Costa Rica Multi-Adventure: Sámara & Arenal

• In order to enter Costa Rica, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

• Round-trip flights booked through EF arrive in Liberia and depart from San José.
• Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through EF Adventures. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own transfer upon arrival, and may request a departure transfer with EF Adventures for an additional cost.
• When you arrive in Liberia, an EF representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with an EF sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical activity level

This tour is rated as Intermediate, which means you’re an enthusiastic adventurer ready to dive into all kinds of experiences. You thrive on variety and don’t mind getting your heart rate up now and then. You’ll encounter a range of activities that will sometimes push you, but always with a sense of fun and accomplishment.

This tour is great for:

• Adventure enthusiasts
• Those who want to raise their heart rate

What to expect:

• Up to 9-mile hikes with a maximum of 2,350 ft of elevation gain on varied terrain
• Up to 30-mile bike rides with a maximum elevation gain of 2,750 ft on a mix of paved roads, smooth paths, and gravel
• Other activities such as Class II-IV whitewater rafting, river tubing, ziplining, yoga, and kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in diverse water conditions

Tour pacing

This is a very fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• Two 1-night stays, two 2-night stays, and one 3-night stay
• Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by bus
• Some transportation by boat
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Climate considerations

• Travelers can expect year-round temperatures from 80ºF - 90ºF along the coasts and mid-70sºF - 80sºF in mountains and central parts of the country.
• Rainy season (also known as "Green season") is from May-November, with the heaviest rains coming September and October.

Physical activity & tour pace extra info

• EF Adventures and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!

• This tour includes various modes of transportation, including mini-vans, boats, and private buses.

Equipment for all adventure activities will be included

• Mountain biking: This tour includes high-end mountain bikes specifically designed for the varied terrain of Costa Rica. The bikes feature sturdy aluminum alloy frames, adjustable front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and tires with excellent grip and traction. Bikes are available in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL, and come equipped with a water bottle holder and helmet.
• Kayaking/stand-up paddleboarding: Participants will have the choice between kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for the Lake Arenal adventure. All necessary equipment, including paddles and life jackets, will be provided.
• River tubing: For the river tubing adventure on Rio Negro, inner tubes, life jackets, and helmets will be provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Whitewater rafting: The tour includes rafting adventures on Rio La Balsa. Rafts, paddles, life jackets, and helmets will be provided, along with expert guidance from experienced local guides.
• Ziplining: Participants will have the opportunity to soar through the Costa Rican jungle on thrilling zipline courses. All necessary safety gear, including harnesses and helmets, will be provided and fitted by trained professionals.
• Yoga: Yoga mats and any necessary props

• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on buses.
• A checked bag may not be included in your airline ticket.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
• Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.

We recommend packing lightweight, quick-dry, and loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. Costa Rica's climate is tropical, so breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are essential. Don't forget to pack:

• Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction
• Water shoes or sandals with straps for water activities like river tubing and rafting
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
• Sunscreen
• A swimsuit, as there are many opportunities to swim on tour
• A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear, as these will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather.
• Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs
• A daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen
• A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste).
• Binoculars, in case you want to get a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
• A collapsible walking stick for long hikes (some travelers find them useful)
• Dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance
• Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for boat and bus rides
• Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)

Keep in mind that you'll be participating in various adventure activities, so pack clothes that you don't mind getting wet or dirty. It's also a good idea to bring a few casual outfits for evenings and any downtime at the hotels.

• EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm.
• Specific properties may vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas.
• Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
• Some hotels on this tour are situated in remote locations where you’ll have need to handle your own luggage.
• Please be advised that the air conditioning in Central American hotels and buildings is often not as strong or cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
• Costa Rica operates on 120 volts and uses Types A or B plugs. As these are the same as the plugs used in the U.S. and Canada, a voltage adapter is not needed.

• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).

• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
• Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
• There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities including whitewater rafting, snorkeling and other water sports, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
• Travelers prone to seasickness should note that this tour includes boat rides.

• This tour includes five lunches and seven dinners. They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, juice or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• Costa Rican cuisine is based on staples like rice, black beans, and corn with beef, chicken, or fish. Fresh, locally grown fruit includes bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and avocados. Traditional desserts include custards, puddings, and simple cakes. Locally grown coffee is served strong and black, but hot milk is often available if you ask.

• Tips for meals, bus drivers, porterage (if applicable), and local guides for adventure activities are included in the price of your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $15-$20 USD per person per day for your Tour Director.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.

• You will use the Costa Rican colón and USD on this tour.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director.

• To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the buses.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

• Your Tour Director will be an experienced Costa Rican guide who will be with you throughout the entire journey. In addition to sharing their knowledge of the country's history, culture, and natural wonders, they will coordinate all included activities, assist with logistics, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the group.
• The Tour Director will work closely with local guides who specialize in each adventure activity, providing an additional layer of expertise and support. As an active individual themselves, your Tour Director will participate in many of the same adventure activities as you and is trained in safety procedures to ensure the well-being of the group.

• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.

• Costa Rica is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Saving Time, which means it can be 1 or 2 hours behind Eastern Time (depending on the time of year).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 11am in Costa Rica from November through March and 10am from April through October.

• When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
• When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
• When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
• Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
• If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.