the heart of the park. Tortuguero is located on the Caribbean coast and is only accessible by boat or airplane. Its beaches are key nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles, such as Hawksbill, Leatherbacks, Green and Loggerheads. The park has incredible bio-diversity with several different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches and lagoons. It has a tropical, humid climate which is great for wildlife. In the late afternoon we visit Tortuguero village, before checking in to our lodge for the next 2 nights. LODGE Day 4: Boat and canoe wildlife viewing in the canals of Tortuguero. Possible turtle hatchlings. After breakfast at our lodge, we set off in canoes into the minor creeks and canals of the national park. This is a superb way of seeing the wildlife without disturbing it. We gently drift along and can expect to see monkeys, caimans, iguanas and hopefully sloths. The bird life is incredible and with 300 different species we are bound to come across some of the more colourful and handsome of them. After lunch we can visit the turtle museum. If we are lucky, we may be able to see some of the endangered turtle species on the beaches. Leatherback turtles lay their eggs between March and May, and green turtles between July and October. Their eggs incubate in the sand for approximately 2 months before hatching. Those travelling on the December/January departures are likely to see the turtles hatching. We return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. LODGE Day 5: Travel south along the Caribbean coast, visit the Sloth Sanctuary. We depart the lush forest and canals of Tortuguero today and travel south. Our boat trip takes around 2 hours along the Caribbean coast to our meeting point with our vehicle. From here, we transfer to Cahuita, approximately 2 hours. Along the way we pass through the coastal town of Puerto Viejo de Limon and around 30 minutes after this we stop at the Sloth Sanctuary, a rescue centre. This is a frontline project with the animals rescued either from captivity or found injured. They are cared for and where possible re-introduced back into the wild. The sloth is a remarkable creature and we will learn a lot about their habitat and lifestyle in our 2 hour tour. We are taken to the sloth nursery to see the babies and depending on conditions a guided boat/canoe ride to see the forest. After our visit we continue the 30mins to the coastal town of Cahuita where we overnight. This small sleepy town with a relaxed Caribbean reggae vibe and some good beaches. Day 6: Visit the Green Iguana project & the Bribri people. The Bribri are the indigenous people of Costa Rica in this area. They believe that the cacao plant is sacred; it is never used for firewood and only women are allowed to prepare and serve the chocolate. They mainly live in a self-sufficient manner growing banana, plantain, beans, rice and corn, but supplement the community income with selling the special hand-made organic chocolate. We visit the Kekoldi Indian Reserve, where the Bribri family here has a green iguana farm. They wish to repopulate the forest with this endangered species. We can see the iguana in all stages of life and it is interesting to learn how they are released into the wild. We also learn about the medicinal plants and how they are used in the community. We can climb the path to an observation tower in the forest for some super views of the ocean and the forest. After lunch we have the afternoon free to enjoy this coastal town. There is plenty to do and see here, with many optional activities. The Caribbean coast has a different flavour to the rest of Costa Rica with much of the population of Jamaican descent and speaking an African-Creole

4 PAGE 4 English. We can take to the water, go kayaking, snorkelling, visit the Tree of Life rescue centre, explore the national park, relax at the hotel, read a book, or take a walk along the beach and a have a cool fruit juice at one of the bars/ cafes. Overnight Cahuita. MEALS B Day 7: Cross into Panama, boat to Bocas del Toro. The morning is free to relax, and maybe take part in an optional activity that we didn't have time for yesterday afternoon. In the late morning we transfer to the border and cross into Panama. A short drive takes us to 'Finca 61' where we leave our vehicle for the next 2 days. We board the water-taxi and travel along the tranquil river with its vibrant green banks, palm trees, mangroves and small holdings. This is a very rural area away from the main tourist routes. Our destination is the Bocas del Toro archipelago (approx. 1 hr), and after travelling down the river we meet the ocean and then continue to Bastimentos Town, on the island of the same name. This colourful, small town is built on the water front with many of the buildings on wooden stilts over the water. We check into our hotel in Bastimentos and have dinner. Day 8: Boat trip for dolphin spotting, swimming and snorkelling on the paradise islands. There is a relaxed atmosphere surrounding this mini-paradise with the bright, clear, warm seas teaming with tropical fish, waves lapping onto the sandy beaches lined with lush rainforest. The locals say there are 2 seasons here; the humid and the more humid, but the sun is almost always present! Today we have a boat trip looking for dolphins in the clear blue waters. We stop at one of the secluded islands and jump off the boat with our feet in the warm sands. Here we have time to swim and snorkel, or read a book in the shade. We return to our accommodation in Bastimentos in the late afternoon. Day 9: Drive into the green mountains of Panama. We say goodbye to our island paradise this morning and take the boat to the main land (approx. 30 minutes). We are reunited with our vehicle and from here we drive inland across Panama and into the green mountains. We arrive at our destination, the beautiful small village of Boquete, after around 2 hours. Here in the mountains the temperatures are a little cooler and the surroundings are pristine. At around 1100 metres altitude the climate is perfect for growing flowers, coffee and fruit, making the area very green and lush. It is a hub for adventure and a lovely place to spend a couple of nights. Day 10: Visit Volcan Baru National Park in search of the Resplendent Quetzal bird. This morning we have some time in the Volcan Baru National Park. In clear weather we can get some pretty unique views of both the Pacific and the Caribbean/Atlantic Oceans - there are not many places in the world that you can do that! There are several walks in the park and we choose one to suit our needs and the weather. We will walk for around 1-2 hrs. In the park we look for the beautiful resplendent quetzal bird. These birds are bright green and red with tufty plumage on their heads, and the breeding males have very long tails. We return to Boquete and have the afternoon exploring the town and the surrounding area.

5 PAGE 5 Day 11: Drive on the Pan American Highway to Dominical, Costa Rica. Today we return over the border to Costa Rica. We descend from Boquete and the mountains to the join the Pan American Highway. After around 2 hrs driving we reach the border at Paso Canoas. After completing the border paper work (which can take 1-2hrs) we continuing through southern Costa Rica until we reach the beautiful Pacific coastline. It is around another 2 hrs from the border to Dominical. In Uvita we stop at the Marino Ballena National Park. Here the rainforest joins the ocean on a mangrove and palm lined sandy white beach, with rugged forest clad hills as a backdrop - it's beautiful. We have a well earned stop here and stretch our legs with a short walk. Between December to April Humpback Whales congregate off the shores here to mate. If we are lucky we will see them in the waters. We then continue the short distance to our accommodation at the coastal town of Dominical. Day 12: Explore the forest at the Baru Reserve, drive to Manuel Antonio National Park. Nearby Dominical is the Baru private reserve, this morning we spend around 3 hrs on an exploration walk. There is a chance to see different types of forest; primary and secondary, wetlands, swamp forest and pastures. There is also the possibility to spot lots of birds such as heron, the roseate spoonbill, or mammals like sloths, armadillos, monkeys, deer. We might also be able to find some leaf cutter ants. There is also a beautiful beach. Leaving here we have lunch in a restaurant on the way to Manuel Antonio National Park (around 1 hr drive). We check into our hotel in the town of Quepos (next to the park) and then we have some free time to enjoy the beach or the facilities at the hotel. Overnight Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Day 13: Day in Manuel Antonio. Walking trails and optional activities available. This morning we visit the Manuel Antonio National Park.There are plenty of easy walking trails here with various wildlife including sloth, four monkey species and plenty of iguana to mention a few. If we are lucky, we may even be able to see some baby turtles hatching from their underground nests - an incredible sight. There are also some beautiful beaches which are great for snorkelling. We have the afternoon at leisure, so why not explore the beautiful beaches or book an optional activity through the hotel or in the town. Kayaking in the mangroves or on the ocean, mountain biking and canyoning are all possible options. Overnight Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Day 14: Return to San Jose, via the crocodiles at Tarcoles. We leave the coast and transfer north back to San Jose. At the Tarcoles River we stop and observe the enormous crocodiles basking under the bridge - an incredible site. It is around a 3 hour drive back to San Jose where we check into our centrally located hotel. We have the afternoon free to explore San Jose. Why not check out the central market or the gold museum? Our guide will suggest a good local restaurant where we can enjoy our final dinner together. MEALS BL

6 PAGE 6 Day 15: Transfer to the airport and depart San Jose. There is a single timed transfer to the airport, where KE group package services end. MEALS B Holiday Information What's Included An experienced English speaking local leader Single timed airport transfers Meals as per the meal plan All transfers on private vehicle or boat Entrance fees at the National Parks: Tortuguero / Volcan Baru / Manuel Antonio All tours/excursions as described What's Not Included Travel Insurance Departure tax on leaving Costa Rica (if applicable) Any meals not included as per the meal plan Tips for guides and drivers Optional visits & activities Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc Meal Plan All meals are included except for the dinner in San Jose at the end of the holiday and lunch and dinner when in Cahuita. You should budget around US$10-15 for each of these 3 meals. Food Food in Costa Rica and Panama is generally flavourful but fairly mild (not too spicey). The most popular dish is gallo pinto which is black beans and rice. Main meals are based around beans and rice, and will be accompanied by vegetables or fried plantains, and meat (chicken or beef) or fish. Dessert is usually a selection of fruits. Breakfasts are usually fruit and yogurts and sometimes eggs. Lunch can vary from sandwiches to rice and beans! Joining Arrangements & Transfers A single group transfer will be arranged on day 1 of the itinerary from San Jose Airport. This transfer will normally be in the afternoon on day 1. The KE local guide or a representative of our local agent will assist with the transfers between the airport and the group hotel in San Jose. On the last day of the land only itinerary a transfer is arranged from hotel in San Jose to the airport to coincide with the flights that leave in the afternoon. Land Only clients must inform the KE office of their flight details and should let us know if a transfer is not required. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

7 PAGE 7 Accommodation In San Jose we have 2 nights at the Hotel Don Carlos, this is a centrally located small hotel. In Saraqipui we have 1 night at the Hotel Ara Ambigua, which has lovely grounds including some forest and a frog pond as well as a swimming pool. In Tortuguero National Park we have 2 nights at the Rana Roja lodge where we stay in little private cabins with balconys, connected by wooden walkways in the forest. There is also a swimming pool and a good resturant. In Cahutia we have 2 nights at the Atlantida Lodge, a simple hotel with swimming pool in walking distance of the town. On the islands of Bocas del Toro we stay in the Caribbean View at Bastimentos town in a simple family hotel on the water with some rooms having balcony's. In the mountain town of Boquete our hotel, the Hotel Fundadores, for 2 nights is close to the town square. Moving back into Costa Rica the 1 night in Dominical we spend in the hotel Villas Rio Mar, with gardens and a swimming, a 10 min walk from Playa Dominical. And then finally in Manuel Antonio we have 2 nights at the Hotel Los Almendros. All accommodation is subject to change at the last minute and we cannot guarantee that you will be in the named hotels/lodges as described. Any alternatives will be of a similar standard. The accommodation on this trip is not touristy glisty luxury, but more family run places with charm. All hotels/lodges are en-suite, twin/double rooms. Some hotels have wi-fi and most have air conditioning. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. A certain number of single rooms are available at an additional cost. Group Leader & Support Staff The group will be accompanied by an experienced English Speaking local guide throughout the holiday. Spending Money We estimate that US$200 (or equivalent in Sterling or Euros) will be sufficient to cover your spending requirements including the 2 evening meals and 1 lunch which are not included, tips for drivers and trek staff, airport tax (on departure from San Jose, it is possible you will be required to pay US$32 airport tax, occasionally this is included in your airline ticket) and other incidental expenses such as snacks and drinks. There is also a $9 charge for entry in Nicaragua (for a couple of hours!) on day 3, no visa needed. If you are doing many optional activities (see below) you should budget more. It is not necessary to purchase local currency outside the country. You can exchange money into Costa Rican Colon at the airport on arrival. In Panama they use USD as well as the local coins, Balboa. You do not need Balboa and can just use USD. Credit and bank cards can be used to withdraw cash at ATMs in San Jose or at the airport and often this is at the most favourable rate of exchange though your credit card company may make a charge for this. Credit cards can also be used at most restaurants, and are particularly useful for more expensive souvenirs. US dollars can be used directly to purchase most goods and services in Costa Rica though not necessarily at the most favourable rate of exchange. Optional Activities: All prices are per person and are subject to change without notice. Cahuita Snorkelling boat tour, half-day US$50 Tree of Life rescue centre US$60 Guided hike in Cahuita National Park, half-day US$50 Beach access at Cahuita National Park, donation of around US$3

8 PAGE 8 Kayaking tour, half-day US$40 Manuel Antonio Damas Island Kayak mangrove tour US$69 Mountain Biking US$35-50 Canyoning US$85 Guidance On Tipping Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you to you leader and local team. Tipping is entirely voluntary and should be dependent on good service. We advise you to tip as a group. Free KE Gift We give you a free gift as a way to thank all our clients who book a KE holiday. Choose from KE T-shirts, buffs, KE trek bags* (where applicable) plus many more. Alternatively you can choose to make a 10 donation to the Juniper Trust Charity. You can make your selection in your My KE account after booking. * A free KE trek bag is available on this holiday. Delivery outside of the UK will be charged. Baggage Allowance We ask you to take just a single main bag and a small daypack (large enough to carry your waterproofs, lunch, water and camera each day). There is no restriction on the weight of your baggage other than that imposed by your airline. However, lightweight clothing is the order of the day for the majority of this holiday and you will have a more comfortable travel experience if you pack as light as possible. For this holiday, the KE trek bag (see below) may not provide the best solution for your luggage. A bag with wheels might be easier to manage, and you should not feel obliged to use the trek bag although it is provided. Group Size & Holiday Status For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in Dates and Prices table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements. Recommended Outdoor Retailers Many of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 15% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers. >> Find out more General Information Passport & Visas A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or

9 PAGE 9 consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit. Visa Costa Rica UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for short stays. Visa Panama UK passport holders do not require a visa for short stays. You should carry proof of onward or return travel. Transit Via USA Or Canada IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE TRANSITING THROUGH THE USA You will require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), and you must get this before boarding any US-bound aircraft or ship, or entering on a land border. The fee is USD$14 and you should apply for it at With the ESTA complete, the majority of British Citizen passport holders can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Programme, VWP. As of 1st April 2016 you will be required to have a passport with an intergrated chip. Note that if you have travelled to Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan in the last 5yrs you will have to apply for a visa rather than the Visa Waiver Programme. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE TRANSITING THROUGH CANADA As of 2016, all citizens (except for USA citizens) will require an eta (Electronic Travel Authorisation), and you must get this before boarding any Canada-bound aircraft or ship, or entering on a land border. The fee is CAD$7 and you should apply for it at Health & Vaccinations You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specific require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transitted for more than 12 hrs through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro. Malaria In Costa Rica If you are travelling to Limon Province (on the east coast of Costa Rica, including Tortuguero National Park) there is a low Malaria risk. Please consult with your GP whether you require Malaria prophylaxis. Zika virus has been confirmed as active in this country. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, like dengue and malaria. 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 mosquitoes that transmit ZIKV are unlikely to be found above 2,000m altitude. For more information, visit the website of the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) at

10 PAGE 10 Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, like malaria. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Currency The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colon. The unit of currency in Panama is the Balboa, however the US dollar is also a legal currency and this is the easiest currency to use. Electricity Supply & Plug We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Travel Aware As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Offices' Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: for essential travel advice and tips. KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office. Climate The days are warm and generally sunny with average temperatures between C. Costa Rica and Panama are tropical countries and it can rain anywhere at anytime, however there are 2 main seasons. The wet season is generally May to November, and the dry season during the rest of the year. When it rains it can get humid and muddy very quickly. It rains more on the Pacific coast than the Caribbean. The wet season rain is usually heavy downpours which clear up quickly and are followed by sunshine. Flight Information Flight Inclusive Or Land Only? On our website we display a UK Flight inclusive package price and Land only package price for the majority of our holidays. Flight Inclusive Notes The FLIGHT INCLUSIVE dates and prices are based on UK flights direct from London Gatwick to San Jose, Costa Rica with British Airways. Outbound flights will depart from the UK in the morning, arriving in the afternoon of the same day (day 1 of the itinerary). Return flights will depart in the afternoon of the last day of the itinerary, arriving in the

11 PAGE 11 UK the following morning. Regional departures and/or alternative carriers are available on request. Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. To avoid paying flight supplements, we recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have requested regional departures, we will contact you with an alternative quote. Please note that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance. Note that if you book a package including flights with KE you will benefit from full financial protection. Land Only Notes The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in San Jose, Costa Rica. For clients making their own flight arrangements, San Jose Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel. Please refer to the 'Joining arrangements & transfers' for further details. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'. Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Experience KE has 34 years experience of adventure travel worldwide. All of our holidays are accompanied by an experienced leader, some of whom have worked with KE groups for many years. Many are professional guides and instructors with an unrivalled knowledge of the areas in which they work. In many parts of the world, we recruit local guides with appropriate training and experience. In addition to having the technical skills to ensure your safety, KE expects its leaders to be active members of the group. A leader should be fun to travel with and ready to share with you their enthusiasm for adventure travel and their knowledge of the area. Alongside the group leader, there will be a local support crew, which could be just a driver, or a complete team of guides, drivers, porters, muleherders and cooks. The hard work of our support crews, along with the fascinating insight they can offer into their local culture, is integral to providing you with the very best adventure travel experience. The team of KE office staff is amongst the most experienced in the business, with the proven ability to set up and operate a worldwide programme of adventures. Every one has adventure travel at heart and joins at least one trip a year. It is this depth of experience that makes KE stand out from other adventure travel operators. When you contact KE, by phone or , or visit our office, you will find the help and advice you need, from someone who has actually done the trip and can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience. KE can guarantee the very best in trek support, excellent food, a good standard of hotel and camp accommodation, plus the back up of one of the most respected companies in the business. Client satisfaction is at the top of our agenda and almost 50% of our bookings each year come from repeat business. If you are looking for adventure then look no further than KE. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AND AWARDS Responsible Tourism has always fitted naturally with KEs travel ethic. It is important to us that our clients are not the only beneficiaries of the travel experience, but that we share a two-way relationship with the areas that we visit. We make sure that our local staff are well treated and well paid, we respect indigenous cultures, take care to protect the environment and make the most of every opportunity to make a positive contribution wherever we travel.

12 PAGE 12 In addition to holding an AITO 5-star Sustainable Tourism rating, we are recipients of AITO s Achievement in Sustainable Tourism Award in recognition of the work carried out over the past 20 years, giving back to the communities and areas we visit. We have been awarded Highly Commended status in the Best Tour Operator category of the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, and were named Best Trekking Operator on Earth by National Geographic Magazine, whose criteria included commitment to responsible tourism. We continue to travel responsibly, and more information on our policy, practice, and specific projects can be found at and on the website of our partner charity the Juniper Trust: KEs Mountain Code is issued to our staff, trek leaders and overseas agents, and we recommend it to our clients, too! Your Complete Financial Protection KE Adventure Travel is a fully licensed and bonded tour operator. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), bonded with the CAA (ATOL 2808) and ABTA licensed (W4341). You can book your trip with KE Adventure Travel in complete confidence that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY Making a Booking The easiest way to make your booking is online. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking. This is normally 200 but for some holidays with special permit fees or internal flights, this may be more. The amount of deposit required for an individual holiday is given on the dates and prices page of the holiday. Late bookings will require full payment. We cannot confirm any booking until we receive your fully completed booking form. Adventure Travel Insurance IMPORTANT - It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your KE Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken. You will then need to advise us of your policy details and complete an Insurance Declaration Form. CAMPBELL IRVINE DIRECT travel insurance is available to EU residents and will cover the majority of KE Adventure holidays. It has been designed to provide cover for activities normally excluded by other insurers such as trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Please note that certain activities may attract a higher premium. In addition Campbell Irvine Direct cannot provide cover for KE climbing trips above 6000m. Cover for these can be obtained through either the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or Snowcard. TRAVELEX is a USA based insurer offering travel insurance, which can be used by US citizens and US residents only. KE recommends the "Travelex Select" package for our holidays. If your holiday involves using mountaineering equipment (ropes, harness or crampons), for climbing or glacial travel, you should consider the "Adventure Plus Pak" optional upgrade on the Travelex Select Plan. Please refer to the 'Description of Coverage' for a summary of the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the applicable Protection Plan. This policy will also cover KE climbing trips above 6000m.

13 PAGE 13 We hope that this trip notes has answered most of your questions. Please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our experts.

14 PAGE 14 Equipment List The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. YOU MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight boots Sandals Socks Lightweight trousers Shirts or T-shirts Fleece jacket or warm jumper Lightweight waterproof jacket Lightweigh waterproof overtrousers Sunhat Warm hat Sunglasses Daypack litres Headtorch and spare batteries Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.) Water bottles 1 Litre (2 pint) x2 Washbag and toiletries Antibacterial handwash Small towel Swimwear Small padlock (to lock your KE trek bag) Basic First Aid Kit, including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent (DEET), and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL: Shorts Travel clothes Insect repellent (DEET) Pen-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage) Repair kit (eg. needle, thread, duct tape) Camera Snorkel and mask (a limited number of these will be provided in certain areas) Please note: This document was downloaded on 18 Jun 2018, and the trip is subject to change.