Current as of: April 27, 2024 - 09:20
Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Family Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Costa Rica
- Programmes: Family
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 9+
- Trip Code: FNR
- Carbon Footprint: 11kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Explore diverse ecosystems on a tropical adventure for all the family
Costa Rica is a natural paradise, with volcanoes, rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife and beaches. See them all on this Costa Rica family trip, which starts by travelling into the steaming jungle and exploring the Tortuguero waterways by boat, in search of monkeys, toucans and other colourful birds. We visit the Sloth Sanctuary and meet some of the residents, stars of their own Animal Planet TV show, and enjoy a night walk in the rainforest, try white-water rafting (optional) and splash in thermal pools at a waterpark near Arenal Volcano. There’s beach time too as we head to both Cahuita on the Caribbean coast and Manuel Antonio on the Pacific, where jungle cascades to white sand beaches.
At a Glance
- Travel by minibus, boat and on foot
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader
- 14 nights in comfortable hotels
Highlights
- Discover abundant wildlife – monkeys, sloths, birds and frogs are easy to spot
- Visit the beach and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
- Meet the residents of the Sloth Sanctuary
- Discover the beaches of both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts
- Enjoy comfortable accommodation throughout, most with swimming pools
- Take advantage of the flexible itinerary with plenty of optional activities: zip-lining, white-water rafting, a chocolate tour, and catamaran excursion
Is This Trip for You?
This trip as been rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Please see the Family Activity Levels on our website for further information. Though this trip has been designed for nine to 12-year-olds, it’s also suitable for 13 to 16-year-olds. Our Family Activity Levels are aimed at children in the primary age group, so if your child is in the secondary age group, they may find it a little easier.
Transport
This adventure aims to show you the best of Costa Rica using buses and boats. While the driving distances are not huge and most roads are good, some sections are of poor quality/potholed, which can result in slower driving times. The longest journey (approximately six hours) is to Tortuguero on Day 3. There is also a journey of approximately five hours on Day 11 when we travel from La Fortuna to Dominical. Other drives are around four hours. All drives are broken up with regular stops; when rest stops and meal breaks are taken into account, the total journey duration may be one-two hours longer.
Animals
There are some dangerous insects and snakes in the jungle, although incidents are extremely rare. The guide’s advice must always be followed – it is the responsibility of parents to ensure children listen to the guide and don’t stray from paths.
Walks
The trip involves some short, easy walks in tropical conditions. There are also several optional activities, including a zip-wire canopy tour, rafting and more. There will be a full safety briefing at the start of each (so no prior experience is needed to take part) and all necessary equipment will be provided. Some activities may be changed because of the weather.
Swimming
The sea has very strong rip currents in the Tortuguero and Cahuita regions and is not suitable for swimming from the beach.
Adult min age: 9
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 20
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: San José
- End City: San José
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to San José
The group flight usually arrives into San José this evening. Land Only clients aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2.
Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites (or similar)
Start San José
The adventure begins in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2.
Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites (or similar)
Morning visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens; relax by the hotel pool
After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a short drive to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Located within the transitional forest between the Central Valley and Northern Lowlands, the gardens host a wide variety of plants and bird life among stunning scenery. A short walk along a rainforest trail brings us to a great viewpoint, where we can watch the cascading falls. Entrance to the gardens includes a visit to the petting zoo, frog exhibit, aviary and butterfly observatory. Monkeys, sloths and toucans also inhabit this area, providing a great introduction to the incredible diversity of Costa Rica. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites (or similar)
To Tortuguero National Park
We depart early this morning, travelling to Tortuguero National Park in the Caribbean Lowlands of northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, this vast network of waterways, canals and swamps is remarkably tranquil and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) which is on a small strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for Exodus clients.
Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen arriving on the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and during November to January, baby turtles hatch and head to the ocean.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Boat tour of waterways in Tortuguero National Park
We discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero on a morning boat trip, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon. Alternatively, join a second boat trip, visit the beach or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
To Cahuita on the Caribbean coast; relax on the beach
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived: taking a small boat. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Cahuita region on the Caribbean coast. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the pool, beach or discover our new surroundings. Caribbean culture thrives in this part of Costa Rica and is reflected in the music, food and laid-back lifestyle. The white sand beach is fringed by tall palms, behind which is the dense, wet tropical forest of Cahuita National Park.
Accommodation: Atlantida Lodge (or similar)
Visit the Sloth Sanctuary; discover Cahuita National Park
After breakfast, we drive to Aviarios del Caribe, the Sloth Sanctuary, subject of the Animal Planet TV show Meet the Sloths. This rescue and rehabilitation centre conducts sloth research and works tirelessly to return them to their natural habitat. You’ll learn all about these fascinating animals on a two-hour tour, where you’ll take a boat along the river to see sloths, monkeys, butterflies and birds. This afternoon, we return to Cahuita and visit the national park, following a coastal trail through the rainforest. The park has 2,711 acres (1,097ha) of land and 600 acres (245ha) of coral reef, which forms the largest reef system in Costa Rica.
Accommodation: Atlantida Lodge (or similar)
To Sarapiqui; night walk in Tirimbina Biological Reserve
We depart for Sarapiqui, one of the main banana producing regions in Costa Rica, although coffee, cardamon, cacao, corn and fruits are also grown here. It’s also gathering a reputation as a great spot for adventure seekers with plenty of optional activities to keep you entertained. In the evening, we take a night walk through Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a different perspective on the many rainforest residents.
Accommodation: El Bambu Hotel (or similar)
Free day in Sarapiqui
There are various optional excursions to try today: join a chocolate tour in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, take a safari floating trip down the Sarapiqui River, have a go at white-water rafting on Grade II and III rapids, or join a canopy tour and zip-line through the forest. Alternatively, there are several nature walks through beautiful surroundings.
Accommodation: El Bambu Hotel (or similar)
To La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano; free afternoon for optional activities
We transfer to the area around Arenal Volcano. Following a massive eruption in 1968, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010 when it entered a resting phase. Aside from the volcano, there are thermal waters, waterfalls and Lake Arenal to discover.
The rest of the day is free to explore, either at your own pace or on one of the optional excursions available. You could take the Sky Walk (canopy walk) or Sky Trek adventure (which has an optional zip-wire through the canopy) or enjoy the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
Guided nature walk in Arenal National Park; visit thermal springs
This morning, we have a guided nature walk through Arenal Volcano National Park. The park has a great system of trails passing through secondary forest and near lava fields created by eruptions. In the late afternoon, we visit Baldi Hot Springs as a group to enjoy a hot thermal bath from the volcanic spring water – a refreshing end to the day. Please note, on weekends or Mondays we visit alternative hot springs called Ecotermales.
Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari (or similar)
To the Pacific coast
We travel southeast along the coast, following the Pan-Am Highway to Dominical, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Our hotel is on the coast near Dominical, around 50 minutes south of Manuel Antonio. The hotel is set in lush gardens overlooking the river and just a 20-minute walk to the beach. We spend the next three nights here. Depending on our arrival, we should have time to visit the beach or splash in the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar in Dominical (or similar)
Explore the beautiful trails and beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park
Today we drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to a vast marine reserve plus 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands.
We have a guided nature walk today, which should include some very close wildlife encounters. White-faced capuchin monkeys play and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered titi monkey (squirrel monkey) are fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti, and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted here. Better yet, the Manuel Antonio beaches are among the most beautiful in the country. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel.
Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar in Dominical (or similar)
Free day to relax, enjoy the beach or optional activities
Today has been left free for you to relax – make the most of the hotel pool, visit the beach or explore the area. There are a few optional activities available, such as a whale and dolphin-watching boat trip (from mid-July to October and mid-December to March).
Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar in Dominical (or similar)
To San José; relax by the hotel swimming pool or explore
Today we return to San José. If you wish to travel into the downtown area by taxi, you will have time to see the modern capital and pick up souvenirs. Alternatively, relax by the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Country Inn and Suites (or similar)
Depart San José
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Transfers to San José airport are available to all clients today.
End San José
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Transfers to San José airport are available to all clients today. But if you don’t want the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay and enjoy more time in the capital.
Arrive London
The group flight usually arrives back into London in the mid-afternoon.
Accommodation
Family-friendly hotels and lodges
For this Costa Rican adventure, we’ve picked family-friendly hotels and lodges, all of which have swimming pools. Below are the accommodations we typically use.
San José: Country Inn & Suites (nights 1-2 and 14)
Just 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, this Country Inn & Suites is the ideal place to begin and end our adventure. The rooms are comfortable with a modern international hotel style and there’s even two swimming pools for a post-flight dip.
Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge (nights 3-4)
Within Tortuguero National Park, this 66-room resort provides an away-from-it-all experience within the jungle. There’s a turtle-shaped swimming pool (this is green turtle country after all) and dining rooms where you can tuck into Caribbean cuisine with views of a tranquil waterway. Residents you might spot include sloths, toucans and iguanas, and we stay in rustic wooden bungalows with comfortable beds and ceiling fans.
Cahuita: Atlantida Lodge (nights 5-6)
It’s one of the simpler accommodations we use on this trip, but with a pool wrapped by tropical foliage and Playa Negra beach just a short walk away, one that your family is likely to enjoy. The bar knocks up a pretty great cocktail too.
Sarapiqui: El Bambu (nights 7-8)
This family-run hotel is surrounded by rainforest, where tropical birds flit between the green. Our families tend to gather by the pool, where there are sun loungers, tables and chairs. Or you may prefer to head to the restaurant, which serves Mediterranean and Costa Rican cuisines, including traditional chifrijo and ceviche.
Arenal: Arenal Montechiari Hotel (nights 9-10)
A short walk from downtown La Fortuna and with views of Arenal volcano, this hotel is in an ideal location. There are also tropical gardens full of plants and birds, plus a small swimming pool for a post-adventure splash. We stay in rustic and simple wooden lodges.
Dominical: Villas Rio Mar (nights 11-13)
In a rainforest setting, Villas Rio Mar combines Costa Rican wilderness with plenty of amenities. There’s a large palm tree-wrapped swimming pool, tropical gardens, and a rainforest trail to explore. Additionally, solar power runs the air conditioning in the bungalows, vegetables for the restaurant are grown in their greenhouse, and they run a monthly clean-up of Playa Dominical beach (which is just a 10-minute walk away).
Worth knowing
- Where triple rooms are booked, these usually consist of one double and one single bed, so these rooms are suitable for two adults and one child. We generally don’t recommend three children in one triple room unless two of the children are comfortable sharing a double bed.
- Some of the properties have ceiling fans rather than air conditioning.
- One or several of the named properties might be substituted for similar alternatives to secure hotel availability. Please discuss with your customer operations executive if you require more details regarding your specific departure date.
While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you will be put.
Single supplement from 816 €
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are included in the price of the tour, allowing you plenty of flexibility for non-included meals to be taken as a family or with the group.
Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish and a staple part of the local diet. Soups, stews and fresh fish are also common, and most hotels offer international menus. There is a lot of fresh fruit in the tropics – though the monkeys in the hotel gardens may well want to share your bananas!
Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Transport
We travel in air-conditioned buses for most of the tour. Depending on the group size, we use a 16-seat Coaster minibus, a 17 to 23-seat vehicle or a 30 seater vehicle. Due to the type of vehicles we use, it’s common for luggage to be transported on the roof, covered by a tarpaulin. There is a shared transfer to Tortuguero in a larger coach. In Tortuguero, our main transportation will be motorboats.
Weather & Seasonality
Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator and has an almost perfect tropical climate. The average temperature is 12C-22C (54F-72F) in the highlands, and 22C-27C (72F-81F) in the lowlands. There is a rainy season from May to November when there are daily downpours, though these are usually quite short and there is still plenty of bright sunshine, so the midsummer is not necessarily a bad time to go. December to April is the driest time of the year but you should expect some rain. Many areas visited on the trip are hot and humid throughout the year.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Country Inn & Suites, Sobre Autopista General Cañas, Cariari, Heredia Province, San José, 40701
Phone: +506 2239 2272
Recommended arrival time: Afternoon/early evening
Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: San José
Location end: San José
What To Take
Essential Equipment
We advise you to pack light, as you move a fair bit on this trip. Below is a suggestion of what you might find useful, though it is not exhaustive. You should be prepared for a variety of climates.
- Quick-drying clothing
- Lightweight waterproof outfit or rain poncho
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or wool) – for cool evenings
- Lightweight cotton (or wickable quick-drying fabric) clothes for low-lying areas
- Long-sleeve shirts and trousers (pants) will help prevent mosquito bites
- Shorts
- Lightweight walking/trail boots
- Trainers/sandals for relaxing
- Sunhat
- Swimsuit and towel
- Torch (flashlight)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip salve
- Water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Personal first-aid kit
- Plastic bags to protect the contents of your baggage from damp (humidity or damp can be a problem for cameras – a plastic bag can help to protect it)
Other packing tips
- A laundry service may be available in some hotels, but we recommend you take bio-degradable travel detergent so you can wash clothes as you choose
- Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours, so avoid wearing dark blue or green t-shirts
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
- Umbrella
- Camera with telephoto lens
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Small daypack for walks
- Universal sink plug
- Fabric tote bag to avoid using unnecessary plastic bags
Practical Information
Visa
Costa Rica
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica; however, proof of onward travel may be required – we suggest you take a physical copy of your flight details in case officials ask to see them.
Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/costa-rica
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Costa-Rica.html
Vaccinations and Health
Costa Rica
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, rabies and typhoid. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Many travellers will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, Tanzania and Zambia.
Dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in Costa Rica. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Please check all requirements and travel vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Costa Rica's time zone: America/Costa_Rica (UTC -06:00)
Electricity
Costa Rica's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard) and B (three pins, US standard) – 120V, 60Hz
Money
Costa Rica's currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC); however, US dollars are widely accepted
ATM Availability
ATMs are increasingly available in Costa Rica and are now present in most tourist areas. A flat fee of up to US$5-$7 and a small commission usually applies with debit card withdrawals. Mastercard and Visa are quite widely accepted in the bigger hotels, restaurants and tourist shops, though not in rural areas. Always check the handling fee when paying by credit card, as it can be high. We recommend you bring some small denomination notes (US$1 and US$5) since getting change is often a problem when paying for small items/cabs.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
US dollars are widely accepted; however, change will likely be given in local currency and the exchange rate will fluctuate. We suggest taking some US dollars with you but then using ATMs to withdraw the rest of your money in local currency while you’re there.
Food and drink
Allow extra to cover meals not included in the price of the holiday. Approximate costs are given for guidance only and may vary widely according to location and type of establishment.
- Coffee/tea: US$2-US$5
- Soft drink: US$2-US$5
- Medium beer: US$3-US$7
- Local snack lunch: US$10
- Three-course dinner*: US$45-US$50
- Bottle of wine: US$50-US$60
- Bottle of water: US$2
*From a reasonable mid-range tourist-class restaurant.
Optional Excursions (bookable locally)
There are a wide range of optional excursions available on this trip. The prices below are the adult prices for paying in cash, which are usually slightly lower than if you pay be card. Child prices are usually slightly lower, depending on the activity. Some excursions require a minimum number of participants or have a minimum age limit.
Tortuguero:
- Turtle nesting tour (July to October only): Approximately US$50 and can only be booked directly with the hotel at check in.
Sarapiqui:
- Tirimbina Chocolate Tour: US$35
- Safari Float: US$72
- White-water rafting Grade II and III: US$91 (ages nine and up only)
- Canopy tour: US$73
- La Selva Biological Reserve Nature Walk: US$73
Arenal:
- Hanging Bridges: US$57
- Sky Tram/Sky Walk: US$98
- Sky Tram/Sky Trek: US$112 (minimum height: 3ft 9in/1.2m)
Dominical:
- Dolphin and whale watching: US$97
Optional excursions can be paid for by cash (preferably), credit or debit card and can only be booked locally.
Tipping
Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and – although it is always at your discretion – you will be expected to tip. Your group leader can give you an indication of when and how much is appropriate. This can vary widely, but please allow US$31 per person (including children) for this trip. Porters at the airport and hotels are normally tipped about US$1 per piece. Also, if you wish to tip your group leader and driver (in recognition of their contribution towards your overall enjoyment of the holiday) a suggested guideline would be approximately US$5 per person, per day for the tour leader and US$3 per person per day for the driver. Occasionally the tour leader will suggest organising a tipping kitty to facilitate these and other tips (such as waiting staff in restaurants), which will be collected in advance at the start of the trip.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
- We use relatively small, family-run and locally staffed establishments, which ensures we are benefiting local communities.
- Although this is a largely nature-based trip, we incorporate as much benefit to local people as possible. One of the ways to support local people and boost the economy is to buy crafts in some of the remote regions we visit, such as Tortuguero and Cahuita. Having the opportunity to purchase locally made handicrafts encourages cultural exchange and provides a significant form of alternative income.
- Our local guides are careful to explain that any souvenirs on sale over the duration of the trip that are made from animal parts, shells or local hardwoods should not be purchased.
- This is a small-group tour, meaning we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people.
- Our local operator is very involved in supporting community projects. Our local operator cares about our impact on the destination, which is why we carry out several actions. For instance:
- Celebrating International Tourism Day 2019 by cleaning a beach at Guacalillo, collecting 330lb (150kg) of waste.
- Collecting plastic lids and donating them to Fundación Proparques, to develop walkways to improve accessibility for people with mobility problems, in protected wild areas.
- Establising an alliance with the Recycling Program of the Municipality of San José, since May 2015 until December 2020, that led to recycle 43 tons of recoverable resources during that period. During the pandemic, staff continued with the recycling process from their homes: collecting and recycling paper, cardboard, plastic items and lids, batteries, and electronic devices, among others.
- Purchasing souvenirs from local artists, to promote local benefits.
- Holding beach days with older adults living in care homes.
- Eliminating single-use plastics in our operation
- Reducing printed documents by having all the information in a secure drive.
- Our local operator continuously develops activities for the benefit of personnel who work for the company, through its human resources department and the Brigada Pintando Sonrisas. Different activities are carried out, such as More 4 You, which has the purpose of creating strategic alliances that promote health among collaborators. In addition, the New Work project is responsible for promoting healthy working spaces for staff.
- The local staff are given the option of free therapy with BetterHelp, the largest provider of online therapy in the world.
- In 2017, Exodus Travels introduced the Inspiration Project, where we’ve worked with our partners to take more than 6,000 children in 30 countries on a day of adventure and exploration. Each inspirational day out is designed to introduce young minds to the wonders of our world and their place in it. From visiting cultural heritage sites to natural wonders, each trip has been packed with firsts – their first time leaving their own village, their first time seeing the sea, their first time visiting a busy city. We continue to operate these days out to inspire children to protect and preserve the world as they grow up.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- Our local operator has a policy of Animal Welfare that requests suppliers to comply with the minimum conditions of animal welfare.
- Our local operator has been awarded by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for their sustainable tourism practice and dedication to improving sustainability standards. This means efforts are made to rationally use water and electricity, provide adequate waste management, and positively impact communities, among many other actions.
- Most of the accommodation and restaurants we visit on this trip use abundant, locally sourced food.
- Vegetarian options are available if notice is given, which include a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, and rice.
- To reduce our carbon emissions, we use a shared coach at the beginning of the tour to transport clients from San José to Tortuguero rather than an internal flight. During the trip, we travel responsibly using appropriate methods of transport; therefore, depending on group size, a minibus/coach will be used.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- An example of ecofriendly accommodation on this trip is the El Bambu Hotel in Sarapiqui. This family-run business is surrounded by tropical rainforest with a 70-year-old bamboo tree growing through the hotel lobby. The hotel is committed to working with nature and using resources in the most sustainable manner possible.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Family trips
Our staff and leaders are there to ensure the trip runs as smoothly as possible. However, company policy states they cannot take care of children; it is your responsibility to look after your young ones throughout the trip. During free time or if you decide to opt out of part of the itinerary, you are responsible for your family and any arrangements that need to be made, though your leader will be happy to make recommendations.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.