Tour Disclaimer: This dossier is provided by our tour partner, Pride Adventure Travel. By signing up for this trip, you agree to the Pride Adventure Travel Terms of Service. The information included here gives a general sense of the trip. Pride Adventure Travel customizes portions of the trip for our group, so some specifics may be modified without updating the dossier.
INTRODUCTION:
Explore the natural beauty and adventure of Costa Rica on this immersive 10-day journey through some of the country's most stunning destinations. From the vibrant city of San Jose to the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio, the lush jungles of Puerto Viejo, and the wild landscapes of Drake Bay, this adventure offers a perfect balance of relaxation and thrill. Soak in natural hot springs, hike through national parks, and experience the unique culture and biodiversity of Costa Rica.
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights (April 19th - 28th)
Start/Finish City: San Jose to San Jose
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than other tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Travel Style: Active Adventure
With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations, and comfort at their very core, these premium active trips are adventure at its finest.
Trip Type: Small to Medium Size Group
Group Size: Max 12-15 for 5 days and up to 30 for 5 days (Please note: We may be able to add a 3rd group of 8-12 people depending on interest.)
WHATS INCLUDED?
HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the national parks of Costa Rica, relax in natural hot springs, engage in various adventure activities, and experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of Costa Rica.
DOSSIER DISCLAIMER
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at the time of printing. It may differ slightly from the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travelers' comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure, you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
ITINERARY DISCLAIMER
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips, visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
ITINERARY NOTES
Please note that certain activities are weather-dependent and may be subject to change. The itinerary allows for flexibility to accommodate various interests and preferences.
ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed, and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
ITINERARY
GROUP LEADER DESCRIPTION
All Pride Adventure Travel group trips are accompanied by one of our Adventure Hosts. The aim of the Adventure Host is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides who speak the local languages where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
MEALS INCLUDED
MEALS
Eating is a big part of traveling. Traveling with Pride Adventure Travel, you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this, though. Your Adventure Host will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to Pride Adventure Travel group trips. For Independent trips, please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips, please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
TRANSPORT
Private vehicle, boat, walking, possible air.
SOLO TRAVELERS
We believe single travelers should not have to pay more to travel, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
ACCOMMODATIONS
MY OWN ROOM (PRIVATE ROOM OPTION)
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.
*Puerto Viejo may become our thrid destination, once our first two destinations are filled. We will require a minimum of 8 guests for this destination option.
JOINING INSTRUCTIONS, TRANSFERS & CONTACT INFO
Our first hotel is Adventure Inn. We will notify you if this changes.
50 meters east of Los Arcos, Ciudad Cariari, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
+506 2239 2633
An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, if arriving with the main group. We will connect with all travelers on transfers closer to the event dates. If you are arriving solo outside of group flights, it is an easy cab ride to the hotel.
For the group arrivals, our driver will be waiting for you with a Pride Adventure Travel sign with your name on it, and they will be waiting for you outside of baggage claim. There most likely will be many signs, so please check carefully for your name.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day other than our welcome dinner.
Upon arrival at your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your Adventure Host. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5 pm and 7 pm), where you will get a chance to meet your Adventure Host and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your Adventure Host will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Our group will have a group chat on WhatsApp that we will share prior to the trip. You can also contact Chris Smith (travel agent) at Pride Adventure Travel at 310-854-2556 or through WhatsApp.
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, contact Chris Smith at +1-310-854-2556 via phone or WhatsApp. Our Local Travel Partner is Travel Costa Rica Now, Annika Fernandez +506 8705 9558 via phone or WhatsApp.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
PACKING LIST
This is a general list and not specific to this event. If you need specific advice, please contact Chris Smith, Pride Adventure Travel, chris@prideat.com
Documents:
Essentials:
Health & Safety:
Smart Dress:
Warm Weather:
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. If laundry is not available at your hotel, your CEO will be able to direct you to a nearby laundromat.
VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here.
SPENDING MONEY
Every traveler is different, and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others, while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Costa Rica's currency is the Colón. Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card that a fee usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Colón and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
EMERGENCY FUND
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
DEPARTURE TAX
Depending on the exchange rate, the departure tax is approximately $48 USD per person. This tax is sometimes included in the price of your ticket, contact your airline to confirm.
On Pride Adventure Travel Trips, we include a tip of approx 10% for all included activities and meals. Tipping is not included for the Adventure Hosts or Guides or Porterage. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip, if you felt your Pride Adventure Travel Adventure Host did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, $10-15 USD per person, per day can be used.
For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, it is appropriate in Latin America to tip 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels and shows an expression of satisfaction.
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons, our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug, including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip, please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the physical ratings for trip-specific information. Pride Adventure Travel reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of our Adventure Host, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash, and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while traveling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When traveling on a group trip, please note that your Adventure Host has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your Adventure Host will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip, you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax, and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your Adventure Host will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during nighttime excursions.
PROTESTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS: Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well-intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter-protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water-based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water-based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our Adventure Hosts to make arrangements on your behalf for water-based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular, the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our Adventure Hosts have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Adventure Host, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy, please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance, we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage, and emergency contact telephone number.
Pride Adventure Travel offers flexible payment options for your convenience. A $500 deposit is required at the time of booking. Payment plans begin approximately 9 months before the trip, with full payment due 90 days before the trip. Payments are evenly split across the plan. Additional options and excursions must also be paid in full 90 days before the trip. You may opt to pay in full at booking or customize your payment plan. Deferred payments of fewer than two installments must be completed within 120 days of departure. For details, contact info@prideadventuretravel.com.
Copyright © 2024 Pride Adventure Travel - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.