Costa Rica Nature s Showcase 2017 1
Itinerary This holiday offers a mix of sightseeing and a choice of walks. Easier walks range from 3-6 miles (5-9.5m) with up to 600 feet (180m) of ascent; harder walks are 6-12 miles (9.5-19km) with very little ascent. Some paths are narrow and muddy. Options are offered each day. Day 1: San José We transfer from the airport to our accommodation, the Hotel Buena Vista. The hotel is a 20 minute drive, located amongst the coffee fields, at 4,185ft, with magnificent views of the central valley, Poas, Barva and Irazu volcanoes. On the land bridge between North and South America, Costa Rica is a country of extreme natural diversity. From mountains and volcanoes, cloud forest and coastal rainforest, stunning Pacific beaches and friendly rural villages, it offers so much in its small area. Our walks are a relaxed exploration, providing ample time for the observation of the country s rich flora and fauna. More than 900 species of birds have been identified here, and a similar number of orchids, not forgetting the hundreds of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. With over 30% of the country a protected national park, Costa Rica is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking untouched and beautiful natural surroundings. With the expert assistance of your leader our holiday gives you plenty of opportunities to sample this unique country. Accommodation: Hotel Buena Vista (2 nights) (Meals included: dinner or snack, subject to arrival time) Day 2: Gold Museum Today we visit the Gold Museum, which features excellent displays of pre-columbian pottery, jade and gold jewellery. Day 3: Poas Volcano and Las Paz Waterfall Today we visit Poas Volcano National Park. This site is home to a spectacular steaming crater filled with emerald green water. The day will also feature a visit to Las Paz Waterfall Gardens, a hummingbird observation area as well as a forest trail with spectacular waterfall views (Distance: approx 1 mile/1.6km). 2
Set in 30 acres of relaxing gardens, our hotel is beside the river where we can see caiman, anhingas and green iguanas. As in most of Costa Rica, the birdlife is wonderful and toucans often frequent the surrounding trees. The resort is near Arenal Volcano, a spectacular perfectly conical peak. Day 5: San Carlos lowlands and Arenal Accommodation: Tilajari Resort (3 nights). Day 4: Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve & Rio Frio Something very different today. We take a slow river-boat ride through the 20,000 acre Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve and the Rio Frio. Close to the border with Nicaragua, it is one of Costa Rica s best reserves. Along the way we should view howler monkeys, caimans, turtles, sloths, butterflies and exotic-looking birds. We often spot the great potoo, a highly camouflaged bird who likes to pretend he s a branch. Later this afternoon we have time to relax at the hotel or explore the local area, including the San Carlos River. We have several choices for exploring the area around Arenal Volcano today. Arenal Volcano Trail: This walk leads us to the base of Arenal Volcano and over old lava flows (Distance: 4 miles/6km). Arenal Hanging Bridges: This spectacular trail winds through and over the primary rainforest, with a system of bridges and trails allowing you to view up close the wildlife and lush forest canpoy. There are also some great views towards Arenal and the surrounding hills (Distance: 2.5 miles/4km. Ascent: 250ft/76m). Day 6: To San Gerardo de Dota Today we travel south, stopping en route in the small town of Sarchi, known for its handicrafts and art, including colourful and distinctive traditional oxcarts. We then continue to drive across San José and reach the highlands of Talamanca. We shall enjoy a traditional lunch in the mountains and walk into Savegre Lodge s Valley. The lodge is rustic but very comfortable 3
and enjoys an unspoilt location ideal for wildlife viewing, especially for birds. San Gerardo de Dota is one of the finest spots in the country to see Resplendent Quetzal, a beautifully coloured, rare bird that several Central American tribes reverenced as sacred. We may also see Dusky Nightjars, Ochraceous Pewee, Streaked Breasted Treehunter, Golden-Browed Chlorophonia and hummingbirds. The feeders around the lodge are alive with Green Violetear, White-throated Mountain-gem, and Scintillant Hummingbird, Costa Rica s smallest species. As we are at altitude, evenings and nights can be cool. Rooms are heated but you should bring warmer clothing with you. Accommodation: Savegre Mountain Lodge (2 nights). Day 7: San Gerardo de Dota During our time at the lodge, a variety of trails will be offered in the cool mountain surroundings. We may take an 8 mile/13km (4,235ft/1,291m ascent) full day trek down the Cerro de la Muerte, or there are a number of shorter cloud forest trails around the lodge. We may also walk along the nearby river to spot the riverbank birdlife such as American Dipper and the Torrent Tyrannulet. Whichever trail we choose we will be walking through a pristine environment and surrounded by beautiful and exotic wildlife. Day 8: To Ballena de Osa This morning we walk beside the rushing Savegre River, looking for wildlife and reaching a beautiful waterfall. After lunch we drive to the highest point on the Pan-American Highway - well over 10,000ft. On a clear day you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean as we traverse the spine of the continental divide. Dropping into the San Isidro valley we make our way over the coastal mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Accommodation: Cristal Ballena, Ballena de Osa (3 nights). Days 9 & 10: Marino Ballena National Park The park offers an array of activities and has yet to be discovered by most foreign visitors. The vast sandy beach is quite deserted. Tidal pools are home to colourful saltwater fish and Humpback Whales court and calve in the sheltered coves offshore. The optional mangrove tour reveals endemic species of birds such as Mangrove Hummingbird and Yellowbilled Cotinga, and trails in the surrounding mountains offer unforgettable views. The order of activities will depend on tide times and personal interest. The whale-watch and mangrove tour will be optional for those who wish to take it (payable in cash locally). A variety of walks will be offered, or you 4
can spend extra time on the beach or take advantage of the amenities at the hotel. Note: If you enjoy snorkelling please bring your own equipment. There is an area fantastic for snorkelling, accessible from the beach. Day 11: To San José For those not taking the extension, we return to Alajuela, near San José. We will make several stops on the way including one to spot Scarlet Macaws. This morning we take an overland transfer to Sierpe River dock. There is a luggage restriction of 25lbs/10kg for the journey. Please take a smaller bag suitable for a four night stay. Your main luggage will be taken to San José with the group and kept securely at the hotel for you to pick up on your return. We take a boat ride down river, winding through mangrove wetlands and along the seashore to our hotel, Casa Corcovado. Be prepared for a wet landing. Lunch and a complimentary cocktail welcome you for your stay. Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge is a 170 acre private reserve bordering Corcovado National Park. Rooms are individual bungalows with mosquitonetted beds, ceiling fan, tiled floors, lounge area, dry mini bar, safety deposit box, and hammock. Day 12: Corcovado National Park Accommodation: Buena Vista Hotel. Day 12: Departure Transfer to the airport for our departure flight. (Meals included: breakfast) Corcovado extension Day 11: Ballena to Corcovado With your naturalist guide, you journey into Corcovado National Park. The cool morning hours offer a good opportunity to spot wildlife and to observe some of the incredible variety of birds that abound in the park. The animal life is quite vibrant, with frequent sightings of monkeys, sloths, coaties, macaws, leafcutter ants, and other animal species. 5
Along the trail your guide will tell you some of the fascinating stories of life in the rainforest. Under shady trees on the beach you will enjoy a picnic. After lunch there is time to explore the beach or walk to a swimming hole upstream before we return to the hotel in time for sunset over the Pacific and dinner. Day 13: Cano Island Today we explore the pristine waters, bays and coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Our guide takes us to an excellent spot for snorkelling, the Coral Garden, and then to a secluded beach sheltered by coconut palms on Cano Island. There is time to hike to the interior of the island or to reach the magnificent viewpoint. Day 14: To San José Departure by boat back to Sierpe and flight back to San José. Transfer to your hotel in San José for 1 night. (Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, Day 15: Departure Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (Meals included: breakfast) Please note there will not be a local leader in Corcovado, but there will be an English speaking guide for the excursions. Tips are not included for this extension to the tour. 6
Accommodation You ll stay in a selection of well equipped resort hotels and country and rainforest lodges, all with lovely tropical gardens close to nature. The Buena Vista hotel (2nts at start, and 1nt at end) is situated a little outside San Jose, among coffee fields and enjoys views along the central valley across the capital toward Poas volcano. Tel: +506 27719686 www.savegre.com The hotel on the Pacific Coast at Ballena de Osa (3nts) is an excellent 4- star hotel set in extensive tropical gardens with splendid views over the ocean and extensive facilities including large rooms with balconies, a swimming pool and spa. Tel: +506 27865354, www.cristalballena.com Tel: +506 24428595 hotelbuenavistacr.com The Tilajari Resort (3nts) at Arenal is a luxurious 4-star country lodge with large well-appointed rooms and a range of facilities including a butterfly garden. A highlight of the resort is the extensive grounds, with a private rainforest reserve in front of the hotel. Tel: +506 24621212 www.tilajari.com In San Gerado de Dota, the Savegre Mountain Lodge (2nts) is relatively basic in terms of facilities and amenities, but its great attraction lies in its closeness to nature, and great location surrounded by untouched cloud forest and accompanied by birdsong. Nights can be cool here at 2,000m altitude, but it is a very atmospheric place. On the extension option you ll stay at the Casa Corcovado (3nts). Tucked away in the trees and cooled by the Pacific Ocean, the lodge is a 170 acre private reserve bordering Corcovado National Park. The lodge has been constructed to be in harmony with the landscape. Individual bungalows offer comfort without taking away from the natural surrounding and furnishings are by Costa Rican artisans. Tel: +506 22567409 www.casacorcovado.com 7
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (May 2016). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel 0345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking sandals (only really essential if doing Corcovado extension. Waterproof sandals/trekking sandals for boat arrival in Corcovado - you ll get wet) Walking socks Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug 8
Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars, swimming costume, snorkelling gear and towel. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them, carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). If you are travelling on the Corcovado extension, the baggage restriction is 12kg checked-in luggage and 5 kg carry-on luggage. Your main luggage will be left at the hotel in San José, so please take a small bag for 4 days. Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for one day beyond the date of departure from Costa Rica. Visas are not required for UK, Australian, Canadian, US passport holders. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. If you do require a visa, please ensure the name entered on your application is exactly as on the passport you will be travelling with. ESTA: For those travelling to, or through, the USA, you will need a visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). No visa is required by citizens with full right of residence in visa waiver programme (VWP) countries. This includes UK, Australia, New Zealand please see https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ for details of other countries included in the VWP. Citizens of VWP countries are required to obtain travel authorisation prior to travel. You can register for authorisation online through the website above. Please note it is compulsory to apply online via the ESTA website for this authorisation. If you have any questions, please consult the US Embassy (www.usembassy.org.uk) or the Department for Homeland Security (www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs) or the UK Foreign Office website. Those not included under the VWP should check requirements with a US embassy or consulate. From January 2016 all passengers entering the US under the VWP will need a passport with an integrated chip. From April 2016 most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria since March 2011, or are dual nationals of these countries, will no longer qualify for entry under the VWP and existing ESTAs could be revoked. You will instead need to apply for a 9
visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. This should cover walking at altitudes of above 2,000m. One of the accommodations is at 2,133m/7,000ft, and walking will be at this altitude for the 2 nights we stay here. There is an option to do a higher walk which starts at 3,040m/10,000ft. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus vaccinations are recommended. Diphtheria, Malaria and Rabies prevention may be recommended too. Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, and Zika virus may occur in country. Please take suitable measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes eg wear appropriate clothing and use insect repellent containing Deet. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or 10
carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, 11
paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 911. Please then call our emergency number (on p7 of this leaflet) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Suggested reading and Maps Lonely Planet Costa Rica Travel Guide 2014 Les Beletsky Costa Rica Travellers Wildlife Guide 2013 Jack Ewing Monkeys are made of Chocolate 2005 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 110V, North American 3 pin plugs (2 flat & 1 round pin) Time difference GMT/UTC -6 hours Climate Costa Rica experiences two seasons: wet and dry. Departures are planned for the dry season but even then, due to travelling through tropical rainforests, there may be a number of wet days, especially inland. Temperatures depend on place and altitude. San José has an average year round temperature of 22 C / 72ºF. The days can be fairly hot but temperatures drop a little at night. The highlands around San Gerado de Dota in particular are cold at night. Local currency & money matters Costa Rican Colón (CRC). Colones can be exchanged in-country with US Dollars. US Dollars cash are also widely accepted. Major credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, but rarely in rural locations. ATM s are available. Traveller s cheques are not advised. HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 12