Tortuguero Eco Adventure (Overnights at Laguna)

Includes:
- 2 nights Laguna Lodge (FAP/FB)
- Roundtrip minibus/boat transfer San Jose - Tortuguero Lodge - San Jose
- Tours as indicated
- Local English-speaking guide
- Flight includes transfer to your hotel in San Jose

- International Flights
- Extra nights in Sany Jose
- Tips and gratuities

On the first day, you will be driven to the boat which will take you to Tortuguero. On the third day, you will be picked up after this same boat ride and driven to San Jose.

Private Van

3-4

Laguna Lodge:
Laguna Lodge offers 80 rooms divided in blocks of 4 or 6 rooms furnished with all the basic elements for a very comfortable stay. Private bathroom, hot water, ceiling fan, reading lamps, wooden benches outside your room to admire the gardens.

Additional services include:

-Open air restaurant overlooking the Tortuguero Lagoon.

- 2 bars, one located over the lagoon and another one next to the swimming pool area. All of them decorated with woods from the beach.

-Swimming pool with hydro-massage waterfall and a small islet.

-Huts with hammocks to take a nap, read a book or simply relax.

-Fifteen acres full of trees and exotic plants.

-Open butterfly garden with local plants that attract local species.

-Private trails.

-Access to the beach.

-A Gaudi style building with a small conference room, reception and souvenir shop.

-Covered boats to transport our guests from the boarding port and open boats that we use to tour the canals. All boats are equipped with life jackets and rain ponchos for your safety and comfort.

-Fishing trips with experienced local captains for Tarpon, Snook, Jacko Bell, Red Snapper, Macko among other species (trips upon request).

-Turtle nesting night walks (from mid July to September approximately)

2 Nights hotels

You will have a local english speaking guide on your hikes and tours who is knowledgeable in the area's culture and wildlife.

None

What can you expect with our weather and climate?
Well, Costa Rica is a tropical country situated between 8 and 11 degrees above the equator. It has only two seasons: dry and green! The dry season with very little rain is generally between late December and April and the green or wet season lasts the rest of the year - May through November, but still offers an average of about 5 hours of daily sunshine. The Caribbean coast doesen't have this extended dry weather and stays green all year round and due to the humidity, tends to be a little oppressive sometimes. The Central Mountainous Region is more temperate, like the spring-like weather in San Jose, below.
Temperatures vary little between seasons. The main influence on temperature is altitude. San José at 1150m (3772ft) has a climate which the locals refer to as the "eternal Spring". It has simply delightful weather all year around! Average temperature ranges in San Jose are from 14 to 24 degrees Celsius (57 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) in December to 17 to 27 degrees Celsius (63 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit) in May. National Geographic rates it some of the best in the world!

The lower level, sea level coasts are much hotter, with the Caribbean averaging 21°C (70°F) at night and over 30°C (86°F) during the day. The Pacific side is a few degrees warmer still, but the humidity is generally less, so it tends to be more comfortable.

Costa Rican Trails

With 15 years of experience in Costa Rica, we make the difference between having a good trip and creating lifetime memories. All of our staff members are career tourism professionals who will assist you in planning a customized itinerary that reflects your interests, personal needs, and budget. Flexibility and creativity allow us to design budget programs for student groups, suggest multiple options for moderately priced tours, or recommend an exclusive itinerary with private planes and deluxe accommodations. You can feel confident that all is taken care of when Costa Rican Trails makes the arrangements.

Terms & Conditions

AGREEMENT
Enrollment in and payment for a service or a package implies agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth below. In this agreement, Costa Rican Trails may be referred to as the operator or Costa Rican Trails (Senderos de Costa Rica S.A.)

RESERVATIONS
All reservations should be made in writing either by fax o e-mail through a secured online reservation system. Every request will be answered by Costa Rican Trails in the next 24-48 (maximum) hours of receipt of the request. (Please consider the time difference between countries). If for any reason, more time is needed an explanation will be sent to the wholesaler.

All reservations and requests are subject to our written confirmation and the acceptance of the detailed reservation policies - which are considerably accepted by each wholesaler at the time of reservation and/or through the payment of the initial deposit, when requested.

In order to guarantee the correct handling and processing of all reservation and reservation requests - please forward any change thereof only via e-mail or fax to us.

All reservation changes after our initial written confirmation are also subject to a written re-confirmation. Most initial requests will be answered and/or reconfirmed within 24 -48 Hours (considering the time difference between countries).
Other Reservations We gladly make reservations for clients at hotels - which are not included in our regular tariff and on our web sites. Usually we are able to reconfirm these reservations also within 24 - 48 hours. However, Costa Rican Trails will not accept any responsibility for hotels, which are not recommended by us.

Use of Third Party Operators
Some Costa Rican Trails trips and services, as noted in the itinerary, are scheduled with other travel companies or tour operators who sell their tours to the general public. In such cases, the traveler acknowledges that other groups and/or individuals may be a part of the same tour. This situation is most common when the tour is on a train, barge, sailing vessel or cruise ship.

CHANGES
We charge a USD 15 fee for each change made within seven days prior to client's arrival or after the third change in a confirmed reservation or itinerary.

Itinerary Changes
Itineraries are subject to changes. We reserve the right to change the order of activities listed in our published tours. In the event there is an itinerary change, comparable lodging, meals and activities, programs, or entertainment will be provided. Changes may result from scheduling needs, unforeseen incidents, or other causes.

CANCELATIONS
All cancellations must be received in writing either by fax or e-mail. The following charges per person will apply when cancellation is made after the booking is confirmed by Costa Rican Trails:

Easter Week & Christmas
30 to 15 days prior to arrival date USD 25 p/p for up to three single services or USD 35 p/p for roundtrips (packages) or more than three single services.
14 to 7 days 75% of trip cost
Less than 7 days 100% of the trip cost

Rest of the year
15 to 7 days prior to arrival date USD 25 p/p for up to three single services or USD 35 p/p for roundtrips (packages) or more than three single services.
6 to 4 days 75% of trip cost
Less than 4 days 100% of the trip cost

NOTE: The same fees apply for partial cancellations of a booking. In addition to these cancellation fees, deposits required to guarantee hotel space might be nonrefundable. Any supplier penalties not covered by the above will apply as well.

REFUNDS
No refund will be made for no-shows of any unused portion of the itinerary, whether voluntary or caused by airline delays or cancellations. Involuntarily unused services will be refunded subject to the policies of individual suppliers. In this case, we reserve the right to deduct a service charge. No responsibility can be accepted for expenses incurred due to delays or changes in schedule or other causes. Any application for refund must be received in writing within 30 days of scheduled departure and must be accompanied by all negotiable tour vouchers, air tickets, taxi receipt, and so on.

Please forward all requests directly to the General Management and allow a processing time of approximately (4) four weeks.

If for any reason (including acts of God, the political climate, or threats of violence or war, strikes, robbery, medical problems found before or after a tour, terrorism, failure of any means of transportation to arrive or depart according to the travel plan, government regulations or restrictions, transit, service hotel and restaurant disturbances out of our control), Costa Rican Trails reserves the right to make any reasonable changes and/or substitutions in the itinerary where necessary. For excursions or tours where Costa Rican Trails is not the operator or direct supplier and it is acting only as an agent, Costa Rican Trails will not be responsible if the supplier does not provide de service.

If for any of the mentioned causes, Costa Rica Trails cancels the tour, the amount paid to Costa Rican Trails for the tour will be refunded according to our suppliers’ refund policies. We reserve the right to charge a handling fee for additional expenses.

Costa Rican Trails will not be responsible for procuring any refund of amounts the traveler paid to third parties for transportation or otherwise, or for the payment of any change or cancellation fees on the travelers chosen mode of transportation to or from the tour location.

Costa Rican Trails is not responsible for any event or activity change and/or cancellation during the tour due to weather or to circumstances beyond its specific and immediate control.

Dispute Resolution
If any disagreement arises concerning payment or refund obligations, these policies, or the liability or responsibility of the traveler or Costa Rican Trails, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to resolve the disagreement. In the event litigation arises, the traveler agrees that the sole and exclusive venue (location) for any such law suit is in a court of competent jurisdiction in Costa Rica, unless applicable law makes venue mandatory in another location.

In case of accident, Costa Rican Trails will not assume any responsibility, so it will be the sole responsibility of the supplier. For that purpose, Costa Rican Trails will assure that all suppliers maintain the necessary insurances to cover such events.

OUR PRICES
All rates and services are quoted in ($) US Dollars. Tour prices include all items as shown in the itinerary, applicable taxes, services of a local representative and all planning and operational charges. NOT INCLUDED: Any item not specifically stated in the itinerary, discretionary gratuities for local representatives, tour guides, drivers or hotel staff, and airport departure tax. Prices are accurate and available at time of publication. Costa Rican Trails reserves the right to alter quoted prices to reflect changes in local air fares, land services or sales tax increases without notice.
All rates are NET and non - commissionable and are effective from November 01, through October 31 of the current year, unless otherwise stated. Optional gratuities for service provider, tolls, meals, national park fees, optional insurance, sightseeing tours etc. are not included - unless otherwise stated.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Costa Rican Trails acts as agents for the purchase of domestic airline tickets and the passage contract in use shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the passenger. Costa Rican Trails is not responsible for cancellations or delays of domestic flights nor for any lost services as a result of the same. Domestic flights are regularly scheduled. In the case of non operation of a domestic flight for any reason, the client will be responsible for any additional expenses or will pay the difference for a charter plane. Costa Rican Trails, always recommends clients to overnight in San José prior and after their trip out of the city. Connecting local with international flights, either way, is always risky for the clients. If the wholesaler makes this kind of connections, and for any reason, the clients lose any of the connections, Costa Rican Trails will not be responsible for any problem or extra cost this may cause. Please note that on domestic flights the maximum baggage allowance is 25 pounds per person. Excess of luggage will be charge per pound and will be transported only if local weight capacity allows it. Flight tickets are non-refundable or endorsable. Change penalties may apply.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Each client shall be responsible for obtaining valid travel documents, complying with customs and other regulations of the country to which they are traveling. Costa Rican Trails accept no responsibility for any problems related to/and or in obtaining these documents.
All your clients receive upon arrival an envelope with a welcome letter, information about contact persons and emergency numbers, and our vouchers and itineraries (if so booked). Please advice your clients that only our vouchers are valid in Costa Rica.

INSURANCE
It is highly recommended that all participants insure themselves and their property prior to departure.

Costa Rican Trails will take the necessary actions to ensure that any supplier performing services to the company will have the necessary insurance to cover any situation.

INDIVIDUAL FAM TRIPS

Wholesaler
You and your staff are warmly welcomed to Costa Rica. We are more than pleased to help with reasonable prices and show you our beautiful country. If time allows us, someone from our staff will travel with you.

Travel Agent (your clients)
If you are requesting special prices for your travel agent clients, the following rules apply: During low season (May to November) we will do our best to obtain and offer special rates. From December to April, we cannot obtain any reduction.

RESPONSIBILITY
COSTA RICAN TRAILS (Its owners, associates, agents and employees) assumes no responsibility to injury, loss, damage to person or property or for additional expenses due to acts of God (sickness, weather, etc.), strike, detention, riot, war, quarantine, thefts, civil disturbances or government regulations or restrictions. We are not responsible for any accidents, delays, inconveniences, expenses or mishaps of any kind whatsoever resulting entirely, or in part, from the negligence of others or from causes beyond our control. We reserve the right to make reasonable changes and/or substitutions in the itinerary where deemed necessary. For those trips and tour where Costa Rican Trails is not the source or supplier, we act solely as agents and as such assume no responsibility should any supplier fail to provide the service contracted. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk.

CONDUCT
We reserve the right to decline to accept, or to retain, any person as a tour member for any reason that affects the operation of the tour or the rights and welfare or enjoyment of the tour members. A refund of the recoverable land tour services is the limit of Costa Rican Trails’ liability in this event.

HEALTH PROBLEMS
Persons with medical conditions or problems should make them known to Costa Rican Trails, well before arrival, including special diets, allergies, etc. We reserve the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the tour. If it is felt that the individual is physically incapable of performing an activity and/or if that individual’s continued participation would jeopardize the safety of the group or handicap the normal functioning of scheduling of the tour. Costa Rican Trails assumes no responsibility for special arrangements necessary or problems experienced for or by passengers physically unable to participate in the planned activities.

Medication and Medical Insurance
Having adequate supplies of all medications is the responsibility of the individual traveler. Costa Rican Trails is not responsible for dispensing or procuring any medications. Costa Rican Trails does not provide individual medical insurance or accidental injury/death insurance coverage of any kind. A traveler's medical insurance coverage may not cover "Out of Country" travel or claims, and should be checked prior to departure.

Involuntary/Voluntary Departure from a Tour in Progress
In the event that a traveler voluntarily chooses to leave a tour, Costa Rican Trails may require a written, signed statement of the traveler's intent to depart from the tour. In the event that a traveler's voluntary departure is due to any personal reason or due to illness, or is a consequence of any government action (including arrest), Costa Rican Trails will not refund any money. Transportation costs to return home, airline surcharges or penalties, and any other expenses will be the responsibility of the traveler.

PROSTITUTION AND THE COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN.
Prostitution or any compensation of sexual favors is prohibited in any tour or hotel facilities provided by Costa Rican Trails. In addition, any client involved in this type of activities will be disqualified at any time during the trip. Costa Rican Trails assumes no responsibility for special arrangements necessary for or by passengers due to his/her behavior.

Costa Rican Trails condemns all forms of sexual exploitation of children and supports all acts of law made to prevent and punish such crimes. We consider that the sexual exploitation of human beings, in any of its ways, specially sexually and when it affects children and adolescents, damages the main purposes of tourism and constitutes a denial in its essence. For this reason, and in accordance to our local Law Nº 7899 against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of minors and article 4th of the Code of Conduct, we will cancel the contract with any person or company that in any ways, contribute, facilitate, tolerate or promote the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.

Costa Rican Trails demands that all clients, partners and all members of staff refuse to take part in the sexual exploitation of children and report all cases of sexual exploitation of children, which comes to their awareness. The breaching of this policy can result in dismissal, police report or the ending of ongoing collaboration.

Environmental Commitments: Costa Rican Trails is committed to comply with the policies stated in the section of Environmental Issues and will apply them to these Terms & Conditions where applicable.

OPERATIONAL SERVICE POLICIES

Qualified office staff
Costa Rican Trails will provide an adequate number of qualified staff to fulfill the duties in the destination/country.

Quality service Values: reliability, professionalism, accessibility, courtesy, communication, credibility, security, empathy, legality, seriousness, precaution, opportunity, sincerity, creativity, respect, inspiration, solidarity, responsibility, leadership, discipline, integrity, teamwork, loyalty, confidentiality, and friendship.

Luggage:
Luggage always will be the responsibility of the client. In case any client requests the company to transfer the luggage, Costa Rican Trails assumes no responsibility for any valuables left within the luggage.

Alcohol and drugs
The abuse of any alcoholic drink or consumption of any illegal drug during the trip is strictly prohibited.

Coaches/Means of transportation
Costa Rican Trails is responsible for the proper organization and punctual performance of all services offered.

Costa Rican Trails will provide the transfers, roundtrips, cruises and excursions with owned or rented coaches, mini-busses, jeeps, vessels, aircrafts, and taxis. All means of transportation are driven, piloted and sailed by properly qualified staff in possession of valid licenses necessary under local law and with sufficient experience in commercial traffic.

Costa Rican Trails is not responsible for any costs or expenses associated with the provision or maintenance of any subcontracted means of transportation. The company will assure that all means of transport have good quality standards and will take all necessary steps to ensure that all used equipment is in technically perfect condition, is regularly cleaned and properly maintained.

All means of transportation are equipped with appropriate first aid kits and all respective safety certificates and all drivers, pilots and shipmasters must strictly observe the resting periods requested by local law or regulations. They will wear clean standard uniforms with name badges. Communication from outside with drivers during their duty, including breaks/stops is a must. The drivers are instructed to treat all clients in a friendly manner.

Costa Rican Trails will control and survey the quality standard of all means of transportation which operate for us. Costa Rican Trails guarantees that all company vehicles have the proper insurance.

Contingency
Costa Rican Trails will provide contingency within reason to cover:
• Inability to perform the service: In the event that the company is not able to perform any particular agreed service, it will ensure that appropriate contingency arrangements are made to ensure that the required service(s) is/are carried out punctually as agreed.
• Vehicle breakdown: In the event of vehicle breakdown, the company will dispatch directly a suitable replacement vehicle.
• Sickness and holiday cover: Costa Rican Trails will provide complete cover for driver vacation and periods of sickness at no additional cost and at the service level specified in this agreement.

Transfers
Costa Rican Trails will provide transfers for the wholesaler’s clients from the point of arrival in the country to the booked accommodation and return. The rates include full service, such as on- and off loading of the luggage.

Pick-up times and routing will be handled according to the agreement between the company and the Wholesaler’s staff. We will offer the best possible service to the clients. The drivers will not be allowed to make unscheduled stops and it is understood that they know the exact location of the hotels and places in order to do direct transfers.

Costa Rican Trails will have the necessary means of communication with the guide and/or driver during the whole trip. Also, the company will monitor all vehicles by means of the GPS system (Global Positioning System) to control the development of the trip.

Excursions
Costa Rican Trails will organize and perform at its own responsibility and account excursions for the wholesaler clients, as stated in these terms. The excursion program and its content have to be proposed by Costa Rican Trails and approved by the Wholesaler in writing.

The proposal of the company will contain the following details:
• Routing including stops
• Content of the excursion offered including minimum number of participants
• Duration, timetable, pick-up times
• Prices
• Cancellation fees to be borne by the client
• Main sub-contractors

Costa Rican Trails will operate the excursions regardless of the number of clients who have booked unless the number is less than the minimum number agreed for each excursion.

All the necessary means of transportation will arrive at the first appointed venue of embarkation at least 10 minutes before departure time and will leave on time. The Excursions are accompanied by tour guides, who are adequately trained, familiar with the region, its flora and fauna, history and people, fluently speaking and understanding the language of the clients. Tour guides will be identifiable by wearing the company uniform.
All excursions include the service of a combined multilingual driver/escort

Hotel reservations
The reservation department is supported by trained staff and it is fully equipped with computers. The working and office hours will be determined by mutual consent between the company and the wholesaler. Normal office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 17:00 hours and on Saturdays until 16:00 hours.

Costa Rican Trails undertakes:
• to make all reservations of accommodation, including special offer bookings
• to send all reservation data immediately upon reception to the hotels
• to keep all confirmations received from the hotels
• to check regularly the up-date of the reservations
• to assist the wholesaler in the control of allotments with guaranteed occupancy and/or advance payments/loans and/or participation
• to propose an alternate accommodation if the requested hotel or room type is not available
• To inform the wholesaler immediately and without delay should a reservation not be accepted due to an overbooking situation or construction-works closure.
• to check the availability and obtain reservations for in resort clients who wishes to move to another hotel
• To answer request bookings within the next 24:00 hours, after the request has been received (Please consider the time difference between countries).
Flight Assistance

Upon request, there will be one employee present at the airport in order to help during arrivals and departures.

Costa Rican Trails undertakes for Domestic flights only:
• to arrange the transport of bulky baggage
• to inform the wholesaler at any time, upon any changes of flight schedules, routings and arrival/departure times
• to check immediately any request of clients for rebooking flights and to make any endeavor to satisfy the request
• to handle "flight-only" bookings if requested and to answer for flight confirmation and departure times
• to keep flight tickets in safe custody and to produce a monthly detailed report of the tickets eventually issued and sold
• to keep close contact with the airport authorities, airport police, custom officers, airline handling agents and tour operators of other companies

Car Rental
Car rental rates do not include gasoline, tax, tolls, transfers or additional driver fees. The rates include unlimited mileage and CDW Insurance, which has a deductible. A valid driver license and a major credit card are mandatory for all rentals and/or the designated driver. All rates and terms are subject to change without further notice. Minimum rental is three days. Rental period is based on 24 hour day from time of pick up. Minimum driving age is 21 years old. Additional expenses are the responsibility of the renter.

Equipment Rental
Our suppliers provide our clients with the best brand name and State-of-the-Art rental equipment available. The equipment may be rented individually or as part of one of our soft-adventure tours. Returned equipment should be free of defects and damages. If the material has been damaged - or in case of equipment loss – the supplier will charge the actual replacement value or necessary repair cost to the clients’ credit card and/or deduct it from the mandatory security deposit.

Soft Adventure Touring
Canoeing, rafting, fishing floats, hiking, camping, and sightseeing, guided Soft-adventure tours as well as other and similar outdoor activities are not entirely "risk free". None of our companies can assume responsibility for injuries, completion of tour itineraries, inclement weather conditions or flight delays etc. In order to participate in a soft-adventure program some operators may require an insurance waiver release form for a participant prior to the tour departure. We are unable to resume responsibilities for any delays, cancellations and / or additional cost occurring through such a cancellation. Although we will do the best possible to reschedule the tour or provide alternative arrangements on request of the client.

Assumed Risk
All Travel has it own inherent risks, up to and including death, and the traveler acknowledges such risks exist. Costa Rican Trails will take reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of our travelers. Costa Rican Trails is not liable, and the traveler agrees to hold harmless Costa Rican Trails, its employees and agents for illness, injury, accident, or death during the tours or vacations. Costa Rican Trails is not responsible for expenses or harm caused or losses incurred by travelers who (a) disregard of the instructions of our representative(s), (b) depart from the planned activities of the tour, or (c) follow the instructions of a person other than our representative(s).

Costa Rican Trails will not be responsible for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay due to any act or default of any air, land or water carrier, hotel, restaurant, company or person rendering any of the services, activities or programs included in the tour. Costa Rican Trails will not be responsible for the traveler's cost of travel in returning home before completion of the tour.

Binding Agreement
These policies have the force and effect of a binding contract between the wholesaler and Costa Rican Trails, and by proceeding with a reservation and paying a deposit, the wholesaler signifies his/her agreement to be bound by these policies.

Cancellation Policies:
- From 16 days or more prior to arrival : there will be a service charge of $250 per person
- From 15 to 8 days prior to arrival: 50% of the total amount will be retained by Costa Rican Trails.
- From 7 to 4 days prior to arrival: 75% of the total amount will be retained by Costa Rican Trails.
- Less than four days prior to the clients arrival: 100% cancellation penalty.