1. What is included in the tour price?
2. What is not included in the tour price?
3. How much should I tip?
4. What do you mean by "single" and "double" occupancy?
5. What kind of clothing should I bring?
6. Are your tours directed to all ages?
7. Are children allowed on tour?
8. Is the water safe to drink?
9. What should I do about currency?
10. Do I need a passport or visa when I visit Costa Rica?
11. Do I need to carry my passport with me at all times while in Costa Rica?
12. What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
13. Can I change tours after registering?
14. Do you offer trip insurance?
15. Are we guaranteed to stay in the hotels listed on the itineraries?
16. What type of information will be received prior to departure?
17. Is smoking permitted while on tour?
18. What is your privacy policy?
Q: What is included in the tour price?
A: All programs are different, therefore there is a description in each one of the itineraries specifying all services and activities. However, all breakfasts are included, entrance fees to the national parks and local tours as specified, as well as all ground, water, and local air transportation within the country. A Natural Expeditions tour guide is included in all tours except Coastlines of Costa Rica. Please note that the Magic of Costa Rica tour and our student tours include more in the price than our regular tour itineraries. See the Magic of Costa Rica itinerary and student tour itinerary for more details.
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Q: What is not included in the tour price?
A: Airfares, airport taxes, $26 Costa Rica departure fee (except where specified), tips to the Natural Expeditions guide and driver, airport porters, passports, laundry, phone calls, personal expenses, and beverages/food not included on the regular menu. Please note that the Magic of Costa Rica tour and our student tours include more in the price than our regular tour itineraries. See the Magic of Costa Rica itinerary and student tour itinerary for more details. If you would like help booking a flight or would like a tour package that includes airfare, we would be happy to assist you. Listed below are some of the airlines which offer flight service to Costa Rica:
US Airways, Mexicana, American Airlines, Aviateca, Grupo Taca, Copa, Continental, Delta, Lufthansa, Northwest, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines
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Q: How much should I tip?
A: With the exception of our Magic of Costa Rica tour, tips to your tour guide and driver are not included in the tour price. Tipping will be at your own discretion. We suggest a certain amount per day based on the service you have received. If you feel that service has been especially good, you can decide which amount would be most appropriate. Our suggestion would be:
These tips should be handed directly to the tour guide and driver individually. We request that no group collections be made.
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Q: What do you mean by "single" and "double" occupancy?
A: Single occupancy means that the traveler will have a private room. Double occupancy means that the traveler will be sharing a room with someone else. You will designate who that person is on your registration form. The prices listed on the tour itinerary description are per person, even if the rooming accommodation is for double occupancy.
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Q: What kind of clothing should I bring?
A: Natural Expeditions recommends at least one sweater or jacket because even though the days can be warm, the temperature tends to drop at night and the air-conditioning on the minibus can be little chilly for those who get cold easily. Think casual when planning your clothing choices for Costa Rica. Outfits for sightseeing and daytime traveling should be similar to those items manufactured by North Face.
Back To Top
Q: Are your tours directed to all ages?
A: Our tours have been designed for those who want time out of their comfort zone (not staying all day in your hotel). The programs include hikes, boat trips, and zip lining, among other activities which require a fair amount of energy. Most of our tours are joined by adults of all ages. One exception is with our Coastlines of Costa Rica tour package, which gives you more time to relax.
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Q: Are children allowed on tour?
A: Yes, children are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Just keep in mind that some of the locations don't offer any entertainment for little ones and the activities included require some hiking. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.
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Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: Yes, tap water is safe to drink in most of places in Costa Rica. However, there will be a chance for bottled water throughout the country as well.
Back To Top
Q: What should I do about currency?
A: The local currency is colones (named after the Spanish name for Christopher Columbus - "Cristobal Colon"). However, US currency as well as major credit or debit cards are accepted in all places of our tours. We do not recommend the use of traveler's checks as they are not widely accepted while on tour. Please let your bank know if you will be using your debit card while out of the country to avoid the blocking of your access.
Back To Top
Q: Do I need a passport or visa when I visit Costa Rica?
A: Yes. Costa Rica requires U.S. citizens to possess a passport which is valid for 6 months after the date of entry into Costa Rica. Please check the expiration date of your passport. If you need to renew your passport or apply for a new one, you can pick up a passport application at your local U.S. Post Office. Passport applications can take up to 6 weeks to process unless you pay extra for the faster expedited service. You do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica.
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Q: Do I need to carry my passport with me at all times while in Costa Rica?
A: Costa Rica requires foreigners to carry their passports at all times in Costa Rica. However, this requirement is waived for U.S. and Canadian citizens, who are permitted to simply carry a photocopy of their passport photo and information page, plus a copy of the Costa Rica entry stamp page in their passport. Please make one photocopy of your passport photo and information page, and one copy of your passport page which has the Costa Rica entry stamp. If you carry these photocopies with you, you may leave your original passport in a safe place.
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Q: What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
A: Cancellations will be charged the per person fees listed below:
For all tour programs (except Explore Costa Rica) -
For the Explore Costa Rica tour program -
Please note that our customized tour programs have their own cancellation schedules that we will send you along with your tour itinerary. Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our office.
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Q: Can I change tours after registering?
A: If you need to change tours or begin your tour on a different scheduled start date, you may do so with no penalties 31 days or more prior to the start of your currently booked tour, provided that accommodations and transportation services are available. If you change tours or your start date 30-0 days prior to the start of your currently booked tour, you will not receive a refund or transfer of funds to the new tour. This does not apply to student tours or customized/private tours. Please contact us if you registered for a private tour or student tour and need to change your departure date.
Back To Top
Q: Do you offer trip insurance?
A: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your tour investment. Natural Expeditions, LLC has partnered with TravelSafe Insurance to provide you with excellent coverage at an affordable price. The Vacation Insurance package protects you from possible loss of money in case of unexpected trip cancellation/interruption due to accident, sickness, or death, baggage loss, medical expenses, and emergency air transportation costs. You will receive a travel insurance brochure with your tour registration documents. If you want to purchase this insurance package, please contact us within 15 days of your tour registration to enroll. TravelSafe Vacation Insurance is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio.
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Q: Are we guaranteed to stay in the hotels listed on the itineraries?
A: We do our best to book the hotels listed in the tour itineraries. However, if the listed hotel does not have occupancy for your tour date, we will use a similar hotel from our list of preferred hotels that meet our standards of high quality service and accommodations.
Back To Top
Q: What type of information will be received prior to departure?
A: Before departure, you will receive packing and travel tips, a day-by-day itinerary, and a final list of all the specific tours, names and websites of hotels, and meals included in your tour package.
Back To Top
Q: Is smoking permitted while on tour?
A: Smoking is not permitted on the bus. The driver will have some stops specifically for those who smoke or need to stop for any other reason.
Back To Top
Q: What is your privacy policy?
A: Your privacy is extremely important to Natural Expeditions. Your e-mail address and name, street address, telephone number, and credit card information (if applicable) are stored in our database and will only be used by Natural Expeditions to get in touch with you. Natural Expeditions will not sell, rent, trade, or give your name, e-mail address, street address or any other personal information to any other organization. Click here to see the full details of our privacy policy.
Back To Top
2. What is not included in the tour price?
3. How much should I tip?
4. What do you mean by "single" and "double" occupancy?
5. What kind of clothing should I bring?
6. Are your tours directed to all ages?
7. Are children allowed on tour?
8. Is the water safe to drink?
9. What should I do about currency?
10. Do I need a passport or visa when I visit Costa Rica?
11. Do I need to carry my passport with me at all times while in Costa Rica?
12. What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
13. Can I change tours after registering?
14. Do you offer trip insurance?
15. Are we guaranteed to stay in the hotels listed on the itineraries?
16. What type of information will be received prior to departure?
17. Is smoking permitted while on tour?
18. What is your privacy policy?
Q: What is included in the tour price?
A: All programs are different, therefore there is a description in each one of the itineraries specifying all services and activities. However, all breakfasts are included, entrance fees to the national parks and local tours as specified, as well as all ground, water, and local air transportation within the country. A Natural Expeditions tour guide is included in all tours except Coastlines of Costa Rica. Please note that the Magic of Costa Rica tour and our student tours include more in the price than our regular tour itineraries. See the Magic of Costa Rica itinerary and student tour itinerary for more details.
Back To Top
Q: What is not included in the tour price?
A: Airfares, airport taxes, $26 Costa Rica departure fee (except where specified), tips to the Natural Expeditions guide and driver, airport porters, passports, laundry, phone calls, personal expenses, and beverages/food not included on the regular menu. Please note that the Magic of Costa Rica tour and our student tours include more in the price than our regular tour itineraries. See the Magic of Costa Rica itinerary and student tour itinerary for more details. If you would like help booking a flight or would like a tour package that includes airfare, we would be happy to assist you. Listed below are some of the airlines which offer flight service to Costa Rica:
US Airways, Mexicana, American Airlines, Aviateca, Grupo Taca, Copa, Continental, Delta, Lufthansa, Northwest, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines
Back To Top
Q: How much should I tip?
A: With the exception of our Magic of Costa Rica tour, tips to your tour guide and driver are not included in the tour price. Tipping will be at your own discretion. We suggest a certain amount per day based on the service you have received. If you feel that service has been especially good, you can decide which amount would be most appropriate. Our suggestion would be:
- US $6 to US $8 per traveler per day for the tour guide
- US $3 to US $5 per traveler per day for the driver
These tips should be handed directly to the tour guide and driver individually. We request that no group collections be made.
Back To Top
Q: What do you mean by "single" and "double" occupancy?
A: Single occupancy means that the traveler will have a private room. Double occupancy means that the traveler will be sharing a room with someone else. You will designate who that person is on your registration form. The prices listed on the tour itinerary description are per person, even if the rooming accommodation is for double occupancy.
Back To Top
Q: What kind of clothing should I bring?
A: Natural Expeditions recommends at least one sweater or jacket because even though the days can be warm, the temperature tends to drop at night and the air-conditioning on the minibus can be little chilly for those who get cold easily. Think casual when planning your clothing choices for Costa Rica. Outfits for sightseeing and daytime traveling should be similar to those items manufactured by North Face.
Back To Top
Q: Are your tours directed to all ages?
A: Our tours have been designed for those who want time out of their comfort zone (not staying all day in your hotel). The programs include hikes, boat trips, and zip lining, among other activities which require a fair amount of energy. Most of our tours are joined by adults of all ages. One exception is with our Coastlines of Costa Rica tour package, which gives you more time to relax.
Back To Top
Q: Are children allowed on tour?
A: Yes, children are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Just keep in mind that some of the locations don't offer any entertainment for little ones and the activities included require some hiking. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.
Back To Top
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: Yes, tap water is safe to drink in most of places in Costa Rica. However, there will be a chance for bottled water throughout the country as well.
Back To Top
Q: What should I do about currency?
A: The local currency is colones (named after the Spanish name for Christopher Columbus - "Cristobal Colon"). However, US currency as well as major credit or debit cards are accepted in all places of our tours. We do not recommend the use of traveler's checks as they are not widely accepted while on tour. Please let your bank know if you will be using your debit card while out of the country to avoid the blocking of your access.
Back To Top
Q: Do I need a passport or visa when I visit Costa Rica?
A: Yes. Costa Rica requires U.S. citizens to possess a passport which is valid for 6 months after the date of entry into Costa Rica. Please check the expiration date of your passport. If you need to renew your passport or apply for a new one, you can pick up a passport application at your local U.S. Post Office. Passport applications can take up to 6 weeks to process unless you pay extra for the faster expedited service. You do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica.
Back To Top
Q: Do I need to carry my passport with me at all times while in Costa Rica?
A: Costa Rica requires foreigners to carry their passports at all times in Costa Rica. However, this requirement is waived for U.S. and Canadian citizens, who are permitted to simply carry a photocopy of their passport photo and information page, plus a copy of the Costa Rica entry stamp page in their passport. Please make one photocopy of your passport photo and information page, and one copy of your passport page which has the Costa Rica entry stamp. If you carry these photocopies with you, you may leave your original passport in a safe place.
Back To Top
Q: What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
A: Cancellations will be charged the per person fees listed below:
For all tour programs (except Explore Costa Rica) -
- 61 or more days prior to start of tour: Fee is $200 (deposit)
- 60-31 days prior to start of tour: Fee is 50% of tour price.
- 30 days or less prior to start of tour or during tour: Fee is 100% of tour price.
For the Explore Costa Rica tour program -
- 91 or more days prior to start of tour: Fee is $200 (deposit)
- 90-61 days prior to start of tour: Fee is 50% of tour price.
- 60-31 days prior to start of tour: Fee is 75% of tour price
- 30 days or less prior to start of tour or during tour: Fee is 100% of tour price.
Please note that our customized tour programs have their own cancellation schedules that we will send you along with your tour itinerary. Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our office.
Back To Top
Q: Can I change tours after registering?
A: If you need to change tours or begin your tour on a different scheduled start date, you may do so with no penalties 31 days or more prior to the start of your currently booked tour, provided that accommodations and transportation services are available. If you change tours or your start date 30-0 days prior to the start of your currently booked tour, you will not receive a refund or transfer of funds to the new tour. This does not apply to student tours or customized/private tours. Please contact us if you registered for a private tour or student tour and need to change your departure date.
Back To Top
Q: Do you offer trip insurance?
A: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your tour investment. Natural Expeditions, LLC has partnered with TravelSafe Insurance to provide you with excellent coverage at an affordable price. The Vacation Insurance package protects you from possible loss of money in case of unexpected trip cancellation/interruption due to accident, sickness, or death, baggage loss, medical expenses, and emergency air transportation costs. You will receive a travel insurance brochure with your tour registration documents. If you want to purchase this insurance package, please contact us within 15 days of your tour registration to enroll. TravelSafe Vacation Insurance is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio.
Back To Top
Q: Are we guaranteed to stay in the hotels listed on the itineraries?
A: We do our best to book the hotels listed in the tour itineraries. However, if the listed hotel does not have occupancy for your tour date, we will use a similar hotel from our list of preferred hotels that meet our standards of high quality service and accommodations.
Back To Top
Q: What type of information will be received prior to departure?
A: Before departure, you will receive packing and travel tips, a day-by-day itinerary, and a final list of all the specific tours, names and websites of hotels, and meals included in your tour package.
Back To Top
Q: Is smoking permitted while on tour?
A: Smoking is not permitted on the bus. The driver will have some stops specifically for those who smoke or need to stop for any other reason.
Back To Top
Q: What is your privacy policy?
A: Your privacy is extremely important to Natural Expeditions. Your e-mail address and name, street address, telephone number, and credit card information (if applicable) are stored in our database and will only be used by Natural Expeditions to get in touch with you. Natural Expeditions will not sell, rent, trade, or give your name, e-mail address, street address or any other personal information to any other organization. Click here to see the full details of our privacy policy.
Back To Top