Costa Rica Natural Wonders for Families
Destination
Costa Rica
Duration
8 Days
Activity Level
Active
Comfort Level
Delightful
We invite you to join an adventure for nature-loving families with Leslie Science & Nature Center, the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum, and Journeys International. Share in the wonders of the rainforest, the pleasure of jungle rivers, and the drama of volcanic terrain. Costa Rica has a long history of nature tourism and a wide range of facilities and services. Our week-long itinerary introduces you to the best activities of the season, reaching deep into natural areas and showing you why Costa Rica is famous for beauty, hospitality, and friendliness. Experience unique lodges, exotic ecosystems, accessible wildlife, and exciting outdoor activities. You’ll marvel at how comfortable you’ll feel, how much you’ll learn every day, and how much fun you will share as a family.
Karen Rendell from LSNC will join this group. Karen brings 13 years at LSNC and over 20 years experience as a naturalist working at nature centers and environmental education centers throughout the U.S. teaching environmental education and leading adventure courses. She is an avid traveler both personally and professionally, having led young adult travel groups in Panama, Sweden, and Russia. Karen is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. She plans to bring her own children ages 7 and 10 for this fun adventure.
Great For
- Curious Families
- Fun Activities
- Kid-Friendly Guides
Itinerary
Day 1 June 20 Arrive San Jose
You’ll be greeted on arrival at San Jose’s international airport and transferred to your lovely and highly-reviewed hotel in the Santo Domingo suburb of San Jose. If you arrive early in the day, enjoy the hotel’s pool, extensive gardens perfect for hide-and-seek, or even take a taxi to one of the city’s museums. No need to leave for dinner, though – the hotel’s restaurant will please all ages.
Lodging
Bougainvillea Hotel or similar
Days 2 June 21 Arenal
Depart from San Jose this morning, then make your way to the Caribbean lowlands of Sarapiquí for some whitewater rafting! This river section is a gentle Class II-III, with sections of flat water and small whitewater rapids that are fun but safe for rafters with no previous experience. The rafts hold 4 to 6 passengers plus a guide, and are followed by safety kayakers. The tour will stop at a swimming spot en route where fresh fruit will be served. After the tour, you will be driven back to the starting point where you can take a shower and change clothes. This rafting is recommended for kids ages 6 and up.
For those who opt not to raft, there will be an opportunity to learn how chocolate is made from the fruit of the cacao tree. Participants will see – and try – each step in the process, from harvesting to roasting to grinding, and of course tasting!
Later, the whole group will visit Pierella Ecological Garden, a local family business also in the Sarapiquí lowlands. The site was first established 20 years ago as a project to breed butterflies for export. Over time, it has been transformed from a simple butterfly nursery to an ecological garden that holds a great diversity of environments and attracts abundant wildlife that is often more accessible here than in the deep rainforest. Explore Pierella’s great birding trails, take great photos, again an opportunity to learn about cocoa production, and enjoy some of the best traditional lunches in the area. All ages will delight in this encounter.
Then, drive to Arenal (approx 2 hrs). Arenal Volcano was active from 1968 to 2010, and the park now offers a geologic wonderland to learn about materials expelled from the volcano, rock formation from recent lava flows, and the natural regeneration of flora and fauna in the area. The volcano, with its perfect imposing cone, is surrounded by exuberant vegetation and sits at the side of the engineering masterpiece of Arenal Lake.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Arenal Manoa or similar
Day 3 June 22 Arenal Adventures - Ziplining and Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano National Park lies in the heart of one of Costa Rica`s largest natural areas. Howler monkeys call from the forest and the rich volcanic soil supports primary and secondary rainforest teeming with butterflies, mammals, reptiles and 400 species of birds. The tour today begins by heading to the El Silencio Private Reserve to get as close to the base of the Arenal volcano as possible by vehicle. You will walk approx 1 km along a volcanic stone-path with a moderate degree of difficulty, until you reach the closest permitted viewpoint of the volcano. Here’s your guide will teach give an overview of the history of the volcano’s activity, including its significant in 1968. You will also enjoy excellent views of the Lake Arenal. You will begin the descent along the same trail, then enter the regenerating forest and follow the primary rainforest located along the outskirts of the park. This 1.5 km trail will provide you with the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals and rainforest and is appropriate for participants of all ages.
Continue to Arenal Vida Campesina and learn about Costa Rican culture by visiting a “Typical Troja” where you will experience milling of sugarcane and its derivatives (cane juice, costarican busse, fresh sugar cane sticks) in addition to fruits in harvest.
Next, visit the Rural School “El Bosque,” a farm school with approximately 70 students. Through structured activities and traditional games, you will learn about the lives of Costa Rican children and also help the children practice their English. Also enjoy lunch here, a delicious and participatory experience.
End your day at Arenal Mundo Aventura for an exciting zipline tour through the rainforest canopy (for ages 7 and up). Enjoy a tractor ride into the jungle, then climb an 18-meter observation tower, and zip across 7 extreme zipline cables. The spectacular views over the Pino Blanco & Fortuna Waterfalls, Arenal Volcano, and the dormant Cerro Chato Volcano make it an unforgettable experience!
Anyone who won’t be zipping can go on a 3.5 km tractor tour through the rainforest to the Pino Blanco lookout. Then, take a walk to La Fortuna Waterfall, enjoying the natural beauty from the ground.
When the group comes back together, everyone will have the chance to visit Maleku Indian Village, supported by Arenal Mundo Aventure, the company that operates the zipline and tractor tours. They make this opportunity open to everyone who desires to share with and learn from the Indian cultures and their legacy. The Maleku Indian community is one of the 24 different indigenous groups in Costa Rica. This area conserves the authenticity of the Indian Village, their beliefs, culture, and traditions. The Indigenous Cultural Rescue Center receives students, families, and tourists from Costa Rica and around the world, allowing them to get a small sense of the group’s traditions, discover their unique language Maleku Jaica, taste their favorite dish la Mufuriseca, learn about medicinal plants like gavilana and cuculmeca, and see their burial dances, ceremonies, and other rituals.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Arenal Manoa or similar
Day 4 June 23 Arenal Hanging Bridge, Hot Springs
This morning visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This is a complex of suspension bridges and trails through beautiful rainforest. The terrain undulates and the trail crosses ravines with small waterfalls and travels over bridges with panoramic vistas over the treetops including views of Arenal Volcano. As you walk you may encounter wildlife including toucans, poison dart frogs, and howling, spider and white-faced capuchin monkeys. The 1.5-mile trail is an easy walk for people in good condition, loops back to the starting point, and is appropriate for all ages.
Later, enjoy a visit to the Eco Termales Hot Springs. This is a family-run hot springs resort featuring volcanically heated pools ranging in temperature, with pools comfortable and fun for all ages. The facility offers separate changing rooms for women and men each equipped with hot showers, lockers, and toilets. The subtle landscaping includes regenerating forest and attractive tropical plants.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Arenal Manoa (or similar)
Day 5 June 24 To the Beach!
Today, depart the highlands of Arenal and head to the beaches at Manuel Antonio. Today’s drive is about 5 hours but you will stop en route for lunch and a leisurely boat ride along the Tarcoles River and Guacalilo Estuary that is likely to include incredible crocodile and scarlet macaw sightings!
When you arrive at Manuel Antonio, enjoy the beautiful grounds and ocean views of this lovely hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Si Como No or similar
Day 6 June 25 Surfing and Manuel Antonio National Park
Start your day exploring the lush forest of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide will take you along the easy forest trails in search of squirrel and capuchin monkeys, sloths, black iguanas, and agoutis. In 2011 Forbes Magazine compiled a list of the 12 most beautiful national parks from among nearly 7000 parks around the world. Manuel Antonio National Park was included in the list of 12 top parks for its gorgeous cream colored beach, lush forest growing to the beach edge, abundant wildlife, warm pacific waters, easy forest trails, and scenic ocean overlooks. Walking the park trails you will likely encounter a variety of wildlife – the animals are accustomed to visitors.
After lunch, enjoy a surfing adventure for a couple of hours as you learn to navigate a surfboard. You will learn from the best teachers at Manuel Antonio Beach for anyone seeking a short but intense lesson and introduction into the world of surfing. After picking you up at your hotel, they bring you down to the beach to learn key safety precautions before hitting the waves for your surfing lesson. Their special teaching techniques will have you up in no time, and the patient and experienced instructors give you lots of tips along the way to help you find perfect, balanced form on the board. Take a break to relax in the chairs under the shade of umbrellas, and refuel with fresh, juicy tropical fruit before you continue conquering the waves. Minimum age is 4 years old. Those not wanting to surf can relax at the beach. Chairs and umbrellas are available, and fellow group members will provide the entertainment!
Evening relaxing at the hotel grounds.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Si Como No or similar
Day 7 June 26 Santa Juana Cultural Tour
Depart this morning for the Santa Juana Mountains where a full-day guided nature trek takes you through tropical palm plantations and jungle-shrouded slopes within the Talamanca Mountain Range, ending up at the tiny farm village of Santa Juana overlooking the panoramic coastline of Manuel Antonio. Enjoy exploring user-friendly trails of this mountain sanctuary. Swim beneath pristine and mesmerizing waterfalls, choose to take a comfortable horseback ride, fish for organic Tilapia, or just kick back and relax in a lush botanical oasis beside the River Rodeo. Enjoy an authentic Campesino lunch in a typical farmhouse prepared by members of the community, and take home a Tree Adoption Certificate for participating with a project that supports conservation.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Si Como No or similar
Day 8 June 27 Departure
This morning you’ll be transferred to the international airport for your departure flight home. The drive from Manuel Antonio to the San Jose International Airport (SJO) takes approximately 4 hours, and flights should be booked home departing in the afternoon.
Meals
Breakfast
Dates & Price
Dates
This trip will be customized for you on your dates of choice.
For dates and customization options for this adventure, please contact us.
Best Time of Year to Visit
We invite you to join an adventure for nature-loving families with Leslie Science & Nature Center, the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum, and Journeys International. Share in the wonders of the rainforest, the pleasure of jungle rivers, and the drama of volcanic terrain. Costa Rica has a long history of nature tourism and a wide range of facilities and services. Our week-long itinerary introduces you to the best activities of the season, reaching deep into natural areas and showing you why Costa Rica is famous for beauty, hospitality, and friendliness. Experience unique lodges, exotic ecosystems, accessible wildlife, and exciting outdoor activities. You’ll marvel at how comfortable you’ll feel, how much you’ll learn every day, and how much fun you will share as a family.
Karen Rendell from LSNC will join this group. Karen brings 13 years at LSNC and over 20 years experience as a naturalist working at nature centers and environmental education centers throughout the U.S. teaching environmental education and leading adventure courses. She is an avid traveler both personally and professionally, having led young adult travel groups in Panama, Sweden, and Russia. Karen is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. She plans to bring her own children ages 7 and 10 for this fun adventure.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Adult (based on groups size of 13-17 Adults)
$4240
Adults (based on groups size of 18+ Adults)
$3990
Ages 12-17 (when sharing with 2 adults)
$3305
Children under 12 (when sharing with 2 adults)
$1605
Single Supplement
$1050
Rates Per Person -
Need to Know
We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!
Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.
Pricing and Payment
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.
We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.
Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.
Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Paying by credit card offers you certain consumer protections, including the ability to initiate a chargeback if you believe we have committed consumer fraud. You may not use credit card chargeback as an alternative to compliance with your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Program Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.
Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, adequate to cover such costs.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Penalty |
---|---|
61 or more | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable |
31-60 | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit |
0-30 | 100% of total land costs |
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.
Transfers Between Programs
You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, to cover these risks.
Travel Insurance
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.
If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Assumption of Risk
Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.
While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.
In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.
Fitness to Join
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.
Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.
Personal Conduct
You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.
You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.
Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.
Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.
Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Recording
Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.
Planning & Preparation Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Duration 8 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 13-25
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Delightful
Comfortable & delightful hotels
Activity Level
Active
As active as you like
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.