Top 10 Best
Tour Operators in the World.

TRAVEL AND LEISURE, 2011

"Tours of a Lifetime." May 2010

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Recommended by more guidebooks
than any other company for
planning your vacation in Costa Rica

Use the Wish List Below to Plan Your Dream Vacation

Simply Click Your Interests.
One of Our Travel Planners Will Personally
Custom Design Up to 3 Itineraries - Free!
 Including All Places, Lodges, and Adventures.

Tip #1

 

> Read the boxes on the right to know how it all works.

> Click boxes to indicate your interests and preferences.
> Un-click if you change your mind.
> Every preference you click is saved immediately.
> Click any picture to see it enlarged.

Personal
Primary Trip
Goal

Costa Rica Multisport

Rays on sea bottom Costa rica Expeditions
Lots of rest & leisure
Physical activity
Lots of privacy
Meet people, socialize
Travel with groups
Re-bond with your
child or mate
Bond with nature
Lots of learning
Take photographs
Celebration, Occasion
Add below any
comments or questions
Guide Charlie Gomez
Things to Realize
• The best way to choose your
preferences is to think about
how you want to feel when
you get back home.
• We'll plan your adventures
to be serene, dynamic, or a
mixture so check all
boxes that apply even if
they seem contradictory.
• For maximum learning, we
may recommend a broad
itinerary and your guide
will point out things, explain
their significance, and
answer questions.
• If you want to meet lots of
interesting people, we may
recommend a group, which
also saves money since
then guides and
transportation are shared.
• Many people make new
friends in our groups.

 

Scroll down for many more Wish List categories

Go ahead and
send your tentative
preferences

We encourage you to go through the whole Wish List in a whirlwind way, making tentative choices, and sending it today.

That way, you'll get back information as soon as possible, at no cost.

 

After all, it's a dialogue between you and your Travel Planner. Just start by sending your tentative interests and preferences!

 

The Send button is at the very top and very bottom of this home page.

 
 

How to Work With
Your Planner

You've started a dialogue with your Travel Planner when you first send your tentative Wish List.

You'll communicate back and forth and temper the itineraries they suggest, until you say Great! Thats Ideal!

Only then do they ask your approval to book your itinerary so they can reserve for you the lodges and arrange everything else your plan requires.

Tip #2

 

> Feel free to type your comments or questions below.
> Every preference you click is saved immediately.
> Click any picture to see it enlarged.

Your vacation
Pace & Intensity
Within each day
move quickly from
adventure to adventure
Leisurely:
4 days or more
per location or...
Civilized: 2-3 days
per location or...
Intense: 1 day
per location
(Not usually
recommended.)
Add below any
comments or questions
Tortuga Lodge Pool
Things to Realize
• Most people want to visit too many places in too short a period.
• Transportation is expensive in Costa Rica. The fewer places you visit the less expensive your vacation.
• Whatever pace you choose, we'll make it trouble free.
• If you have high energy or are very athletic, we can include lots of adventures but be sure to have us plan for some vacation rest too!
• Or we can plan plenty of time for a hot tub under the stars, a spa, loafing by the pool, or gliding gently down a river.

Who are your
Travel Planners?

They know wonderful, safe adventures you might never imagine.

 

They live in and love Costa Rica, and have intimate knowledge of it.

 

They speak English and Spanish, and work for us full time.

 

They take care of you as they would a friend.

 

They stay in touch with you, and those who serve you, throughout your trip to insure you get our Legendary Service.

 

 

Tip #3

> Every preference you click is saved immediately.
> Click any picture to see it enlarged.
 

Authentic Interactions
Local People

Biking at Arenal

Kayakers and Locals


Very important to me
Somewhat important
Not important to me
Add below any
comments or questions
Things to Realize
• Meet local people at work and at
play. They're known for their
grace, modesty, friendliness
and generosity.
• Your guide will translate so you
really learn about each other.
• Sometimes an invitation to go
deeper into their world with them
emerges from the connection.

Tip #4

> Type your comments or questions, in any at the bottom. Up to 2 rows.
     Its saved automatically. Then continue down your Wish List.
> Every preference you click is saved immediately.
> Click any picture to see it enlarged.
 

Beautiful
Romantic Celebration

Wedding and Honeymoon

Costa Rica Explorer Connoisseur Expeditions


Wedding
Honeymoon
Anniversary
Renew vows
Recent empty nesters
Birthday celebration
Other special occasion
Add below any
comments or questions
Costa Rica Explorer Connoisseur Expeditions
Monteverde Lodge
Things to Realize
• An abundance of beauty, sensual sounds, smells, and private luxury.
• There's something sensual
and romantic about the
tropics lush fertility and
diversity. It rekindles
passions.
• The adventures you share
add to your lifelong memories.
• Feel almost like your
relationship is part of nature's
forces.
• The serenity and happiness of others at the lodges add
to your sense of being in a good world together.
• We love to arrange surprises
if one of you asks us to.

Since Vacation
time is precious

Having us do your planning removes many hours of wasted time and frustration before and during your trip.

After all, why should you have to study Costa Ricas 11 regions, over 85 itineraries, over 50 prime lodges, and over 100 possible activities?

We'll provide plans and make arrangements to insure you have a vacation of unforgettable memories.


 
 

Tip #5

> If a category doesn't apply to you, leave all boxes unchecked.
> Every preference you click is saved immediately.
> Click any picture to see it enlarged.

 

Involving
Children



We're considering bringing:
Preschooler(s)
Primary grader(s)
Teenager(s)
Adult child
Would like:
Special activities for kids
Guides specializing in kids
Children's menus
Lots of pool & beach time
Visit a local school
Add below any
comments or questions



Things to Realize
• Children are welcome, and find
delight, in our adventures, without
missing TV and the Internet. We
make sure it's all safe, and that
they're learning.
• We know which things children
find most thrilling, and remember
most, and can tune your plans
accordingly if you want. We can
even arrange a special party.
• Whether you're loafing and
giggling with them, or discovering
adventures together, its a great
time to strengthen bonds.
• Some lodgings provide separate
guided activities for children, and
child care.Tell your Planner if
that's important to you.

Diverse
Wildlife

Scarlet Macaw

Spider Monkey

Turtle observation


Wildlife important to me:
Very
Somewhat
Not
Specifically want to see:
Hummingbirds, Parrots
Butterflies
Monkeys
Frogs
Turtle Nesting
Lizards
Crocodiles
Snakes
Anteaters
Add below any
comments or questions

Things to Realize
• Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse places on earth.
• The best naturalist guides in
the world are what make our
wildlife observations
extraordinary.
• Our guides know where there
have recently been sightings
of rare or endangered
species.
• You'll see wildlife in action,
and occasionally breeding.
• See the most important
nesting place for Atlantic
Green Turtles in the Western
Hemisphere.
• It's all done from a safe
distance, so as to not disturb
the nature we're privileged to
see.

Fascinating
Forest Experiences

Canopy tree platform





Rainforest
Rainforest boat tour
Rainforest hikes
Cloud forest magical mist
Hanging bridges
Zip line through trees
Jungle waterfalls
Forest wildlife
Unique forest plants
Add below any
comments or questions


Things to Realize
• See dozens of species of wildlife.
• Many of our naturalist guides do
bird calls that birds respond to,
and guides all point out things you
wouldn't notice, and take you
where the sightings are.
• See the unique vegetation and
wildlife in the misty, breezy, cool,
cloud forest at 5000.
• Imagine being where there are
some 1,200 species of wild orchids
alone.
• Experience the rainforest from a
platform 120 feet above the forest
floor. Our travelers rhapsodize
about the experience.
• Zip through the forest canopy,
easily and safely.

Experience active
Volcanoes
Chance to see red lava, smoke, fire
See a volcanic crater lake
Lodging within view
Nighttime viewing
See from a distance
Visit up close
Add below any
comments or questions

Things to Realize
• Costa Rica has several volcanoes
at various stages of activity.
• Some lodges have views of the
volcano out your rooms window.
• Tours take you as close as you
can get with safety.
• Guides explain how they formed,change, and patterns of action.
• Get in touch with the fact that at
the center of the earth is fire.
Seeing lava flowing is a staggering
experience.

Beginner & Advanced
River Rafting
Relaxing float down river
Beginner white water
Intermediate white water
Advanced white water
Add below any
comments or questions
Pacaure River trip
Things to Realize
• Choose very relaxed or white water
rivers (beginner to advanced) all
expertly led by extremely experienced
guides.This is some of best rafting in world.
• Top safety standards and equipment.
• Rest-stops scenes and sightings are
part of the adventure, along with
gourmet food.
• Photo CD of your trip (Available).

In nature
Water Adventures

Tarpon Fishing


Beaches
Swimming in streams
Bathing under waterfall
Snorkeling
Dolphin or whale watching
Surfing
Sea Kayaking
Fishing
Exploration in boat with
    guide and others
Add below any
comments or questions
Costa Rica River and Rainforest
Hiking in Monteverde
Rainforest boat tour
Things to Realize
• Many areas have pristine beaches
and coves with few people. Bask
in the sun and breeze, and then
see extraordinary sunsets.
• In our jungles and beaches,
familiar activities are transformed
into a connection with and exploration of nature.
• In many activities, our guides
coach you, insure that you're safe,
and look for ways to maximize
your pleasure.
• Some sports that used to be hard
have become far easier due to the
latest equipment.

Active
Land Sports

Corcovado horseback

Horseback tour


Mountain biking
Hiking
Horseback riding
Horseback riding on beach
Golf
Add below any
comments or questions

View image detail
Things to Realize
• In Costa Rica, these activities are
different, because you do them
surrounded by fascinating scenery
and wildlife.
• As your itinerary emerges, we'll
recommend those activities where
a guide adds a lot.
• We provide excellent quality
equipment you'll enjoy using.

Consider
Other Adventures

 

 


Hot springs
Music of Costa Rica
See San Jose (the capitol)
Pre-Columbian Gold
Museum
Local performances
Dancing
Farmer's market
Art show
Add below any
comments or questions


Things to Realize
• If you think of something wonderful
you'd like to experience beyond
what's on your Wish List, be sure
to put it in comments, below.

Upscale
Lodging

Monteverde Lodge CostaRica Expeditions

Tortuga Lodge

Monteverde Lodge


Beautiful views from room
Balcony or patio
Garden suite
Spacious
King size bed
Cross ventilated, & fans
Cool at night
Unique decor
Extravagant private bath
Private shower in room
Group hot tub under stars
Private hot tub with jets
Very quiet
Privacy areas
Bar. Other socializing areas
Swimming pool
Spa/Yoga
Family oriented
Couples oriented
Add below any
comments or questions
Tortuga Lodge
Things to Realize
• You might not expect such luxury
in the middle of the jungle.
• Check what matters most to you,
and we'll find as much of it as we
can among the over 50
properties we consider excellent.
• Our recommendations are based
on 25 years of arranging
vacations for the most
sophisticated and demanding
travelers in Costa Rica.
• The pictures show lodges we
own, which has the advantage for
you that we integrate all your
adventures with what's happening
at and around the lodge.
• Some lodges have evening slide
presentations.
• Don't forget you can add
comments or questions, below.

Gourmet & Native
Meals

Tortuga Lodge Deck


Elegant indoor restaurant
Beautiful patio restaurant
Elegant outdoor dining
Picnic lunch (with surprises)
Gourmet chef
Unique native foods
Formal gracious service
Candlelight dinner
Informal, friendly service
Accommodate your diet
Add below any
comments or questions
Things to Realize
• Just because you're in nature
doesn't mean you have to sacrifice
great food.
• At our lodges, cuisine supervised
by executive chef, Valentin Corral,
trained in Michelin Starred
restaurants.
• Our trips are good for experiencing
delicious native food adventures.
• You can put special diet
requirements in Comments, below

Solutions on
Ecology/Enviroment

Turtle observation
Have your eyes opened to
problems & trends
See specific solutions
What goverment is doing
What tour operators do
Solutions for threatened
species
How the Costa Rica
situation relates to the
world & climate change.
Add below any
comments or questions

Things to Realize
• Your guide explains how wildlife
and plants have adapted to their
environment.
• Learn ecological changes and
solutions. Education and
awareness initiatives in eco-travel.
• Discover what's being done to
sustain and improve the well-being
of local communities.
• How tourists and tourism can
contribute, including giving well-
paid and fulfilling employment to
people who would have merely
been subsisting.

World class
Guides

Tortuga Lodge Guides Costa Rica Expeditions


Include guides
No guides
A mixture
Add below any
comments or questions
Corcovado Lodge
Things to Realize
• Largest staff of prominent biologists,
naturalist & ornithologists.
• Spend the most time in the field, so
they know where and when to take
advantage of sightings.
• We train other companies guides.
Were good, real good. The results
can be magical.
• We feel so strongly that a guide is the
single most important element of a life
enhancing trip that we'll give you your
money back if you do not agree.

Widest choice of
Itineraries

Costa Rica Explorer Connoisseur Expeditions

Monteverde Birding


Customized Itinerary
Your choice of departure
and return dates, a
more exact match to
your interests, and not
a group - just you and
your companions.
   
Group Itineraries.
Join the Quest for Pura Vida Group Departure, featuring the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Arenal Volanco and Tortuguero National Park. This program has at least one monthly departure, is fully guided and includes all meals.
   
Non Customized Set Itinerary. Your choice of departure and return dates. You may be sharing with other guests. Much more affordable than customized itineraries, but the itinerary is set; it cannot be changed. Uses some of the same lodges used in more customized itineraries.
Add below any
comments or questions
Things to Realize
• Customized Itineraries are more flexible and more expensive than group itineraries
• Group itineraries are scheduled for specific dates. You get the pleasure of being with a group, and lower cost since guide and transportation costs are shared.
Maximum group size 12-18 depending on the program. Average group size 6.
• Non-Customized Set Itineraries are for people who need the flexibility being able to choose their arrival date, but do not want to spend the money for a fully customized itinerary. In some cases only you and your companions will travel together. In other cases additional guests will be added to tours, vans boats and planes.

Itinerary Options

Respecting your time
Transportation
Small plane allowing more
time at destinations.
How small?...
7 passenger minimum
4 passenger minimum
Use our expert van drivers
who know the roads
Drive your own rental car
No small planes
Add below any
comments or questions

Things to Realize
• Vacation time is precious, and we
try to maximize your time at
destinations, not in transport.
• All of our group departures
use planes
•

Our small charter planes take
hours less. With some (where
every seat is a window seat) you
get unique views. Great safety
record. You avoid some pretty
bad roads.

• In a country where the lifestyle is
pretty tranquilo, our clients are
amazed at how on-time we are.

Travel Planners
Specialties

Here are 3 of our
8 Travel Planners

Nadya Shaw

Marco Hernández

Luis Cubero
Each Planner has several
specialties! You can click
which specialties you'd like
your planner to have.

(OK to click several)
Upscale vacation
Family vacations
Helping guest arriving
    soon, in next 2 weeks
Natural history
Photographing nature
Active vacations
for example: surfing,
diving, multi-sports,
white water rafting.
Special interest groups
and affinity groups.
Honeymoon, anniversary
Celebrations, occasions
No specialization needed
Add below any
comments or questions
Things to Realize
• We'll assign whoever of our 8
planners whose specialties most
fit what you check on the left,
and throughout your Wish List.
• Don't hesitate to add a comment
below.
• They all live in and love Costa
Rica, and have intimate
knowledge of it.
• They all speak English and
Spanish, and work for us full
time.
• They'll take care of you as they
would a friend, finding creative
solutions.
• They'll stay in touch with you,
and those who serve you,
throughout your trip to insure Legendary Service.

Also Complete Vital Wish List Info Below, then
Click Here to Send

All fields required except phone number, but we recommend you include it to facilitate
questions and dialogue.

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Please check here if we may call to get your feedback about your experience filling out the Wish List.
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Costa Rica Expeditions.  Calle Central y Avenida 3, San Jose, Costa Rica.  Tel: +506 2521 6099.  Email: costaric@expeditions.co.cr  Website Table of Contents
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