Upgraded - Costa Rica Wildlife
Upgraded - Costa Rica Wildlife
Upgraded - Costa Rica Wildlife
14 Days Starting in San Jose and ending in Dominical
Visiting: San Jose, Irazu Volcano, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Dominical, Corcovado National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DCW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
16-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Photography, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and rich wildlife with the "Upgraded - Costa Rica Wildlife" tour. Stay in premium accommodations as you explore the treetop canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest, the lush waterways of Tortuguero, and the pristine beaches of the Osa Peninsula. Discover the highest volcano in Costa Rica, sample artisanal cheese, and enjoy a cooking lesson in Turrialba. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting, visit a Sea Turtle Conservancy, and take a chocolate tour in Arenal. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Corcovado National Park and relax on the Pacific Coast. This tour offers a perfect blend of luxury, nature, and adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Trip In San Jose
Location: San Jose
Accommodation Name: Studio Hotel
Our tour starts today in San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital.
Lying in a fertile valley, at an altitude of 1,150 metres, coffee and sugar are big industries here - coffee is even planted between buildings and along the roadsides on the outskirts of the city.
A transfer from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days prior to departure.
For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting, and for those that wish there'll be the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in San Jose at any time. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head out and explore the city - the barrios are easy to navigate, laid out in a grid pattern of avenues and streets. The National Museum (Museo Nacional De Costa Rica) is also well worth a visit.
Tonight, we'll be staying at the boutique 'Studio Hotel', known for its rooftop swimming pool and breathtaking views of the Central Valley. Located in the heart of Santa Ana, this 4 star eco-friendly hotel also boasts an à la carte restaurant.
Day 2: Discover Irazu Volcano, Try Artisanal Cheese, End The Day With A Cooking Lesson And Dinner
Location: Irazu Volcano
Accommodation Name: Casa Turire
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll drive east out of San Jose this morning, towards the Irazu Volcano. Situated at 3,432m altitude, this makes it the highest volcano in Costa Rica. The drive to the volcano opens up to fantastic views of the valley below, before slowly transforming into a barren windswept moonscape. There are two crater viewpoints at Irazu, and we'll aim to visit both of them before continuing to Turrialba.
The fertile land around Turrialba making it an important agricultural region thanks to its fertile land and the origin of much of Costa Rica's coffee, sugar and macadamia nuts, not to mention dairy. On arrival, we'll visit Finca La Florita, a local dairy farm where the region's famous Turrialba cheese is made. We'll learn about the production process, as well as how the local farmers work together to help distribute their products. Of course, we'll take some time to sample the tasty cheese, too.
We then make our way to the lush Turrialba Valley and our destination for the next two nights: Casa Turire.
Casa Turire is a charming colonial-style boutique property set in the rural Turrialba Valley, adjacent to a working sustainable farm by the tranquil Lake Angostura.
Tonight, we'll join our chef in harvesting fresh produce from the garden and preparing a delicious local recipe together. Afterwards, we'll raise a toast and enjoy our first meal together.
Day 3: Free Day In Turrialba; Optional White Water Rafting
Location: Turrialba
Accommodation Name: Casa Turire
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are no set plans today so you're free to explore as you wish.
You might like to try your hand at white-water rafting on the Pacuare River. Famous for its scenery as well as its Class III-IV rapids, the river has some calm stretches that allow you to appreciate the rainforest-topped canyons and spot blue morpho butterflies and macaws wheeling past.
Alternatively, you might like to visit the CATIE (Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza) Research Centre. Recognised throughout the world as an important agricultural research station, its environmental development projects seek to enhance human well-being and protect natural resources. Its botanical garden is the perfect place to relax and appreciate the setting, surrounded by the calls of birds, the whisper of the giant Guanacaste Tree and the imposing Ceiba.
Day 4: Journey By Bus And Boat To Tortuguero National Park. Visit A Sea Turtle Conservancy
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have a thrilling journey ahead of us this morning. First, we'll drive to Cano Blanco or Pavona pier via extensive banana plantations before boarding a boat to take us to Tortuguero National Park. Its complex canal system and narrow lagoons link small, isolated settlements and are rich in fish, including rainbow bass and grouper. They also support an abundance of birds, such as herons, storks, and kingfishers as well as 60 species of mammals with howler and Spider Monkeys in the treetops.
Once we arrive, we'll have a visit to the world famous Sea Turtle Conservancy. STC has been working with green turtles in Tortuguero since 1959, making it the world's oldest sea turtle research and conservation group.
After, we'll take a short walk through Tortuguero town and along the beach, before taking a boat to Pachira Lodge, where we'll spend the next two nights. Set in a 34-acre estate adjacent to the National Park, the lodge boasts an outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, as well as a bar and restaurant on site.
Throughout the year, you may be lucky enough to see different species of turtle nesting close to our lodge. The best time to see this spectacle is between June and September when over 5,000 green turtles come ashore to nest on Tortuguero's beaches. At this time of year, there's the option of an evening turtle walk in the company of experienced guides.
Day 5: Full Day To Explore Tortuguero National Park Searching For Wildlife
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we'll delve into Tortuguero National Park.
For early risers, there's the optional activity to kick off the day with a dawn birdwatching boat trip. Water birds such as herons, egrets and kingfishers are among the birds that you might be lucky enough to spot, although other species of birds such as toucans can be found in the area.
Later this morning, we'll head out on a nature walk to understand more about the area's unique ecosystem.
Then, this afternoon, we'll take to the waterways for even more exploration.
On our travels, we might come across the howler monkey, aptly named thanks to the way it noisily protects its territory. Many shyer animals in this area include ocelots, tapir, and the incredibly elusive jaguar.
Please note some departures may do the waterways tour in the morning and the nature walk in the afternoon. Your tour leader will confirm.
Day 6: Travel To Arenal Via Guapiles. Visit La Tirimbina For A Chocolate Tour
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leaving our lodge this morning, we'll travel by boat back to Cano Blanco, before heading on to Arenal.
After an included lunch in Guapiles, we'll plan to visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour. On the two-and-a-half-hour tour, we'll learn the secrets and wonders of one of mankind's favourite foods - chocolate. Originally from Central America, the cacao plant has an extraordinary history - it was one of the most important products for the Mayan and Aztec cultures. The discovery of America led to the introduction of chocolate in Europe, transforming it into the product we know and love today.
Our tour starts with a short hike through a forest to a former cacao-growing plot. Upon arrival, we'll be treated to a demonstration of the artisanal process of chocolate making. There'll be plenty of opportunities to taste different kinds of chocolate, prepared on the spot in the traditional way.
This evening, we arrive to our base for the next 3 nights in La Fortuna, located at the foot of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. The town was renamed after the 1968 eruption when it was seen as being 'fortunate' to be located on the eastern side of the volcano.
There may be the option to take a night walk along the on-site nature trails surrounding our hotel, in search of nocturnal species such as insects, amphibians or reptiles.
Our travel time today will be around four hours.
Day 7: Hike In Arenal Volcano National Park. Option To Relax In Hot Springs In Afternoon
Location: Arenal Volcano National Park
Accommodation Name: Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll head right into to Arenal Volcano National Park, skirting around the great central volcanic massif.
Arenal is a classic conical volcano which was famous for its nightly eruptions until it finally went quiet in 2010. We'll explore the national park on foot, taking a hike on the flanks of the volcano. The eastern side is covered by a tangled mass of vegetation, while the western side remains starkly barren after a major eruption in 1968 decimated its small towns and landscapes. Our hike should last about 3 hours.
Along the way, our leader will point out interesting flora and fauna and give us more information about the science and history of the volcano, before taking us to a viewpoint for a closer view.
This afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. There will be the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing dip in some healing hot springs after this morning's hike.
Day 8: Morning Search For Sloths And Other Wildlife In Arenal.
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Arenal area is well known for its diverse wildlife. Some of the most sought-after species are the multicoloured toucan, the poisonous blue jeans dart frog and, of course, the languorous sloth.
This morning, we'll keep our eyes peeled to spy these three wonderful species as we head out on foot and by bus to visit La Fortuna's many spotting areas. Our exclusive wildlife tour ventures into private areas inaccessible to other tourists, offering optimal opportunities to observe sloths, birds, iguanas, various types of monkeys, and other fascinating creatures.
This afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. You can take the time to relax at our accommodations, or explore the natural and adventurous paradise that is Arenal.
Day 9: Drive To Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Evening Night Walk
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: Sibu Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll travel around Arenal Lake up into the cloud forest region of Monteverde, one of the best places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. The final leg of our journey takes us along some bumpy roads, but the bumps are well worth it to enjoy the lushness of the cloud forests.
Perched on the Continental Divide between the Pacific and the Caribbean, it's thought that there has been indigenous habitation in Monteverde since 3000 BC. However, the turning point in its recent history came in 1950, when a group of pacifist Quakers from Alabama moved here to avoid subscription in the Korean War. They sought a lifestyle in a country in which they could embrace their peaceful beliefs and continue to cultivate their dairy farms. These families went on to establish the community of Monteverde and some of its famed cloud forest reserves.
The drive from Arenal will take around five hours. On arrival, we'll have free time to explore at our leisure.
This evening, we'll embark on a guided night walk through the cloud forest, seeking out nocturnal species like pacas (pronounced "pah-kuh")-a large rodent native to Central and South America-as well as tarantulas, snakes, frogs, and toads.
Day 10: Search For Wildlife On Hanging Bridges Through The Cloud Forest
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: Sibu Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
The renowned resplendent quetzal, once abundant but now rare, is known to inhabit Monteverde, one of the few remaining sanctuaries in Central America where its habitat remains preserved. Sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples, it's considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world - the best time to see it is during its breeding months of March and April.
This morning, we'll have a guided walk in the Monteverde cloud forest, walking the paths that wind their way through gigantic ferns and trees covered with draping lichen and moss. The jungle floor is often littered with blossoms that fall from the high canopy providing a carpet of colour amidst the endless green. Next, we head high up into the canopy to the included 'hanging bridges'. The amazing view paired with the adventure of crossing a swaying suspension bridge is a must do when in Costa Rica.
The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. You might like to stay longer in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and explore the trails more.
Day 11: Drive South To The Pacific Coast
Location: Dominical
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cristal Ballena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving the cloud forest behind us this morning, we'll descend to the Pacific Coast with staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, we'll pause at the famous Rio Tarcloes and see the crocodiles below.
We'll also stop briefly at Carara Biological Reserve, famed for the scarlet macaws and abundant birdlife which populate this transitional forest, before continuing along the Pacific Coast to the region of Dominical, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Our accommodation Cristal Ballena isa boutique hotel set in the grounds of tropical forest, with magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, 12 hectares of landscaped grounds with a rainforest hiking path and a spa. There is also a complimentary shuttle bus to the beach.
Our journey time today will be approximately four to five hours.
Day 12: Full-Day Trip To Explore The Wildlife Haven Of Corcovado National Park On The Osa Peninsula
Location: Corcovado National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cristal Ballena
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll travel into the heart of the Osa Peninsular, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife.
Travelling a short distance to Punta Uvita, we'll board a boat for a thrilling ninety-minute crossing to San Pedrillo Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park. Between July and October, it's possible to spot whales in the bays that hug the Pacific coastline. Turtles and dolphins as well as a host of marine birds can also be spotted from the boat.
On arrival, we'll meet our expert local guide who will accompany us on the network of trails and tracks that weave in and out of the pristine protected primary forest and beaches that dot the coastline.
The park has an abundance of bird species as well as 140 species of mammals. During our day in the park, we're likely to spy white-faced capuchin monkey, coatimundi (part of the racoon family) and the tiny squirrel monkey. It's also possible to spot sloths, coatis, raccoons, and on occasion tapirs.
Our first walk takes three hours followed by a well-deserved break and picnic lunch at the park ranger station. In the afternoon we'll have a shorter thirty-minute stroll before heading back to our boat and a ninety-minute crossing back to Punta Uvita and onwards to our hotel.
We'll aim to be back at the hotel by 5.30pm in time for a sundowner drink.
Day 13: Free Day To Explore Dominical
Location: Dominical
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cristal Ballena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is your day to unwind on the Pacific Coast. You can enjoy a final dip in the sea, perhaps take a surf lesson, go whitewater rafting on the Savegre River, or, if it's the right season, embark on a whale-watching cruise.
Alternatively, you can simply relax and take full advantage of the hotel's amenities on your last day.
Day 14: Trip Ends In Dominical. Included Transfer To San Jose Airport (Sjo)
Location: Dominical
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Dominical.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.
Transfer to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days prior to your tour departing.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various boutique hotels and lodges throughout the tour, including Studio Hotel, Casa Turire, Pachira Lodge, Arenal Springs Resort and Spa, Sibu Lodge, and Hotel Cristal Ballena.
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Airport Transfer
A transfer from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days prior to departure.
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Meals
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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Guided Tours and Activities
The tour includes various guided tours and activities such as a visit to Irazu Volcano, a cooking lesson, a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, a chocolate tour at La Tirimbina, a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, a guided night walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and a full-day trip to Corcovado National Park.
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Transportation
All transportation during the tour, including bus and boat transfers, is included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, a night walk in Arenal, and a whale-watching cruise in Dominical are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
Meals
Breakfasts: 13
Lunches: 3
Dinners: 3
Mode of Transport
All transportation during the tour, including bus and boat transfers, is included. A transfer from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is also provided.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various boutique hotels and lodges throughout the tour, including Studio Hotel, Casa Turire, Pachira Lodge, Arenal Springs Resort and Spa, Sibu Lodge, and Hotel Cristal Ballena.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, a transfer from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is included on all trips in the Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided your flight details are received no later than 10 days prior to departure.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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What kind of guided tours and activities are included?
The tour includes various guided tours and activities such as a visit to Irazu Volcano, a cooking lesson, a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, a chocolate tour at La Tirimbina, a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, a guided night walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and a full-day trip to Corcovado National Park.
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Is transportation during the tour included?
Yes, all transportation during the tour, including bus and boat transfers, is included.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, a night walk in Arenal, and a whale-watching cruise in Dominical are available but not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from Costa Rica are not included.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including sloths, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, herons, egrets, kingfishers, and possibly even the elusive jaguar. In Tortuguero National Park, you may see different species of turtles nesting, especially between June and September.
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What is the best time to see turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park?
The best time to see turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park is between June and September when over 5,000 green turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches.
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What kind of activities are available on the free day in Turrialba?
On the free day in Turrialba, you might like to try white-water rafting on the Pacuare River or visit the CATIE Research Centre, which is known for its botanical garden and environmental development projects.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy?
During the visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Tortuguero National Park, you will learn about the conservation efforts and research conducted by the world's oldest sea turtle research and conservation group, which has been working with green turtles since 1959.
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What is included in the chocolate tour at La Tirimbina?
The chocolate tour at La Tirimbina includes a short hike through a forest to a former cacao-growing plot, a demonstration of the artisanal process of chocolate making, and opportunities to taste different kinds of chocolate prepared on the spot in the traditional way.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Corcovado National Park?
In Corcovado National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatimundis, squirrel monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, and possibly tapirs. The park is also home to an abundance of bird species and 140 species of mammals.
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.