Costa Rica 2023 - final payment

Tour Price/person*: $4095

 

Deposit: $500/person

Single supplement: $415

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Final Payment Due: November 22nd, 2022, or at registration if after.

Group size: 6 to 8 guests.

 

*Based on double occupancy at lodgings, with a group size of 6 to 8 registrants. Maximum group size is 8 registrants, plus guide(s) and driver(s). If there are fewer than 6 registrants, this tour may be canceled or re-negotiated. Note that if you want a roommate we can try to find you one, but we cannot guarantee all guests a roommate. If none is available, you will be charged the single supplement.

 

The tour price (fee) includes services from upon arrival on Day 1 into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José until your transfer to the airport on Day 12, including:

 

• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 12.

• All accommodations from Day 1 through until Day 12.

• All transport from arrival into the SJO on Day 1, and including transport back to SJO when guests depart on their international flight out of Costa Rica.

• All guiding services, access permits and entrance fees to birding areas.

 

Excluded from your tour fee are:

 

• International flights.

• Tips for tours guides

• Tips for hotel staff, waiters, and drivers.

• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, charges for phone calls, and any other items of a personal nature.

• Expenses associated with travel such as insurance, visa fees, airport taxes, airline baggage fees, COVID tests, vaccinations, etc.

 

The receipt of your tour deposit shall be deemed to be consent to our Terms and Conditions of Booking. Each tour participant and each parent or legal guardian of a tour participant under the age of 18 shall sign and deliver the release and indemnity agreement at the time of registration.

 

Documents

 

All travelers must have a current passport, valid for at least six months beyond the start date of this tour.

Citizens from the US, Canada, the UK, and most European nations do not need a visa. If you are unsure about the entry requirements for your nationality, we advise checking on the Jamaican immigration website here: http://www.costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/51

 

Cancellation Policy

 

We strongly recommend all guests purchase travel insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation services and trip curtailment, in advance of this tour. It is important to protect against financial losses in the event that a registrant becomes unable to participate in the tour. Note that such coverage is often non-refundable so please check with Glacier Birding Adventures before purchasing it, to confirm the tour is to proceed as planned.

 

If cancellation is received:

• ​More than 90 days prior to the start of the tour, full refund minus $100 cancelation fee will be returned to the registrant.

• 89 days or less prior to departure, no refund of payments or deposits are issued.

 

The team at Glacier Birding Adventures and Birding Experiences reserves the right to refuse service to any registrant/participant who acts disruptive, routinely disrespectful, or in a manner inconsistent with the goals of the company. All guests are expected to comply with the rules and agenda set forth by the guide(s) of the tour, and to behave in a way that is considerate and conducive to a quality group experience.

 

Pace, Rigor, Climate & Pests

 

• Warm and pleasant climate, with daytime highs between 65 and 85 F degrees.

• Cooler temps in the Talamanca Mountains where it’s warm and pleasant during the day, with cold and chilly nights down to 45 F degrees.

• Food is excellent throughout, with all meals having a great Gluten-free and Vegetarian option.

• Accommodations are 3 to 4 stars.

• Cabins in the mountains are cozy and well-built, with heaters and extra blankets.

• No rigorous hiking required, most mornings of walking and birding along dirt roads and easy trails. 

• Elevation is 300ft (100m) up to 9,000ft (2,750m) with a short visit to elevations above 10,000ft (3,100m)

• Only a couple drives of 3+ hours, otherwise mostly short drive times between sites.

• Early mornings, up before dawn. Usually back to the hotel by 12pm for lunch.

• Afternoon birding or relaxing after lunch, with a couple evenings of night birding.
   

Elevation is a consideration on this tour. Please consult your physician regarding travel to areas of high elevation. Elevations range from 300 feet to about 11, 000 feet (100-3,400m) above sea level during our 12 day tour. Especially when up high, but really throughout the tour, we will take our time, and keep a slow and relaxed pace while we seek and enjoy birds and other wildlife.

Generally, nature enthusiasts visiting Costa Rica do not encounter diseases like Malaria, but it is possible, however extremely unlikely. We urge guests to consult a doctor about vaccinations and medications prior to travel.

Elevation sickness is possible given some of the areas we visit on this tour, so we urge guests to seek medical advice on spending time at high elevation as well. All participants are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

 

The water is safe to drink everywhere in the country, but if you are ever unsure, we will make sure to get bottled/filtered water for you.

 

Packing

 

Please limit yourself to one suitcase/duffel and another daypack/backpack for daily outings from the lodge. Group travel dictates we consider our fellow traveler’s comfort, and this includes not over-packing.

Lightweight and breathable clothing good for warm climates is recommended, as well as neutral colors and earth tones to increase the chances of close bird encounters and reduce startling wildlife.
Rain jackets/rain shells are recommended as we may encounter light afternoon showers, but they usually don’t last long.
Warm layers for mornings and evenings in the Talamanca Mountains where it can be 45 F degrees at dawn, but it warms up quickly. A warm hat, gloves, and an inner sweater and outer jacket layer are recommended for those who are chilled easily. 

Comfortable trail or hiking shoes are recommended, as well as sandals or light shoes for wearing around the lodge and on travel days.

Power outlets in Costa Rica are Type A (2-prong) and Type B (2-prong with ground), the same plug configuration as the United States and Canada.