Things to Know
Financial Arrangements: The fee for this tour is as quoted per person in double occupancy. This includes all food from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on final day, all lodging during the tour, ground transportation during the tour, all park entrance fees, all special tours, guest lecturers and guide services. It does not include airfare from your home to San Jose and return, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature. Rates are based upon group tariffs: if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small-party supplement may have to be charged.
Payment & Registration: Deposits are $300/person for tours. Tour payment in full is required within 80 days of the departure date. You can send a check or money order to Cotinga Tours, 5762 Main St. Elkridge, MD 21075. Or fax your Visa/MasterCard information to 410-796-3552, please include name, expiration date, account #, phone number, amount to be charged and signature. You can also call us at 1-888-205-6415.
Cancellations and refunds: If a cancellation is made eighty days or more before the departure date, the deposit less $75 is refundable. If cancellation is made between eighty day and sixty days before the departure date, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering balance of the fee will be refunded. If Cancellation is made fewer than sixty days before the departure date, no refund is available. It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance as soon as possible to ensure that you are covered for this. You do have the right to transfer your booking to another person, provided you are unavoidably prevented from coming on the holiday. You are responsible for any extra costs that such changes incur.
Singles: We will always try to accommodate clients who request single rooms. This is not always possible, and clients may be asked to share for all or part of the tour. In this case we will of course not charge the single room supplement for the portion of the holiday where the room is shared. We will also try to accommodate clients traveling on their own but wishing to share, however, if we are not able to pair you with another single we will have to charge a single supplement charge.
Tour Alteration: If we are forced to cancel the tour for any reason we will refund any payments made to us. We do our best to remain true to our advertised itinerary, however, we reserve the right to modify the tour. Our clients will be promptly notified of any changes and retain the right to cancel with out penalty. We do our best to ensure that any changes will not adversely effect the high quality of our tours.
Surcharges: We determine the price of our tours well in advance. There is the possibility that unexpected costs may occur. Rather than cancel the tour we may levy a surcharge. Please note that we have never had to levy a surcharge.
Safety: Clients must observe any instructions given by our leaders as regards logistics, safety and conservation. Failure to do this could lead to dismissal from the group, as could any behavior that, in the opinion of the leader, is severely detrimental to the safety, welfare and enjoyment of other members of the group. In the event of expulsion of any client, a refund for the unused portion of the tour will be granted. However, the client must bear any extra expenses involved in returning home under these circumstances.
Tipping: Tipping (restaurants, porters, drivers and guides) is not included on our tours. It is entirely appropriate to tip.
Clothing: Light weight cotton field clothing is the norm for Costa Rica tours. Long-sleeved shirts, a hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen are recommended for protection from the sun. Also please be sure to have a pair of good water-resistant hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes and a second pair of light weight shoes. Mud boots are not necessary, but if have them and wish to bring, you are more than welcome. Generally, the weather will be warm-hot and humid (75 - 90 degrees). It can get cool at several high elevations and locations (temperatures in the 40s), so a thermal top, warm sweater, or Jacket is essential for layering. Trails should not be so muddy at this season as to require rubber boots; water-resistant footgear is best. Do not forget a small umbrella and/or poncho.
Documents: A current U.S. passport is adequate for entry into Costa Rica; a visa is not necessary. You will be issued a tourist card by the airline on which your travel.
Health Precautions: Although no vaccinations are required for entry into Costa Rica, up-to-date tetanus protection is recommended. Please consult your physician. Health requirements change frequently, so please check with your doctor before taking any immunizations.
The drinking water is good almost everywhere in Costa Rica. We provide bottled water throughout the tour. We recommend that you bring a supply of aspirin or any other medication you think you night need during the trip. Imodium tablets are recommended for traveler's diarrhea.
Insect Protection: Chiggers and "no-see-ums" can be a problem in some areas. We recommend the use of lotion (small plastic squeeze bottle) and a pump-style container of insect repellent that has close to 100% DEET. Topsyn gel is useful in reducing irritation from stings or bites, and some cortisone creams are available with out prescription. Also, Flowers of Sulphur has proven effective for chigger protection. (Ask pharmacist.)
Baggage: Baggage limits have been raised from the old method of 44 pounds on international flights to two suitcases with no weight limit and one carry-on bag. However, we request participants limit their baggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on, if possible, as space in the vehicle will be limited.
Luggage can be stored at our hotel in Heredia, if you so desire. As a precaution, we suggest you pack your travel documents, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, and your binoculars in your carry-on bag.
Items to bring: Pack a flashlight, water bottle or canteen, binoculars, a small folding umbrella is also a good idea for mist and light rain. Your guide will have one spotting scope to share with the group, however, if you would like to bring one it would be welcomed.
Miscellaneous: Laundry can be done by the hotels at which we stay on this tour. The voltage in Costa Rica is 120 (as in the USA); however, some lodges require adapters for polarized plugs (one prong larger than the other).
Departure Tax: You must pay a tax to depart Costa Rica. The fee is the equivalent of US $26.00 and may be paid in either currency. (Subject to change.)
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