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Tropical Costa Rica
with optional Jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension
Highlights...  San Jose Paos Volcano Cano Negro Refuge Arenal Volcano Hot Springs
Monteverde Cloud Forest Guanacaste |
Per Person Rates: Double $2,359; Single $2,909; Triple $2,329
Included in Price:
Round Trip Air from Baltimore Washington Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $330 (subject to increase until paid in full), Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $150 per person, Hotel Transfers |
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| COLLETTE EXPERIENCES |
 Learn about Costa Rica's unique vegetation on a guided nature walk through the cloud forest.
Spot indigenous wildlife on a river boat cruise in a covered canoe.
Participate in a local reforestation effort by planting a tree in the cloud forest! |
Day 1: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
Lush forests and stunning waterfalls... rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines... Costa Rica is truly a slice of paradise. Your tour begins in the colorful capital city of San Jose. Upon arrival, relax and soak up the sights of your new surroundings.
Day 2: Thursday, February 12, 2009
San Jose - Poas Volcano - La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
This morning leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and travel through the verdant countryside of the Central Valley. Travel past tropical landscapes and the ancient Poas Volcano, said to be the widest crater in the world. Later in the day you arrive in the charming town of La Fortuna.
Here you will enjoy a two night stay at a typical lodge with breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, which has been generating constant lava for the last 30 years. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 3: Friday, February 13, 2009
La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) - Cano
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Negro - La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
Of all Costa Rica's nature preserves, the reomte 20,000-acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. During your visit, embark on a guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you. Crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies are all known to live in the area. After your adventure through the preserve, relax at a family-owned hot springs oasis in the geothermal region that surrounds the Arenal Volcano. Stroll through the beautiful grounds, soak in the soothing mineral waters, or take advantage of the first-class spa services. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Saturday, February 14, 2009
La Fortuna - Monteverde
You won't believe your eyes as you travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! In this spectacular ecosystem, you will encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Then you continue on to selvatura Park*, a cloud forest preserve in the heart of Monteverde. Your visit includes an exciting opportunity to fly through the cloud forest on a zip line canopy tour or to take a guided walk among the treetops on a series of hanging bridges! After your activity of choice, participate in a reforestation effort by planting a tree in |
this spectacular nature preserve. Finally, you will learn about some of the region's most beautiful wildlife with a visit to one of the world's largest butterfly gardens. You'll also see the hummingbird gallery containing more than 14 different species! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Sunday, February 15, 2009
Monteverde
A morning nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first hand. This forest is the home of the world's largest population of the endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. It is an elusive bird but keep your eyes peeled and you may get lucky! This afternoon, visit a local coffee production facility to see how a potent Costa Rican coffee bean is transformed into your morning cup of joe. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Monday, February 16, 2009
Monteverde - Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)
Fun in the sun is in store as you travel to the spectacular Guanacaste region on the northwest Pacific coast. En route, make a special stop at a small cooperative where locals showcase their colorful handmade products. This afternoon, arrive at Playa Hermosa, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. |
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Day 7: Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)
The day is yours to simply enjoy this tropical paradise. Explore the nearby marina and beaches or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of the amenities offered by your all-inclusive resort. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. |
Day 8: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Playa Hermosa - Sarchi - San Jose
Take a leisurely ride through the countryside to Sarchi. This charming town is known for authentic handicrafts. During your visit you will have the chance to tour the local oxcart factory, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs! Continue on to San Jose where you will |
enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Thursday, February, 19, 2009
San Jose - Tour Ends
Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica. Today breakfast will be included. |
 ______________________________________________ Monteverde Cloud Forest
There are only four places in the world with an ecosystem so unique that it produces a cloud forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica is one. Situated high on a mountain, the cloud forest is created when the arid air from the forest below the mountain combines with the moist, hot air of the rainforest. The result is a blanket of misty, wispy clouds that linger low in the forest, making it feel as if it were raining. This rare environment breeds a diverse world of exotic flora and fauna. One of the cloud forest's most famous residents is the endangered resplendent quetzal. A remarkably colorful bird, this creature sports a golden beak that protrudes from a green-hooded head. The breast is a vibrant scarlet and the tail feathers are gray, black and white. A highly-elusive bird, quetzal sightings are rare, but absolutely unforgettable.
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| YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE |
Day 1 Herradura Hotel, San Jose
Day 2,3 Volcano Lodge, Arenal or Arenal Springs Lodge, Arenal
Day 4,5 Heliconia Ranch Cabicera, Monteverde Cloud Forest or Hotel Belmar, Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 6,7 Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort, Guanacaste
Day 8 Herradura Hotel, San Jose
On Some Dates alternate hotels may be used. |
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Please Note:
Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon exiting the country are approximately $27 USD.
To make your trip more hassle-free, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
* Optional activity at Selvatura Park must be chosen at time of booking.
We want you to enjoy your tour with us; therefore, it is important that you know this tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. We have selected small, comfortable hotels for their locations and they may be considered rustic.
Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historic areas, means accessing locations by foot becausee motorcoaches are restricted. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may want to consider an alternate Collette vacation. Our travel counselors can provide additional information to help you determine the perfect trip for you.
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| Extend Your Vacation With... |
Optional 4 Days jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension
Rate: $399 USD per person, Double
8 Meals, 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Day 9: San Jose - Tortugero National Park
Enjoy a memorable two night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world's first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle's nesting habitat and eggs. Today lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Tortuguero National Park
An early morning bird watching excursion is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero national Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. it protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica's 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 11: Tortuguero National Park - San Jose
Return to San Jose today for you last night in Costa Rica before your return home. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 12: San Jose - Tour Ends
Today breakfast will be included.
Please Note: This Jungle Adventure extension is escorted by a local representative who will provide all included services. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.
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| IMPORTANT RESERVATION INFORMATION |
IDENTIFICATION
Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department fot eh latest details about passports and visa requirements.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their pssport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.
Cancellation Charges for this tour: After your seat reduction date has passed, a non-refundable deposit will be retained. For Cancellation between 60-16 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 20% of total price. For cancellation between 15-1 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 40% of total price. For cancellation on the day of departure and after: 100% of total price. For Ocean Cruises: For cancellation between 90-61 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 25% of total price. For cancellation between 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of total price. 30 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of total price. For River Cruises: including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China, 90-61 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 40% of total price. For cancellation between 60-31 days prior to departure cancellation fee of 75% of total price. For cancellation 30 or fewer days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 100% of total price. For Galapagos and Antartica: A cancellation fee of 50% will apply for cancellation between 120-90 days prior to departure; a cancellation charge of 100% will apply for cancellation less than 90 days prior to departure. For Oberammergau: Non-refundable deposit will be retained. A cancellation fee of 75% will apply for cancellation between 120-90 days prior to departure; a cancellation charge of 100% will apply for cancellation less than 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation protection is highly recommended and must be pruchased at time of deposit. Air rates are subject to change until tor is paid in full. Cancellation charges also apply to reservations made for "pre" and "post" night accommodations. Purchase of Waiver and Insurance guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Waiver and Insurance fee itself, made to Collette Vacations for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Waiver and Insurance does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual's Traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not canceled in violation of the terms and conditions above, you will be refunded 100%. Please see your sales agent for more information, or review our brochure for details.
Customer Protection Plans: Collette Travel Service holds membership in the following highly reputable industry organizations: the United State Tour Operators Association and the American Society of Travel Agents. Each association operates a consumer protection plan to cover deposits made by travelers. Full details are available from theh organizations or Collette Travel Service. Collette is pleased to give this additional protection to our clients. Our California Sellers of Travel registration number 2006766-20. Our State of |
Washington Unified Business Number is 601220855. Our Nevada Sellers of Travel registration number is 2003-0279.
Responsibilities: Neither Collette Travel Services, Inc., its affiliated entities and its and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively "Collette"), own or operate any person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for these trips. Because neither maintains any control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers, Collette assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, or instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful or negligent act or omission on the part of any other party not under the supervision and control of Collette. Additionall, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Collette reserves the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenevr, in their sole judgement, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. They reserve the right to withdraw any tour announded. Collette reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by the tour manager to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. Neither does Collette accept liability for any carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and return or otherwise. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times. Participants may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Collette. Arbitration - I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this contract, the brochure or any other liturature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association in Rhode Island. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive Rhode Island Law. Payment of the deposit to Collette constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Condition waiver and insurance are included in the tour price. Payment of a Per Person Waiver Fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Waiver Fee itself, made to Collette Vacations for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Waiver and Insurance does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual's Traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. Air rates are subject to change until tour is paid in full. Please see your sales agent for more information, or review our brochure for details.
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