[Costa Rica] [Lake Titikaka] [Nazca Lines] [Links to other sites]
Explorations Inc. is proud
to offer outstanding adventures that highlight the very best that Costa
Rica has to offer. In this brochure, you can read about an affordable
tour package that allows you to explore tropical rainforests, mountain cloud
forests, towering volcanoes, tropical beaches, scenic rivers, wildlife sanctuaries,
colorful gardens, country towns, and more.
For those wishing to extend your stay or customize your own unique itinerary, we can accommodate! Call and we can prepare a special quote for a trip to include your favorite activities or just a few extra days for relaxation and personal exploration. Options include river rafting excursions, horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, turtle watching, water sports, exotic nature lodges and sportfishing. We can also arrange just airfare, transfers and hotel accommodations for an even more independent visit.
For many people, Costa Rica evokes images of iridescent,
blue morpho butterflies amidst a green carpet of ferns set under majestic,
towering trees covered with orchids and bromeliads. Such images provide
memories that last a lifetime. As often said; "The greatest tourist
attraction in Costa Rica is Costa Rica". Costa Rica is a lively country
full of scenic beauty and natural wonders; it is not a fabricated theme
park. The varied geography, creating a multitude of microclimates and ecosystems,
combined with a unique location between 2 oceans and 2 continents, makes
Costa Rica one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world.
The statistics of the wildlife and plant diversity are amazing, but not
as amazing as seeing a colorful macaw or toucan close-up or hearing the
boisterous voice of the howler monkey.
Costa Rica has long been regarded one of the world's premier nature travel destinations. In addition to the country's rich natural resources there is another significant reason it is such a great place to visit; the "ticos" or the people of Costa Rica. With its exotic plants and animals, Costa Rica may seem strange to many, but the gracious ticos make it difficult to feel like a stranger. The friendly people of Costa Rica have much to be proud of. They have enjoyed over 100 years of democracy and have not had a standing army since 1948. They now have 12% of their land in national parks and another 15% is protected in private reserves. Costa Rica's accomplishments in nationwide health care and literacy places it among the most highly developed nations. Its commitment to conservation and peace makes it a leader in the world community.
Our Costa Rica Exploration
explores a wide range of ecosystems and wildlife habitats; from mountain
cloud forests to tropical beaches. It has a strong focus on learning about
the different geographical areas and ecosystems visited. The goal is to
explore Costa Rica's grand diversity with an itinerary that is conducive
to the discovery of nature's secrets and to achieve a better understanding
of the Costa Rican peoples.
Day 1: USA Gateway - San Jose
Depart Miami aboard LACSA Airlines scheduled flight to San Jose, the capital
of Costa Rica. Airport reception upon arrival and transfer to the luxury
Hotel Irazú. This large resort hotel has its own shopping mall, tennis
courts, swimming pool and sauna, casino, restaurants and bars. It also has
daily minibus shuttle to the downtown area and daily bus service to Jacó
Beach.
Day 2: Rainforest Aerial Tram
Day begins with drive through the rugged and beautiful Braulio Carrillo
National Park. Next comes a one of a kind adventure aboard biologist Don
Perry's Aerial Tram. An exciting way to explore the biodiversity of a rainforest
canopy with its countless species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and
insects. In the afternoon, you return to the Hotel Irazú via tropical
plant and macadamia nut plantations. (B/L)
Day 3: Poás - Arenal - Tabacón
Today's exciting journey begins with a drive through Costa Rica's lush Central
Valley to the majestic Arenal Volcano. The classic-shaped volcano has been
active since 1968. The frequency and intensity of eruptions and the sight
of lava tumbling down the slopes is sure to impress. You can view this magnificent
natural phenomenon while relaxing in the warm waters and beautiful gardens
at the hot mineral springs of Tabacón. There is also an excursion
at night for viewing the fireworks of Arenal's eruptions! Overnight for
two nights at Las Cabañitas or Tijiari Resort near La Fortuna. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve
After an early breakfast, you're off to explore the Caño Negro National
Wildlife Refuge. By boat you will penetrate the tropical rainforest to the
1,600 acre Caño Negro Lake, in the midst of 18,000 acres of marsh
lands. The biological diversity is astounding and many of the species of
wildlife may be encountered nowhere else! Capuchin, spider and howler monkeys,
sloths, garfish, roseate spoonbills, toucans, herons and crocodiles basking
in the sun are a common sight here. A box lunch picnic is included. (B/L)
Day 5: Jaco Beach
Enjoy beautiful and ever changing scenery in route to the Pacific coast
resort village of Jacó for a two night stay. Your seaside resort
for the next two nights is the Hotel Jacó Beach, complete with water
sport equipment, swimming pool, tennis, bicycles and more! The afternoon
is unstructured for relaxation or beach activities. (B/L)
Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park
A day to explore beautiful forest-backed tropical beaches, rocky coves and
nature trails in this lush coastal park. Manuel Antonio is famous for its
secluded white sandy beaches and it is home to huge iguanas, white-faced
monkeys and colorful birdlife. Time for nature walks, swimming, snorkeling
before lunch in nearby Quepos. (B/L)
Day 7: Carara Biological Reserve - San
Jose
A morning exploration of the biodiverse Carara Biological Reserve which
is located in a transition zone between wet and dry forest ecosystems. The
primary tropical rainforests are a biologists dream come true with countless
species of plants and abundance of such birds as; scarlet macaws, guans,
trogons, wood storks, herons and motmots! Also commonly seen are monkeys,
crocodiles, coatimundi and dazzling butterflies. Afternoon return to the
verdant Central Valley for overnight in San Jose at the Hotel Irazú.
(B)
Day 8:
Transfer to the airport for flight home.
Approximately $895 in Double Occupancy, "Land Only", starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica. (Price to be confirmed upon verification of itinerary dates.)
$1295 in Double Occupancy, with R/T air from Miami, FL and many other gateways. (Call for prices from your home city.)Included
- Round-trip airfare on LACSA Airlines to San Jose from Miami. (International airfare can be deleted for a credit of $400 or other departure cities can be quoted.)
- All accommodations in first-class hotels as listed or similar.
- All transfers and tours as listed in itinerary.
- English-speaking naturalist guides for listed tours.
- Meals as listed in itinerary.
Not Included
- Airport departure taxes. USA airport departure taxes, (currently $45), will be invoiced as a separate item and then be prepaid on your international air ticket. Costa Rican airport taxes (estimate $12 - $20, paid direct upon leaving Costa Rica).
- Personal items, liquor and beer.
- Gratuities to local guides and personnel.
- Meals not listed in itinerary.
Notes:
For Triple Occupancy deduct $70 / each.
For a Single Supplement add $220.
This itinerary can be operated most any week for 2 or more persons.
One of Costa Rica's greatest attractions is its diverse natural history. There is also a great diversity in available accommodations, travel and tour packages. Trying to choose from among the many options and areas to visit can be overwhelming, especially for the first-time visitor to Costa Rica. The "good part" is that with all the options, it is easy to design a "dream vacation" that suits your interests.
You are welcome to call us for more information and insights about a destination. Upon request, we can also send a suggested reading list to assist in your planning and educational enjoyment.
For those who would like to arrange their own itinerary or extend or Costa Rica Exploration, listed are some of the options available and the approximate price per person.
Extra Nights / Options
* Add $90 per night (room for one or two persons) for longer stays in San Jose at the Hotel Irazú. (Other hotels can be arranged if desired.) You are welcome to extend you stay just for independent personal exploration or to prearrange services and tours.
* There are many optional one day tours available from
San Jose that can be arranged. For planning references approximate costs
are listed. 
Bosque de Paz Biological Reserve $70
Braulio Carrillo National Park $65
Butterfly Farm $30
San Jose City Tour $30
Coffee Tour of Café Britt $30
Horseback Riding $80
Irazú Volcano & Lankester Gardens & Orosi Valley $70
Palo Verde National Park $85
Poás Volcano & Sarchi Oxcart Factory 65
Sarapiquí River Adventure $80
Tiquicia Traditional Evening $45
Tortuga Island Cruise $80
Tortuguero National Park $85
White-water Rafting $80
* For independent travelers extending their stay, ground and air transfers are available throughout Costa Rica.
* Multi-day tour options that include transportation, lodging and some meals from San Jose include:
- Sarapiquí Rainforest & Rivers 3D/2N: Either a tranquil rafting float (or white-water) through lush rainforest with abundant wildlife. $300/pp.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest 3D/2N: Explores the verdant cloud forest reserve with naturalist guide. $370/pp.
- Tortuguero National Park & Canals 3D/2N: Boating exploration of the famous canal system running through lush Caribbean rainforest. $340/p
p.
- Corcovado National Park 4D/3N: All-inclusive exploration of this famous wilderness on the Osa Peninsula. $655/pp.
- Playa Grande & Baulas Marine National Park 3D/2N: Explores (boat tour) this protected area, famous for its mangrove estuary, leatherback turtle nesting area, and unspoiled beaches. $360/pp.
- Pacific Coast Sport Fishing 3D/2N: A full day and a half of deep sea fishing in some of the best waters for sailfish, dorado, red snapper and marlin. $655/pp.
These options to witness the incredible geoglyphs on the plains of Nazca are available as a post trip extension of our Andean Inca Exploration ©
Option 1: One day fly over:
Day 1: Morning transfer from hotel to local airport for flight from Lima to Ica. Reception in Ica and transfer to Las Dunas airport for flight over the Nazca Lines. Lunch included at the luxury resort, Hotel Las Dunas with time for relaxation before late afternoon return flight to Lima. Airport reception and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 2: After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for flight to Miami.
Approximate cost: $450 per person, double occupancy.
Day 1: Breakfast at the Lima hotel. At 12:00 PM transfer to the Ormeno station for the first-class bus to Ica. (Departs at 1:00 PM, arrives 3:30 PM.) Reception in Ica and transfer to the luxury resort, Hotel Las Dunas for the evening and overnight.
Day 2: After breakfast, transfer to the local airport for flight over Nazca Lines. (Afterwards, an optional, inexpensive taxi can take you into Ica for a visit to the Regional Museum.) Return to the Hotel Las Dunas for relaxation until transfer to catch the 6:00 PM bus to Lima. Return to Lima at 9:30 PM and independent taxi back to hotel.
Day 3: After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for AM flight to Miami.
Approximate cost: $400 per person, double occupancy.
Day 1: Breakfast at the Lima hotel. At 12:00 PM transfer to the Ormeno station for the first-class bus to Ica. (Departs at 1:00 PM, arrives 3:30 PM.) Reception in Ica and transfer to the luxury resort, Hotel Las Dunas for the evening and overnight.
Day 2: After breakfast, leave at 6:30 AM for an excursion to Paracas, including a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. At 11:00 AM, return to Ica for flight over Nazca Lines (Flights are at 12:00 or 5:00 PM.). (Afterwards, an optional, inexpensive taxi can take you into Ica for a visit to the Regional Museum.) Return to the Hotel Las Dunas for relaxation until transfer to catch the 6:00 PM bus to Lima. Return to Lima at 9:30 PM and independent taxi back to hotel.
Day 3: After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for AM flight to Miami.
Approximate cost: $450 per person, double occupancy
Notes & Services:
Prices subject to change
International flights and all flights in Peru.
Hotel accommodations / lodging.
Airport / Hotel transfers as listed.
Tours as listed.
Meals as listed.
(Sample Itinerary)
This, (or a customized),itinerary
option is available as a post trip extension of our Andean Inca Exploration © 
Day 1: (Friday)
The rest of the group on the Andean Inca Exploration extension flies to
Miami - you fly to Juliaca. After airport reception in Juliaca you will
tour the Necropolis of Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo. (Picnic lunch
in route.) Transfer to hotel in Puno for overnight. Evening free.
Day 2: (Saturday)
Full day, boating tour to Taquile Island with stop
in route to visit the floating islands of Uros. Overnight at Puno hotel.
Day 3: (Sunday)
Late morning transfer to airport for flight to Lima , airport reception
in Lima and tour of city on way to hotel. Overnight in Miraflores.
Day 4: (Monday)
(Optional - you can also return to Miami on this day.)
Free day in Lima. (We can arrange tours to museums and / or half-day trip
down the coast to Pachacamac ruins, or other.) Overnight in Miraflores.
Day 5: (Tuesday)
Morning transfer to airport for 10:00am flight to Miami.
Notes & Services:
(Estimate $475 - 525 per person / dbl occup.)
Peru flights (Cuzco>Juliaca and Juliaca>Lima)
Hotel accommodations
All airport / hotel transfers
Breakfast on Day 1 & Day 4, Lunches on Day 1 & 2.
Guided tours and entrance fees as listed above
Also available are custom Peru itineraries for small groups AND for the angler, our Amazon Fishing Adventures features Peacock Bass and other exotic species!
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Send E-mail and request trip brochure. (Let us know which tours and when you are interested in traveling.)
Below are links to other sites that we have found to be of interest regarding Central & South America.
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Please Email us with any bad links or sites that should be included. - THANKS!
About Explorations Inc.
We believe our trips help provide much needed income to the developing countries involved and such tourism also promotes preservation of natural resources and cultural traditions that may otherwise be lost under the pressures of the modern world. Explorations, Inc. is committed to providing quality adventure travel experiences and excellent personal service. By means of informal education and well paced travel, our goal is to facilitate a better understanding of the natural world and of cultures past and present. Explorations of distant places may not only teach us more about different cultures, we may also learn more about ourselves!
Explorations Inc. is licensed and registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel, since 1992. The phone number for the Florida Department of Commerce is 904-488-2221 and our SOT registration number is 15176. We are also registered in California as Seller of Travel #2021110-40. We are also a TSI Member of IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network). An escrow account for trip payments is available - call for details and account number. Additional professional and client references are available upon request. Our Email address is ad@ExplorationsInc.com.
Explorations Inc.
27655 Kent Rd
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 1-239-992-9660
or toll free 1-(800)-446-9660 (in USA, Canada, P.R.)
Call anytime to receive detailed trip brochures or more information!
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