Arenal Observatory
Lodge









Out of all the
species found in
Costa Rica, the
jaguar is potentially
the most dangerous,
but the chances
of encountering one
are one in a million

On Tour


ACCOMMODATION: Hotels and lodges in Costa Rica offer pleasant conditions featuring private bathroom facilities and many modern amenities. Some properties in the Tortuguero National Park area may not offer telephone, television or air-conditioning. (There will be ceiling fans, however.) Most accommodations include television and minibars. Most rooms have two double beds.

ROADS: The reputation of Costa Rica's poor road conditions is legendary. However, recent improvements in the country's road system allows travelers to enjoy a comfortable ride and new road signs are being placed throughout the country. This wave of improvements is the result of the Ministry of Transportation's newly established fund, named CONAVI. The country's 5,000 miles of roadway will be preserved, developed and repaired from past neglect. Over 700 million dollars has been invested through the cooperation of international aid. Despite the small size of the country, driving distances can sometimes be deceiving.

SATELLITE TELEPHONES: Telecommunications in the urban areas are easily accessible but please note that in other more remote areas often do not have telephones. An increasing number of guests have been bringing satellite phones along with them on their program. As most people travel to "get away from it all", we feel that we must set some limitations on the use of these phones when on your program. We suggest the following guidelines on the use of satellite phones:

  1. Please ensure the ring tone is kept at a low volume to avoid disturbing other guests.
  2. Please use your phone in the privacy of your room and not any of the common areas: dining room, bar/lounge area, or on any of the vehicles or on nature walks.
  3. Phones should be used for outgoing calls and to check messages only. Incoming calls, and the loud ringing that ensues, should be curtailed.

LAUNDRY: Laundry is available at most hotels and lodges but there may be an additional charge for this service.

SMOKING POLICY: While on your program, there is a no-smoking policy at meals, on the vehicles, on nature walks, on the aircraft, and on boats (in fact anywhere where there is a fire hazard). If you are a smoker, there will be "smoke breaks" on the drives to keep you happy! Please respect this ruling.

DRINK POLICY: Water, coffee and tea are included at meals. All additional beverages such as soft drinks and all alcoholic drinks are extra.

WILD ANIMALS: The National Parks of Costa Rica envelop complex ecosystems ranging from cloud forest to marsh land, savannah, rain forest and coral reef, and contain extraordinary biodiversity. In most parks it is possible to see several different habitats within the course of a day. Many of the animals, birds and reptiles you will see will be from a reasonable distance. Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, no program in Costa Rica can guarantee that such incidents will not occur. Please make sure that you listen to and abide by the safety talks given by your guide. Don't go wandering off on your own without a guide. If you are sensible, you should be safe.