Costa Rica is a great destination for families. Not only is it rich in flora and fauna, but it offers enchanting cloud forest, tropical vegetation, active volcanoes, white sandy beaches and activities galore to keep all the family entertained. From the capital San Jose, we travel to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano, where a volcano walk gives us the chance to watch the flowing molten lava and relax in hot natural springs. Here optional activities abound – inflatable kayaking, whitewater rafting, biking and even safari floats are all on offer. We take a horseback ride along Lake Arenal to Monteverde in the midst of the cloud forest, where you can swing through the treetops on a canopy zipline. And to end our exciting adventure, we relax at Playa Samara, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful Pacific beaches, or continue the action with sea kayaking, surf lessons and snorkelling. From Playa Samara there is the chance to visit a Turtle Project or go Dolphin Watching.

La Fortuna. This morning we drive to the cozy town of La Fortuna and what is considered Costa Rica's premiere Adventure Zone - near to the famous Arenal Volcano. The volcano is a stunning sight and on a clear night you may see fluorescent lava flowing down its cone. The volcano has been active since 1968. Papaya, ginger root, oranges, pineapples, sugar cane, beans and cassava all flourish in the area. You’ll be surprised that the giant tropical plants that you’ll see growing naturally in the area are the enormous cousins of house plants growing in your home! 

This afternoon, you're bound to see wildlife as we head out on a volcano walk with a naturalist guide through the forest to the base of the active volcano - we'll wait for it to get dark so hopefully we can spot the molten rocks pouring down the side of one of the world's most-active volcanoes. Later we can relax in natural hot springs to do more lava viewing.

La Fortuna.   A free day today.  You have the option of several exciting activities (paid locally). Experience the independence of your own inflatable kayak or go rafting on Class 2-3 rapids to feel the adrenaline rush on one of Costa Rica's world-class wet and wild rivers (min age 7). Maybe try canyoneering (min age 12) - make your way down a hidden valley by rappelling and hiking 8 amazing tropical waterfalls in the Lost Canyon. You can also choose from caving, mountain biking, safari floats, or just relaxing.

Nb: All optional tours include lunch

Monteverde.  Included today is a guided-tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Later, take some time to visit the butterfly garden, galleries and delicious restaurants in your free time.

Playa Samara. From June to Decemeber, we visit Camaronal Sea Turtle Project. The Camaronal wildlife refuge is located approximately 45 kms from Playa Samara. The area was created to protect Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtle nesting sites. Due to the work of local organisers in helping collect the eggs, large numbers of egg-laying turtles have arrived on the pristine beach in reecent years. There is an optional evening walk to view the arrival of the turtles nesting on the beach.

When the turtles are not in season, we include a Dolphin Tour instead. The boat trip lasts 3-4 hours, and the boat has a canopy roof.

The remainder of the time at Playa Samara is free time for you to enjoy the beach, swimming and watersports!! There are many options to choose from at one of Costa Rica's most beautiful and safest swimming beaches, Playa Samara. Try some surf lessons, sea kayaking tour or snorkelling outing.

San Jose.  The tour ends after breakfast today when you can take your memories home with you.

Please note that if you are adding on the Tortuguero Turtle Extension, then pick up will be at 6.15am this morning. Please ensure excess luggage has been stored at the hotel.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Central America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Central America trip. Country entry regulations can change daily. Our website  www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of Central America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed. 

• We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

Belize, Costa Rica and the Yucatan province in Mexico are more expensive than the other Central American Countries, in those areas you should budget on US$ 30 per day.

Take your money in US dollars only. This is the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America.

Traveller’s cheques should be AMERICAN EXPRESS. American Express is the most widely accepted.

Cash is far easier to exchange than Travellers Cheques, but also more risky as once lost, is irreplaceable. However, we do recommend that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20).

In many countries, you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option.

Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs.

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful.

Included Excursions - All activities mentioned in the brochure unless optional are included in your tour price. This also includes many extra things that the group does as a whole such as ruins site entrance fees, domestic flights, local guides at some attractions, National Park entrance fees.

How much should I take?

• Try to limit yourself to 15-20kg.  It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more.  If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your Tour Leader at the Pre Departure Meeting.  
• A good quality backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, water, sunscreen) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards, travellers cheques, etc., on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you DO NOT BRING A SUITCASE due to the difficulty of carrying these and travelling with them on Central American transport. Please do not bring more luggage than you are able to comfortably carry without assistance.

Most passengers will travel with digital cameras.  Should you run out of memory you can download your photos onto CD at the local internet cafes or camera shops on your tour.  Alternatively, you may be able to purchase extra memory cards.  With regards to film, all types of camera film are readily available in Central America.  However, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.

Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your camera confiscated.  It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.

All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).

For better or for worse, tipping is an accepted part of everyday life and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. 

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782

Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE

Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au