Pura Vida- The Ultimate Costa Rica Experience

DAY 1 – JANUARY 26, 2027

Pura vida. In English, it translates to “the simple life,” but in Costa Rica it is a way of life. Today, you depart Toronto with your fellow travellers and Tour Host en route to San José. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

There are no scheduled group activities or meals planned for today. The remainder of the evening is at leisure

Accommodation: Double Tree Cariari Hotel, San Jose

DAY 2 – JANUARY 27, 2027

Seemingly endless mountain horizons and complex evergreen forests welcome you to Tortuguero National Park. Travel by boat to your lodge before continuing along the rivers and canals to the world’s first sea turtle research station.

Later, enjoy time to explore the village of Tortuguero with your Tour Manager. Relax at your lodge set in the middle of the jungle, your home for the next two nights. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero

DAY 3 – JANUARY 28, 2027

Begin the day with an excursion to search for the elusive green macaw and other unique birdlife that call Tortuguero home. Later, embark on a nature cruise through the canals, offering a glimpse into the habitat of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your resort. This evening, a local resident will share stories of life in this remote village and demonstrate how to harvest and prepare coconuts, followed by a tasting of a local favourite: coconut candy. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 – JANUARY 29, 2027

Travel by boat back to the mainland and continue to the Sarapiquí region and the Tirimbina Rainforest Centre.

Visit a cacao plantation and learn about the process of sustainably transforming cacao from bean to bar, followed by a tasting. Later, arrive at your nature resort, nestled along the San Carlos River. Take time to explore the botanical gardens, home to a variety of tropical fruit trees. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Tilajari Hotel Resort, San Carlos

DAY 5 – JANUARY 30, 2027

Explore the rainforest on a Peñas Blancas River safari, drifting along the river as your naturalist guide shares insight into the surrounding wildlife and ecosystems.

Visit a local family finca and sample homemade treats such as banana bread and Costa Rican coffee. Conclude the day with a guided walk through a private primary forest reserve. (B, D)

DAY 6 – JANUARY 31, 2027

Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird'seye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal’s famous hanging bridges. High above the jungle canopies, marvel at natural world around you.

Later, arrive at your resort with views of Arenal Volcano, where you will spend the next three nights. (B, D)

Accommodation: Hotel Lomas del Volcán, Arenal

DAY 7 – FEBRUARY 01, 2027

Today, it’s your choice. Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopy on a thrilling ride through the jungle -OR- make your way across lava fields for an upclose look at the volcano on a moderate hike along trails formed during the 1968 eruption.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Perhaps explore the town of La Fortuna or relax by the hotel’s pool. You may also consider an optional excursion to a family-owned finca with a farm-to-table lunch. (B, D)

DAY 8 – FEBRUARY 02, 2027

In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps, if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll opt for an exhilarating white water rafting experience, or simply relax at the resort, explore the grounds, and take in the surrounding views. (B)

DAY 9 – FEBRUARY 03, 2027

This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces some of Costa Rica’s well-known beans. Take a tour with local plantation workers and learn about daily life on the farm. In the afternoon, travel to Playa Herradura and settle into your resort for the next two nights.

As the day comes to a close, take in views of the Pacific coastline. (B,D)

Accommodation: Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Playa Herradura

DAY 10 – FEBRUARY 04, 2027

Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to lush rainforest and white sand beaches. Explore the park’s trails with opportunities to observe wildlife, or relax along the shoreline and enjoy the ocean.

Enjoy this evening at leisure. (B)

DAY 11 – FEBRUARY 05, 2027

See wild crocodiles among the mangroves of Tárcoles’ Rio Grande. On this jungle crocodile safari, you’ll cruise along the river, watching the banks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures.

Continue to San José. This evening, Toast to the pura vida of Costa Rica tonight over a farewell dinner with your group.

(B, L, D)

Accommodation: DoubleTree Cariari Hotel, San José

DAY 12 – FEBRUARY 06, 2027

Your Costa Rica journey comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

(B)

INCLUSIONS:

• Roundtrip airfare from Toronto Pearson airport
• Roundtrip airport transfers
• Services of a Tour Host throughout
• Services of a local Tour Manager and driver
• 10 nights accommodation
• 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 8 dinners
• Guided sightseeing and experiences as outlined in the itinerary
• Boat transfers to and from Tortuguero National Park
• Visit to Tortuguero village
• Nature cruise through Tortuguero canals
• Cacao experience at Tirimbina Rainforest Centre
• Peñas Blancas River safari
• Hanging bridges experience in Arenal
• Choice of zip lining or lava field hike in Arenal
• Visit to a local coffee farm
• Entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park
• Jungle crocodile safari in Tárcoles
  

TRAVEL WITH NO MORE THAN 24 TRAVELLERS ON THIS TOUR WHERE A SMALLER GROUP SETTING MEANS A MORE PERSONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE.

If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention. The roads in Costa Rica are notoriously poor and impacted by heavy rains each season making them bumpy and requiring lower driving speeds. You can expect winding and some unpaved roads along the way.

IMPORTANT TRAVELLERS INFORMATION

We want you to enjoy your tour with us; therefore, it is important that you know this tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. We have selected small, comfortable hotels and eco-lodges for their locations and they may be considered rustic. Air conditioning and elevators are not available in all properties used on this tour. Travellers must be in good health as sightseeing requires walking on uneven terrain; wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour.

Museum visits and shopping may be affected by the observance of religious or local holidays. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

**White water rafting is subject to the operator's safety restrictions.

Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 p.m. Rooms may not be available prior to that time.

During our stay in Tortuguero, you will be staying in an eco-lodge. This is an experiential stay that will expose you to amazing wildlife. The rooms are rustic and basic but comfortable. There is a ceiling fan but no air conditioning available. Tortuguero National Park lodges can only be accessed by motorboat.

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.

Smaller coaches, which may not be lavatory-equipped, may be used on this tour. In this case, frequent stops are made during travel periods.

*Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the 2- night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Your main luggage stays in San Jose and joins you upon your return to the mainland.

Due to flight schedules, flights arriving into San Jose via Air Canada may arrive after midnight. You may be tired on Day 2 as activities will begin early in the morning.

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy with all taxes included.

Double occupancy: 6,216.00 CAD per person

Single occupancy: $7,566.00 CAD per person

Triple occupancy pricing is available upon request.

A 1000.00 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking. Final payment due October 23, 2026

We highly recommend the purchase of Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance as well as Out-ofProvince Medical Insurance coverage for your holiday. Ask your Travel Advisor for a quote.

Ready to plan your journey?

Reach out to your BST Vacations Travel Advisor for details and to book.

If you’re not currently working with an advisor, please contact:

Nicole Blowes

📞 1-800-461-8500 ext. 228

✉️ nblowes@bstvacations.ca

BST Escorted Group Terms & Conditions

(These Terms & Conditions do not apply to Charters. Separate T & C apply.)

Please carefully review the Terms & Conditions outlined below. Any reservation made with BST constitutes a binding agreement
signifying your acceptance of, and your agreement to follow, these Terms & Conditions, and to be bound by them.
To process your reservation, we will need your personal information including your name, address,
telephone number, email address, passport number, date of birth, citizenship, and information you have disclosed regarding health, medical, dietary, mobility and other special requirements. BST will require a copy of your valid passport at time of deposit.

Deposit and Final Payment
Deposit is due at time of booking to secure your reservation.

A Non refundable Deposit of $1000.00 CAD per person due at time of booking per person.

The final payment deadline is due in our office on or before October 23, 2026 All payments once received are non-refundable. Please refer to insurance sections below.
Please make cheques payable to Blowes and Stewart Travel. We also accept in-office cash / debit payments, or Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards. E-transfers are accepted, please send to pgraham@ bstvacations.ca Completion of the electronic credit card authorization form or the PDF credit card authorization form commits you to your reservation and the charges on your credit card. The Company reserves the right to cancel a reservation if payment has not been received by the specified due date. Final Travel details will be issued 2 weeks prior to departure.

Not Included in the Trip Cost
All quoted trip costs do not include items of a personal nature such as but not limited to; medical insurance, cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, phone calls, airline baggage fees where applicable and meals that are not included or listed in the itinerary.

Escorted Group Cancellation Policy
All escorted groups require a minimum number of passengers to travel. Should minimum numbers not been reached, the Company has the right to cancel the tour with a full refund to the passengers booked. Refund will be processed
in manner received. Tours unable to operate due to Travel Advisory, acts of God, Terrorism or any other event and no fault of BST, will be subject to cancellation charges as
listed above. BST highly recommends the purchase of cancellation/interruption insurance for all trips. BST will
not be held responsible for loss of monies due to cancellation/changes. Your travel advisor will review your travel insurance options at booking. Medical insurance is mandatory for all trips outside of the Province of Ontario. If client has out of province medical insurance with a separate insurance provider, BST must be advised of insurance company name, policy number & company contact information prior to trip commencement. Persons leaving the tour during operation will not receive a refund of unused services and all
costs of returning to the point of
embarkation will be borne by the client. For additional information on packages/plans offered,
please visit https://www.igoinsured.com/Direct/ManulifeGlobal.aspx?ag=STEWPET&lang=E

Global Pandemic
Customer acknowledges the risks related to the spread of infectious or contagious diseases. It remains the customer's responsibility to take the necessary precautions applicable to any health hazards, including but not limited to a Global Pandemic. To ensure the safety of all guests and employees, suppliers may have mandatory safety protocols in place, and the
availability of their services and facilities may be impacted. Customer agrees to follow all current and future regulations/protocols set forth for safety in compliance with government policies at your own expense. BST is not responsible for any fees for, or associated with, mandatory government testing in destination or for returning to Canada,
quarantine or expenses relating to any Global Pandemic or similar. If additional insurance protection is declined, it remains the customer's responsibility to verify if their travel insurance policy covers a Global Pandemic. BST will not be held liable should customers be denied boarding due to insufficient proof of a negative Global Pandemic test prior to departure, or displaying symptoms of a Global Pandemic upon check in. No monies will be refunded to customers who have been denied boarding or refunded at port of entry.

Additional Notes

All prices listed are per person in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise noted. Pricing is based on supplier cost, currency exchange rates and conditions in effect at the time of brochure printing. Final payment may fluctuate based on changes to the currency exchange at that time. Should there be a pricing increase, a maximum of 7% of base cost, may be applied, or to the taxes and/or government-imposed fees, fuel surcharges or additional airline fees before final payment, these increased charges will be levied to the customer and applied to the final invoice. No additional surcharges may be applied after the trip is paid in full. All trips may be subject to change in situations beyond our control.

When travelling outside of Canada all Canadian passengers require a valid passport. If travelling with a foreign passport (not Canadian) BST must be advised at time of booking so we can advise accordingly. Most countries require passports to be valid for 6 months beyond the expected return date.

Some countries may also have visa requirements for entry. Any fees to obtain visas or additional travel documentation that may be required are the responsibility of the traveler. Entry into another country cannot be guaranteed and is at the sole discretion of the local authorities. BST takes no responsibility for a customer being denied entry into another country. Cancellation charges and any additional fees will be at the customer’s expense.

It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain information, and to have in their possession, all the required documentation to travel (such as passports, visa where applicable, etc.) required by the relevant governmental authorities, for themselves and passengers in their care. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.

BST is not responsible for any missing or inappropriate documents. Failure to have proper travel documents will result in denied boarding and automatic cancellation of your reservation without refund.

BST accepts any passengers that have a disability, intellectual or physical condition providing they are able to care for themselves during the trip which includes boarding the plane/bus on their own; participating in any included tours/sightseeing without assistance; the ability to understand meeting points/times and the ability to care for their own documents. BST will accept any passenger who’s intellectual or physical condition is such as to render him/her incapable of caring for him/herself without assistance, provided that he/she is accompanied by an attendant (at an additional cost) who is responsible for the passenger enroute and with the care of such attendant, he/she will not require attention or assistance beyond that which is usually provided by BST tour escort. Some destinations may not be suitable for physical mobility issues.

Baggage restrictions vary by airline and destination. Specific details will be provided with your final travel documents.

Please ensure that you have secured baggage tags to your luggage prior to arriving at the airport, train station or boarding the coach.

Please note that you are responsible for carrying your own luggage and are responsible for the safety and security of your luggage at all times. BST will not assume liability for loss, theft, or damage due to breakage, fire, water, or theft, during transport on the plane, coach, train or at hotel. Ask your agent for details of Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance coverage.

Airline seating requests are taken into consideration and sent to each airline if applicable. Additional charges apply for premium seating on aircraft. Specific seating on coaches or trains cannot be guaranteed. BST will try to accommodate all requests.

BST reserves the right to decline any person as a member of the trip at any time before or during the trip should such person’s presence be considered detrimental to the interest, comfort, and enjoyment of the other members. Persons leaving the trip after commencement will not receive a refund of unused services and all costs of returning to the point of embarkation will be borne by the client.

When travelling outside of Ontario, please note local customs may differ and conditions of travel may not be the same as home. Clients not travelling on full itinerary as outlined assume full responsibility for any cancellation penalties or fees incurred due to cancellation or alteration to itinerary in any way.

Our Role

In offering travel arrangements for sale, BST acts solely as the organizer of the tours and responsible for making all reservations as outlined. BST cannot be held responsible for supplier errors or omissions. We do not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any supplier and we assume no responsibility for, and shall not be expected or required to pay for any financial loss, personal injury, other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity which you may experience either by reason of (1) non-performance by any supplier for whatever reason (2) wrongful causes, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any supplier or its employees or on the part of any other party not under the control of BST (3) any defect, breakdown or other failure of any aircraft, train, bus, automobile, accommodation, ship or other equipment or instrumentality operated and owned or otherwise used by a supplier or (4) BST is not liable for any loss, damage, injury or death resulting from circumstances beyond its direct control such as unexpected weather conditions, civil unrest, acts of God, force Majeure or any other unforeseen circumstances.