You will be able to find places selling typical local meals and funnily enough are called &ldquo;tipicos&rdquo; They usually contain rice, some kind of meat and fish and a side of coleslaw. The meals generally are quite simple but delicious and decently priced. Gallo Pinto or &ldquo;rice and beans&rdquo;- The menu of the day usually has several options, ceviche being a delicious raw fish option if you are over rice and beans. There will always be a vegetarian option too and it is widely accepted to ask for a dish with no meat. Sweets are really sweet, but luckily fresh fruits are the abundant and healthier option.&nbsp;
Costa Rica is famous for its coffee. Traditionally after meals, people will drink a <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/15-day-top-end-costa-rica" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/15-day-top-end-costa-rica">coffee. </a>This locally grown brew is widely available, although the best quality coffee is usually exported. The Arabic bean is the chosen coffee bean and you can even check out a plantation tour to see how the bean is grown and produced and have a few sips of course.&nbsp;
Eating out in Costa Rica is relatively expensive as it is mainly focussed on tourists. Prices will be similar to your home country and there are some top-end incredible eateries, especially in the cities. Restaurants do not accommodate late-eaters, like in other parts of Latin America, so no midnight snacks here!&nbsp;
The alcoholic drinks are wide and varied with all the popular tipples. The national drink is Guaro the sugarcane-based tipple. Most towns and cities have gringo hangouts and the local &ldquo;Bocas&rdquo; which are where you go for a drink and a tapas-like snack. Rum is actually the preferred drink for locals with all the associated rum cocktails widely available.&nbsp;

Eating and drinking

Costa Ricans are party goers They like to dance, celebrate and generally have a decent time! They do air on the conservative side, however. They will enjoy concerts or a bull fight or a horse parade for example.&nbsp;

Activities

Costa Rica is probably one of the safest countries of Central america. In San Jose, you will need to tke the usual precautions as in any large city, but apart from that enjoy the idyllic beaches and rainforests !

Safety

The currency in Costa Rica is the &ldquo;colon&rdquo; however, USD are widely accepted throughout the country. Carry colones with you if you are travelling in rural areas or small towns and for buses and public transport. Credit cards are widely accepted and used and often the best way to pay for things to avoid carrying cash.&nbsp;
ATMs are found in all cites and dispense dollars and Colones. Smaller towns may not have an ATM. Colones come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000. In general, the USD is considered more stable than the colon and is the often, preferred currency. Expect that if you pay for something in USD it is common to receive your change in colones. Only accept new USD, if they are ripped or torn they will not be accepted. In restaurants you will often get an unfavourable exchange rate if you pay in USD.&nbsp;
Tipping is expected in Costa Rica. A 10% service charge is usually included in the cost. If not a tip will be expected.&nbsp;

Money

Costa Rica is a relatively healthy country to visit. In general, the usual travel vaccinations are enough. While there are not any fatal diseases endemic in Costa Rica, mosquito-borne illnesses are common such as Zika, dengue, leptospirosis and malaria. The best way to avoid these is to not get bitten if you can help it! Protect yourself! &nbsp;
Water is generally safe and bottled water is widely available to buy. The main types of illnesses will have something to do with something you ate or drank&hellip;germs are different in every country so try and stick to purified water and cooked veggies if you are staying for a short period of time. In more rural areas take the usual precautions, boil and filter your water, just in case!&nbsp;
Altitude can be an issue in some higher elevation regions or when mountain climbing, for example. Take the necessary acclimatization precautions and ascend slowly. Headaches, nausea, upset stomach, dizziness and insomnia are all common symptoms of altitude sickness.&nbsp;
Costa Rica has an excellent health care system and even people come here for a number of operations as part of their vacation as costs are relatively low. We recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes health cover for all destinations and Costa Rica is no exception. A decent insurance policy will cover you for any emergencies and should include repatriation should it be necessary. It will also cover loss or theft of any of your personal items while travelling.&nbsp;

Health and Insurance

There are not usually any problems for minority groups in Costa Rica. However, Costa is a catholic country and is somewhat conservative. Bigger cities are a lot more open-minded in general; however, in smaller rural communities, attitudes may be a little more conservative. It is a good plan to be more discreet in the more rural areas. Manuel Antonio is especially open to gay and lesbian travel.&nbsp;

LGBTQ

Most countries do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica and you will be given an automatic 90 day tourist visa on entry. You will need a valid passport from your country of origin and your fingerprints will be taken on entry, to register your arrival in the country. Many African and Other Latin American countries need to apply for a visa in advance. Check with the Costa Rica consulate to see if you require a visa to enter.&nbsp;

Visas

&ldquo;Ticos&rdquo; will quite often turn up late it is normal to arrive half an hour late for everything, except a Drs appointment! There are remnants of the typical Latino &ldquo;machista&rdquo; culture though this has diminished in recent years with the amount of tourists visiting the destination.&nbsp;
Costa Ricans can also have an issue saying &ldquo;no&rdquo;. Sometimes they will say &ldquo;puede ser&rdquo;, which is maybe&hellip;. When quite often they mean no! This is to do with not hurting anyone&rsquo;s feelings as opposed to trying to be deceptive. People here are very respectful and somewhat formal in their behaviour. Everything is accompanied with a &rdquo;Please&rdquo; and &ldquo;Thank you&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Culture

Expect a kiss when someone says Hello. This is customarily on the right cheek, or even in the air. Men to men usually shake hands as opposed to a kiss.&nbsp;

Greetings

Because of the amount of tourism Costa Rica receives, accommodation tends to be of a decent standard and there are a lot of different options. &nbsp;
The resorts are of an excellent category with everything on-site and generally are used for package bookings. This is a great option for those who want to hang out on the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/full-on-beaches-coast-to-coast" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/full-on-beaches-coast-to-coast">beaches </a>and not do too much planning!&nbsp;
There are also many boutique options, for those who are looking for more character in their accommodation spread all around Costa Rica and certainly have more charm than more generic options. These often quirky hotels, make a change from the chain hotels which are also widely available. &nbsp;
Family-run B and B&rsquo;s are a popular choice and are usually run by a family who rent out part of their home. This is a great way to meet other travellers and also get to know the locals a little.&nbsp;
Ecolodges are the way to go in the jungle areas and national parks. Costa Rica is home to 2 of the best <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-paradise-costa-rica" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-paradise-costa-rica">eco lodges</a> in the world and they come in all shapes and sizes, as well as price brackets. These usually remote lodges often do not have water or electricity for parts of the day as they typically use renewable sources. They may also come with a creepy-crawly or two, so make sure you ask for a mozzie net!&nbsp;
Cabins are also located throughout Costa Rica and tend to be basic yet clean and comfortable. This is the preferred option for those who are looking for a bit of peace and quiet. If you want a more party orientated option check out the hostel accommodations but expect to do much sleeping of course! With cabins and hostels, always have a look at the facilities first to make sure they are adequate.&nbsp;

Accommodation

<h1 style="text-align: left;">Costa Rica Travel Tour Packages</h1>
Costa Rica is known for its dual coastline along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, its endless rainforest it's biodiversity and its amazing surfing. With so many adventure activities, the geographical diversity, its myriad of ecosystems, incredible delicious and healthy food, friendly local people, superb sea life and pristine, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/mystical-costa-rica-honeymoon">idyllic beaches</a>&hellip; it's really hard to disagree that this heavenly sanctuary of tranquillity is an incredibly happy country!&nbsp;
This relatively small country is the home to 5 million people and borders Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the South and is found splat bang in the middle of Central America. Costa Rica has been a Spanish colony since Columbus arrived there in 1502. Yet, today, the influence is very much the Spanish and the Creole cultures combined and what characterises the country to this day.&nbsp;
Costa Rica is a small country yet has 14 <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/guanacaste-volcanos-and-beaches">volcanoes,</a> 7 of which are active! A lot of the country is also covered with rainforest and one of the reasons why Costa Rica is one of the main pioneers of eco-tourism. A lot of Costa Rica is National Park or a protected area, which helps massively to protect animal and wildlife species. This is why Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and why it is amongst the top ten ethical countries to visit. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, however, due to the Caribbean influence, many people speak English or a form of creole based English, originating from the Caribbean. The increase in tourism over more recent years also means that over 10% of the population are English speaking. Today the country, who's famous motto is "Pura Vida" which means, PURE LIFE, is intrinsic to the culture and philosophy of this super-happy nation. Learn where to go in Costa Rica and more about Costa Rica travel information.

You can check our safety protocols in the following link: https://www.horizontes.com/travel-bubbles

What are the health and safety protocols used during the trip?

We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.

Do I need travel insurance? What insurance do you recommend?

Hepatitis A Food &amp; Water 
Recommended for most travellers
Hepatitis B Blood &amp; Body Fluids 
Recommended for travellers to most regions.
Typhoid Food &amp; Water 
Recommended for travellers to most regions.
Yellow Fever Mosquito 
Required if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Saliva of Infected Animals 
A High-risk country. The Vaccine ris ecommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Malaria
There are often outbreaks of malaria in Costa Rica. While there is no vaccine for malaria you can take certain medications.
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when travelling to the destination.&nbsp;

What vaccinations do I need for the trip?

We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.

Which medications should I bring from home?

As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.

How safe is the destination?

We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.

Are flights included in the tour?

Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.

If I travel alone will I be charged a single supplement?

VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.

Is it safe to book with VA Expeditions?

Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.

Can the packages on the website be customized?

Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.

Do you offer only multiday packages or do you also offer day trips?

Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.

Can I purchase additional services after I have made my reservation and paid?

Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.

Can I travel with children? Are there age restrictions?

We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.

How big are the group sizes?

We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.

How far in advance should I book a package?

We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.

What documents do I need for my trip?

The official currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican col&oacute;n (CRC). In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.

What kind of currency do they use at the destination? Are ATM easily accessible?

Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.

I have dietary restrictions Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?

As a committed tour operator we follow the next steps in order to promote sustainability with our collaborators,&nbsp; suppliers and clients:
We undertake sustainability certification processes to improve our operation and promote our green credentials.
We promote sustainable practices among our suppliers and evaluate their performance.
We educate travelers in how to be a responsible traveler.
With our Horizontes Foundation we work with local communities to improve livelihoods and preserve ecosystems.

What does the company do for the sustainability of its operations?

Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.

Are tips included in the price? If not how much should I budget for tips?

Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature.&nbsp;
The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.

What general norms of culture should I take into account at the destination?

This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests.&nbsp;

How much free time will I have during the tour?

For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the 24/7 Operations Phone &amp; WhatsApp number: (506) 8730-0396

What number can I contact if I have an emergency during my trip?

We have put together a vast selection of highly qualified organizations that we consider to have influenced their specific fields and the sustainable development of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is known for being a green sustainable country and you can do activities such as:&nbsp;&nbsp;
Visit National Parks
Visit rural communities and share with locals
Try local gastronomy
Immerse in nature and wildlife
Volunteer
Plant a tree
&nbsp;
For more information you can check our Hands on Learning in Costa Rica Program on the following&nbsp; link: https://horizontes.s3.amazonaws.com/dev/ks/images/VNYhAKY31Ed7w0bY.pdf

What sustainable activities can I do at the destination?

All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: (506) 8730-0396. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com&nbsp;

What kind of support will I receive during my trip?

This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.

How many guides will there be on my trip?

This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.

What happens in the event of a medical emergency?

The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.

What kind of pace can I expect on a tour?

How flexible is my itinerary already being at the destination?

Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your&nbsp; hotel.

Can I leave my main luggage somewhere safe during my excursions?

For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.

Are there bathroom /toilet facilities during the tour?

In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.

What is the internet /WIFI availability during the tour?

In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.

Will there be cell phone reception during the tour?

It depends on each itinerary. We suggest contacting your account representative to give you specific information regarding your&nbsp; program.

What is the highest altitude we will reach during the tour?

We suggest that you bring a refillable water bottle or purchase bottled water if necessary. Depending on your destination, at various points on your trip there will be places where you can fill your water bottle.

What hydration options do I have on tours at the destination?

Thank you very much for your interest! You can follow us on our networks:
&nbsp;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaexpeditions/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaexpeditions/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vaexpeditions
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vaexpeditions
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaexpeditions/

How can I keep up to date of your news and information?

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The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is generally wetter than the Pacific coast which puts off a lot of people. However, the coast is just as beautiful, with many fantastic activities and places to visit. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/off-the-beaten-track-costa-rica">Tortuguero</a> is incredible for the wildlife and natural scenery, Manzanillo to kick back and relax or do some diving and snorkelling, Cahuita is amazing for chilling or hiking and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/full-on-beaches-coast-to-coast">Puerto Viejo</a> is the best option for surfing and dancing! The Caribbean is typically the more relaxed coastline.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Cahuita&nbsp;national park&nbsp;is here with its incredible white sandy beaches along the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-caribbean-to-the-pacific-ocean">Caribbean coastline</a>. This&nbsp;laid back&nbsp;town is a touch of the Caribbean, nothing much happens except cocktails, food, beaches, sun, music and hammocks&hellip;HEAVEN! The nightlife isn&rsquo;t bad, either!&nbsp;

Puerto Viejo

Located an hour north of Puerto Viejo on the southern Caribbean coast, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/full-on-beaches-coast-to-coast">Cahuita </a>is a popular stop for many travellers but it is nowhere near as crowded as other spots along the coast. Most travelers visit the national park with the same name. Jam packed with marine animals, there are over 35 types of coral in the reefs and around 135 different types of fish. The beaches are also a nesting ground for sea turtles.

Cahuita

Tortuguero, nicknamed the &ldquo;Little Amazon&rdquo; only has a tiny boat/plane access to this rural town. It&rsquo;s famous for <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classical-costa-rica">Tortuguero National Park,</a> canals and turtle nests. It&rsquo;s fairly remote and takes a day to get there but many people visit to experience the lush and untouched pristine jungle.&nbsp;

Tortuguero

Costa rica is blessed with two coastlines on different oceans Check out the Caribbean -central American style!

The Costa Rican Caribbean coast

Is some peoples preferred coastline in Costa Rica, with spectacular beaches for snorkelling, diving and swimming, fishing and surfing! The virgin beaches are remote and spectacular and relatively undeveloped, adding to their beauty. There are more activity-based things to do as well as more national parks on the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-best-of-the-pacific-beaches">Pacific Coast </a>but also have the perfect spots to kick back and relax. Cano Island, Drake Bay, Tamarindo and Flamingo are great surf spots. The pacific coast is the better coast to use as an entrance point into the national parks and rainforests.&nbsp;

Montezuma beach is further south and boasts an excellent climate all year round. This incredible white sandy beach has the fantastic backdrop of lush green jungle behind you and the feel of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-caribbean-to-the-pacific-ocean">paradise</a>. From here you can visit Tortuga (turtle) Island and will stop off at 2 points to go snorkelling and scuba diving! These magnificent creatures can be seen in large quantities and just one of the incredible species of marine life you will be able to see.&nbsp;

Montezuma Beach

This is a fantastic beach along the pacific coast for surf lovers. There are all different levels of surfing here, so it is a great place to learn as well as a long right break for the more experienced. As in any surf town,<a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-best-of-the-pacific-beaches"> Tamarindo Beach</a> is home to great restaurants and bars in the evenings, after a hard day battling the waves.&nbsp;

Tamarindo Beach

The <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/caminos-de-osa-immersion-experience">Osa Peninsula</a> is the gateway to the Corcovado national park. This is one of the top destinations for hikers in Costa Rica. This is where the wild mountain forests meet up with the ocean. It is also a great place for a digital detox or simply to get away from it all!&nbsp;

Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica is blessed with 2 coastlines and both have their individual charms. The Pacific coast is all about the surf and pristine beaches!

The Costa Rican Pacific Coast

The rainforests and cloud forests of Costa Rica are the home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna and cover almost a quarter of the whole country. The biodiversity and plant and animal species are incredible for such a small country with over 10,000 different species of plants! The Monteverde cloud forest, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/corcovado-national-park-off-the-beaten-track">Corcovado national park,</a> Manuel Antonio National Park and Tortuguero National Park are amongst the highlights to see the mega diversity of the region. The rain and cloud forests are lush all year round, habitats are unique and the forests even have their own ecosystems. A must-do for wildlife lovers!&nbsp;

The Monteverde cloud forest is probably the most famous reserve in the country. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/classical-costa-rica">Monte Verde</a> literally means the green mountain. The surrounding lush, green cloud forest, the hanging walkways that will take you through the tree canopies and you can even horse ride, or zipline your way through the jungle, like Tarzan! The idea is to see as many of the animal and plant species as you can in this megadiverse forest. Birdwatching is the main activity of course with many trying to spot the resplendent quetzal in its natural habitat.&nbsp;

The Monteverde cloud forest

The <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/8-day-escape-to-paradise">Manuel Antonio park</a> is an amazing national park with a mixture of cloud forest and three magnificent beaches, which form part of the park and are home to a number of different habitats. There are primary and secondary forests, beach, mangroves and marine habitats which add to the combination of zones which are set upon the top of a hill overlooking the ocean. It is no wonder this is also one of the main attractions in Costa Rica! There are activities abound and many close-by hotels to make the most of this magical place. &nbsp;

The Manuel Antonio park

La Fortuna&nbsp;is the base to explore the magnificent Arenal volcano. This classic conical volcano attracts a lot of visitors as the most active volcano in Costa Rica, although there has not been an eruption since the 1960s. The setting of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxurious-ecology-costa-rica">La Fortuna</a> volcano is in primary rainforest and activities include ziplining, horse riding, toucan watching, visit a massive waterfall and relaxing in the hot springs at the end of the days&rsquo; activities. La Fortuna waterfall is after all why the area got its name! &nbsp;
&nbsp;

La Fortuna

Costa Rica is blessed when it comes to bio-diversity. The clould forests and rainforests offer the best wat to get closer to nature!

The Costa Rican rainforests and cloudforests

Let&rsquo;s start in the cosmopolitan capital of San Jose, which is home to a third of Costa Rica&rsquo;s population! The city has fantastic museums, theatres, botanical gardens and a massive array of international cuisine bars and nightlife to dance the night away. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/guanacaste-volcanos-and-beaches">Guanacaste </a>is the charming historic capital of Costa Rica&hellip; not bad for an old cattle town! This white city with terracotta rooves is the gateway to the spectacular beaches of Guanacaste and a good stop off for supplies, banking and other city necessities. Heredia is a city in the north of the central valley and the coffee growing regions. This city is known as the city of flowers and is close by to many volcanoes and rainforests. Limon is the main port on the Caribbean coast and Cahuita is only one of the many incredible beaches close by.

Let&rsquo;s start in the cosmopolitan capital of <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/11-day-classic-costa-rica">San Jose</a>, which is home to a third of Costa Rica&rsquo;s population! The city has fantastic museums, theatres, botanical gardens and a massive array of international cuisine bars and nightlife, to dance the night away.&nbsp;

San Jose

Guanacaste is home to <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-caribbean-to-the-pacific-ocean">Liberia</a> and the charming historical capital of Costa Rica&hellip; not bad for an old cattle town! This white city with terracotta rooves is the gateway to the spectacular beaches of Guanacaste and a good stop off for supplies, banking and other city necessities.

Guanacaste

Lim&oacute;n is the main port on the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-luxury-honeymoon-costa-rica">Caribbean Coast</a> and Cahuita is only one of the many incredible beaches close by. This gateway to the beaches offers all the charm of the cultural Caribbean! The gateway to the Tortuguero national Park, the city also has its beahes excellnt for scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming!

Limón

The cities of Costa Rica are often overlooked, on the way  to the beaches or rainforests, however they are worth a night or two there!

The Costa Rica cities

Volcanoes define the landscapes of Costa Rica. This literal melting pot is where the central American volcanic arc and the Pacific rim of fire, hook up which is why Costa Rica is still so active. The Irazu, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxurious-ecology-costa-rica">The Arenal, </a>The Barva and the Poas volcanoes are magnificent and the latter has the biggest active crater in the world at 1.6 km wide!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Includes all of the regular activities of other national parks in the country. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/guanacaste-volcanos-and-beaches">Rincon de la Vieja </a>has a rainforest a dry forest and a volcanic zone, however, the biodiversity is much more concentrated and the animal species much easier to see. Tapirs, monkeys and sloths are all around and the lush, green rainforest is abundant. The good news is that this place allows you to camp in the park adding to the total experience. The visit to the &ldquo;blue lagoon&rdquo; and the enchanted forest waterfalls are a naturalists&rsquo; paradise.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Rincon de La Vieja

La Fortuna is the base to explore the magnificent <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/mystical-costa-rica-honeymoon">Arenal volcano.</a> This classic conical volcano attracts a lot of visitors as the most active volcano in Costa Rica, although there has not been an eruption since the 1990s. The setting of the volcano is in primary rainforest and 1992 eruption, provided secondary growth forest and volcanic rocks that were spewed out in1992. Activities include ziplining, horse riding, and toucan watching in this pristine forest.

Arenal Volcano

The Poas national park is the home to the volcano which has the largest crater in the world! The <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/exploring-the-tropics">Poas National Park</a> brings many volcano hunters each year wanting to catch a glimpse of an eruption or these smouldering craters. The geysers and the flora and fauna of the area are spectacular and attract many visitors, as well as the high lookout points, from which you can see both coastlines of Costa Rica on a clear day. This popular park is only one and a half hours away from San Jose.&nbsp;

The Poas National Park

Most people visit Costa Rica for its pristine beaches and unparalleled cloud forests, however the countries volcanoes are a spectacular stop also!

Volcanos

Homosexuality is legal as is gay marriage and there are overtly gay politicians in parliament. While the government has an open-minded, liberal attitude, it is definitely "frowned upon" on a cultural level. The "machista" and misogynist attitudes prevail as in Mexico, so it is better to subtle in your interactions. The country is conservative and tolerance is an issue still. The government is trying to amend this along with activist groups.&nbsp;

The general standard of accommodation for its specific category tends to be good value. The most luxury type of accommodation can be found in the cities of Guatemala City and Antigua. Outside of the main cities, options are a lot more limited, so <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-guatemalan-highlights" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/luxury-guatemalan-highlights">luxury</a> options may be an issue, but there are plenty of budget options abound in most towns and cities. Even the most economical of lodgings with usually have a private bathroom though a hot shower maybe a little more difficult to come across, unless in the tops hotels. The cheaper options may have shared facilities and are generally more sociable options and a decent way to meet other travellers. There are quite a few ex-pat hostels around for a more social vibe and decent facilities. Camping is a rare accommodation option in Guatemala, probably due to the reasonably priced accommodations.&nbsp;

Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Central America and their national health care system is of a generally low quality. There are decent private clinics in Guatemala City and in Antigua, but outside of these cities, health services are limited and basic. Make sure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which covers you for health insurance.
The jungle regions have a wide variety of tropical illnesses and yellow fever is rife. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, zika and dengue are common also. Visit your local travel clinic before you go! &nbsp;
Water is heavily chlorinated but still is not worth the risk. Salads will be washed, but you should check the water source of what they are washed in! Traveller's diarrhoea is common in Guatemala due to the lower standards of water quality, so take stomach medication with you. Amoebic illnesses are also common with Giardia being common.&nbsp;

The money in Guatemala is the Quetzal, named after their national bird&hellip;.. or is it the other way around? There are Q7.5 to $1 USD.&nbsp;
ATMs are widely available, throughout Guatemala unless you are in a tiny village. However, card skimming is an issue. Don't use ATMs at night and if you have to, try to use them in a mall or supermarket. &nbsp;
Cash is the main money transaction in Guatemala and USD are widely accepted. You may have issues with other currencies. There is always a change issue, however, so try and break down your bigger quetzales and dollars for ease -sake. It is best to use Quetzales when possible to avoid being affected by the exchange rate.&nbsp;
Credit cards are widely accepted especially visa and American express. You may be hit with a 5% charge in some places, however.&nbsp;

The majority of Western nations will not need a visa to visit Guatemala. There are some eastern European countries that need a visa to best to check with your consulate. You will be given a 90-day tourist visa on entry and there is no cost. Sometimes at land borders, the officials may try and invent a reason to bribe you, but this is illegal and should not be accepted by any means. Once in Guatemala, you can extend your visa if needed for another 90 days should you need it for a minimal cost - Q120 at this time.&nbsp;

Guatemaltecans generally tend to be conservative and a little old-fashioned, as a sweeping generalisation of course! Many local people are incredibly proud of their history and culture, just as they should be and still use traditional dress with their vibrant colour palette which brightens up the darkest day. <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-guatemalan-off-the-beaten-track-adventure" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-guatemalan-off-the-beaten-track-adventure">Ancient traditions, </a>shamans and ceremonies are still in full effect. Quite often they are intertwined with the more traditional Catholic religion brought over with the Spanish.&nbsp;
Race is a delicate topic, especially when it refers to the indigenous people of Guatemala. Never use the word "Indio" this is deeply offensive and stick to "indigeno" if referring to an indigenous person. African or Afro-Americans visiting, will find the locals more inquisitive than racist.&nbsp;
People are a mixture of Catholic and indigenous religions, always ask before taking part in any traditional ceremony and always ask before taking a photo.&nbsp;

Guatemalans love their football! As is the case with most Central American countries.&nbsp;
Parties and cultural activities are celebrated with a LOT of fireworks! People take their fiestas very seriously with music, dance food and drink, of course.&nbsp;
Marimba music comes from this area also and be heard blasting out in most places.&nbsp;
Guatemala is famous for its textiles, with their bright colours and intricate designs. These can be found in native clothing and even hammocks if you are looking for an authentic gift.&nbsp;
Religion forms a major part of the culture and the intermingling of traditional Mayan beliefs, along with Catholicism, are fascinating! On Atitlan, find out where Maxim&oacute;n is hanging out (each year he changes his host family!) and go and see this incredible partying saint. This is a great insight into the mixing of these two distinctive belief systems and is a great representation of culture in Guatemala as a whole.

Guatemalan food is filling, reasonably priced and surprisingly tasty. The fusion of traditional Mayan foods, Caribbean creole food and even a Western influence means that food is varied. The more touristic areas have wider ranges of dishes available and Veggie options are abundant, especially in the cities and the touristic destinations. Tortillas rice and eggs are popular staple foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner and these have a different twist in each destination. Traditional Guatemalan cuisine is based around fried meat of some description. There is definitely a Mexican influence with enchiladas, tortillas and tacos. &nbsp;
Beans Chillies and Maize are the staple foods in this part of the world and hearty soups and stews are common in the highlands. Usually, if you want to eat upmarket, the restaurants are foreign-owned and with their own particular speciality from their country of origin.
Rellenitos are the sugary option, which consists of mashed up plantains.&nbsp;
To drink most Guatemalans will go with a classic fizzy soda. Licuados are thicky milky, creamy juices when your body is craving those vitamins.&nbsp;
The alcoholic beverage of choice is Gallo beer. Rum or aguardiente are the chosen options for those looking for something a little stronger. The main thing to remember in this destination to never drink the water unless it comes from a sealed bottle!&nbsp;

Guatemala is, in general, a safe country to travel in. However, petty crime is quite common in the bigger cities and the fact that we stand out more makes us a more obvious target. Opportunistic theft is common; violent crime is not. Be aware of your surroundings and even more so with your valuables. A common method of separating you from your personal items is the bag grab, usually from a passing motorcycle. It's best to use the hidden money belts if you are carrying large amounts of cash.&nbsp;
Most hotels have safety deposit boxes, use them! Photocopy your travel documents and carry the copies with while you lock up the originals. Use your common sense; the gut is usually correct! Avoid using ATMs at night and avoid dark areas, or streets, if walking on your own. Guatemala City is the crime hotspot, not surprisingly, especially near the bus station and central market areas where there are many crowds. Petty crime can happen in touristic places such as Tikal and <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-guatemalan-expedition" data-cke-saved-href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/10-day-guatemalan-expedition">Panajachel.</a> Tourists are not usually a target for violent crime but be extra careful in these places, pickpockets operate.&nbsp;
Solo travellers are particularly targeted solo try a join a tour group or hook up with other travellers when visiting remote areas.&nbsp;
Women travellers usually feel safe in Guatemala; however, keep in mind that Guatemala has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world! The usual precautions apply, don't walk around late at night or in remote areas on your own. &nbsp;

This fascinating country is found nestled between Mexico in the north and Honduras, Belize and Salvador. The name Guatemala is said to originate from the Aztec words Quauhtemallan meaning "land of trees" as well as Guhatezmalha meaning the mountain that vomits water! <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/the-best-of-guatemala">Guatemala </a>was occupied by the Spanish like the majority of Latin American countries in the 16th century, but today its native cultures are predominant and proudly exist. Guatemala has been inhabited by these people for the past 20, 000 years. There are 22 native languages in Guatemala with 21 indigenous Mayan civilisations making the country a fantastic cultural destination to visit. The country is a mountainous region with valleys and sandy regions. There are two main mountain ranges in the country which vide Guatemala into three regions, <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/15-day-remote-guatemala">the highlands, </a>the Pacific coast and the Southern mountain regions. Because Guatemala is situated between the Pacific and the <a href="https://vaexpeditions.com/package/15-day-remote-guatemala">Caribbean </a>oceans, the country is prone to hurricanes which over the years have devastated the country, causing mudslides and flooding. Guatemala consists of 14 different ecological regions including mangrove forests, two coastlines, highlands and wetlands. The Maya bio-reserve in Peten is considered the 2nd largest forest in the whole of South America. The country has 1246 species of which 6.7 % are endemic to the country. Despite its violent and politically turbulent history, the natural, cultural and historic appeal of the country is fascinating and attracts many travellers and backpackers to the country. This, combined with the extremely low cost of living, make it a popular destination for all types of travellers.&nbsp;

Guides &amp; Drivers:
2.2. Protective Measures and Equipment to consider:
2.2.1. Mandatory Equipment:
&nbsp;
&bull; Face mask
&bull; Tied Hair (in case of having long hair)
&bull; Closed Shoes (not sandals)
&bull; Constant use of Hand Sanitizer
&bull; Use pants with the uniform (not shorts)
&bull; Sanitize your backpack and equipment constantly when providing services
&bull; Limit the use of accessories (wallets, fanny packs, watches, etc.)
&bull; Avoid sharing glasses, spoons, bottles, etc.
&bull; Avoid the use of reusable tissues, make use of disposable towels or napkins
&bull; Make use of the digital thermometer
&bull; Avoid wearing a tie or scarf
&nbsp;
III. SPECIFIC PREVENTION MEASURES
&nbsp;
3.1. Tourist Guide Service
&nbsp;
&bull; Maximum 1 Guide for every 14 visitors
3.2. Tourist Reception
&bull; Welcome: greet without physical contact and maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters.
&nbsp;
3.3. Delivery of Preventive Utensils
&bull; Take the temperature of Each Visitor
&bull; Hand Sanitizer
&bull; Masks, if necessary.
&bull; Gloves
&nbsp;Physical distancy and wear masks in public spaces are mandatory for clients, guides and drivers.

Tikal

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