essence of costa rica
A CULINARY & CULTURE EXPEDITION IN COSTA RICA
It’s no secret that Costa Rica is a destination blessed with lush jungles, volcano vistas and breathtaking beaches. With mild tastes and a heavy emphasis on fruit and vegetables, our Costa Rican tour consists of a variety of cultural traditions. Locations throughout the country give travelers an option of blending cultural and modern cooking styles to create traditional dishes. Amazing zip lines to crossing bridges, hiking active volcanoes, there is no shortage of adventure and sights to see throughout Costa Rica.
HIGHLIGHTS: San Jose * La Fortuna * Manuel Antonio
PRICE: $2,275 USD | Deposit: $500 P/P (nonrefundable)
DATE(S): (9 Days)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Tour packages are priced with two people sharing a room, with the cost of the lodging being divided by two people. If only one person occupies the room, then the entire cost of the lodging is absorbed by one person. Rather than double the price of the tour, we add a single supplement to address the lodging costs. We do our best to keep single supplement costs as low as possible to accommodate single travelers requiring a private room. Please contact us before booking if you plan on traveling alone or have further questions about single supplement cost.
- Click on the “BOOK NOW” button.
- Fill out the online reservation form (one per person)
- Pay your deposit (your spot is now solidified)
- Pay Final payment 4 months before departure.
- Confirmation for all payments sent within 24 hours.
- Predeparture packet sent 1 month before departure.
Day 1 (Arrival): Enjoy airport transfer from San Jose International Airport to your hotel. We’ll enjoy a festive evening of traditional Costa Rican dance and scrumptious dinner. Admire panoramic views of the Central Valley and the glittering lights of San Jose from a renowned hilltop restaurant. (Dinner)
Day 2 (Rainforest & Coffee Tour): You’ll explore the country’s natural and cultural treasures. On this full-day tour from San Jose, sample Costa Rica’s favorite drink during a tour of the Doka Estate coffee plantation. Hike through the rain forest, and see the butterflies and hummingbirds at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3 (Travel to La Fortuna): Here’s your chance to enjoy some leisure time in La Fortuna. If you are feeling adventurous, why not try some white-water rafting, waterfall rappelling, zip canopy tours, lake kayaking, biking, ATV touring, extreme hiking and much more! Later, we’ll visit a local hot springs resort where we enjoy dinner and take a relaxing soak in the lush, cascading waters of the hot springs. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 (Cooking Class): Step-by-step preparation and instruction, hands-on, local chefs, English-speaking presenters, relaxed atmosphere, and B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L surroundings. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the La Fortuna waterfall, so it sits atop a hill overlooking parts of La Fortuna and is surrounded by lushness which attracts a wide variety of wildlife and of course, has a GREAT view of the Arenal Volcano. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 (Arenal Tour): Experience some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural attractions on this full-day group tour around Arenal. Enjoy the rainforest and volcano views from the Mistico Hanging Bridges, swim in La Fortuna Waterfall, and get closer to the mountain on a Volcan Arenal walk. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6 (Travel to Manuel Antonio): After breakfast we’ll travel to Quepos. Here’s your chance to enjoy some leisure time in Manuel Antonio. This small town on the Pacific coast is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and nearby sea. (Breakfast)
Day 7 (Manuel Antonio National Park Tour): Enjoy a deeper and richer experience of Manuel Antonio National Park than would be possible visiting alone. This guided tour lets you discover the park’s remarkable biodiversity. Your guide’s expert eyes will find even the best-camouflaged creatures and they will provide a spotting scope for close-up views of monkeys, tropical birds, and more. (Breakfast)
Day 8 (Spice Plantation Tour): Today we’ll take a tour of a spice plantation. The tour is a gentle walk through the plantation and is very sensory, along a unique Epiphyte (air plant) and Rock Garden Trail. The “Flavors of the World” tasting menu features the world’s three favorite flavors – vanilla, chocolate and Ceylon cinnamon -, among other spices and seasonal tropical fruits at a Rainforest Viewpoint. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9 (Departure): We will provide you with a transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José Airport today. The approximately travel time is 3 1/2 hours. Return to The United States or extend your trip. (Breakfast)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Airport pick up
- Accommodation (double occupancy)
- Selected Meals (See Itinerary)
- Walking Tours & Day trips
- Entrance fees
- Transportation (City-City)
- English speaking guides
- Wynton’s World Tour Captain
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare
- Visa (If applicable)
- Travel Insurance (Health, Cancellation, etc.)
- One or two meal per day
- Baggage fees, spending money, tips, leisure, tourist tax, City Tax, departure tax
Hotel Presidente – This informal hotel on a bustling downtown street is a 2-minute walk from the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, a 7-minute walk from Museo train station and a 9-minute walk from the San José Central Market. Understated rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus minifridges and safes. A breakfast buffet and loaner bikes are complimentary. Other amenities include a rooftop garden, an industrial-chic restaurant/bar and a fitness room.
Volcano Lodge and Spring – Built on hot springs, this modest spa hotel offers views of Chato Volcano. It’s an 11-minute walk from Arenal Natura Ecological Park and 10 km from La Fortuna Waterfall. The pared-down rooms and suites come with cable TV, coffeemakers, and terraces with views of the volcano. The upgraded rooms have private hot tubs, while the suites add Wi-Fi access, minibars and sitting areas. Amenities include 2 outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs, as well as a laid-back restaurant and a relaxed lobby bar. Massages and reflexology treatments are offered in the spa.
The Falls Hotel – What makes the Falls Resort unique? The Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is an amazingly beautiful and tranquil garden and waterfall setting within walking distance of this famous little town´s best restaurants and gorgeous beaches. White faced capuchins, sloths, toucans, and the mono titi monkeys frequent
Do your tours include international airfare?
Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. If you live in North America, our Wynton’s World specialists would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.
Who are my traveling companions?
For privacy reasons we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience these destinations. Our tours are conducted in English and attract travelers from around the world.
What are the age restrictions on your tours?
To travel independently you must be at least 18 years of age. There are no age limits on our tours however travelers with pre-existing medical conditions are required to complete a medical questionnaire. Children a minimum of 12 years old can travel accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on any of our tours.
I’m a solo traveler; will I be charged a single supplement?
Most of our trips do not have a mandatory single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if you are traveling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another Wynton’s World traveler of the same sex. Some independent extensions do require a single supplement.
I’m a solo traveler and I’d like my own room, is that possible?
All Wynton’s World group tours provide a single supplement optional service allowing solo travelers the option to request their own private room while on tour. The cost and details vary by trip.
Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?
Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Contact one of our specialists for price information.
Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?
Starting and ending hotels are listed on your travel voucher and in the Trip Details document. We use a variety of hotels en-route and a complete list of hotels will be provided on Day 1 of your tour. If your family requires contact information, or in case of emergency, please have them contact us.
Can I join a tour late or leave it early?
It can be difficult to join a tour after it has begun and we don’t advise it. It is possible to leave a tour early; however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult a Discovery Adventures specialist before you book your adventure.
Are airport transfers included?
Arrival transfers are included on most Wynton’s World group tours. Please check the trip details for arrival information, specific to your tour. By booking your airfare with us we can ensure someone meets you at the airport before your tour. If you book your own airfare, you must provide your flight number, arrival date and arrival time to us. Departure transfers can be locally arranged at additional cost from the finishing point hotel.
What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?
Trip specific information on transportation can be found on the trip summary page; however in most cases we use a mix of public and private transportation.
What type of accommodation is used on your tours?
The accommodation level for most Wynton’s World tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, motels, lodges or guest houses. You’ll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodations can vary by country and region so please consider that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country. Some trips may include camping, permanent tented camps or more rustic lodges, depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Please see your “Trip Details Document” for more detailed information, specific to your tour. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.
What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?
We strongly recommend bringing a soft, medium sized suitcase or duffel bag on wheels. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains, as well as up and down hotel staircases.
What clothing should I pack for my adventure?
We always recommend packing as light as possible; however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our “Trip Details document” includes a suggested packing list and these can be downloaded from each individual trip summary page. The checklist is tour specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.
Can you help arrange my travel visas?
Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. Although we are unable to arrange visas on your behalf we have provided a link on our “Trip Planning” page that will help you determine if visas are required. If you do require a visa you can arrange them yourself or use the services of a visa processing company.
What vaccinations are recommended for my adventure?
It’s important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a travel health clinic.
Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?
Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Our “Trip Details” documentation includes suggested tipping amounts and these can be downloaded from each individual trip summary page.
How do you send out travel documentation?
All documentation is sent electronically by email. Shortly after we receive your payment we will send you your initial documents including a summary of purchase and detailed trip notes. Final documentation including vouchers will be sent by email no later than two weeks prior to the departure.
Can I pay in full at the time I book?
Yes. Please let your Wynton’s World specialist know at time of booking or indicate this in the comments box when making your online booking.
Will you let me know if my tour is guaranteed sooner than the 60-day mark?
Yes, an email will automatically be sent to you advising to go ahead and book your international airfare with us as your tour is guaranteed to depart.
Can my documents be mailed out to me?
As a sustainable company, we try to limit the amount of paper that we consume; therefore, all documents are electronically sent directly to your email account. Please consult a Wynton’s World specialist if this is not possible.
