16 days - Journey Latin America
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
16 days 10:23 01-09-2021
We are the UK’s No.1 specialist in travel to Latin As our name suggests, we are single-minded
America and have been creating award-winning about Latin America. This is what sets us apart
holidays to every corner of the region for over four from other travel companies – and what allows us
decades; we pride ourselves on being the most to offer you not just a holiday but the opportunity to
knowledgeable people there are when it comes to experience something extraordinary on inspiring
travel to Central and South America and journeys throughout Mexico, Central and South
passionate about it too. America.
A passion for the region runs Fully bonded and licensed Our insider knowledge helps
through all we do you go beyond the guidebooks
ATOL-protected
All our Consultants have lived or We hand-pick hotels with
travelled extensively in Latin On your side when it matters character and the most
America rewarding excursions
Book with confidence, knowing
Up-to-the-minute knowledge every penny is secure Let us show you the Latin
underpinned by 40 years' America we know and love
experience
10:23 01-09-202110:23 01-09-2021
This holiday will suit those who want to try out a medley of different active adventures as a means of enjoying
the sumptuous scenery. You have the opportunity to ride the rapids, bike round an island, climb a volcano and
hike along jungle trails. Following all this exertion you have a well deserved break on the sweeping sands of a
Pacific bay.
The pleasant climate varied landscapes of volcanoes, lakes, fast-flowing rivers, and palm-fringed beaches
combine to make Costa Rica and Nicaragua very attractive to outdoor adventure seekers. Costa Rica has long
had a network of accessible national parks with extensive hiking trails, as well as offering adventure activities,
from zip-lining to white-water rafting. Nicaragua is new to this kind of development but is gaining a reputation for
responsible tourism with eco-lodges and plenty to do in the open air, including biking and horse-riding.
You will be met at the airport by our local representative
who will take you to your hotel in the centre of San José.
Founded in 1737, the capital was built on the profits of
exporting coffee, produced from the fertile soils of the
surrounding Central Valley. These days little remains of the
city’s colonial or indeed agricultural heritage. It does though
have some fine museums and restaurants as well as a
lively nightlife.
It is approximately an hour's drive from San José to the
Rainforest Canopy, next to Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Jump on a series of 10 zip lines (between 80-140m long)
with 6 platforms in between, which provide 360° views of
the surrounding forest. The ride takes you 3 times whizzing
across the magnificent Molinete River. Below, walking trails
allow you to experience the rainforest at ground level.
Return to San José afterwards.
10:23 01-09-2021Depart San José early in the morning, heading towards the
Caribbean and passing through Braulio Carrillo National
Park. After an orientation and safety talk, you take to your
raft for the 60-90min trip to Pacuare Lodge, riding rapids
which are great run for beginners and experienced rafters
alike (class II - III).
River Pacuare is celebrated world-wide for its natural
beauty. You pass through a vertiginous river gorge flanked
by steep, lushly vegetated walls. You see waterfalls
cascading into the river from both sides while tropical birds
fly right overhead. Enjoy views of virgin tropical rainforest.
The white-water expedition is not overly challenging, but
you’ll ride 52 rapids over 30km, giving you a real adrenaline
high. There is plenty of calm water for you to sit back and
enjoy the surrounding forest and its wildlife; herons,
toucans, blue morpho butterfly and monkeys are all
common sights. Have a breather to enjoy a picnic lunch on
the river bank.
Later, arrive at Ríos Tropicales Lodge where the afternoon
is spent at leisure.
After breakfast and loading the rafts, prepare to paddle
down the Pacuare Gorge past waterfalls, serene pools and
pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside allows time
to explore nearby waterfalls and natural waterslides. The
afternoon is spent running some serious rapids: you are
tossed and turned as if on a roller coaster but if you follow
the captain’s orders you’ll love every minute. Returning to
Ríos Tropicales you can take a shower and pride yourself
on your navigating achievement over a drink.
Leaving the lodge mid-morning, you’ll head back up to the
main road by 4WD vehicle. From here you'll continue to
San José in a mini-bus, stopping for lunch on the way and
continue to Arenal.
A modest 1,674m high, Arenal volcano was until recently
very active but now lava flow and volcanic eruptions are
infrequent (nothing since 2010). The region is considered
to be one of the highlights of a visit to Central America and
there is a plethora of excursions and thrilling activities to be
enjoyed in the surrounding countryside.
10:23 01-09-2021You will leave La Fortuna early and drive for 90mins to the
Tenorio Volcano National Park, to begin the 7 km hike
(approximately 4 hours) through tropical rain forest,
eventually arriving at Los Teñíderos of Rio Celeste, the
place where two streams of water come together and
create the vivid light blue colour which gives the river its
name.
As you return along the park trails, you may opt for a quick
dip in natural hot springs. Further along the hike, you will
see the Rio Celeste waterfall. The final reward for the
journey is a typical Costa Rican lunch served at the end of
your experience in the rainforest. The adventure takes
around 7-8 hours, and is of medium intensity.
Having zipped, rafted and hiked, today’s the day to get on
your bike! You have the opportunity to observe the
unhurried rural life of this remote part of Costa Rica. Cycle
gently along the trails within a working sugar cane
plantation and cattle farm, observing the workers busy
feeding the pigs or herding the dairy cows. Depending on
the time of year or day, you may be able to visit a local
primary school, and visit one of the teachers in his home.
Drive to the frontier with Nicaragua at Los Chiles, passing
through pineapple and sugar cane plantations. You cross
the border and here you are met by our representatives;
the rest of the journey to Nicaragua is by boat. Head down
the river to San Carlos and then continue for 90mins to El
Castillo. The little town is dominated by a huge fortress built
by the Spanish to protect the affluent city of Granada from
attacks by pirates. Your hotel is in town.
After dark, go searching for caimans under the moonlight,
accompanied only by a specialist guide. As you glide
through the darkness, a journey orchestrated by the
nocturnal sounds of the rainforest, the guide will be using a
spotlight to reflect the beady red eye of watchful caimans
as they rest in the tropical vegetation along the water's
edge. Once spotted, the caiman may be approached so
that you can appreciate its delicate markings and maybe
even get a glimpse of its razor-sharp teeth. The baby
caimans are particularly endearing, and could fit into the
palm of your hand.
10:23 01-09-2021A marvellous jungle experience awaits you today. Just 3km
downstream from El Castillo you come to the Indio Maíz
Biosphere Reserve. This area of rainforest is bursting with
wildlife, including huge scarlet macaws and big cats. , On
your guided tour of the small part of the reserve open to
visitors you might spy a tapir, a manatee, a Harpy eagle
and American crocodiles: jaguar and puma lurk here but
are rarely spotted.
The trail is 2km long and you’ll take over 2hrs to follow it,
pausing to observe the profusion of exotic birds while
enjoying the company of watchful lizards and lithe spider
monkeys swinging from branch to branch. You’ll also be
taken on a guided tour of the fortress.
By road to Granada on the shores of Lake Nicaragua.
Founded in 1524, Granada is the oldest city in the New
World and lies at the foot of Mombacho volcano. At its
height it became very prosperous on the back of the gold
trade. The city was regularly plundered by pirates and
completely razed by American mercenary William Walker at
the beginning of the 19th century. However, Granada has
since been wonderfully restored and its colourful colonial
houses and cobbled streets that run down to the shores of
Lake Nicaragua are a delight.
Day at leisure to explore the city with its colonial churches,
narrow streets and colonial mansions and convents. The
historic core is so compact that you can experience much
of it on foot with many of the sites within the vicinity of the
main square. You might opt for an optional day trip where,
in addition to a guided tour of the city, you head off for a
boat ride around some of the islets formed by eruptions of
the looming bulk of the waterside Mombacho volcano.
The vast lake, more like an inland sea, with surf-tipped
waves and reflecting fiery sunsets, is the largest body of
freshwater in the Americas after the Great Lakes. Climb by
vehicle to the summit of the cone-shaped Masaya volcano.
Walk a few steps towards the sizzling, steamy Santiago
crater, active since 1946, and explore the surrounding area,
dotted with other volcanic formations. Finally. head to the
nearby Masaya arts and crafts market which specialises in
ceramics, leatherwork, wooden furniture and hammocks
before heading back to Granada.
10:23 01-09-2021You’ll be driven to San Jorge port, also sitting on the shores
of Lake Nicaragua. The road takes an inland route through
farmed fields and countryside, and half the distance
covered is on the fast Pan-American Highway. From there
embark on a ferry to Ometepe Island dominated by its twin
volcanoes. Ometepe is a serene and as yet totally
undeveloped island. Even in comparison with the rest of
Nicaragua, the infrastructure is basic with only rough roads
and simple accommodation.
Much of the island is still covered in primary rainforest and
home to many different species of monkeys and parrots. It
is also famous for its pre-Columbian stone statues and
petroglyphs, carved by the Chorotega indians centuries
ago.
Upon arrival you’ll be whisked off on a guided cycle tour,
visiting a couple of museums en route. The island’s roads
are virtually empty so pootling along on a bike is a delight.
The two volcanoes, looming dominantly over the island, are
just begging to be climbed. You’ll set off on an invigorating
mountain trek which takes most hikers (you have to be fit)
4hrs to summit and 2-3 to get back down. Theforest-
cloaked Maderas volcano - the smaller of the two - reaches
1,394m above sea level.
The climb is relatively steep and muddy all the way,
especially near the peak, but you are rewarded by the sight
of more species of the plants and animals which inhabit the
tropical forest than anywhere else on Ometepe, These
include a plethora of butterflies (including blue morphos),
white-faced and howler monkeys and dozens of species of
bird. At the top you may be able to enjoy views over the
emerald-hued volcanic crater lake, although it is usually
shrouded in mist.
At leisure on Ometepe with your guide. You might visit one
of many coffee cooperatives on the island. Horse-riding and
fishing are also options here. Owing to heavy rainfall in
recent years there are few beaches on the island, however,
there are many spots to sit back and enjoy the views across
the lake and possibly take a dip in its warm waters.
10:23 01-09-2021Return to San Jorge and continue by road to San Juan del
Sur on the Pacific coast. San Juan del Sur was until
recently a peaceful fishing village but has now been
discovered by developers and has a lively tourist scene,
while still retaining some of its former rustic characteristics.
North and south of the buzzing town you find a clutch of
crescent shaped bays harbouring soft golden sand,
slapped by surf-tipped rollers and backed by rugged hills
and cliffs smothered in emerald rainforest.
Here you have time to hang out on the beach or in the town
bars and restaurants, musing over all the excitement of the
previous 2 weeks.
10:23 01-09-2021Services of our team of San José: rainforest aerial Tips and gratuities
experts in our London office tram zip-line
International flights from the
Services of Journey Latin Pacuare : river rafting UK
America local
representatives and guides Arenal : Cerro Chato hike Meals other than specified
and La Fortuna Falls
All land and air transport Airport taxes, when not
within Latin America Arenal: mountain biking included in the ticket
Accommodation as specified Rio San Juan: jungle Optional excursions
expeditions
Meals as specified
Ometepe Island: biking tour
Excursions as specified,
including entrance fees Ometepe Island: hiking
expedition to Maderas
volcano
7 road journeys, longest up to 6hrs. 2 boat journeys
This trip uses modest medium class accommodation in convenient and often delightful locations.
Breakfast daily, lunch days 5, 6, full board days 3, 7 and 8
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-
speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise
by the latter on their return.
16 days, 15 nights: San José 2; Pacuare 1; Arenal 3; Rio San Juan 2; Granada 2; Ometepe 3; Nicaragua Pacific
coast 2 .
The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the colón. In Nicaragua it is the córdoba.
10:23 01-09-2021Cash machines are available in San José and Managua airport, and in Granada: taking a debit or credit card
with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip and in many shops and
restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you
should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by
your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency in San José and Granada at the beginning of your
trip, and possibly some travellers’ cheques, though these are increasingly falling out of use. (American Express
cheques are the most widely accepted). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be
refused. You can exchange sterling but the rate may be unfavourable and there are fewer outlets providing this
service. US dollars are accepted as payment in many places.
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$40 per day should cover
the cost of meals not included in the holiday price, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and
you will pay considerably more.
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income. We
recommend approximately $10 per person for a half day and $20 for a full day for guides and half that for
drivers.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel
porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 - 12% in restaurants.
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be foundon our Travel Insurance page.
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months
after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant
consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually
included in the ticket.
Generally this holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit people who are used to an active lifestyle. If you
have a disability please contact us.
This itinerary takes you to tropical climes where the sun is strong and temperatures high – often over 30°C.
Those travelling between May and October journeys should encounter higher temperatures (around 35°C) and
high humidity. It is a bit cooler at higher altitudes. The ‘official’ rainy season is May to October.
10:23 01-09-2021Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes or boots. A waterproof jacket is also
necessary. We suggest that you plan to ‘layer’ your clothing; it is more efficient and flexible to put on a couple of
light layers than one thick jumper, and sensible to have long sleeves for areas where mosquitos may be . Sports
sandals are a good informal option for evenings. Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito
repellent are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying around sunblock,
guidebook, water and any extra layers. A breathable cycling top with pockets will be useful when rafting as well
as biking. A sports strap for sunglasses and small dry back are also recommended.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important
and hard to come by in Central America.
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For
specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
10:23 01-09-202116 days
10:23 01-09-2021You can also read
