YOUR TOUR DOSSIER COSTA RICA & PANAMA TRIP OVERVIEW Explore sun-soaked islands, laidback coastal cities, wildlife-rich national parks and dramatic volcanic landscapes on this tour through the natural and manmade wonders of Costa Rica and Panama. Spot unique wildlife and colourful underwater reefs in Tortuguero and Bocas del Toro, witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, and journey from smouldering volcanoes to cascading waterfalls in La Fortuna on this 13-day Central American odyssey. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to Costa Rica & Panama. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 1: UK to Panama City D Depart London on your scheduled flight to Panama City, via Miami. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the neighbourhood in Panama s capital. DAY : Panama City B/L/D Begin your first venture into Panama with a visit to the Panama Canal, an 80km stretch that snakes it way through mountains and jungle as it joins the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Witness the mighty locks fill and drain as this impressive engineering feat works to transport over 14,000 vessels annually. Return to the heart of the city, making your way to its fantastically varied shopping centres, which sell everything from designer goods to the country s iconic Panama hats, then into the historic quarter of Casco Viejo. In the last 0 years, the district s cobbled streets, grand colonial buildings and pastel-coloured cathedrals have been lovingly restored. Return to your hotel for your overnight stay. DAY 3: Panama City to Bocas del Toro B/L/D After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the island archipelago of Bocas del Toro in northern Panama. This dazzling collection of islands, keys and islets boasts lush rainforests teeming with flora and fauna, living coral reefs off sun-soaked beaches, lakes filled with mangrove-covered islets, and a biosphere reserve that preserves these natural resources. On arrival, you will be transferred to your beachfront hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure to soak in your spectacular surroundings. DAY 4: Bocas del Toro B/L/D A day of beach hopping begins with a boat trip to Isla Pájaros (Bird Island). Sail over sparkling, emerald expanses of water to this rock formation, covered in tropical vegetation which harbours hundreds of native and migratory birds. Watch pelicans, frigates and the colourful red-billed gull swooping and darting among the rocks before your boat carries you to nearby Boca del Drago. This series of three golden beaches is protected by a barrier reef on one side and the mainland on the other. Take a short dip in the warm waters before feasting on a savoury Creole Caribbean lunch. Continue on to neighbouring Star Beach, where calm, shallow waters have given rise to the multitude of starfish lounging on the ocean bed. Enjoy up-close encounters with the starfish and time to swim or sunbathe on these powder-soft sands before returning to your hotel. DAY 5: Bocas del Toro B/L/D After breakfast, board a boat for your short ride to Dolphin Bay, where the mangroves sheltering schools of fish have created the ideal habitat for the dolphins that permanently inhabit the bay. Look out for pods of dolphins surfacing, leaping and gliding through the water then continue onward to Cayo Coral for some snorkelling. Watch colourful parrotfish darting between the soft, swaying coral and sea fans and try to spot the yellowhead jawfish before it retreats hastily into its ocean burrow. After this thrilling marine experience, visit Red Frog Beach Reserve, one of the most breath-taking beaches on the island and lay back on the soft, golden sands, bordered by lush vegetation. DAY 6: Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica B/L/D Bid Panama farewell as you transfer from Bocas del Toro by boat. Travel overland into Costa Rica, bound for Puerto Viejo, a laidback coastal city with a strong Afro- Caribbean influence and stunning stretches of beach. DAY 7: Puerto Viejo B/L/D Experience fantastic snorkelling and scenic nature walks as you take in Costa Rica s famed wildlife and natural reserves. Board a boat and travel to Cahuita National Park where you can snorkel along the 600-acre-long coral reef a colourful haven for marine life. Snack on fresh tropical fruit as your boat returns to shore then take a leisurely hike through Cahuita s vivid rainforest, enjoying farreaching ocean views and the chance to spot howler monkeys, sloths, armadillos, toucans and macaws. At the end of your picturesque hiking trail, feast on a Costa Rican-Caribbean lunch before returning to your hotel in Puerto Viejo. DAY 8: Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero B/L/D Depart Puerto Viejo as you travel north along the coastline to Tortuguero National Park. En route, visit the lush town of Guápiles in Costa Rica s banana-growing region to dine on a tasty traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Travel past vast banana plantations and small rural communities, arriving at the Pavona Pier, your gateway to Tortuguero s scenic waterways. Here, a boat will carry you through the winding network of rivers and canals, past wildlife-rich rainforests. After this memorable boat ride through Costa Rica s Amazon, continue on to your hotel in Tortuguero, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the centre of Tortuguero Village, located on a verdant, forested sandbar, before returning to your hotel where you ll have some free time to make use of the facilities on offer. DAY 9: Tortuguero B/L/D Tortuguero, which translates to Turtle Catcher, is renowned as the breeding ground of the green turtle. Your hotel is located just five minutes from the park entrance and this morning, a guide takes you on a walk along the hotel s nature trails. Later this afternoon, take a leisurely boat tour through the canals that weave through the town and national park, looking out for birds, animals and fish on the shore and in the water. 1
DAY 10: Tortuguero to La Fortuna B/L/D This morning, travel through the canals of Tortuguero to the pier where your transportation to La Fortuna awaits. Journey through agricultural and ornamental plant plantations and cattle ranches, finally arriving at your hotel in La Fortuna. Marvel at the fantastic views of the mighty Arenal Volcano which forms a dramatic backdrop and enjoy the remainder of the day to explore this tranquil mountainous town. DAY 11: La Fortuna B/L/D Hike through the cool undergrowth of La Fortuna, a scenic 40-minute walk that ends at the site of the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall. Witness the natural beauty of the cascading water as it emerges from dense jungle, falling into the emerald pool at its base. Relax or swim in the refreshingly cool waters before lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, follow the trails through a private rainforest property that provides amazing views of Arenal Volcano which, until recently, was the country s most active volcano with an average of 41 eruptions daily. DAY 1: La Fortuna to San Jose B/L/D Journey from La Fortuna to San Jose, Costa Rica s capital. On the way, stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a privately-owned ecological centre which boasts a butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, and 3.5 km of trails leading to three magnificent waterfalls. After lunch in this verdant centre, visit the giant iguanas of El Muelle then continue on to Doka Coffee State. Here, you ll take a fascinating coffee plantation tour, learning about the ancient cultivation, harvesting and roasting techniques used by the experts to produce some of the best coffee beans in Costa Rica. Arrive in San Jose in time for tonight s farewell dinner, signalling the end of your unforgettable Latin American adventure. DAY 13: San Jose to the UK or extension B After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Panama City ( nights) 4H El Panama Hotel Address: Calle Eusebio A. Morales 111, Panamá, Panama Contact number: 00507 15-918 Bocas del Toro (3 nights) 4H Playa Tortuga Address: Isla Colon S/N, Bocas del Toro, Panama Contact number: 00507 757-9050 Puerto Viejo ( nights) 3H Namuwoki Lodge Puerto Viejo, Limón Province, Costa Rica Contact number: 00506 750 078 Tortuguero ( nights) 3H Pachira Lodge Tortuguero Canals, Limón Province, 7006, Costa Rica Contact number: 00506 57 4 La Fortuna ( nights) 4H Arenal Springs Address: Arenal Volcano Road, La Fortuna, Costa Rica Contact number: 00506 479 11 San Jose (1 night) 4H Sleep Inn Hotel Address: 3rd Avenue 9 & 11 st, San José, 16551000, Costa Rica Contact number: 00506 51 6500 La Fortuna Air Coach La Paz Waterfall 1 Tortuguero 1 Number of nights Puerto Viejo San José Bocas del Toro Costa 3 Rica Panama City Panama Accommodation All accommodation is 3 & 4H with en-suite facilities, heating/air-conditioning, a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Mercury Holidays have visited and inspected all the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. Should any of the hotels listed become unavailable, you will be placed in alternative accommodation of the exact same standard. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner will either be taken at your hotel or in local restaurants. ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival in Panama City you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Best of Costa Rica, holding a sign displaying: Mercury Holidays. The Mercury Holidays/Best of Costa Rica representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries. However, if you need to contact Best of Costa Rica during your stay the details are: Best of Costa Rica Urbanización El Robledal, La Uruca, San José, 400 Norte y 100 Este de Hotel Barceló San Jose Palacio Contact number: 00506 90 130 Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for Best of Costa Rica Contact details: Telephone: 00506 8936 11
WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Visas - IMPORTANT Costa Rica: UK passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa for Costa Rica prior to travel. However, as flights go via the USA, you will need to obtain an ESTA. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange the visa on your behalf. Please call them on 0170 50 590 and quote Mercury Holidays. Alternatively, if you wish to apply for the ESTA yourself, you can find details on how to do this on the ESTA website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. All UK passport holders must have a bio-metric passport and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you are expected to arrive back in the UK. Important note: If you do not have a bio-metric epassport, you will be refused entry into the USA. Further visa advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity. Panama: British nationals do not need a visa to visit Panama. Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 437 and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 4 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health & vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in sufficient time before your departure. Sources of information include: www.fco. gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa. org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Tour Guides This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will have the services of an English speaking guide during your stay in Panama City who will be present during your transfers and excursions. From your arrival into Bocas del Toro, you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Physical Accessibility This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. Tipping Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. However, it is customary to tip both your driver and guide for good service. If you wish to tip we recommend around US$5.00 ( 3) per person per day for the tour guide and US$3.00 ( ) per person per day for the driver. You may give the tips to the guide and driver personally at the end of the tour for your convenience. Tips are accepted in any currency. Group Size The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 40. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Currency Exchange Costa Rica: The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rica Colon, known as CRC, but US Dollars are also widely accepted in the major cities. It is preferable if you have smaller denominations. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour to withdraw money in the local currency Panama: The official currency of Panama is the US Dollar. Personal Expenses You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately 00-400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. Credit Card Information As normal practice you will be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. Itinerary Changes The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. WHAT TO PACK Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat Waterproof lightweight jacket Comfortable walking shoes Lightweight clothing (jeans are not recommended) Sweater Swimwear Camera and charger Small day pack for hikes/treks Lightweight/travel towel A plug adaptor - the electricity supply is 10 volts and or 3 flat pin plugs Binoculars Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc FLIGHT INFORMATION Your initial flight is to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) via Miami with British Airways, departing from London Heathrow Terminal 3. Your return flight is from Mineta San Jose International Airport with British Airways. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Baggage Allowance Baggage allowance (per person): Each passenger is entitled to 3kg of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding 56cm x 35cm x cm in size and one personal item (such as a handbag or laptop case) not exceeding 43cm x cm x 5cm. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 000, quoting HX313. 3
WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average temperature: Panama City Average temperature: Bocas del Toro Average temperature: Puerto Viejo Average temperature: Tortuguero Average temperature: La Fortuna Average temperature: San Jose 4
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH STAY EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact 0843 4 073 TRIP OVERVIEW Enjoying beautiful beaches and varied wildlife, Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular regions to in Costa Rica. Your 4-night add-on offers the chance to explore this picturesque area or simply unwind on its pristine beaches. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio Situated close to the magical national park, Manuel Antonio is one of the most picturesque parts of Costa Rica s coastline, affording stunning views and beautiful beaches. Your stay on the white sandy shores offers the opportunity to take part in some of the various activities on offer in the local area including hiking, guided tours and canopy walks. Hotel Information (4 nights) Your stay will take place at one of the following resorts: 5H El Parador Hotel on Bed & Breakfast Address: Manuel Antonio Norte, Quepos 6350, Costa Rica, Contact number: 00506 777 1414 OR 4H San Bada on Bed & Breakfast Address: Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Aguirre. Contact number: 00506 777 5333 OR 3H Punta Leona Hotel on Bed & Breakfast Address: Punta Leona Garabito, PU, Herradura, Costa Rica. Contact number: 00506 31 3131 Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. Personal Expenses You will need to take money with you to cover any lunches and dinners, as well as personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and drinks. Tour Guides Your stay in Manuel Antonio is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. WEATHER AND CLIMATE Average temperature: Manuel Antonio FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. El Parador Hotel