Bewilder your senses as you discover the hidden gems of Costa Rica, Panamá and Nicaragua 3

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1 Tour AZUCR03 Text on home page slider Discover the best of central america Bewilder your senses as you discover the hidden gems of Costa Rica, Panamá and Nicaragua 3 countries; 9 destinations 17 days / 16 nights package Price from: 4,545pp Text in Tour Introduction box Bewilder your senses as you discover the hidden gems of Costa Rica, Panamá and Nicaragua 3 countries; 9 destinations 17 days / 16 nights package This Central American experience brings you unmatched revelations of another world; whether that s spectacular wildlife, rain-forested mountains, bubbling volcano s, hot dusty plains or just crystal clear waters, on this tour you ll get to experience them all! This is a great 17 day trip which discovers the diversity of this region and mixes it with some extremely pleasant rest and relaxation. Departures can be on a daily basis in 2017 and only dependent on your flight connections. Price from: 4,545pp Text in Overview tab Starting and ending in Costa Rica, you ll first travel south to experience the southern Caribbean influences of this diverse and wonderfully friendly country before crossing the border into Panamá to snorkel with dolphins and starfish! Moving back into Costa Rica, you ll travel up past volcano s and cloud forests before crossing into Nicaragua to explore one of the oldest and most historical colonial cities of the Central American continent; Granada. Finally, you ll travel back to the spectacular and always sunny climate of Guanacaste just to chill!

2 Your flights would be to and from San Jose in central Costa Rica, where your trip will start and finish. Outbound (Example) - UK London Gatwick (LGW) San Jose (SJO) Flight with British Airways leaving London Gatwick 09:00 hrs Arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica 13:15 hrs Flight duration: 11h 15m direct Class: Economy with meals served on board Day 1 Arrival in Costa Rica This first day is free for you to acclimatise yourself and spend at your leisure, either relaxing at your hotel or exploring San Jose and its charms. Overnight at the 4* Aulola Holiday Inn. Day 2 San Jose Bocas del Toro, Panamá (2 hours) After breakfast you will drive to Panamá, specifically the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. These 9 islands and 50 keys compete with everything that the Caribbean has to offer; dense humid forest, rainforest with abundant flora and fauna and coral reefs in completely transparent waters... Overnight you ll stay at the 4* Playa Tortuga at Bocas del Toro. Day 3 Bocas del Toro, Panamá Today is about bird sanctuaries and snorkelling. It features an excursion by boat to Bird Island and Boca del Drago beach, and from here you can make your mind up whether the legend is true; that this was where Christopher Columbus landed on during his world navigation. Overnight you ll stay a second night at Playa Tortuga. Day 4 Bocas del Toro, Panamá The last and final day in wonderful Panamá will start in the town of Bocas del Toro, but quickly travel off by boat to some of the more remotely accessed island attractions. Plenty of time is allowed for swimming and snorkelling, including a visit to Dolphin Bay. Overnight you ll stay for a last night at Playa Tortuga.

3 Day 5 Bocas del Toro, Panamá Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica (3 hours) Travelling back across the border you ll next destination is Puerto Viejo, the southern Caribbean home to Costa Rica s Afro-Caribbean culture. Here you ll experience the incredible combination of colours and flavours that define this unique region of Costa Rica. Overnight you will stay at the 4* Namuwoki Hotel. Day 6 Cahuita National Park (6 hours) In the morning today, you ll tour Cahuita National Park by boat and get a chance to snorkel on one of the most important coral reefs in the country. In the afternoon it s on foot with a guide accompanying you along a trail to where the flora and fauna of this rainforest is in abundance. This is a round trip and overnight you will stay for a second night at Namuwoki Hotel. Day 7 Puerto Viejo - Arenal Volcano (6 hours) Awaiting you today is a journey up to the Northern Plains and the impressive Arenal Volcano. Various sights will be seen along the way, with the final destination being La Fortuna, where you will spend the night at the 4* Arenal Springs Hotel. Day 8 Arenal Volcano & Tabacón Resort Today is an explosive one you won t forget! The day starts with a walk along rainforest trails accompanied by our naturalist guide, where you can see monkeys, toucans, sloths and more. Then we ll go to Arenal Volcano s active area, where you can see incandescent rocks falling, the eruption of gases, and the roar of this amazing giant. Overnight you ll spend a second night at the Arenal Springs Hotel. Day 9 Arenal Volcano Monteverde (4 hours) Transfer to Monteverde, a small community located at the top of the Tilarán Mountain Range and an important ecotourism destination in Costa Rica. The main attraction here is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve which you ll first experience as you drive to the destination. Overnight you will be staying at the 4* Hotel Ficus. Day 10 Selvatura Park, Monteverde Today, you will explore the Monteverde cloud forest in Selvatura Park (if you wish!) by canopy zip-line tour and hanging bridges that cross through the unique cloud forest canopy. Almost the entire trail is flat, the hills are small and the trail is a loop, which ensures that visitors will not

4 get lost and can walk at their own pace. Finally, you will visit the hummingbird museum and butterfly garden. Overnight accommodation at Hotel Ficus. Day 11 Monteverde Granada, Nicaragua (6 hours) After breakfast, travel by private transport to Peñas Blancas, the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and then onward to Granada. On arrival there will be a half-day tour of this colonial city. Accommodation at the Colonial Hotel. Day 12 Granada, Nicaragua Your second day in Nicaragua will be spent exploring local towns and artisan markets, afterwards delving a bit deeper into the rich nature of the countryside. Accommodation will be a second night at the Colonial Hotel. Day 13 Granada Guanacaste, Costa Rica (3 hours) After a final free morning to discover the delights of Granada, we ll drive back over the border and head down the Pacific coast to Guanacaste with its beautiful white sand and always-sunny climate. Accommodation tonight would be at Tamarindo Diria. Day 14 Guanacaste Breakfast at the hotel. Free day, with many activities available, from visiting the Palo Verde National Park through to relaxing on the beach. Second night s accommodation at Tamarindo Diria. Day 15 Guanacaste Breakfast at the hotel. These days are open to visit the national parks and beautiful white sand beaches, and enjoy world-class sport-fishing, surfing, diving, Jet Ski tours, sailing, and other activities. Third night s accommodation at Tamarindo Diria. Day 16 Guanacaste San Jose (5 hours) Breakfast at the hotel and return trip from the land of the cowboys to the central valley and San Jose. The afternoon and evening is free for you to enjoy the sights and attractions of this

5 vibrant capital. Your last night will be back at the 4* Aulola Holiday Inn. Day 17 Leaving San Jose and Costa Rica Breakfast will be at the hotel prior to your departure and transfer to the airport for your journey home. Inbound (Example) - San Jose (SJO) UK London Gatwick (LGW) Flight with Iberia leaving San Jose 16:30 hrs Arriving in London Gatwick (LGW) 13:50 hrs (+1) Flight duration: 14h 20m including 1 stop in Madrid Class: Economy with meals served on board NOTE: This itinerary could be updated due to reasons out the control of Azuzoo. Text in Detailed itinerary tab Discover the best of Central America Bewilder your senses as you discover the hidden gems of Costa Rica, Panamá and Nicaragua 3 countries; 9 destinations 17 days / 16 nights package The tour covers all the highlights of Costa Rica and introduces you to some of the best bits of the neighbouring countries of Panamá and Nicaragua. Over 17 days you ll experience such dissimilar climates and landscapes that the trip will leave you in awe of nature s diversity and splendour. Outbound (Example) - UK London Gatwick (LGW) San Jose (SJO) Flight with British Airways leaving London Gatwick 09:00 hrs Arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica 13:15 hrs Flight duration: 11h 15m direct Class: Economy with meals served on board Day 1 Arrival in Costa Rica This first day is free for you to acclimatise yourself and spend at your leisure, either relaxing at your hotel or exploring the city and its charms or just enjoying a coffee while watching the daily life of the "Ticos".

6 Overnight at the 4* Aulola Holiday Inn. Day 2 San Jose Bocas del Toro, Panamá (2 hours) After breakfast you will drive to Panamá, specifically the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. This archipelago composes 9 Islands, 50 Keys and more than 200 Islets, all of which offer a wide variety of attractions and natural environments difficult to find in other regions of the continent, such as dense humid rainforests with abundant flora and fauna, living coral reefs in completely transparent waters, mangrove islets in lake settings, indigenous Ngobe and Naso communities, and a biosphere reserve developed as a province and tribute to future generations. Overnight you ll stay at the 4* Playa Tortuga at Bocas del Toro. Day 3 Bocas del Toro, Panamá Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you are off to Bird Island, Boca Drago and Estrellas Beach, where you can discover the attractions of Colón Island and the town of Bocas del Toro. The tour starts in the center of Bocas del Toro where you will board a covered boat that will take you to Bird Island, a bird sanctuary. This island is one of the most important nesting sites for seabirds in Costa Rica; for instance, the Red-billed Tropicbird which spends most of the year in open sea and only comes to the Keys to reproduce. The Brown Booby, Northern Gannet, Terns and Pelicans are also some of the birds found on this island. From there, we will head to Boca del Drago beach, which lies at the other end of the island. Legend has it that 500 or so years ago Christopher Columbus landed on this beach, however we find that Drago is an ideal site for swimming, diving and snorkelling! There are also walking trails and beaches with crystal clear water where you can see starfish and we will also get to enjoy the pristine waters of Estrellas (Star) Beach. Overnight you ll stay a second night at Playa Tortuga. Day 4 Bocas del Toro, Panamá The last and final day in wonderful Panamá will start in the town of Bocas del Toro with an excursion to Dolphin Bay, Coral Cay, Red Frog Beach & Hospital Point. After boarding a covered boat, this will take you to some of the most beautiful places in Bocas del Toro. We will visit Dolphin Bay to see wild dolphins and then go to Coral Cay to snorkel amid coral reefs filled with multi-coloured fish. After snorkelling, there is time for lunch (which is not included) and after we will visit the beautiful Red Frog Beach, where you can relax under the sun on a turquoise beach. Finally, we will snorkel along the multi-coloured reef of Hospital Point before returning for a last night at Playa Tortuga.

7 Day 5 Bocas del Toro, Panamá Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica (3 hours) Travelling back across the border you ll next destination is Puerto Viejo, the southern Caribbean home to Costa Rica s Afro-Caribbean culture. Here you ll experience the incredible combination of colours and flavours that define this unique region of Costa Rica. Overnight you will stay at the 4* Namuwoki Hotel. Day 6 Cahuita National Park (6 hours) In the morning today, you ll tour Cahuita National Park by boat and get a chance to snorkel on one of the most important coral reefs in the country. After a snack of seasonal fruits and bottled water, the second stage of the tour is an afternoon on foot on a guided trail walk, with a guide taking you to different points between Punta Cahuita and the town of Cahuita (3.5 km) where the flora and fauna of this rainforest are in abundance. This is a round trip and overnight you will stay for a second night at Namuwoki Hotel. Day 7 Puerto Viejo - Arenal Volcano (6 hours) Awaiting you today is a journey up to the Northern Plains and the impressive Arenal Volcano, a natural wonder where columns of ash and white smoke still emanate from the cone-shaped crater. Various sights will be seen along the way, such as numerous agricultural plantations and cattle ranches until you reach the town of La Fortuna, where you will spend the night at the 4* Arenal Springs Hotel. Day 8 Arenal Volcano & Tabacón Resort Today is an explosive one you won t forget! The day starts with a walk along rainforest trails accompanied by our naturalist guide, where you can see monkeys, toucans, sloths and more. Then we ll go to Arenal Volcano s active area, where you can see incandescent rocks falling, the eruption of gases, and the roar of this amazing giant. Afterwards you can relax in the hot springs of Tabacón resort that is famous for its healing properties. Overnight you ll spend a second night at the Arenal Springs Hotel. Day 9 Arenal Volcano Monteverde (4 hours) Transfer to Monteverde, a small community located at the top of the Tilarán Mountain Range and an important ecotourism destination in Costa Rica. The main attraction here is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve which you ll first experience as you drive to the destination. During the trip, you will see Lake Arenal and beautiful landscapes, and pass through some typical country villages.

8 Overnight you will be staying at the 4* Hotel Ficus with the afternoon free at this hotel and locale. Day 10 Selvatura Park, Monteverde Today, you will explore the Monteverde cloud forest in Selvatura Park by canopy zip-line tour (if you wish!) and hanging bridges that cross through the unique cloud forest canopy. This tour not only combines the excitement of one of the safest and most popular Costa Rica adventures, it also offers amazing views of the cloud forest canopy, a perspective which could only be appreciated by scientists until recently. Our tour continues by walking the hanging bridge trail that offers a safe way to admire the cloud forest canopy. The bridges can be enjoyed by people of all ages and physical conditions as almost the entire trail is flat, the hills are small and the trail is a loop, which ensures that visitors will not get lost and can walk at their own pace. Finally, you will visit the hummingbird museum and butterfly garden. Overnight accommodation at Hotel Ficus. Day 11 Monteverde Granada, Nicaragua (6 hours) After breakfast, travel by private transport to Peñas Blancas, the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and then onward to Granada. On arrival there will be a half-day tour of this colonial city, the oldest and most historical city of the American continent. Explore its main streets where you can appreciate the architecture of colonial houses, and in addition we will walk in the Colón Park, visit the La Merced Church, Pólvora (Gunpowder) Fortress, the San Francisco Convent, and appreciate the monuments, culture, and warmth of this wonderful city. Finally, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a boat tour through the lush and romantic islets of Granada. Accommodation at the Colonial Hotel. Day 12 Granada, Nicaragua Your second day in Nicaragua will be spent exploring local towns and artisan markets. In the morning we will drive to Catarina, known for its impressive viewpoint and the town of San Juan de Oriente, and its rich handicrafts and traditions. Then our tour will take us to the city of Masaya, famous for being the birthplace of Nicaraguan folklore; it is essential to visit the artisan market here where you can learn about a range of handicrafts by Nicaraguan artisans. Afterward, we will delve a little deeper into the rich nature of Nicaragua by visiting the Masaya Volcano National Park, where you can see the volcanic activity of the San Fernando crater. We also have the opportunity to visit the museum. Following this, we will have lunch at a local restaurant with free time in the afternoon to continue your personal exploration of the city.

9 Accommodation will be a second night at the Colonial Hotel. Day 13 Granada Guanacaste, Costa Rica (3 hours) After a final free morning to discover the delights of Granada, we ll drive back over the border and head down the Pacific coast to Guanacaste with its beautiful white sand and always-sunny climate. Accommodation tonight would be at Tamarindo Diria. Day 14 Guanacaste Breakfast at the hotel. Free day, with many activities available, from a visit to the Palo Verde National Park or the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, through to relaxing on the beach. Additionally, you can experience many local Costa Rican traditions such as clay handicrafts, traditional "marimba" music, and the fabulous cuisine. Second night s accommodation at Tamarindo Diria. Day 15 Guanacaste Breakfast at the hotel. These days are open to visit the national parks and beautiful white sand beaches, and enjoy world-class sport-fishing, surfing, diving, Jet Ski tours, sailing, and other activities. Third night s accommodation at Tamarindo Diria. Day 16 Guanacaste San Jose (5 hours) Breakfast at the hotel and return trip from the land of the cowboys to the central valley and San Jose. During the trip, we will pass through picturesque towns, and on arrival to your hotel, the afternoon and evening is free for you to enjoy the sights and attractions of this vibrant capital and enjoy dinner from the wide range of gourmet cuisine found in the Capital. Your last night will be back at the 4* Aulola Holiday Inn. Day 17 Leaving San Jose and Costa Rica Breakfast will be at the hotel prior to your departure and transfer to the airport for your journey home. Inbound (Example) - San Jose (SJO) UK London Gatwick (LGW) Flight with Iberia leaving San Jose 16:30 hrs Arriving in London Gatwick (LGW) 13:50 hrs (+1)

10 Flight duration: 14h 20m including 1 stop in Madrid Class: Economy with meals served on board NOTE: This itinerary could be updated due to reasons out the control of Azuzoo. Text in Pricing and Notes tab General information This tour is ideal for nature lovers and naturalists who wish to experience the best of Central America; Costa Rica, Panamá and Nicaragua. Travelling between the three different countries you will come to understand why this region is one of the world s most biodiverse areas to discover and explore. Travel dates This is an open tour for 2017 with no fixed departure dates. Departures on the tour itself can be on any day but will be dependent on your international flight connections. Prices The prices as shown are based on PER PERSON rate for two people sharing a DOUBLE ROOM principally on a Bed and Breakfast basis in 4* Hotels. Note that there are 6 different price levels throughout the different dates of the year depending on start dates for the tour. Single 2 Per Twin Double Triple Child 18 April 30 April 6,340 5,930 4,545 4,035 3,011 1 May 30 June 6,292 5,882 4,521 4,019 3,011 1 July 31 July 6,547 6,139 4,649 4,110 3,011 1 Aug 31 August 6,406 5,997 4,577 4,062 3,011 1 Sept 30 September 6,560 6,150 4,654 4,107 3,011 1 Oct 30 November 6,292 5,884 4, ,011 Infants from 0-5 years free. Children from 6-10 reduced rate, please ask. (Maximum of 2 children sharing a room with their parents._ The prices shown above and the hotels we feature in this Tour are typically 4*, but there are opportunities to upgrade on request to a 5* hotel and equally there are opportunities to downgrade to a 3* hotel should you be interested in a simpler arrangement and budget is a consideration. What s included

11 All transportation within the three countries and all transportation to and from included activities, on a Regular Transfer basis. (Private Transfers can be arranged; or alternatively Car Hire; price on request.) Economy flight from London to Costa Rica return - as will be specified in the itinerary. 16 Nights accommodation across seven different 4* (or above) hotels as detailed in the itinerary as follows: - 2 Nights in Aulola Holiday Inn in San Jose - with breakfast - 3 Nights in Playa Tortuga, Boca del Toro - with breakfast - 2 Nights in Hotel Namuwoki in Caribe - with breakfast - 2 Nights Arenal Springs with breakfast - 2 Nights in Ficus Hotel in Monteverde - with breakfast - 2 Nights in Colonial Hotel, Granada with breakfast - 3 Nights in Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Guanacaste with breakfast Regular flight San Jose to Bocas del Toro (only available on Tuesdays; Thursdays and Saturdays) Excursion to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Estellas Beach (lunch not included) Excursion to Dolphin Bay, Coral Bay, Red Frog Beach and Hospital Point (lunch not included) Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo Excursion: walk in Cahuita National Park, with snorkelling Excursion: hike to Arenal Volcano and Tabacon resort Excursion: canopy and hanging bridges at Selvatura Park, with visit to Hummingbird Museum and Butterfly Garden Entrances to sights of interest in Granada Sales taxes, country departure and entry taxes and tourist entry card A bilingual tour guide, with English spoken What s not included Tips All Meals not specified Optional Tours Expenses of a personal nature Insurance Food This tour is on a Bed and Breakfast basis - other meals are not included unless specified. Text on Accommodation tab Drop down box San José

12 Bocas del Toro Puerto Viejo - Cahuita Volcán Arenal Monteverde Granada Playas de Guanacaste Generally, all accommodation will be in 4* plus hotels. These are nominated as part of your booking and as listed above, and all will be safe, clean and hygienic and be in ideal locations. Aurola Holiday Inn, San Jose (Pictures for reference only; David to provide) Conveniently nestled in the midst of the lively Costa Rican capital city of San Jose, the Aurola Holiday Inn is ideally located for downtown local attractions, all of which are within walking distance, including San Jose s lively central market. You will also enjoy people watching in Parque Morazan, located just outside their front door! Guests will enjoy up-to-date, modern facilities such as complimentary guest parking, swimming pool & hot tub, fitness center, complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the hotel, two restaurants, and a popular pub style bar. Playa Tortuga Hotel and Beach Resort, Bocas del Toro (Pictures for reference only; David to provide)

13 This beachfront resort is the ideal place for visitors to discover the crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, abundant wildlife and infinite tropical beauty of one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world. As the leading hotel in Bocas del Toro, Playa Tortuga is home to the largest oceanfront pool area on Colón Island. A beach volleyball court, poolside bar, separate child and adult pools and a shallow-water tanning area create the ultimate Caribbean paradise. When you re ready to go exploring, simply walk to the end of their private pier and local guides will take you diving, fishing, dolphin-watching, 13snorkelling, surfing or hiking through unspoiled island jungles. A free shuttle will also transport guests to the colorful capital of Bocas Town, about five minutes away. Evenings are a perfect time to enjoy panoramic views of the sea from the hotel s signature Baula Restaurant, located at the end of the private pier. Also be sure to try Naguas Baula Restaurant which serves a delicious fusion of International and Bocatorian cuisine. Each of our modern rooms and suites features cozy bedding, free wireless Internet, airconditioning, cable TV and a private balcony overlooking the sea. The resort is also home to a fitness center with a private massage area. Hotel Namuwoki, Puerto Viejo (Pictures for reference only; David to provide)

14 Just steps from Playa Chiquita's pristine sands, Namuwoki Lodge Resort is wrapped by dense tropical forest and floral plants. The hotel has just thirteen bungalows surrounded by lush nature and each offers its own characteristic and capacity and savors the nuances of Caribbean culture with its varied color and texture. The hotel caters for nature lovers who are happy to tune out and disconnect while on holiday (there is no TV or WiFi to distract from the attractions of the wild environment) and a stay here will offer a sense of immersion in nature. Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal Volcano (Pictures for reference only; David to provide) Nestled in the foothills of Arenal Volcano, this tropical spa hotel is 10 km from La Fortuna Waterfall and 12 km from Arenal Hanging Bridges. Relaxed suites in cabanas have desks, minibars and free Wi-Fi, plus coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs and terraces with seating. Upgraded rooms add volcano views, pull-out sofas and in-room

15 natural hot-spring whirlpool tubs. There are 3 restaurants, including 1 serving Italian cuisine. Other amenities include natural hot springs, hot tubs and an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar and sun-loungers. An open-air spa also offers a hot tub, plus massages and body treatments and yoga classes are available. Ficus Hotel, Monteverde (Pictures for reference only; David to provide) Situated in the mountains, this hotel is step s away from Serpentario, Monteverde Orchid Garden and Jardín de Orquídeas. Ranario and Mundo de los Insectos are also just 10 minutes away. This hotel has just 20 rooms and all features conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers, plus free WiFi and LCD TVs with cable channels. Balconies or patios, private yards, and hair dryers are among the other amenities available to guests. They have a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self-parking are also provided. Hotel Colonial, Granada (Pictures for reference only; David to provide)

16 Hotel Colonial is a tranquil oasis located just 50 meters beside the Cathedral and Central Park in downtown Granada. This quaint, Colonial-style hotel was a new build opened which only opened in 2000 follows the Colonial style of the older houses in Granada. There are 36 down-to-earth rooms (and 10 suites) and come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded suites add whirlpool tubs in and there are various bed combinations. All rooms have A/C, Fan, Flat Screen Cable TV with more than 80 National and International TV Channels. Their on-site Harlequin Restaurant offers various a la carte meals and breakfasts. Amenities also include 2 intimate outdoor pools. Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Guanacaste (Pictures for reference only; David to provide)

17 The Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is an iconic vibrant beach getaway for couples, families and singles to enjoy an unforgettable Costa Rica vacation in a privileged location. This genuine beach resort sits along a stretch of sugar-white sand beach surrounded by lush green mountains and national parks on one of the most famous Costa Rican beachs: Tamarindo Beach. The Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort Costa Rica appeals to a wide range of travellers because of the equally wide range of things to do in and around the Resort including the fine art of doing nothing at all. Guests of all ages enjoy an authentic Costa Rica vacation featuring watersports, golf, land activities, tours and excursions, and swimming pools while sunbathing. The fun continues on into the famous Tamarindo evenings with nightly entertainment, casino, outdoor bars, lounges and much more!