Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply

• 11 nights quality lodge and hotel accommodation 

• Enjoy 16 meals including daily breakfast

• English-speaking local guides
• Airline and cruise taxes plus surcharges

• Land transportation by shared tourist shuttles

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class. (See checkout for details)
• Guaranteed Airline: Fly with a guaranteed airline. (See checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Today depart Australia (or New Zealand) for San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon arrival in San Jose, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel accommodation. 

Bienvenido a Costa Rica (Welcome to Costa Rica!), the jewel of Central America! Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise that blends breathtaking natural wonders with warm hospitality. With its lush rainforests, beaches, and captivating biodiversity, Costa Rica is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks prior to departure 

Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar, San Jose

Meals included: In-Flight

This morning, a local representative will pick you up at the hotel to transfer you to your next destination: the wonderful area of Tortuguero, located in the North East of the country in the Caribbean. Along the way enjoy breakfast and upon arrival board a boat that will take you to your lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay.

Enjoy lunch at the Lodge and, during the afternoon, meet a guide for a tour through the Tortuguero Village - only a couple of blocks wide at most and a main street that stretches between guest houses, shops & restaurants. The village of Tortuguero is in the heart of the protected area of Tortuguero National Park. It is situated on a river mouth sand bank, absolutely surrounded by water. The ocean on one side, and the main Tortuguero Canal on the other side border the small village. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge. 

Please note: there is a 12 Kg luggage limit to Tortuguero, as such we recommend bringing a smaller bag for this section of your trip. A tour representative will assist with storing any excess luggage.

Overnight: Pachira Lodge or similar, Tortuguero

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast you will head on a guided walking tour through the trails before enjoying lunch at the lodge. Afterwards embark on a guided tour of the Tortuguero Canals. Tortuguero is a network of navigable lakes, rivers and canals (both natural and man-made) that are used for transportation and are a great place for observing local wildlife such as birds, monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, American crocodiles and caimans. The canals also provide shelter to endangered animals such as the Oriental Indian Manatee, crocodiles, a large variety of crustaceous and about 30 species of sweet water fish, including the Gaspar, considered as a living fossil.

During your visit to this picturesque town, there will be a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum, where you will learn about the different species of sea turtles that nest and lay their eggs on the beaches of Tortuguero and you will also enjoy a walk along the same beautiful golden beaches.

Please note: To enter the Turtle Museum a small donation of approximately $1 USD will be requested.

Return to your lodge afterwards and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Overnight: Pachira Lodge or similar, Tortuguero

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast at your lodge, continue your trip to Arenal. On the way, enjoy a lunch in Guápiles before arriving at La Fortuna, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano.

Positioned within Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands, the Arenal Volcano is an unavoidable presence while traveling within this part of the country. It is tall and imposing, and has a reputation that precedes itself. Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a sightseer’s dream, while its abundance of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your “must-do in Costa Rica” list.

This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore the Arenal area. Prior to December 2010, the Arenal Volcano was one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world and it was a truly majestic sight, as it spewed molten rocks and ash from its summit on a daily basis. For nature and adventure lovers, the Arenal region also offers numerous activities and natural attractions where one can see some stunning waterfalls, gushing rivers, beautiful vegetation and wildlife. 

Overnight: Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar, La Fortuna

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

This morning, enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a guided half-day walk along the base and flanks of this giant, follow on the Arenal 1968 park, a hiking trail formed by lava during that year's eruption. This is the park’s most extraordinary trails: the remaining memory of the 20th century's first eruption and some other areas now in the process of regeneration. During the hike, the expert guide will explain to you all about the volcano: its activity periods, a little bit of history and will show you some landmarks that have been left over the years.

During this walk, you might spot deer, tapir, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys and snakes, and birds like parrots, orioles and brown magpies. Plants include various species of palms and bromeliads (including the endemic specie Pitcaimia Funkiae), guayabo de monte, bait, ceiba, cirri, laurel, higuerones, fungi, orchids and ferns. Astonishing views, ear-catching information, unbelievable stories and the chance to meet the local wildlife,will remain as your favourite memories of Costa Rica after this experience.

Overnight: Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar, La Fortuna

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, transfer down to Arenal Lake. Once arrived at the dam, you will board a comfortable and safe pontoon-type boat and, after about 30 minutes, you will arrive at Chiquito River, a small community on the other side of the lake. 

Arenal Lake is the largest and most important in Costa Rica, it is of artificial origin, built in 1974 in order to obtain hydroelectric power for the country. It is also a place where you can find a variety of resident and migratory birds, sometimes it is possible to observe mammals like monkeys and sloths in the surroundings. Once arrived in Chiquito River, you will continue the journey by land for approximately 1.5 hours to Monteverde. 

Admire the transition of rainforest to cloud forest along the way, where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. Located in the Puntarenas province, Monteverde is a place of cloud forests, mist, coffee plantations, monkeys and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with inviting restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Upon arrival in Santa Elena, check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar, Monteverde

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out on a guided walk to explore Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, one of the most breathtaking in the world. It is a tropical rainforest, but because of its altitude (1400 meters or 4.600 feet), it's called a Cloud Forest. A cloud forest is a highland forest characterized by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year. Here in Monteverde, warm north-easterly trade winds, filled with moisture, blow in from the Atlantic. As the winds sweep up to the Continental Divide, they cool and condense to form clouds, bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. The cloud forest receives an incredible four meters of rain every year- over twelve feet! It is home to rare and unusual wildlife, such as jaguars and pumas, and over 450 species of birds including the world's largest population of quetzal birds.

An expert guide will lead you through the network of trails in the reserve that stretch across 13 kilometres of the forest. The trails are well-maintained and perfect for day trips. Step foot on the Continental Divide, where one foot will be on the Caribbean side and other on the Pacific side. With views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this reserve is full of plants and animals. In fact the reserve is home to over 100 species of mammals including white faced and howler monkeys, pacas, porcupines, deer, ocelots, jaguars, and pumas. There are also 160 species of reptiles and amphibians including 29 species of lizards, 71 snakes and 60 amphibian species. The reserve is most famous for the exotic birds that inhabit it such as the resplendent quetzals, bellbirds, emerald toucanets, toucans, trogons, and many species of hummingbirds. 

Overnight: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar, Monteverde

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, check out and travel onwards to Manuel Antonio, a small oceanside village. Famous for its nearby national park, this tiny yet bustling town is located off Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. The region is a treasure for biodiversity, attracting nature buffs, eco-travelers and adventure-seekers alike. Upon arrival enjoy leisure time to relax or explore the area.

Hotel Manuel Antonio or similar, Manuel Antonio

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, discover the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most famous in Costa Rica due to its wide variety of flora and fauna. Although it is the country’s smallest national park, the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 6.83 square kilometres is unequalled. 

Manuel Antonio contains a charming combination of rainforest, beaches and coral reefs. These beaches are the most beautiful in the country, lined with lush forests, and the snorkelling is excellent as well. The forest is home to sloths, iguanas, rare and adorable squirrel monkeys, white-faced monkeys and millions of colourful little crabs. 

On this half-day walk, a very knowledgeable nature guide will walk you through the park, explaining the mysteries of the rainforest. Through the hike, you will enjoy a leisure stop at the worldwide famous Third Beach. Once there you can rest on the beach or play with the waves. Throughout the hike it is common to see sloths, birds and reptiles as well as admire orchids, butterflies and tropical trees. 

Finish the day back at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Hotel Manuel Antonio or similar, Manuel Antonio

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a free day to enjoy this tropical paradise. 

Hotel Manuel Antonio or similar, Manuel Antonio

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, you will be transferred to San Jose, where you will enjoy your last day in Costa Rica at your own leisure.

Overnight: Doubletree Cariari by Hilton or similar, San Jose

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport in preparation of your return flight to Australia (or New Zealand). 

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Take a moment to unwind and reflect upon the cherished moments forged during your journey of Costa Rica.

Upon arrival in Australia (or New Zealand), please make your own onward travel arrangements.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

 

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

 

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the Qantas Tours website.

 Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

 

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 04 December 2024

 

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

 

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $880 applies.

Please note: accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

 

Departure Dates

2024

May: 8

June: 12

July: *24

August: *07

October: 23

November: 13

December: *04

Please note: see checkout for live dates and availability.

 

Surcharges

Please note:

• dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $600 per person.

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Airlines: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Korean Airlines, Fiji Airways and airline code share partners (subject to availability). (subject to availability).

Please note: Some flights may transit through the USA. If your flight transits through the United States, please view the Visa' section for further information

 

Departure Cities

Sydney, *Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth & *Auckland

 

Departure City Surcharges

Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Auckland: $200 per person

Perth: $600 per person

Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.

 

Missed Flights

If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.

 

Guaranteed Airline surcharge

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Qantas Airways: $600 per person

Please note:

• Guaranteed airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased guaranteed airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the guaranteed airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.

• Guaranteed airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.

 

Arrive early in San Jose, Costa Rica

Non-high season dates: $300 AUD per person, subject to availability

High-season dates range from $800 AUD per person, subject to availability (only available for purchase over the phone)

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

 

Arrive early in San Francisco, USA (Only available to purchase over the phone)

Non-high season dates: $400 AUD per person, subject to availability.

High-season dates range from $900 AUD per person, subject to availability (only available for purchase over the phone).

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

•This fee does, however, include an internal flight from San Francisco to your destination. If you wish to forfeit this flight, please advise our friendly reservations team so we may secure your return flight back to Australia. Please note by choosing to forfeit your connecting flight; the cost does not change.

• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

 

Arrive early in Los Angeles, USA (Only available to purchase over the phone)

Non high season dates: $400 AUD per person, subject to availability.

High season dates range from $900 AUD per person, subject to availability (only available for purchase over the phone).

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

•This fee does, however, include an internal flight from Los Angeles to your destination. If you wish to forfeit this flight, please advise our friendly reservations team so we may secure your return flight back to Australia. Please note by choosing to forfeit your connecting flight; the cost does not change.

• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

 

Stay behind in San Jose, Costa Rica

Non high season dates: $300 AUD per person, subject to availability

High season dates: $800 AUD per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

 

Stay behind in San Francisco, USA (Only available to purchase over the phone)

Non high season dates: $400 AUD per person, subject to availability

High season dates: $900 AUD per person, subject to availability 

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

 

Stay behind in Los Angeles, USA (Only available to purchase over the phone)

Non high season dates: $400AUD per person, subject to availability

High season dates: $900 AUD per person, subject to availability 

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025

 

Flight Class Upgrades

Business or Premium Economy Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.

Please note:

• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

Accommodation Used:

4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)

• San Jose: Radisson Hotel or similar 
• San Jose: Doubletree Cariari by Hilton or similar

3-Star Properties (Self-Rated)

• La Fortuna: Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar
• Monteverde: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar
• Manuel Antonio: Hotel Manuel Antonio or similar

Lodge Accommodation

• Tortuguero: Pachira Lodge or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

 

Extra Nights

Not available

 

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

 

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for children 8 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

 

Triple Share

Not available

 

Bedding Configuration

Twin or double bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 2, maximum group size 20 per vehicle.

• Visa fees and requirements

• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer

• Sea Turtle Museum Donation (approx $1 USD)

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Optional gratuities/tipping (Recommended at $10USD per person where touring services are provided)

• Optional activities/tours

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide:

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group.

 

Tour Leader:

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined.

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.

 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

May - June

The official start of Costa Rica’s ‘green season’. While rainfall does indeed become more frequent, this is still interspersed with plenty of warm sunshine; particularly in the Central Valley, Caribbean Coast and Northern Pacific. National parks are quieter, so you can spend longer periods observing the wildlife without interruptions. Surfers will also enjoy this time of year, with increasing swells on the country’s best surfing beaches.

 

July - August

Rainfall is increasing, but this does not deter all visitors; particularly those with school-age children heading to Costa Rica to enjoy its wealth of adventure activities. This is also a great time to see green sea turtles on the coastline of the Tortuguero National Park, and the beginning of whale watching season around Dominical. For those looking for some beach time, sunshine can still be found on the far northern Pacific coast, which receives the lowest year-round rainfall in Costa Rica.

 

November - December

The rainy season is coming to an end, but the end of the heavy rains can be difficult to predict, with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December, the worst will certainly be over.

 

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:

We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

 

Passport Validity:

Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

 

Meals:

For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

 

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

 

OTHER

Mobility:

If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

 

Fitness Level Required:

A leisurely level of fitness will be required. 

Leisurely is described as Light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, which may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility. 

Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

 

Tortuguero activities: Perfect for any fitness level. No major hikes are included except the optional hike in the hotel trails. The walk to the Tortuguero village is easy. The rest of the activities are done by boat.

 

Arenal: This hike is easy to moderate. The route has some sections of technical terrain and some slopes; these areas are called “Coladas” where the lava is solidified and turned to solid rock. However, the guide will give customers the time to complete the hike with no rush.

 

Monteverde: The hike in Monteverde is an easy hike. The reserve has different trails, and the tour guide will choose the trails that fit the best for the group.

 

Manuel Antonio: This hike is mainly over wooden bridges and paved paths until you reach the beach area. You don´t go through the forest. It can be done with hiking boots, running shoes or even flip-flops.

 

Please note: If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

 

Yellow Fever:

A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate upon arrival.

You must check with your doctor well before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

 

Gratuities / Tipping:

Land

Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is $10 USD per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour.

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

 

Sightseeing:

Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

 

Shopping:

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts.

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

Costa Rica

On an Australian passport, you don't need a visa for a tourist visit of less than 90 days.

 

You might be refused entry if you can't show that you'll return home or travel onwards.

 

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Embassy of Costa Rica for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

 

Travel via the United States

• If travelling on an Australian Passport, an ESTA (Visa Waiver) for the USA is a strict requirement when travelling to or flying through the USA. Once a USA ESTA Visa Waiver is issued it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) and will allow multiple entries into the USA. For information on ESTA eligibility or to apply, please visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Please note: Due to recent changes in the USA Immigration policies, TripADeal recommends all travellers visit US Customs & Border Protection.

 

Important: Please start arranging your visa at least three weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

 

Important:

• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

 

Please note:

• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Please note: Due to limited availability, passenger name and date changes are strictly prohibited for this offer. This overrides the Schedule of Fees in our standard Terms & Conditions. Please read the Refund and Cancellation policy before purchase, as strict conditions apply beyond this point.

 

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

 

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

 

Supplier Fees

In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.