COLOMBIA, COSTA RICA, HONDURAS & PANAMA, via EL SALVADOR;

Transcription

1 COLOMBIA, COSTA RICA, HONDURAS & PANAMA, via EL SALVADOR; Airports, Airfields & Museums PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Saturday, 18 th April Friday, 1 st May Our tour to Central America visits Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama with a short stop between flights in San Salvador, capital of El Salvador before continuing to Colombia in South America, visiting airports and museums. Ramp tours have been requested at each airport and we await their confirmation, however, it should be borne in mind that security at Central American airports is tight due to the region being the main drugs route from South America to North America and beyond. Should we be denied access air-side we will enjoy time at locations on the airport perimeter used by local enthusiasts: and we will also knock on hangar doors on the day. In addition to airports and airfields, in Honduras we have asked to visit the Fuerza Aerea Hondurana (air force) to see their stored C-130s and Aravas, and to look around the very interesting collection of aircraft in the Fundacion Museo Dell Aire; and in Bogota the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana Museum. Arriving in Colombia we will spend 2 half days at one of the world s most famous propliner havens: Villavicencio! This remote airfield in the dense forest is home to one of the largest numbers of operational DC-3s to be seen anywhere, as enjoyed by our last group in In Bogota we plan to charter one of Air Caribe s Antonov An-32s, or if not available an An-26, for a local sightseeing flight. Annotate your booking form if you are interested. We fly from London s Heathrow Airport on the scheduled services of Avianca to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, via Bogota; and with LACSA and AVIATECA within Central America. We stay each night in comfortable hotels (at or near the airport where possible) on a bed and breakfast basis; and travel incountry by air-conditioned mini-coach or coach (depending on the size of the group); and in addition to your Ian Allan Tour Manager we will be accompanied by local English-speaking guides. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local & approximate) DAY 1: SATURDAY, 18 th APRIL Between 18:00hrs. and 20:35hrs. please check-in with Avianca in Terminal 2 at London s Heathrow Airport for our flight to Bogota, Colombia. Then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow enthusiasts who will be gathering in the immediate area. Latest check-in time advised by the airline is 2 hours prior to departure, i.e. 20:40hrs.. Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Flight: AV 121 (Airbus A330) Departs: 22:40 DAY 2: SUNDAY, 19 th APRIL Bogota Arrives: 04:05 Tour Central America - Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 8

2 On arrival we following the signage for Transfer/Transit Passengers for our onward flight with LACSA to Costa Rica. Bogota, Terminal 1 Flight: AV 697 (Airbus A319) Departs: 08:05 San Jose Arrives: 09:25 After Passport Control we collect our luggage from Baggage Reclaim and proceed through Customs; in the Arrivals Hall we meet our local guide and transfer the 2 miles to the Holiday Inn Express, the nearest suitable hotel to the airport: we stay 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Its facilities include free airport shuttle, internet in rooms (at a charge; free in the lobby). Along Airport Boulevard, within walking distance are a Denny s and RostiPollos restaurants, the Pirates Bar and Fiesta Casino. Website: RdU=1&qRms=1&srb_u=1&qAdlt=1&qPSt=0&qFRA=1&qAC=SJC&qRRSrt=rt&qRad=5&qRpp=12&qBrs=h i.ex.rs.ic.cp.in.sb.cw.cv.6c&qwch=0&icdv= Remainder of the day is free to recuperate! Or take a taxi (at your own expense) to the Restaurant La Candela at the airport: see below. DAY 3: MONDAY, 20 th APRIL At 09:00 hrs. we depart and set up base camp at the Restaurant La Candela which overlooks the main runway of Juan Santamaria International Airport (see photograph in our 2015 brochure). Also at the restaurant is the Museo de Aviacion which includes a DH4A Caribou. Website: Midday we depart for Tobias Bolanos Airport; Naturair s fleet of Twin Otters fly from Juan Santamaria during the day but park overnight here. We plan to visit local operators Aerobell and ATASA. This is also a GA airfield and we have requested permission from the airport authorities for air-side access to take our photographs. DAY 4: TUESDAY, 21 st APRIL At 09:00 hrs. we depart for a full day at Juan Santamaria International Airport, calling in at the various operators, including the COPENSA aircraft maintenance company and National Police Air Unit (all visits to be confirmed). The remainder of the day is spent at the Restaurant La Candela. Or our coach can drop you off in the city for sightseeing etc. (in which case the transfer back to the hotel is at your own expense). DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, 22 nd APRIL At 09:30 hrs. we return to the Restaurant La Candela, which opens at 10:00 hrs., and at 16:00 hrs. we transfer to the airport and check in with AVIATECA for our flight to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Latest recommended check-in time is 2 hours prior to departure: 17:50 hrs.. San Jose Flight: AV 712 (ATR72) Departs: 19:50 Tegucigalpa Arrives: 21:30 After the usual arrival formalities, in the Arrivals Hall we meet our local guide and driver and transfer the 3.2 miles to the Honduras Maya Hotel where we stay 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Please note: there are no hotels of an acceptable standard located nearer to the airport. Facilities include restaurant, roof top bar, Website: DAY 6: THURSDAY, 23 rd APRIL Leaving the hotel at 08:30 hrs. we spend the day at Toncontin International Airport (TIA); we have requested visits to all the operators based here, e.g. SETCO and Rollins Air (to be confirmed). We will also ask the Fuerza Aerea Hondurana to see their C-130A, Arava and 2 stored Electra s. There is also the large collection of aircraft in the Fundacion Museo Del Aire, all of which are on Base Aerea Teniente-Coronel Herman Acosta Mejian Airbase, co-located at TIA. Tour Central America - Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 8

3 Mid-afternoon onwards will be spent on the threshold of TIA s runway, outside on the airport s perimeter - a favourite spot for locals and well-travelled aviation enthusiasts (pictured on page 1), it s a good location for both taking landing shots and logging. If you don t know it already, this airport is famous for its circular approach similar to Hong Kong s old Kai Tak Airport! Boarding for our onward flight to Panama City should start around 20:00 hrs.. DAY 7: FRIDAY, 24 th APRIL We spend today catching the action on the perimeter by the runway/threshold. Pictured left is an A319 belonging to the El Salvadorian national carrier VECA. In the afternoon we check-in for our 2 flights with LACASA to Panama, via El Salvador; recommended latest check-in time is 15:30 hrs.. Tegucigalpa Flight: AV 455 (E190) Departs: 17:05 El Salvador Arrives: 17:50 El Salvador Flight: AV 317 (E190) Departs: 20:50 Panama, Tocumen Arrives: 23:50 After Immigration, baggage reclaim and customs we meet our local guide and driver and transfer to the Riande Airport Hotel for a 3-nights stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Facilities include 4 restaurants, bar, airport shuttle and wi-fi throughout. Website: DAY 8: SATURDAY, 25 th APRIL Leaving at 08:30 hrs. we set off for Howard International (Panama Pacifico) Airport; this ex-american airbase is now mainly used by charter airlines. There is also a National Air & Sea Service (coast guard) unit based here. We then return to Panama-Tocumen International Airport; visits have been requested to COPA Airlines and DHL Aero Expreso. DAY 9: SUNDAY, 26 th APRIL Free day. Alternatively, we are offering a half day optional sightseeing excursion to the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks. Subject to sufficient interest, the price will be approximately US$95.00 ( 64.00) per person. Please annotate your booking form if interested. DAY 10: MONDAY, 27 th APRIL At 08:30 hrs. we drive to Panama-Albrook-Marcos A Gelabert Airport which is the city s domestic airport where we plan to call in at the various operators, e.g., Air Panama, Aeroperias etc. By mid-afternoon we are back at Tocumen International Airport, ready to check in for our Avianca flight to Bogota; latest recommended check-in time is 15:53 hrs.. Please note: a Departure Tax of US$40.00 per person, is payable locally, when departing Panama City. Panama Flight: AV 61 (Airbus A320) Departs: 17:53 Bogota Arrives: 19:20 After the arrival formalities we meet our local guide in the Arrivals Hall and transfer to the Hotel Movich Buro 26, a few hundred yards from the terminal. We stay overnight on a bed and breakfast basis. Website: Tour Central America - Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 8

4 DAY 11: TUESDAY, 28 th APRIL Boarding our coach at 08:00 hrs. we depart for Villavicencio, descending down the Andes Mountains to the forest below. A leg-stretch and/or optional lunch stop, will be made during the 2½ hour drive. At 12:30 hrs. we arrive at Villavicencio Airport and proceed airside. We start with a walk, going from ramp to ramp, after which we spend the rest of the time alongside the terminal looking out over the ramp, taxiway and runway. With the light beginning to fade, we transfer the 3 miles to the centre of the town and check in at the GHL Grand Villavicencio, staying overnight on a bed and breakfast basis. DAY 12: WEDNESDAY, 29 th APRIL Leaving the hotel at 08:00 hrs. we return to the airport and repeat what we did yesterday afternoon. At 14:00 hrs. we board our coach and depart for Bogota (with a leg-stretch stop en-route). At 17:30 hrs. we arrive back at the Hotel Movich Buro 26, where we stay overnight on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel facilities include on-site restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi in rooms and throughout the hotel. Note: there are scheduled flights between Bogota and Villavicencio which is an option; however the flights are very popular and not cheap. DAY 13: THURSDAY, 30 th APRIL We check out of the hotel and at 09:30 hrs. depart for our visit to the Colombian Air Force Museum. Lunch, at your own expense, can be taken at the airport. This afternoon we visit Air Caribe who own and/or maintain a good number of civil and military operated Antonov An-26 and An-32 propliners; we will request a flight in one of their An-32s, or if not available, a An-26 as enjoyed by our group in Please annotate your booking form if you are interested. Early evening we arrive at the airport terminal, ready to check-in with Avianca for our flight to London; recommended latest check-in time is 21:00 hrs.. Bogota Flight: AV 120 (Airbus A330) Departs: 23:04 DAY 14: FRIDAY, 1 st MAY Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2 Arrives: 15:45 Whilst waiting for our baggage we wish each farewell until the next time. Tour Central America - Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 4 of 8

5 TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: From: 2, From: On request Package price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a Bed and Breakfast basis Single room supplement Land-only (NO flights) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Flights to/from Bogota on the scheduled international services of Avianca from London s Heathrow Airport Flights on the scheduled international services of Avianca, LACSA and AVIATECA: Bogota-San Jose- Tegucigalpa-San Salvador-Panama City-Bogota UK, Colombian, Costa Rican, Honduran, Salvadorian and Panamanian airport taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge, currently (subject to change) All coach transfers as stated 12 nights hotel accommodation with en-suite facilities Continental breakfast each morning Admission to aviation museums/collections, as stated Local national sales taxes Services of local English-speaking guides throughout Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Meals, other than those as stated above Departure Tax of US$40.00 per person, payable locally, when departing Panama City Optional sightseeing excursion to the Panama Canal Optional single or return flights Bogota-Villavicencio-Bogota Optional sightseeing flights, e.g., Air Caribe An 26 and/or 32 Transfers when not with the main group Travel insurance Visas, if required Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Gratuity for coach drivers (we recommend a total of US$15.00 per person, to be collected by our tour manager on tour) Tips and gratuities Tour Central America - Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 5 of 8

6 GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of per person should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc.. cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. Coach Travel only use coaches chartered from reputable companies, with a driver. Where we have had to cancel a tour, due to the small number of bookings, we have looked at the possibility of renting a 9-18 seater mini-van, with our tour manager driving. However, without exception, the hiring of such a vehicle is illegal if any of the occupants make any payment towards the rental price, fuel and/or other expenses - known as for hire or reward. Any such rental, made without these facts being made known to the rental company at the time of booking, also invalidates all insurance covering the vehicle, contents and persons. The DVLA has also confirmed that any for hire or reward rental could breach the normal driving classification of a standard UK driver s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater mini-vans from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a Full UK Passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return. You may also refer to the World Travel Guide: for general information on passports, visas and health requirements. UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama or Colombia. FCO Consular Advice The FCO s consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. We suggest you visit for upto-date passport, visa and security information on the destination you intend visiting. In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provides both a web site and an Information Line, telephone: This line is open between the hours 10:00 16:00, Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays). Baggage Regulations Avianca Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Please note the differences in the allowances of Avianca and AVIATECA/TACA/LACSA (when we fly in ATR and Embraer 195 aircraft) Checked Baggage: Avianca will transport 2 pieces of checked baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 62 inches (158 cms), including the handle, pockets and wheels. Maximum weight is 50lbs (23kgs). Tour Central America - Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 8

7 Cabin Baggage: for travel out of London s Heathrow Airport you may take 1 carry-on bag (and 1 personal item). Your main piece of hand baggage can be up to the dimensions of 45 inches (115 cms). You must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker unaided. Carry-on baggage must be stowed in carry-on compartments of the aircraft, under a seat, or in an overhead locker. All larger-sized items must go in the aircraft s hold. Maximum weight is 22 lbs (10 kgs). Baggage Regulations AVIATECA, TACA & LACSA Checked Baggage: limited to 1 piece per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 62 inches (158 cms). Maximum weight is 35 lbs (16 kgs). Cabin Baggage: you may take 1 carry-on bag (and 1 personal item). Your main piece of hand baggage can be up to the dimensions of 45 inches (115 cms). You must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker unaided. Carry-on baggage must be stowed in carry-on compartments of the aircraft, under a seat, or in an overhead locker. All larger-sized items must go in the aircraft s hold. Maximum weight is 10 lbs (4.5 kgs). Limited quantities of liquids are allowed as hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Individual containers must not exceed 90ml or 3 American ounces, and items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain: Shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. Hand baggage can include: Electronic equipment including mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit. All electrical devices, e.g. cameras, laptops, i-pads, mobile phones etc, must be fully charged. If not they, and you, may have to undergo additional security checks which could result in you missing your flight; in which case depending on the co-operation of the airline - you may have to purchase new tickets (if you do not board your first flight then all other flights are automatically cancelled). At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note, you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened. Once in the departure lounge passengers may purchase certain items in any shop and take it onto the aircraft as normal. Passengers may be subject to a secondary search at the departure gate before boarding. Any items not on the approved list will be removed. As baggage regulations can change with little warning, due to security requirements, you are strongly advised to contact the airline for the latest information nearer to the time of your departure. Meals Meals are not normally included in the price of our tours unless they are included within the room rate as we realise that not everyone wants three meals a day. On this tour Continental or Hot Breakfast is included. In-flight meals when included within the cost of the air ticket form part of the tour price, however some airlines (primarily European carriers) now only serve refreshments for which they charge accordingly. Health Requirements There are currently no known mandatory or recommended precautions required for travel to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama or Colombia. However, we strongly recommend that you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate Costa Rica and Honduras: dry season with temperatures in the high 70ºsF to mid 80ºsF. Panama: chance of late afternoon rain shower; temperature stays around 88ºsF all month. Colombia: chance of rain shower in Bogota; Villavicencio dry; temperatures in high 80ºsF. Tour Central America - Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 7 of 8

8 Dress Summer items of clothing plus waterproof for any wayward shower. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, can provide competitive and comprehensive insurance cover for the duration of your tour. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to. Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. The Policies for the USA also include cover for non-scheduled flights, i.e. pleasure flights, where the aircraft is licensed and insured to undertake such flights, and where a payment is made. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports Anyone requiring wheelchair assistance at airports must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and/or airports can no longer provide this service without prior confirmation, therefore, please annotate your booking form accordingly. Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests during multi-day stays in the same place, so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual s responsibility to ensure that they re-join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure. Land Only Price For enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour in Costa Rica (instead of flying from the UK with the main group), we would be pleased to quote a Land Only price. This price will not include any flights whatsoever and you are strongly advised to contact us before making your own flight arrangements in the event that there has been a change to the published itinerary. This is particularly relevant for the flights around Central America as part of your individual itinerary. Please note that the Land Only price is based on you meeting the tour at the hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica and does not include the airport transfer on Day 2. Flight Timings & Connecting Travel Arrangements to Departure Airport All flight departure and arrival times are correct at the time of preparing each itinerary, however, airlines may change these times with little or no prior warning. In practice such changes are only a few minutes either way and the final itinerary will show the actual times. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc., should bare the above in mind if purchasing nonrefundable or non-changeable tickets. cannot be held responsible for any changes to flight times, and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports - please call on for the latest special offers available. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking - we can offer special rates for the above at most UK airports, please ask for details. Purple Meet & Greet Car Parking: from your home or overnight hotel, simply drive directly to Terminal 2, to the Short Stay Car Park, Zone A, and hand your car over to the waiting driver who will then take it to an off-airport, secure, car park. On your return, the driver and your car will be waiting for you in the same location. Simple and very convenient. Recommended by our Tour Managers. Please call for details. Pleasure Flights Disclaimer Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon. Tour Central America - Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 8 of 8