[Costa Rica] [Lake Titikaka] [Nazca Lines] [Links to other sites]
Explorations Inc. is proud to offer outstanding travel and tour adventures that highlight the very best that Costa Rica has to offer. 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 $995 in Double Occupancy, "Land Only", starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica. (Price to be confirmed upon verification of itinerary dates.) (We can assist with low-cost airfare from your home city.) Included 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 Round-trip airfare from the USA to San Jose. (Call for airfare prices from your city.) Airport departure taxes. USA airport departure taxes, (currently $65), 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.
Approximately $995 in Double Occupancy, "Land Only", starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica. (Price to be confirmed upon verification of itinerary dates.) (We can assist with low-cost airfare from your home city.)
Included
Not Included
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/pp. 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.
Three Day Extension: Includes Paracas, Nasca, Inca and the Nazca Lines:
Day 1: Breakfast at the Lima hotel. Early morning departure with private guide and transportation for the day to Paracas Bay about 156 miles south. Then you visit the National Reserve of Paracas, including the Museum of Julio C. Tello to learn more about the famous Paracas textiles and culture Birdwatching is excellent in the Reserve for condors and the colorful National Bird, flamingos. Overnight is at the lovely, seaside Hotel Paracas. In the desert landscape of the Paracas Peninsula, you will also see the "Cathedral", enormous rock formations in the shape of a church. Lunch on your own and leisure time to enjoy the hotel and majestic views. (AB) Day 2: After an early breakfast, you board a fast passenger a boat to tour the Ballestas Islands, also known as the "Little Galapagos Islands". On the tour you may view the famous Candelabra hillside figure, the guano islands' sea-lion colonies, seals and the abundant birdlife (booby, albatross, alcatraz, pelican, cormorant, penguins, etc.) and maybe even a condor. Afterwards is a two and half hour drive south to the city of Nasca, where you will receive an introduction to the world famous Nazca Lines and board the small plane for the overflight. After lunch, you visit the Aqueducts to learn of their importance in this costal desert area and later watch a local artisan recreate ancient colors and designs in ceramics. Afterwards a hour's drive back north takes you up the coast to Ica for your overnight at the Hotel Las Dunas luxury resort. (CB) Day 3: After breakfast, the morning is free to relax or enjoy the hotel's facilities (horseback riding, sand dune boarding, swimming, golf tennis, etc.). At noon is a visit to Regional Archaeology Museum to study the different artifacts found in this region from the Pre-Inca cultures of Paracas, Nazcas, Wari, and Ocucaje. Later, you visit the unique Huacachina Oasis. Lunch is at a nearby vineyard, to learn the process of making Peruvian wines and Pisco, a white grape brandy. At 4pm you depart back Lima for arrival at 8pm and transfer to the airport or hotel. (CB, L) COST: Estimate $925 for 1 person, $595/each for 2 persons dbl, $550/each for 3, $495/each for 4.
Day 1: Breakfast at the Lima hotel. Early morning departure with private guide and transportation for the day to Paracas Bay about 156 miles south. Then you visit the National Reserve of Paracas, including the Museum of Julio C. Tello to learn more about the famous Paracas textiles and culture Birdwatching is excellent in the Reserve for condors and the colorful National Bird, flamingos. Overnight is at the lovely, seaside Hotel Paracas. In the desert landscape of the Paracas Peninsula, you will also see the "Cathedral", enormous rock formations in the shape of a church. Lunch on your own and leisure time to enjoy the hotel and majestic views. (AB)
Day 2: After an early breakfast, you board a fast passenger a boat to tour the Ballestas Islands, also known as the "Little Galapagos Islands". On the tour you may view the famous Candelabra hillside figure, the guano islands' sea-lion colonies, seals and the abundant birdlife (booby, albatross, alcatraz, pelican, cormorant, penguins, etc.) and maybe even a condor. Afterwards is a two and half hour drive south to the city of Nasca, where you will receive an introduction to the world famous Nazca Lines and board the small plane for the overflight. After lunch, you visit the Aqueducts to learn of their importance in this costal desert area and later watch a local artisan recreate ancient colors and designs in ceramics. Afterwards a hour's drive back north takes you up the coast to Ica for your overnight at the Hotel Las Dunas luxury resort. (CB)
Day 3: After breakfast, the morning is free to relax or enjoy the hotel's facilities (horseback riding, sand dune boarding, swimming, golf tennis, etc.). At noon is a visit to Regional Archaeology Museum to study the different artifacts found in this region from the Pre-Inca cultures of Paracas, Nazcas, Wari, and Ocucaje. Later, you visit the unique Huacachina Oasis. Lunch is at a nearby vineyard, to learn the process of making Peruvian wines and Pisco, a white grape brandy. At 4pm you depart back Lima for arrival at 8pm and transfer to the airport or hotel. (CB, L)
COST: Estimate $925 for 1 person, $595/each for 2 persons dbl, $550/each for 3, $495/each for 4.
Notes & Services:
(Sample Itinerary) This itinerary shown as a post trip extension from Cuzco after our Andean Inca Exploration ©, but it may also be arranged from Lima. Day 1: Transfer to Cuzco bus station for first-class bus to Puno. (http://www.inkaexpress.com/ruta_sol.htm) During the 8 hour ride, you have 4 guided excursions, including stops at: Andahuaylillas, whose church is considered the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" because of the quality of the art. At Raqchi, visit the "Wiracocha temple" that according to the old chroniclers was built by the Inca Wiracocha in honor to the Supreme God of the Incas, "Apu Kon Titi Wiracocha". Afterwards, you have a buffet lunch in the picturesque town of Sicuani. Later at La Raya, you will be at the highest pass on the route (14,000 ft). Then on to Pukara, one of the very earliest archeological complex constructed in the Peruvian Altiplano. Reception in Puno and transfer to the lakeside Sonesta Posada Del Inka for two overnights. (Option, if starting in Lima, is to fly to Juliaca and transfer to Puno hotel this day.) (B) Day 2: A full day touring including: Morning visit to Isla Taquile and the Aymara Indian section of Luquina for a lakeside lunch on the Chucuito Peninsula. Then visit the famous Uros Floating Islands at a time of little tourism and before the lake winds that sometimes in the late afternoon. (B/L) Day 3: Free time in Puno. Transfer to Juliaca airport for flight (choice of departing at 12:00pm or 4:25pm) to Lima to connect with flights out. On the way, you may visit the Necropolis of Sillustani ruins on the shores of Lake Umayo if time permits. (If desired, we can arrange airport reception in Lima and assistance with connections or transfer to and overnight at the Hotel Antigua Miraflores for an overnight and next day, morning or evening flights out.) (B) COST: Estimate $495 per person, double occupancy.
(Sample Itinerary) This itinerary shown as a post trip extension from Cuzco after our Andean Inca Exploration ©, but it may also be arranged from Lima.
Day 1: Transfer to Cuzco bus station for first-class bus to Puno. (http://www.inkaexpress.com/ruta_sol.htm) During the 8 hour ride, you have 4 guided excursions, including stops at: Andahuaylillas, whose church is considered the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" because of the quality of the art. At Raqchi, visit the "Wiracocha temple" that according to the old chroniclers was built by the Inca Wiracocha in honor to the Supreme God of the Incas, "Apu Kon Titi Wiracocha". Afterwards, you have a buffet lunch in the picturesque town of Sicuani. Later at La Raya, you will be at the highest pass on the route (14,000 ft). Then on to Pukara, one of the very earliest archeological complex constructed in the Peruvian Altiplano. Reception in Puno and transfer to the lakeside Sonesta Posada Del Inka for two overnights. (Option, if starting in Lima, is to fly to Juliaca and transfer to Puno hotel this day.) (B)
Day 2: A full day touring including: Morning visit to Isla Taquile and the Aymara Indian section of Luquina for a lakeside lunch on the Chucuito Peninsula. Then visit the famous Uros Floating Islands at a time of little tourism and before the lake winds that sometimes in the late afternoon. (B/L)
Day 3: Free time in Puno. Transfer to Juliaca airport for flight (choice of departing at 12:00pm or 4:25pm) to Lima to connect with flights out. On the way, you may visit the Necropolis of Sillustani ruins on the shores of Lake Umayo if time permits. (If desired, we can arrange airport reception in Lima and assistance with connections or transfer to and overnight at the Hotel Antigua Miraflores for an overnight and next day, morning or evening flights out.) (B)
COST: Estimate $495 per person, double occupancy.
Also available are custom Peru itineraries for small groups AND for the angler, our Amazon Fishing Adventures features Peacock Bass and other exotic species!
Click below to:
Send E-mail and request trip brochure. (Let us know which tours and when you are interested in traveling.) Link to our Introduction page for an overview and more photos. Link to our Explore Peru page for more information about our Amazon and Andes tours. Link to our Mundo Maya page for information about our cultural and archaeology tours into the world of the Maya. Link to our Go Fishing page for information about Sportfishing programs in Latin America such as our Amazon Fishing Adventure for Peacock Bass and other exotic species.
Send E-mail and request trip brochure. (Let us know which tours and when you are interested in traveling.)
Link to our Introduction page for an overview and more photos.
Link to our Explore Peru page for more information about our Amazon and Andes tours.
Link to our Mundo Maya page for information about our cultural and archaeology tours into the world of the Maya.
Link to our Go Fishing page for information about Sportfishing programs in Latin America such as our Amazon Fishing Adventure for Peacock Bass and other exotic species.
Below are links to other sites that we have found to be of interest regarding Central & South America.
Go to Orbitz for flight quotes and arrangements. Go to The South American Explorers Club, great resource with other useful links. Go to Weather Underground, excellent for world-wide weather info. Go to OmniMap, excellent source for purchasing world-wide maps. Go to National Geographic Magazine, lots of neat stuff. Go to Archaeology Magazine, lots of neat stuff. Go to The Archaeology Channel, lots of neat stuff. Go to Peru Tourist Board, lots of neat stuff. Go to An Amazon Adventure, lots of neat stuff. Go to Lonely Planet - Peru, great resource with other useful links. Go to Lost Cities of Peru, lots of info. Go to Destination Machu Picchu, great photography and 360 degree views.. Go to Peru Post, lots of info. Go to Amazon Rainforest Photos, as it sounds. Go to Rumbos, online magazine with lots of photos, etc. Go to Rabbit in the Moon, Lots of neat stuff about Mundo Maya. Go to The Maya of Guatemala, lots of neat stuff about Mundo Maya. Go to Mesoamerican Archaeology Web Site, lots of neat stuff and more reference links. Go to Mesoweb, lots of neat stuff about Mundo Maya. Go to Mayan Culture, slow but some good info. Go to EcoColors, unique ecotours in the Yucatan and good links. Go to The PreColumbian Graphic Arts Web Site, lots of neat stuff. Go to Tico Times, the famous English newspaper of Costa Rica. Go to Destination Costa Rica, by Lonely Planet. Go to Costa Rica Handbook, by Moon Publications, lots of good info. Go to CostNet, info re Costa Rica. Go to TicoNet, info re Costa Rica. Go to Web Travel, lots of photos of San Jose, Costa Rica. Go to The Science Lab resources - directory of Science Conferences related websites. Go to Coleman Camping Gear, Camping Equipment and Camping Links - Find articles on camping, lists of gear, and locations of campgrounds.
Go to Orbitz for flight quotes and arrangements.
Go to The South American Explorers Club, great resource with other useful links.
Go to Weather Underground, excellent for world-wide weather info.
Go to OmniMap, excellent source for purchasing world-wide maps.
Go to National Geographic Magazine, lots of neat stuff.
Go to Archaeology Magazine, lots of neat stuff.
Go to The Archaeology Channel, lots of neat stuff.
Go to Peru Tourist Board, lots of neat stuff.
Go to An Amazon Adventure, lots of neat stuff.
Go to Lonely Planet - Peru, great resource with other useful links.
Go to Lost Cities of Peru, lots of info.
Go to Destination Machu Picchu, great photography and 360 degree views..
Go to Peru Post, lots of info.
Go to Amazon Rainforest Photos, as it sounds.
Go to Rumbos, online magazine with lots of photos, etc.
Go to Rabbit in the Moon, Lots of neat stuff about Mundo Maya.
Go to The Maya of Guatemala, lots of neat stuff about Mundo Maya.
Go to Mesoamerican Archaeology Web Site, lots of neat stuff and more reference links.
Go to Mesoweb, lots of neat stuff about Mundo Maya.
Go to Mayan Culture, slow but some good info.
Go to EcoColors, unique ecotours in the Yucatan and good links.
Go to The PreColumbian Graphic Arts Web Site, lots of neat stuff.
Go to Tico Times, the famous English newspaper of Costa Rica.
Go to Destination Costa Rica, by Lonely Planet.
Go to Costa Rica Handbook, by Moon Publications, lots of good info.
Go to CostNet, info re Costa Rica.
Go to TicoNet, info re Costa Rica.
Go to Web Travel, lots of photos of San Jose, Costa Rica.
Go to The Science Lab resources - directory of Science Conferences related websites.
Go to Coleman Camping Gear, Camping Equipment and Camping Links - Find articles on camping, lists of gear, and locations of campgrounds.
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. The phone number for the Florida Department of Commerce is 850-992-2966 and our SOT registration number is 15176. We are also registered in California as Seller of Travel #2021110-40. We are 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 info@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!
[top of page]
[Introduction - home] [Amazon & Andes] [Amazon River Cruises] [Mundo Maya] [Amazon Fishing]
[Back to Costa Rica] {Back to Lake Titikaka] [Back to Nazca]
[Back to Links]
This page was created and copyrighted in August, 1998 - Revised January 2008.
Thank you for visiting! Please come back for periodic updates.
Our other websites: GoExploring.com & AdventuresOfDiscovery.com & http://members.aol.com/Goxploring/
Welcome to our photo gallery!
For photos from previous Explorations Inc.'s adventures:
Click here to go to the main index, or:
Click below to go to each gallery:
Peru: Amazon and Andes Explorations:
Amazon Peoples and Villages Amazon River scenes and boats Amazon Jungle and Rainforest Amazon Wildlife Amazon Misc Scenery and Activites Andes: Cuzco, Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley Peru maps, Lima, Nazca, Paracas, Lake Titikaka, and others
Amazon Peoples and Villages
Amazon River scenes and boats
Amazon Jungle and Rainforest
Amazon Wildlife
Amazon Misc Scenery and Activites
Andes: Cuzco, Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley
Peru maps, Lima, Nazca, Paracas, Lake Titikaka, and others
Peru: Amazon Fishing Adventure:
Peacock Bass and other exotic species
Costa Rica Explorations:
Costa Rica tours
Mundo Maya Explorations:
Mundo Maya tours Here is a useful link to a hotel reservation portal that may assist with optional arrangements in conjunction with our tours independent travel anytime. Just click on the banner below.
Mundo Maya tours
Here is a useful link to a hotel reservation portal that may assist with optional arrangements in conjunction with our tours independent travel anytime. Just click on the banner below.
KwMap.net - browse the intenet with the inovative Keyword Map search system.