Costa Rica Natural Paradise FAQ

General

What is included in the tour price?

Virtually everything! Hotels, all meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors conduct every land tour from start to finish. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry free vacation. Back to Top

What is not included in the tour price?

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director and Driver. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price. Back to Top

Can your tours be enjoyed by all age groups?

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Most tours will be joined by adults of all ages. Children age five (5) and over are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation. Back to Top

Do your tours include any evening activities?

Yes. Caravan includes an evening nature talk in Tortuguero, and evening visit to the hot springs by Arenal Volcano. Great for single travelers! Back to Top

How long will each day be?

A well paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation and you will arrive at your hotels between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day. Back to Top

How large will my group be?

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and lodges and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers. Back to Top

Are meals included?

All meals are included on your Costa Rica tour. Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Bottled water is provided free on the motorcoach and purified water is provided at the meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Back to Top

In what time zone is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica observes Central Standard Time all year round. Because Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Savings Time, in the U.S. winter it shares the same time as cities in the Central Time Zone such as Chicago, Houston and Winnipeg. In the U.S. summer, Costa Rica time is one hour earlier than the Central Time Zone areas which observe Daylight Savings Time. Back to Top

What vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica?

No vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica. Caravan does not have any doctors on staff and cannot give medical advice, so please consult your doctor as soon as possible before deciding whether or not to receive a vaccination. Caravan staff take the 500 mg. Vitamin B-1 pill, and bring Avon Expedition repellent (see "What To Bring To The Tortuguero Rainforest" information under Luggage and Packing section on this web site). Caravan staff also avoid eating bananas, because this smell attracts mosquitoes. Back to Top

What electricity voltage is used in Costa Rica?

Electricity is 110 volts, same as the United States. Back to Top

Which Costa Rica provinces do we visit on the tour?

We visit five of the seven provinces in Costa Rica on the tour: San Jose province, Alajuela province, Heredia province, Limon province and Puntarenas province. Back to Top

Is the water safe to drink?

Yes, the tap water is drinkable in most, but not all, of the country. Most people consider the hotel tap water safe for brushing your teeth and drinking beverages with ice cubes. For larger quantities of water, and in rural areas, bottled water is recommended instead of tap water. Caravan provides free bottled water on the motorcoach and bottled water is available at all your hotels. Back to Top

What is the food like?

Meals are a healthy combination of Costa Rican and American style food. Fish, steak, chicken, vegetables and fruits are very popular in Costa Rica. Food is generally not spicy. Vegetarian meals are available if requested, but other specialty meal requests cannot be provided. Back to Top

What language is spoken in Costa Rica?

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. English is taught as a second language in Costa Rican schools. Your Caravan Tour Director, local guides and most hotel receptionists are bi-lingual, speaking both English and Spanish. Back to Top

Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica?

No. You can drive with your normal driver’s license in Costa Rica for 3 months after your entry into Costa Rica. There is no such thing as an international driver's license, although there is an international driving permit which you can buy for $10 at an American Automobile Association office. These permits are valid for one year after date of issue, and are valid only when accompanied by a valid driver's license. It is not necessary to buy an international driving permit for your visit of under 3 months to Costa Rica. Back to Top

Do you have any advice on purchasing real estate or timeshares?

We strongly caution against purchasing real estate or timeshares during your vacation with us. Instead, we suggest you use the experience for the purposes of orientation and information gathering. If you are interested in such a purchase, we suggest you return for at least one more visit and seek the guidance of a lawyer. Back to Top

What is the highest elevation on the Costa Rica tour?

Poas Volcano at 8800 feet on the second day of your tour. All other elevations on the tour are between sea level and 5,000 feet (the elevation in hills near the cloud forest, which we visit for one hour, is 5,000 feet). San Jose is at 4,000 feet elevation. The town of Fortuna, by Arenal Volcano, is at 200 feet elevation. Jaco, Playa Hermosa and Tortuguero are at sea level. Back to Top

Are children allowed on tour?

Yes, children age 5 and over are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. Back to Top

Do I need an international driver's license to drive in Costa Rica?

No, because you can drive with your normal driver’s license in Costa Rica for 3 months after your entry into Costa Rica. International driver’s licenses do not exist, although there is an international driving permit which you can buy for $10 at an American Automobile Association (AAA) office. These driving permits are valid for one year after date of issue, and are valid only when accompanied by a valid driver’s license. It is not necessary to buy an international driving permit to drive in Costa Rica. Back to Top

Can I rent a car in Costa Rica?

Yes, you can rent a car from car rental agencies in San Jose, Fortuna, or at the Firest Beach Resort in Jaco. There are no car rental agencies, or any cars, in the jungle village of Tortuguero.

The roads in Costa Rica are very difficult to manuever if you don’t know exactly where you are going. There are no signs on many of the roads, and you have no idea where to turn. Also, the roads are very narrow, and tne car accident fatality rate is the worst in the entire world. The accident rate is especially high in the San Jose area.

You cannot safely leave your suitcases, or anything at all, unattended inside your locked car trunk, not even for one minute. In at least two recent occasions, Costa Rica police have discovered a ring of car thieves who open locked car trunks, and the thieves possessed keys to all makes and models of rental cars.

If you decide to drive, please be forewarned that the car rental companies in Costa Rica have different rules than the U.S. First, you must purchase mandatory liability insurance for $15 a day, which is not included in most car rental price quotes. Second, you will be charged for any scratch or dent to your car, even if the scratch is caused by normal road conditions. Third, you will be charged for any mechanical problem with the car, such as a problem with your engine or clutch, that arises during your car rental. Fourth, the car rental agency optional “comprehensive” insurance does not cover the first $2,500 of losses if the car is totaled or stolen. Back to Top

Luggage and Packing

What kind of clothing should I pack?

In Costa Rica, the dress code is casual. It is not necessary to wear a suit or dress at any time during the tour. However, for your farewell dinner on your final night in Costa Rica, you will be dining at an elegant restaurant. Shorts, gym suits, and/ or blue jeans are NOT acceptable at this restaurant. Anyone who shows up in shorts, a gymsuit, blue jeans, or similarly super-casual attire will not be allowed in the restaurant by the head waiter. Men must wear long pants (which are not blue jeans, gym suits, or shorts) and a regular shirt (not a t-shirt). Women must wear long pants (which are not blue jeans, gym suits, or shorts) and a regular shirt (not a t-shirt, OR a dress, or a skirt and regular shirt.

Caravan suggests clothing for warm and hot weather: 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 3 changes of shirts, a rain poncho, a swimsuit, and a sweater or jacket for the air conditioned bus. Caravan recommends footwear that has a bit of a tread and will not slip on wet surfaces. Walking shoes, hiking boots and sneakers are all acceptable. However, open-toed shoes and sandals are NOT acceptable in the rainforest.

Quick dry clothing (especially a pair of convertible pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts) is recommended for your visit to the rainforest. A pair of convertible quick-dry pants and aquick-dry shirt can be purchased from clothing manufacturers such as Travelsmith.com (1-800-950-1600) and ExOfficio.com (1-800-644-7303), and Columbia (at Sportmart). Back to Top

What else should I pack in my suitcase?

Flashlight, binoculars, camera, extra camera battery, extra film, sunscreen, insect repellent, photocopy of your passport's photo and information page, photocopies of your credit cards, photocopies of necessary prescriptions for eyeglasses or medicines (carry photocopies separately from your passport, credit cards and prescriptions). Back to Top

What size suitcase can I bring on the tour?

Main suitcase: You can bring a medium size suitcase up to 27” maximum in length, due to limited storage space in the motorcoach. There is not enough storage space in the luggage compartment of the motorcoach for larger suitcases.

Tortuguero bag: You will also need a smaller bag (like a duffle bag or backpack) to take on your 2 night trip to Tortuguero. This smaller bag will need to fit into your regular suitcase, because the luggage compartment of the motorcoach has limited space. Back to Top

What size suitcase can I bring on the airplane?

Each individual airline also has their own rules regarding luggage size. Most airlines limit suitcases to 60 linear inches (width plus depth plus length) and 50 pounds weight, depending on the airline. Please check with your airline regarding suitcase limits before traveling. Most airlines also allow a carry-on suitcase with a maximum length of 20 inches, and maximum 45 linear inches (width plus depth plus length) with a maximum weight of 40 pounds. However, certain foreign airlines, such as TACA, will only allow a maximum weight of 20 pounds for carry-ons. Please be sure to check with your airline regarding their luggage requirements. Back to Top

Should I pack my medical supplies in my main suitcase?

Your medical supplies should always be carried in a carry-on that you have with you at all times. Please do not check your medical supplies in your suitcase with the airlines. However, remember that carry-on rules have changes in the United States! No liquids, gels, aerosols, or creams are allowed unless they are packed in containers of 3 ounces maximum and placed in one, quart-size, see through plastic zip-lock bag. This applies to all shampoos, deodorants,perfumes, oils, toothpaste,hair gel, shaving cream, mascara, and makeup creme. There are exceptions for medical prescriptions, nasal sprays, and cough syrups. Medical prescriptions must also be packed separately in a see throgh plastic zip-lock bag, but are not subject to the one quart limitation, so please check for the latest carry-on rules at the goverment website www.tsa.gov Any large elecrical items (such as c-pap machines) must be taken out of the carry-on and placed in a try to be scanned separately. Back to Top

What To Bring to the Tortuguero Rainforest

Your Tortuguero hotel has rustic accomodations in a unique jungle setting. The lodge rooms are simple, yet clean and new. Each room has a private bathroom with shower and two beds. Mosquitoes are sometimes present in the jungle at dusk and in the evenings. Caravan does not make product endorsements, but some people in Costa Rica feel that Avon Skin So Soft oil (not cream), or Avon's Expedition anti-mosquito spray is effective protection against mosquito bites in the jungle. Caravan does not endorse any vitamin, but please note that Costa Rica pharmacies sell 500 milligram Vitamin B-1 tablets, a non-prescription vitamin, as "anti-mosquito" pills. Many Costa Ricans take Vitamin B-1 pills and eat garlic for about two weeks prior to and during their visits to the jungle because they believe that the smell of Vitamin B-1 and garlic repels mosquitoes. If you believe this may be of value, consult your doctor for further information on Vitamin B-1 and garlic. Costa Ricans also avoid eating bananas in the rainforest, as it is believed that this smell attracts mosquitoes. Please bring a flashlight (to walk between your room and the restaurant at night) and binoculars (for bird and animal viewing) to Tortuguero. Back to Top

Money

What is the exchange rate for Costa Rican currency?

The exchange rate, as of November 20, 2006, is approximately 520 Costa Rican Colones to $1 U.S. Back to Top

Where is a good place to exchange money?

Currency Exchange Costa Rica.: As you exit the airport, you will notice a currency exchange office. The exchange rate offered at this office is not a good exchange rate, so only use this for small amounts of cash. As of November 17, 2006, the Costa Rica currency exchange rate is 520 Costa Rica colones to U.S. $1 dollar. You can exchange money in banks in Fortuna, Jaco, or San Jose, or at your San Jose hotel. The airport currency exchange booths usually do not offer good exchange rates, and street vendors sometimes have counterfeit bills. Your hotel cashier in San Jose offers a safe alternative to street vendors and a much bettter exchange rate than the airport booth. Back to Top

Where do you find ATM machines?

You can find ATM machines in the towns of Fortuna, and Jaco, and at your San Jose hotel. ATMs are not available in the rainforest of Tortuguero. The Costa Rica ATM machines usually accept VISA cards, but do not always accept MasterCards. Please bring sufficient cash (in small denominations of $1, $5, $10 and $20) and travelers checks with you to cover your personal expenses. Back to Top

Do most Costa Rican stores accept U.S. dollars and credit cards?

Yes, U.S. dollars and credit card are accepted in most Costa Rica stores. However, it is advisable to exchange a small amount of dollars ($20 per person) into Costa Rican colones to spend locally. It is very difficult to exchange bills of $50 or more, so we recommend only brand-new $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. Costa Rican stores and banks only accept U.S. bills in brand-new condition. Bankswill not accept new U.S. bills that have even small rips, words, or any kind of marking on the bill; or old bills. Euros, Canadian dollars, and currency from other countries are generally not accepted in Costa Rica, and the banks give poor exchange rates for all currencies other than U.S. dollars Back to Top

Are travelers checks accepted?

Travelers checks are accepted in your hotels in San Jose. However, it is extremely difficult to exchange travelers checks in other hotels. For this reason, we suggest that you bring a combination of travelers checks and cash to Costa Rica. When you are in Tortuguero, Fortuna, and the beach area of Jaco, it will be almost impossible to exchange your travelers checks. Only American Express travelers checks are usually accepted, and other forms of travelers checks are usually rejected in Costa Rica. Back to Top

Are customs duties charged in Costa Rica for my personal items?

No. Back to Top

Are customs duties charged in the U.S. for items I purchase in Costa Rica?

When returning to the U.S., U.S. customs allows each person an exemption of customs taxes on up to $800.00 U.S. worth of Costa Rican goods that are in your possession and personally accompany you. Items to be sent later are not included in your $800 duty-free exemption. If two family members are traveling together, they may combine their customs exemption. For instance, a married couple will have a total $1,600.00 customs exemption. A flat duty rate of 3% is applied to the first $1,000 of goods per person beyond the $800 per person exemption. The duty-free exemption applies ONLY IF you have not used any exemption allowance whatsoever in the past 30 days. For instance, if you have made another international trip within the past 30 days, and used even a small exemption of $10, you would not get the $800 exemption. For this reason, sometimes it is best not to use the exemption if (1) the value of your goods is very low, and (2) you are planning to use the exemption on another trip within 30 days. Duty on items you mail home to yourself is waived if the value is $200 or less. Back to Top

Airport Information

What happens at Costa Rica immigration

After exiting your plane, you will first arrive at the immigration desk, and present your passport and a Costa Rica immigration form. (This form is provided to you by your airplane. On the form, you will write your name, passport number, nationality, occupation, and the motive for your visit - tourism or business.) After you are approved in the immigration computer, you take the escalator or elevator downstairs to the baggage claim area. Back to Top

What about San Jose Costa Rica baggage claim?

Next, you arrive at the baggage claim area, and you will find free luggage carts and clean restrooms. You can pick up a free map here at the Tourist Information booth Back to Top

What happens at Costa Rica customs?

Next, after you pick up your suitcase at baggage claim, you must stop at the customs table and put your suitcase on a conveyor belt through the scanning machine. This takes about ten seconds. Then the customs agent will signal you to exit the airport. The airport exit is about 30 meters away from the customs table. Back to Top

Where is the Caravan greeter at the airport?

 When you exit the San Jose international airport, you will see the Caravan airport greeter waiting for you with a large Caravan sign. Your greeter will escort you to your private airport shuttle bus. Your shuttle bus ride to your hotel takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Most transfer buses are new Mercedes Sprinters. Back to Top

Does the Caravan greeter meet domestic flights in San Jose?

The airport greeter is stationed at the San Jose international airport terminal only, and can only meet flights at the San Jose international airport terminal. He cannot meet local flights at domestic terminals or at charter hangers. He can only meet international flights on regularly scheduled airlines. If you are taking a local domestic flight with Sansa airlines, or are arriving by private charter plane to a private hanger, please walk approximately one block to the international terminal arrivals area (ground level) to take your airport shuttle. If you are taking a local domestic flight with NatureAir aircraft into Pavas domestic airport, the Pavas airport is very close to your hotel, so it would be quicker for you to take a taxi directly to your hotel. Back to Top

How do we transfer if we arrive a day early?

Arriving a day early? •If you arrive a day early, there will not be an airport greeter, so in that case please pay for your taxi at the taxi booth inside the airport, just before the exit. This taxi booth sells taxi fares at a fixed rate for the official airport taxis. The official airport taxis are usually in better condition than the other taxis outside the airport, which are known as piratas, or “pirate taxis.” The official taxi rate is currently $15 for 1 or 2 passengers, or $18 for up to 5 passengers traveling from the international airport to San Jose hotels.C aravan does not reimburse taxi fares for passengers arriving or departing on different days. •The Barcelo San Jose Palacio hotel offers free shuttles at specific times, and you may call this hotel hotel at 011-506-220-2034 for information on their free airport shuttles. Back to Top

Tell me about the Costa Rica airport exit tax

This is payable when you depart Costa Rica by air but can be paid for in advance. As you exit the airport, you also notice a booth that sells an exit tax form. This form is required for travelers flying out of Costa Rica on an international flight. The cost is $26 for most foreign visitors, and $42 for Costa Ricans. However, you do not need to buy this exit tax form if you will be departing from Costa Rica in a bus or car If you plan to fly out of Costa Rica, it is a good idea to buy this exit tax form now, before you exit the airport. It will spare you from waiting in an extra line to buy it when you fly out of the country. Back to Top

Are airport porter tips included in my Caravan tour price

If an airport porter assists you with your suitcases at the airport, please tip the airport porter $2 per person or more in the United States, and $1 per person or more in Costa Rica, depending on the amount of suitcases you have, because the airport porter tips are not included. Thank you for your consideration to airport porters. Back to Top

Does Caravan arrange airline transportation?

No. Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan Tours. Here is a list of airlines that service this tour: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, Iberia, Lacsa, Martinair, Taca, United Airlines. Please reserve your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica (airport code SJO), and not San Jose, California (airport code SJC). Please be sure to allow plenty of connecting time between connecting airports, and to schedule flights with as few connections as possible. Back to Top

Motorcoach

What type of motorcoach will we travel in?

You will travel in a modern, air conditioned Mercedes motorcoach with a restroom in the rear. The motorcoach has a seating capacity for 48 passengers, and Caravan groups have a limit of 44 passengers. Back to Top

Does the motorcoach have a restroom?

Yes. A restroom is located in the rear of the motorcoach for emergency use. Frequent rest stops are made, also. Back to Top

How long do we travel in the motorcoach?

The amount of travel time varies each day. The motorcoach makes frequent rest and photo stops. Back to Top

Passport and Visa

Do I need a passport to visit Costa Rica?

Yes. Costa Rica requires U.S. citizens to possess a passport which is valid for 6 months after the date of entry into Costa Rica. Please check the expiration date of your passport. If your need to renew your passport or apply for a new one, you can pick up a passport application at your local U.S. Post Office. Passport applications can take up to 6 weeks to process unless you pay extra for the faster expedited service. If you need additional information about applying for a passport, please call the U.S. Passport Office at 1-877-487-2778. Non U.S. citizens should check Costa Rica passport requirements for their country. Back to Top

Do I need to carry my passport with me at all times in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica requires foreigners to carry their passports on their person at all times in Costa Rica, but this requirement is waived for U.S. and Canadian citizens, who are permitted to simply carry a photocopy of their passport photo and information page, plus a copy of the Costa Rica entry stamp page in their passport. Please make two photocopies of your passport photo and information page, and two copies of your passport page which has the Costa Rica entry stamp: one copy for you and one copy for your tour director. Please carry these required photocopies with you, and you may leave your original passport in a safe place. Back to Top

Activities

What are the volcanic hot springs like?

The volcanic hot springs has 9 thermal pools. Each pool has a different temperature and is located in a beautiful setting next to the volcano with many tropical plants and flowers. The top 4 pools have spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. The hot springs have been recently remodeled, and now have more exotic foliage, more pools, and a spa with massage services and volcanic mud facials.

The hot springs are located ten minutes driving distance from your resort. The admission charge is included in your Caravan tour. Back to Top

When are the turtle nesting seasons in Tortuguero?

Turtle nesting season is March through April for the leather back turtles. Turtle nesting season is late July through late September for the green sea turtles, which are more the commonly seen of the two. Nesting usually occurs in the evening. Turtles hatch six to eight weeks after nesting. Clients wishing to see the "Race to The Sea" should plan for a late September to late October vacation. Sixty days or so after nesting, the baby turtles hatch and race towards the sea.

During the turtle nesting season, Tortuguero National Park offers an additional night walk to the beaches for an additional fee of $20 payable directly to the Laguna Lodge. Because of limited visibility at night, the night tours on this wilderness beach may not be suitable for all clients. The National Park guides offer an additional walk to see baby turtles during the early morning or late afternoon for an additional fee of $10 payable directly to the guides. Caravan includes a free year-round walk during the day along the Atlantic nesting beaches with a naturalist guide, and a visit to the Green Turtle Research Center Back to Top

How much time do we have at Manuel Antonio National Park Beach?

You will have approximately two and 1/2 hours to visit Manuel Antonio Beach. There are 3 crescent shaped beaches along a path within the park, and you will have a chance to walk to all 3 beaches if you wish. If you wish to stay longer in Manuel Antonio, you do not have to return with the tour group but may take a taxi ($55 per taxi) or public bus ($2 per person) back to your resort in Jaco. Back to Top

How long is the rainforest aerial tram ride?

The aerial tram lasts 90 minutes and is approximately 2 kilometers long. The cost for the aerial tram is included in your Caravan tour. Back to Top

How long are the boat rides?

All of the boat rides last 2 hours. The boat rides will make photo stops, but do not make any stops where you get on and off the boat. Back to Top

What are the boats like?

The boats for the trip to and from Tortuguero, on Days 3 and 5 of your vacation, are large open-air 25 to 40 passenger boats with a roof. The boats used for exploring Tortuguero National Park on Day 4 of your vacation are small open-air 15 passenger boats with no roof. The newly-built pontoon boat used on Day 6 in Cano Negro is privately chartered by Caravan and allows ample room for moving around for the many photo opportunities. All boats used by Caravan have life preservers for each passenger. The cost for the boat trips is included in your Caravan tour. Back to Top

What is the rainforest hike like?

The rainforest hike is 40 minutes long on a rainforest trail at 3,000 feet elevation. Back to Top

What is the local guide to client ratio?

In addition to your tour director, you will enjoy the attention of local guides. There will be one local guide per 8 riders at the Rainforest Aerial Tram, one local guide per 20 hikers in the Rainforest Hike, one local guide per 22 hikers in the Cloudforest Hike, and one local guide per 15 tour members for the local excursions in Tortuguero. Back to Top

What is the Children’s Eternal Rainforest?

The Children’s Eternal Rainforest was purchased with donations from schoolchildren around the world, and is preserved for wildlife. Back to Top

What activities can I enjoy in Costa Rica if I arrive a day early or stay a day longer?

Some clients participate in rafting tours or zip-line canopy tours. Caravan feels that these activities sometimes can be risky and dangerous. Others sign up for tours of Lankaster Gardens to see flowers, or horseback riding trips. There are travel desks at the hotels and numerous travel agents in San Jose, Fortuna and Jaco who can arrange activities for you if you wish. Back to Top

Can I Do Zip-Lining in Costa Rica?

Yes, there is zip-lining available. Caravan does not endorse it as there have been injuries and fatalities, even though rare. However, the travel desk at your hotel or a local Costa Rica travel agent can arrange it. Please bear in mind that travel medical insurance (such as Caravan's Travel Protection Plan) often does not cover any injuries sustained in these kinds of activities and the zip-line companies will ask you to sign a waiver accepting responsibility. Back to Top

Is there golf in Costa Rica?

Yes. •There is golf available near San Jose at the Cariari Golf Course, located between the airport and your hotel. You may bring your own private golf clubs and store them in your San Jose hotel's storage room while you are away from San Jose. • There is also golf available at the Los Suenos Golf Course, about ten minutes north of the beach resort of Jaco. Back to Top

Hotel Rooms

What kind of beds are in the Costa Rica hotel?

In San Jose, most rooms have 2 queen beds. In Fortuna (by Arenal Volcano) and Jaco, most rooms have 2 double beds. In the Tortuguero rainforest, most rooms have either 1 queen and 1 twin bed or 2 double beds. Back to Top

Are refrigerators available for private use at the Costa Rica hotels?

Yes. There are refrigerators in the rooms at your San Jose hotel. At other hotels, you can request to place personal items in the hotel kitchen refrigerator, if necessary for medical reasons. Back to Top

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?

U.S. citizens do not need a visa. Non U.S. citizens should check Costa Rica visa requirements for their country, and also check reentry requirements for the U.S. (if returning to the U.S.). Back to Top

Do the hotels offer laundry services and internet service?

Yes. All of the hotels, except those located in the Tortuguero rainforest, offer laundry services for a fee. If you prefer to do your own laundry, there are self-service laundromats in the towns of Fortuna and Jaco. Internet service is available for a fee at your hotels in San Jose and Jaco. In Tortuguero and Fortuna, internet service is not available at your hotel but is available at internet cafes in town. Back to Top

What is the cloudforest hike like?

The cloudforest hike is 60 minutes long on a cloudforest trail at 4,000 feet elevation. Back to Top

Are there laundromats in hotels?

The hotels do not have laundromats. However, there are self-service laundromats near the hotels in the towns of Fortuna and Jaco. Back to Top

Where can I go fishing in Costa Rica?

You can charter a small fishing boat in the village of Tortuguero for $50 an hour with a 2 hour minimum charge of $100. The fishing boats have all fishing gear included. Be sure to check that the fishing boat has enough life jackets on board, and wear your life jackets at all time. We strongly recommend that you fish only in the river channels, and do not go to the open mouth of the river by the Atlantic Ocean, as the open mouth can be quite dangerous. Your hotel can assist you with fishing boat reservations. You can also charter a deep sea fishing boat while you are staying at the Pacific Ocean in Jaco. The area surrounding Jaco, especially Quepos, has world famous deep sea fishing, and chartered deep sea fishing boats are available for prices from $500 to $900 a day. If you decide to go fishing, please wear your life jackets at all times. Back to Top

FAQ for all Tours

How long has Caravan been in business?

Caravan has been offering fully escorted tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. Back to Top

Do I have to participate in all of the activities?

No. You may chose to skip an activity and relax at your hotel or do some independent exploring instead. If you do not wish to participate in an activity, simply advise your Tour Director. In most cases, we cannot make refunds for missed activities. Back to Top

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

Many tours sell out each year. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Back to Top

Does information on the web site differ from the brochures?

Caravantours.com is constantly updated and is likely to have more complete and current information about new tours, hotel descriptions, weather, transfers, packing and other useful information. While we strive for perfection, errors are inevitable, both in print and on this web site. If you have any questions or wish to confirm any information, please contact us. Back to Top

U.S. Center for Disease Control

You may check the U.S. Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/travel for the latest travel advisories and disease information on your travel destination. Caravan does not have any medical doctors on staff and cannot provide medical advice. Back to Top

Do you have family trips?

Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children should be at least 5 years old. Back to Top

What forms of payment do you accept?

Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, Discover or by check. Back to Top

Do you have a travel protection plan?

Yes. Caravan’s Travel Protection Plan covers cancellations made for any reason and also includes comprehensive medical, air and baggage insurance. This optional plan is $99 per person. Back to Top

Can I use my cell phone on tour?

Out of courtesy to your fellow tour members, please restrict the use of cellphones to emergency use only when you are on the motorcoach. Please also remember to turn off ringers; cellphone conversations and ringers are intrusive and can spoil other passengers' enjoyment of the tour. Please contact your service provider for information regarding cell phone reception areas, calling costs and surcharges. Back to Top