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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to topPlease note there will be a departure tax of 20US$ from Panama airport and overland entry and exit taxes of 15US$.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Ometepe - Sea kayaking 25 USD, San Ramon waterfall 5 USD
La Fortuna - Hot springs 35 USD
Bocas del Toro - Excursions include kayaking, snorkelling or dolphin watching, all approx. 25 USD
Panama Canal - Museum entrance fee Miraflores lock 10 USD
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly you should allow 40US$ for tipping
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Panama: Balboa/US Dollar. Costa Rica: Colon/ US dollar. Nicaragua: Cordoba.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Carry your funds in U.S. currency (NOT Sterling, which is almost impossible to change). It is advisable to bring at least half of your total spending money in cash, in mixed denomination notes (in good condition). Note: US dollar bills with the series CB-B2 year 2001 will not be accepted for exchange. Also be aware that $100 bills are often not accepted.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns. Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival. Exchanges at border.
ATM Availability: Available in most cities and towns. We do not recommend relying on them as your sole source of spending money. USD are available from ATM machines in Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards are of limited use, but may be brought along ‘just in case’.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers Cheques can be very difficult to exchange.
Additional Information: US Currency must be clean and have no nicks or tears in it.
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| UK | Costa Rica | Nicaragua | Panama | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $2.00 | $0.70 | $1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $2.00 | $0.70 | $0.50 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $2.00 | $1.20 | $1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $3.00 | $1.20 | $2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $15.00 | $7.00 | $10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $20.00 | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $20.00 | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 | $10.00 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Panama: UK, CAN, USA, NZ and AUS citizens do not require a visa for a stay up to 30 days. Panama requires 500USD in cash or a credit card to be shown on entry.
Costa Rica: UK, CAN, USA and most EU citizens do not currently require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizens of AUS,NZ and IRE can stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
Nicaragua: Visas not required for citizens of UK, and USA, however visas are required for citizens of CAN, NZ and AUS.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topWe recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
Back to topPlease note: If you are entering from any of the following countries (Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, French Guyana, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Gambia and Sudan) are now required to produce an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis documenting yelllow fever vaccination before entry to Costa Rica will be granted. Certificates are valid 10 days after the date of vaccination.
Back to topAll passengers please note: Foreign Office now advise that from the 01 Nov 2008 yellow fever certificates will only be required for those entering Panama from an ‘At Risk’ country for yellow fever transmission.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.
We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.
Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.
Back to topBike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.
Back to top| Bike Details | Equipment Provided |
| Bike type: | Mountainbike |
| Bike model: | Trek 4500 |
| Number of gears: | Shimano Alvio/Deore 24/27 gears |
| Brakes: | Shimano, disc brake |
| Suspension: | Front |
| Frame range: | Different sizes available |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: | No |
| Water bottle holder provided: | Yes |
| Water bottle provided: | No |
| Adjustable handlebars: | Limited |
| Female saddles provided: | No |
| Gel saddles provided: | No |
| Option to fit own saddle: | Yes, standard fitting |
| Option to fit own pedals: | Yes, standard fitting |
Nicaragua: Tropical, with little seasonal variation in temperature. The heavy rainy season is May to October but it can rain at any time along the Caribbean coast of Rio San Juan. There are 3 main climatic zones: the lowland coasts, the central highlands and the cooler mountain region - which has a larger range of daily temperature.
Costa Rica: Has a tropical climate with high temperature humidity and rainfall. The average temperature is 21°C in the highlands and is variable in the lowlands. The rainy season is from May to November and the dry season from December to April, but it does still tend to rain, usually in short bursts. Bear in mind that Costa Rica has 12 microclimates and weather can vary significantly in one day.
Panama: Has a tropical climate with high temperature and humidity, with an average temperature 30°C, although it is cooler in the mountains. The rainy season is from May to November and the dry season from December to April. The rainfall is of a tropical nature, usually falling for 1-2 hours in the afternoon.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and a daypack. Total allowance is 20kg (44lb) maximum. Please note that there is a weight restriction of 7kg for hand luggage/daypack for international and internal flights.
Back to topBring your cycling gear including shorts and gloves. Remember weather is changeable in the mountains and it can be cool and wet at higher altitude, and even on some evenings, so bring some warmer clothing too. A raincoat is essential at all times in case of rain. Don’t forget your swimming costume.
Back to topLightweight walking shoes/trainers for cycling and comfortable shoes/sandals for evenings and walking.
Back to topTake a cycle helmet, cycle water bottle, torch, sunhat and suncream. Panniers are not provided so you may wish to bring one a light rucksack to wear whilst cycling. Please consider carrying all or some of your cycling equipment, e.g. helmet, as part of your hand luggage.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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