Candius Stearns

Stay Balanced Travel

Stay Balanced Travel Presents Tropical Costa Rica with Eat Drink Travel Meetup

Feb 7, 2022 to Feb 15, 2022
Costa Rica

Tropical Costa Rica

  February 07 — February 15, 2022, • 9 Days • 14 Meals 

                             

What's Included in the Trip:

  • Hotel Accommodations: 1st and 8th Night Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San Jose, 2nd-3rd Night Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, Guanacaste, 4th - 5th Night El Establo, Monteverde, 6th - 7th  Mountain Paradise Hotel, Arenal
  • 8 Nights - 9 Days with 14 Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners.
  • Arrival and Departure Transfers if Airfare is selected.
  •  Tours are listed below (Additional Tours offered are priced separately see pricing page).
  • 14 Meals are listed below 

What's not included:

  • Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $399 per person Travel insurance (Insurance is required currently to Travel to Costa Rica Accept or Decline Required).
  • Extra Tours displayed each day or any services or meals not listed below.

 

 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Monday, February 7, 2022, San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins Your trip to Costa Rica opens in the colorful capital City of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins.

Day 2: Tuesday, February 8, 2022, San Jose - Coffee Plantation - Guanacaste Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, arrive in breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views.

 Included Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 3: Wednesday, February 9, 2022, Guanacaste Fun in - Day of Leisure - The sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort's lovely amenities. This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara, one of the top sunset spots in Costa Rica. Soak in the spectacular colors as the sun illuminates the natural landscape. (Optional Add-On Tours Kayaking-$50 and/or Dolphin Watching & Snorkel-$60 Add-On)
 Included Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 4: Thursday, February 10, 2022, Guanacaste - Monteverde - It’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to spot the elusive quetzal!
 Included Meals
 
 
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  •  
  • Day 5: Friday, February 11, 2022, - Monteverde - It’s your choice! Explore one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens and a dazzling gallery containing more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds. Then, join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem -OR- take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. If you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an optional tour for an additional ($75 per person). This evening, take part in an expert-led discussion about the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica.
     Included Meals
     
     
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    •  
    • Day 6: Saturday, February 12, 2022, - Monteverde - Lake Arenal CRUISE - Arenal Uncover the importance of conservation in Costa Rica during a visit to a tree nursery. Learn about indigenous trees and Monteverde’s reforestation efforts. Cross beautiful mountainous landscapes to Arenal, where spectacular views of the famous volcano await your discovery. Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Later, check-in for another 2-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. Get to know the Costa Rican culture this evening. Taste your way through a cooking demonstration featuring local ingredients.
       Included Meals
       
       
      • Breakfast
      • Dinner
      •  
      • Day 7: Sunday, February 13, 2022, - Arenal - Cano Negro - Arenal Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds, and rare butterflies. Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax during an optional spa visit. (2 hour Spa Add-On $160 per person)
         Included Meals
         
         
        • Breakfast
        • Dinner

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Day 8: Monday, February 14, 2022, - Arenal - Zarcero - San Jose Today, get a little whimsical as we journey to the charming town of Zarcero to explore its fanciful topiary garden. Continue to San Jose to see the treasures of the city on a panoramic tour. See the bustling Plaza de Cultura. This evening, bid farewell to paradise over a wonderful dinner with your fellow travelers.
     Included Meals
     
     
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner

 

 

 

Day 9: Tuesday, February 15, 2022, - San Jose Tour Ends Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure.
 Included Meals
 
 
  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL

4 Days 3-Night Jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension

Rate: $549.00 USD per person, double, land only

8 Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches

 
 
 
 
 
 
Day 9: Tuesday, February 15, 2022, - San Jose - Tortuguero National Park Extension- Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure jungle extension to Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica. Explore the region’s wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons, and other native species. Enjoy a memorable 2-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats, and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in the rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees.
 Included Meals
 
 

 

  • Lunch
  • Dinner

 

Day 10: Wednesday, February 16, 2022, - Tortuguero National Park Extension-An early morning bird-watching excursion* is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Sea Turtle Conservancy and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs.
 Included Meals
 
 

 

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 11: Thursday, February 17, 2022, - Tortuguero National Park Extension- Return to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home.
 Included Meals
 
 

 

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 12: Friday, February 18, 2022, - Tortuguero National Park Extension- Return to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home.
 Included Meals
 
 

 

 

  • Breakfast
  •  
    •  
Please Note

Economy air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates.

To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.

Most hotels/lodges utilized on this program consist of two floors with no elevators. All hotels have air conditioning.

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We want you to enjoy your tour with us; therefore, it is important that you know this tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. We have selected small, comfortable hotels for their locations and they may be considered rustic.

Please be advised many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline's terms and conditions.

IDENTIFICATION Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity from the date of return home. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Costa Rica requires all travelers to complete the digital “Health Pass” form (https://salud.go.cr/) within 48 hours prior to departure for Costa Rica. •Insurance is mandatory and must meet certain minimum requirements: (1) valid for travel to Costa Rica; (2) cover Covid-19 medical expenses up to at least $50,000 USD; (3) provide minimum coverage of at least $2,000 USD for extended accommodation expenses due to Covid-19 illness/quarantine or trip interruption/cancellation due to illness. •Collette’s Travel Protection Plan meets the minimum requirements set by Costa Rica. Alternatively, guests can purchase travel insurance through Costa Rican companies listed on the “Health Pass” site. •To return to the US from international destinations, all travelers (including those who have received a vaccine) must present proof of a negative Covid-19 test prior to boarding the return flight. Collette will arrange for testing to be conducted in Costa Rica for all travelers. The approximate cost of the test is $60 USD and will need to be paid by the traveler directly to the testing facility by cash or credit card. •Test results will be received by email. All travelers must be able to log in and access email while traveling in Costa Rica to receive the results of their test. A printed copy can be presented at the airport. •All returning travelers to the US must complete a signed Attestation Requirement. A paper copy of the form will also be provided to travelers (https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/Fillable-Attestation-English-p.pdf).

Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests will be required to bring one of the following: proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate in paper or electronic form), proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result (FDA Approved diagnostic) for a test performed 72-hours or less from the start date of the tour with you on tour to verify the information you will be providing to Collette when filling out the Wellness Declaration upon arrival.

The overall activity level of this tour is level 2. This means you like a balanced approach to travel. You feel confident walking at least 30-45 minutes at a time over a variety of terrains – from cobblestone streets to easy pathways; a couple of hills or a few flights of stairs. You’re comfortable walking a few city blocks at a time, but need some time to unwind and relax.

CST#2006766-20 UBN#601220855 Nevada Sellers of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279

Cancellation policy:

Worry-Free Cancellation

 

Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Click here for complete details.

If you have not purchased waivers, and you need to cancel for any reason prior to the day of departure, the Cancellation Fees are as follows: 
Cancellation Charges for this tour: After your seat reduction date has passed, a non-refundable deposit will be retained.  For Cancellation between 60-16 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 30% of the total price. For cancellation between 15-1 day prior to departure: cancellation fee of 50% of the total price.  For cancellation on the day of departure and after 100% of the total price. For Ocean Cruises:  For cancellation between 90-61 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 35% of the total price. For cancellation between 60-31 days prior to departure: 60% of the total price. 30 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of the total price.  For River Cruises: including Europe, Russia, Egypt, and China, 90-61 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 50% of the total price. For cancellation between 60-31 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 85% of the total price. For cancellation 30 or fewer days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 100% of the total price. For Galapagos and Antarctica: A cancellation fee of 60% will apply for cancellation between 120-90 days prior to departure; A cancellation charge of 100% will apply for cancellation less than 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation protection is highly recommended and must be purchased at the time of deposit. Air rates are subject to change until the tour is paid in full. If Travel Protection Plan has not been purchased and a reservation is canceled for any reason prior to departure - Air is 100% non-refundable once paid in full. Cancellation charges also apply to reservations made for "pre" and "post" night accommodations.  Payment of a Per Person Travel Protection Plan Fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Travel Protection Plan Fee itself, made to Collette for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Travel Protection Plan Fee with Air only covers airline tickets you have purchased from Collette. Exception: If you originally purchased nonrefundable airline tickets, Part B of the Travel Protection Plan may provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes, or fees in the event of a cancellation for a covered reason (see Part B for more details). The Travel Protection Plan Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. However, the Part B travel insurance includes a single supplement benefit of $1,000 for certain covered reasons as detailed in Part B. In this case, the single supplement will be deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. Division of this charge between the two passengers involved is solely their responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of the single supplement. A cancellation waiver protects you from penalties in the event you have a need to cancel your entire inclusive tour package up to the day prior to departure. A cancellation waiver does not indemnify you from penalties if you chose to cancel partial tour components or air. If you chose to partially cancel your vacation, you will be responsible for a revision fee as well as any penalties that are incurred at the time of the cancellation. Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not canceled in violation of the terms and conditions above, you will be refunded 100%.  Please see your sales agent for more information, or review our brochure for details. 

Available Packages

Tropical Costa Rica - February 07 — February 15, 2022 • 9 Days • 14 Meals
Unavailable as of December 7, 2021

Starting At: $2,399.00
Deposit: $600.00 per person

Unavailable

Pricing based on Single, Double or Triple occupancy* Included in Price:

 *Round Trip Air from Detroit Metro Airport OR Denver International airport OR Nashville Metro Airport OR OHare Intl Airport OR Orlando Intl Airport OR Tampa Intl Airport, Air Taxes, and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers

 

* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $399 per person. NOTICE - COSTA RICA REQUIRES QUARANTINE INSURANCE TO ENTER THE COUNTRY.

Extra Options

Day 3 - Optional TOUR - Guanacaste Mangrove Kayaking on the Ora River
Unavailable as of July 31, 2021

$50.00

Branches reaching out into the swamp, creatures bustling through the undergrowth, and long-necked birds wading into the cloudy water. The mangroves of Costa Rica are essential to the larger ecosystem and function as an ethereal waterway that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to another world. Mangrove trees live in swamps where saltwater meets freshwater, creating a flourishing home for a wide variety of animals. On your kayak, discover an intimate look at the local wildlife as you gently paddle six miles down the Ora River. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys and explorative iguanas scurrying up the trees. Follow your guide as you coast along the water, making your way along the winding river and taking in nature all around you.

 

Availability is based on river or sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Day 3 - OPTIONAL TOUR - Guanacaste Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Experience
Unavailable as of July 31, 2021

$60.00

Get a different perspective of the Costa Rican wildlife when you venture into the natural habitat of a dolphin family. With a guide, get a firsthand look at these elegant creatures and watch as they play along the water’s surface. Home to an abundance of animals, keep an eye out for other creatures as well. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales or turtles! Afterwards, try your hand at fishing as you cast your line into the blue waters of the Pacific. You’ll also get a chance to swim and snorkel in the warm waves along the coast, getting a closer look at the sea life.

 

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Activity is dependent on ocean and weather conditions. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Day 5 - OPTIONAL Additional 2nd Tour Add-On -Canopy Adventure
Unavailable as of July 31, 2021

$75.00

Experience the unique sensation of flying through nature! For nature lovers, the greatest adventure of it all is to take a Zip Line Canopy Adventure Tour. Selvatura Adventure Park and Canopy Tour is one of the best soft adventures in Costa Rica. Canopy Tour guides start by outfitting you with the appropriate equipment; then they take you through each of the 12 cables and 19 platforms and through the Tarzan Swing (optional). Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica and is the only zip line canopy tour located inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde. Feel pure adrenaline and excitement of flying up to 35 miles per hour, viewing magnificent landscapes. Ziplines ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height let you experience the cloud forest from a whole new perspective. The treetop canopy tour not only offers a great adventure but also an opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Trained personnel (accredited by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) accompanies you throughout the tour. If you are looking for a fun adventure and amazing rides, this canopy tour is your best choice. The tour usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours and can be completed by people ranging between the ages of 8 and 99.

 

Suggestion: bring long pants, hiking shoes, a camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and a raincoat. Please note: This option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure, and is non-refundable within 15 days of departure. This adventure is NOT recommended for clients who have high blood pressure, back or heart problems, or women who are pregnant. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Day 7 - OPTIONAL - Devas Spa Treatment- Mountain Paradise Hotel
Unavailable as of July 31, 2021

$160.00

“What is good for the body is good for the soul.” A well deserved spa visit provides a complete treatment experience to replenish your mind, body and soul. Indulge in supreme pampering and relaxation with a choice of one of several different, exhilarating spa service packages. Each package includes 3 different spa treatments from aromatherapy and mud massages to exfoliation and reflexology. Certified therapists will guide you to a state of complete relaxation as you enjoy unforgettable therapeutic facial and body treatments. Your choice of packages are:

Mountain Paradise Spa Package (105 minutes): Exfoliation, Volcanic Wrap, Volcanic Mask.

Arenal Charm Spa Package (80 minutes): Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Volcanic Mask.

 

Back to Life Spa Package (105 minutes): Relaxing Massage, Reflexology, Facial. This option is available only to those guests who are staying at the Mountain Paradise Hotel. Exact treatment time will be scheduled while on tour. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Please note a minimum of 1 passenger is required. Transportation is included.

4 Days 3-Night OPTIONAL - Jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension
Unavailable as of July 31, 2021

$549.00

Rate: $549.00 USD per person, double, land only

8 Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Day 9: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park

Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure jungle extension to Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica. Explore the region’s wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Enjoy a memorable 2-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. Today lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 10: Tortuguero National Park

An early morning bird watching excursion* is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Sea Turtle Conservancy and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 11: Tortuguero National Park - San Jose

Return to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Day 12: San Jose - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today. Today breakfast will be included.

Please Note:

Order of sightseeing is subject to change. The transportation to and from Tortuguero, as well as your guide in Tortuguero, are provided by the lodge where you will be staying in Tortuguero. These services and sightseeing as specified in your itinerary will be provided by the personnel of the lodge in Tortuguero. This price includes meals as outlined; roundtrip transportation to Tortuguero; 2 nights at the Evergreen, Aninga, or Pachira lodge, and 1 night in San Jose. *Morning bird watching the excursion is weather-dependent. The hotel in Tortuguero does not offer air conditioning.   During your extension, your local guide will provide included sightseeing services and will be available via a local office at other times.  Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the 2-night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Please make arrangements with the concierge’s desk at the hotel in San Jose for luggage pick up and for storage until your return from Tortuguero.

A minimum of 4 passengers are required for this extension to operate.

Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests will be required to bring one of the following: proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate in paper or electronic form), proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result (FDA Approved diagnostic) for a test performed 72-hours or less from the start date of the tour with you on tour to verify the information you will be providing to Collette when filling out the Wellness Declaration upon arrival.

 

The overall activity level of this extension is a level 2. This means you feel confident walking at least 30-45 minutes at a time over a variety of terrains – from cobblestones streets to easy pathways; a couple of hills or a few flights of stairs.

Collette Travel Protection
Unavailable as of July 31, 2021

$399.00

Collette's travel protection plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

 

If you choose not to purchase Collette's Waiver Insurance Plan, you will incur penalties for changes and cancellations. Travel Protection Payment is due with the first deposit. The Waiver Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. The single supplement will be deducted from the refund of the person who cancels.