COSTA RICA FOR FAMILIES

Transcription

1 COSTA RICA FOR FAMILIES An Expedition with Purpose SPRING AND SUMMER 2017

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 05 An Expedition with Purpose 07 Facts at a Glance 08 Itinerary at a Glance 15 Expedition Map 17 The Inspirato Team 19 Expedition Highlights 22 World-Class Inclusions 24 Additional Rules, Terms and Conditions 3

3 AN EXPEDITION WITH PURPOSE At Inspirato we believe in giving back. This Costa Rica family experience is an opportunity to join us in that mission. As you land in the Meseta Central, the valley that makes up the city of San Jose, you will see volcanos in all directions - each mountain covered in coffee plants and lush green foliage. The city of 1.3 million people represents almost a third of the nation s population and remains a center point for the country's vibrant culture. Outside of the country s largest city are the verdant Costa Rican forests. Once vanishing at an astonishing rate, the forests are now protected by the Forestry Department and National Wildlife Directorate. The famous Arenal Volcano, which erupted most recently in 1968, had a magnificent impact on the surrounding villages. The Arenal Lodge, near your accommodations, was established in the late 1980s to monitor volcanic activity. Today it functions as a tourist destination with an incredible view of the volcano. This adventure begins in San Jose and ends in Guanacaste. Each day is packed with adventure for the whole group, but we have also built in down time to spend with your family, relax, and eat a few meals at your own pace. From a whitewater rafting trip (and a canoe safari for families with kids under eight), to a dip in the hot springs, this part of the Costa Rica Family Service Experience is filled with a variety of sights and activities. From Arenal your journey will take you north to the Guanacaste beaches. Here you will interact with a local community outside Guanacaste, learn how to kayak and stand up paddle board, and sail away on a catamaran. There will be several community service opportunities throughout the itinerary. While the projects that need our help the most can shift within a year prior to arrival, we hope to engage in several different projects such as reforestation, painting and rehabilitation at a wildlife refuge, volunteering at a puma refuge and visiting a local school. Over one week you will journey from the jungles of the Arenal region to the beaches of Guanacaste. Inspirato member families will learn how to make tortillas at a local organic farm, zipline through the treetops, and engage in service projects and cultural exchange. We like to think of this trip as Inspirato Family Camp with a purpose. 5

4 FACTS AT A GLANCE EXPEDITION DATES March 17-24, 2017 June 24 - July 1, 2017 ACCOMMODATIONS Xandari Plantation, San Jose (1 night); Arenal Nayara Resort & Spa, Arenal region (3 nights); El Mangroove, Guanacaste (3 night) MINIMUM AGE 6 AIRPORTS Fly into San Jose (SJO), fly out of Liberia (LIR) 7

5 ITINERARY AT A GLANCE DAY 2 Arenal Region Organic Farm Visit, Arenal Lake & Zip Lining Today you will visit an organic farm where you will see sugarcane production, coffee, banana, and plantain harvesting, as well as an array of farm animals. Learn to make tortillas, and eat a traditional Costa Rican lunch with the farming family. DAY 1 San Jose - Arrival at Xandari Plantation Upon arrival you will be greeted at the airport and driven to Xandari Plantation just a quick drive away in the Poas Volcano Valley. Here you will complete a brief orientation and have some time to relax before the welcome dinner. In the afternoon, take a gondola up above the clouds to an observation platform overlooking Arenal Lake and the surrounding rainforest-swept mountains. You will zipline your way back down through the rain forest. After an action-packed day dinner will be at your leisure. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch Accommodations: Arenal Nayara Spa and Gardens / Nayara Suite Meals provided: Dinner Accommodations: Xandari Plantation / Ultra and Ultra Plus Prima Rooms 9

6 DAY 3 Arenal Region Exploration & Rainforest Hike This morning is your time to relax and rejuvenate. Start the day with a family yoga class then kick back and enjoy the gardens and pools on the Nayara Arenal properties. After lunch, travel to a breathtaking waterfall where you will go on a nature and wildlife hike through the tropical rainforest. Complete this adventure with a refreshing dip in a natural pool. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring local sites. Walk with your guide to the community church and poke around in the quaint stores throughout the town. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodations: Arenal Nayara Spa & Gardens / Nayara Suite DAY 5 Guanacaste - Service Opportunities & Arrival at El Mangroove Today you will journey north through the heart of Costa Rica to Guanacaste. You ll stop along your journey to play soccer with locals, share fruit and drinks with school children and have the unique opportunity to serve the community. After arriving at El Mangroove hotel, you will have the afternoon to relax at your leisure and enjoy the Papagayo Bay beach. Prior to dinner, enjoy some light snacks and drinks, along with a game of beach volleyball with your family. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch Accommodations: El Mangroove / Nesto and Junior Suites based upon availability DAY 4 Arenal Region River Exploration & Tabacon Hot Springs Today families with children 8 and over will engage in a heart-pounding whitewater rafting adventure, while families with children under 8 will enjoy a canoe safari through the rainforest. Along the river you may spot monkeys, iguanas, herons or even reclusive sloths. After a quick dip in the water, a scenic lunch will be served on the river. For the remainder of the afternoon you will have time to enjoy the hot spring mini pools. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodations: Arenal Nayara Spa and Gardens / Nayara Suite 11

7 DAY 6 Guanacaste Service Project You will start the morning off with a hearty breakfast before transferring to your morning service project. Assist with trail maintenance, rehabilitation of picnic areas and creation of signage for the trails. There will be a picnic lunch in the wildlife reserve, followed by a beach barbeque at El Mangroove. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodations: El Mangroove / Nesto and Junior Suites based upon availability DAY 7 Papagayo Beach Adventure Day This morning, explore the Papagayo Bay with kayak or paddle board lessons. After lunch, you will board a catamaran for snorkeling, sailing, and a barbeque. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodations: El Mangroove / Nesto and Junior Suites based upon availability DAY 8 Departure from Liberia Airport After breakfast, you will be transferred to Liberia airport. This itinerary does not include flights onward from Liberia airport. When purchasing flights, please make sure to purchase your flight into San Jose Airport on Day 1 and out of Liberia Airport on Day 8. Meals provided: Breakfast 13

8 LIBERIA AIRPORT GUANACASTE ARENAL REGION EXPEDITION MAP COSTA RICA SAN JOSÉ ITINERARY DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 San Jose - Arrival at Xandari Plantation Arenal Region Organic Farm Visit, Arenal Lake & Zip Lining Arenal Region Exploration & Rainforest Hike Arenal Region River Exploration & Tabacon Hot Springs Guanacaste - Service Opportunities & Arrival at El Mangroove Guanacaste Service Project Papagayo Beach Adventure Day Departure from Liberia Airport 15

9 THE INSPIRATO TEAM MARGARET PLATT Experiences Lead

10 EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS ORGANIC FARM TOUR Immerse yourself in the natural cultivation of local produce by scouting the facilities of an organic farm. Observe traditional farming practices like sugarcane production, coffee, banana, and plantain harvesting in their purest form. A variety of animals who also contribute to the farm will set the scene for an effortless learning experience. TRADITIONAL TORTILLA MAKING EXPERIENCE Dating as far back as 10,000 years BC, the ancient art of tortilla making is anything but lost. In Costa Rica tortillas are as much of a staple in everyday meals as rice and beans. Indulge your culinary curiosity and learn how to make them yourself. You ll be quickly rewarded with a traditional Costa Rican lunch with the local farming family. TABACON HOT SPRINGS The eco-friendly Tabacon Hot Springs place a large emphasis on ensuring a relaxing and unique experience with nature. Known as the most acclaimed luxury hot springs in Costa Rica, Tabacon Hot Springs offer an impeccable combination of volume, temperature and mineral content. The completely natural thermal springs promise to calm the mind and body. 19

11 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Volunteer for several local projects that need our help. Reforestation, painting and rehabilitation at a wildlife refuge, volunteering at a puma refuge and visiting a local community are just a few examples of the ways we can make an impact. This is a memorable opportunity for you and your family to lend your time to the community. KAYAK AND PADDLEBOARD Famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, Papagayo Bay is perfectly surrounded by lush, tropical gardens, making this sandy excursion just as well suited for nature lovers as it is beachgoers. Explore the expansive beauty of Papagayo Bay by way of kayak and paddleboard. Complimentary lessons will have you navigating like a professional in no time. WHITEWATER RAFTING OR CANOE SAFARI Families with children eight years old and over will engage in a heart-pounding whitewater rafting adventure, while families with children under eight will enjoy a canoe safari through the rainforest. Whether you re an adventure-seeker or prefer a slower pace, you ll have the opportunity to spot monkeys, iguanas, herons and even reclusive sloths on your journey down the river. 21

12 WORLD-CLASS INCLUSIONS All accommodation on a shared basis. 1 or 2 adults per room (single supplement pricing applies), maximum 3 children per room (third occupant must be under age 12) All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8, except for dinner on Days 2 and 5 On-site expedition leaders to ensure your trip is logistically smooth and incredible Services of local lodge guides Gratuities for hotel staff, local guides, and meals (gratuities for expedition leader not included) Activities as specified in the itinerary Transfers as specified in the itinerary Park fees Accommodation taxes, applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Government Sales Tax (GST) RATES DO NOT INCLUDE: Airfare from home city to San Jose airport at the beginning of the itinerary and from Liberia airport at the end of the itinerary Dinner on Days 2, 5 Alcoholic beverages other than local beer and wine with dinner Travel insurance Gratuities for Expedition Leader and Trip Coordinator Items of a personal nature (souvenirs, phone calls) 23

13 WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS EXPEDITION? ADDITIONAL RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS We only recommend this experience for members in good physical condition. The itinerary does not require a great deal of physical fitness, but members must be able to walk unassisted for one to two miles on uneven terrain with an increase in the altitude. With a combination of heat, walking and high altitudes, we do not recommend this itinerary to those with physical limitations. If you are concerned with your physical condition we recommend that you first consult a physician. WHAT IF I AM PREGNANT? We advise you to first contact your doctor to discuss your plans to travel. It is not recommended that women who have entered the 24th week of pregnancy at any time during the duration of the trip participate in the experience. WHERE CAN I STORE MY VALUABLES THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE TRIP? INSPIRATO EXPERIENCE This Inspirato Experience is an "Additional Opportunity" as defined in your Membership Terms and Conditions (the "Trip"). The following Additional Opportunity Rules, Terms and Conditions Addendum (this "Addendum") applies to the Trip, which you wish to reserve or have reserved. Unless otherwise stated below, your participation in this Trip and this Addendum are subject to your Membership Terms and Conditions and Reservation and Use Rules (collectively, the "Membership Documents"), including all waiver and releases agreed to therein. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Membership Documents. ADDITIONAL RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS Your participation in this Trip is also subject to the terms and conditions established by the tour operator for the Trip, as same may change from time to time. A copy of the tour operator s terms and conditions for this Trip will be provided to you prior to your departure or upon request and are binding on you and your guests. The tour operator's terms and conditions contain significant agreements and you are hereby advised to read them carefully. If there is any direct conflict between terms contained in this Addendum and any of the tour operator's terms and conditions (such as the cancellation policy), the terms of this Addendum will control. This Addendum is subject to change from time to time. We will notify you of any changes to this Addendum in writing. There will be a safe available in each of the accommodations included in the itinerary. WHAT IS THE CULTURE LIKE? Costa Rica is a very relaxed culture, and considerably open to tourism. Because of this, schedules are not always executed in a timely manner. The pace is much slower and it is important to acknowledge and respect these cultural differences. TOUR OPERATOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS Your participation in the experience is also subject to the terms and conditions established by the Tour Operator for the experience, as the same may change from time to time, all of which are included in this Addendum by reference and are binding on you and your guests. A copy of the Tour Operator s terms and conditions for the experience can be provided to you upon request. The Tour Operator s terms and conditions contain significant agreements and we advise you to read them carefully. If there is any direct conflict between the terms contained in this Addendum and any of the Tour Operator s terms and conditions (such as the cancellation policy), the terms of this Addendum will control. PAYMENT TERMS The Additional Opportunity Fee is the total amount due to participate in the Trip, including taxes. Call your Member Services Team for the deposit schedule for this Additional Opportunity Fee. 25

14 CANCELLATIONS This Trip has special reservation modification and cancellation rules. Therefore, for this Additional Opportunity reservation, Section 3 of your Reservation Rules is superseded by the following for the Trip: A deposit for the Additional Opportunity Fee for this Trip is required to be made at or about the time you confirm your reservation. The Additional Opportunity Fee is nonrefundable from time of booking. In the case of any full or partial Member Cancellation of this Trip received in writing, Inspirato will attempt to rebook your reservation occupancy provided that all other options in that category have already been booked. If Inspirato is able to rebook your occupancy, you will be entitled to receive a refund less any fees incurred of your deposit in Inspirato Travel Credits. Further, deadlines apply to any modifications requested for your reservation(s) for this Trip, including name modifications, and may be subject to additional change fees. If you request anything that is not specifically included in the Additional Opportunity, you will be responsible for any additional corresponding charges. Neither Inspirato nor any of its affiliates are responsible for, or liable with regard to, claims related to a third party s provision of, or failure to provide, other services. ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Some activities on the Trip may have Essential Eligibility Criteria ( EEC ) that must be met for participants to engage in them. Examples of requirements may be minimum weights and heights, ability to listen to and follow instructions and physical dexterity, with or without the support of an aide. Members are required to provide any equipment that they may require to meet the EEC. Please contact your Member Services Team for more information on the EEC for your Trip. TRAVEL INSURANCE As with any Inspirato Opportunity or Additional Opportunity, we strongly recommend you and your Guest(s) purchase travel insurance to protect you and your investment. Refunds will not be given in the event of cancellation due to events that are out of Inspirato s control. Please contact your Member Services Team if you wish to purchase travel insurance. GENERAL DISCLAIMER Inspirato Experiences and this Trip are operated by independent third parties not affiliated with Inspirato, and Inspirato is acting as booking agent only for this Trip. Inspirato Experiences and this Trip are available at members-only rates to Inspirato Members in good standing and based on availability at the time of booking. Minimum age restrictions may apply. Rates, inclusions, and exclusions are subject to change at any time until the Trip has been confirmed and paid for. The exact itinerary and other trip details may change due to circumstances out of Inspirato's or its partners' control, even after confirmed and paid. By booking this Trip, you agree on behalf of all members and guests in your party traveling on this Trip to this Addendum and to the Trip's specific terms and conditions. If required, you agree to execute a separate Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement in favor of the tour operator and Inspirato, as such documents may be provided to you. Please visit the Trip s designated website page at or contact your Member Services Team for the most current information. PERSONAL HEALTH For the safety of all travelers, some Experience partners may have restrictions depending on the health of individuals. For example, passengers who are at an advanced stage of pregnancy (after 5 months) at the time of departure may be subject to restrictions or exclusion concerning their ability to travel and/or board a ship. If you have questions regarding this, your Member Services Team can put you in touch with the appropriate contact. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS You and your guest(s) are required to fill out the Guest Information Form prior to the required date. All travel documents (air and cruise tickets, if applicable, passport, and medical card) are you and your guest's responsibility. It is also you and your guest's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas and public health documents for all applicable ports and to comply with all customs requirements. Without the required documents, you and your guest(s) may be denied participation in the Trip and neither Inspirato nor the tour operator will make a refund or be otherwise liable to any guest for such denial of participation. In the event that Inspirato, as a courtesy, provides information or advice as to necessary travel documents, visas and medical inoculations, you and your guest(s) are still obligated to verify such information with the appropriate government authorities and Inspirato does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of such information. Some countries require passports to be valid six (6) months beyond the intended stay. Please check with the appropriate consulate for specific requirements. The marketing materials applicable to this Trip describe all inclusions and exclusions. Anything not specifically included in the marketing communications for this Additional Opportunity is excluded. Certain services, amenities and other activities may require additional fees and may have limited availability. 27

15 HAVE A QUESTION? FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO OUR TEAM OR VISIT INSPIRATO.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. MEMBERSHIP ADVISOR LINE MEMBER SERVICES TEAM

16 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Dates, prices and itinerary subject to change at any time. Inspirato is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website ( for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI ; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates Inspirato LLC.