COSTA RICA
Looking for a little EXCITEMENT and ADVENTURE? How about Costa Rica for your next Vacation or even your Honeymoon!
First Choice Travel and Cruise agents have experienced quite a bit of Costa Rica. Every time Gayle Zielke has been to Costa Rica there is always something new to see and experience. We have studied an Experienced Costa Rica as Costa Rica Specialists. Everyone should try a little adventure and visit this Eco friendly destination!!
Costa Rica is great for couples, families and groups that want a bit of an adventure. Costa Rica is the size of West Virginia and the residents are very well educated. December-April is considered the dry season and May to November is the green season! When you think of Costa Rica you think of very lush and tropical vegetation, zip lining through the jungle and so much activity to choose from and you would be correct!
Considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Costa Rica is divided in 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that captivate ecotourism lovers. The variety of activities includes horseback riding, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, and guided bird-watching tours.
Tortuguero National Park is especially famous for sea turtle nesting that takes place every year, and the natural canals that abound with protected species such as crocodiles, manatees, and otters. The country's natural attractions, wildlife and reputation for enlightened conservation draw tourists from all over the world, and the ticos know it. Successive governments have made a real effort to preserve the country's image as an ecotourism heaven, making Costa Rica one of the best places to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact.
Here is a picture of some of our First Choice Travel Agents enjoying the scenery and adventure of the Arenal Volcano. We checked out all the hotels, experienced the adventure of the destination and enjoyed the many sights of Costa Rica. Our guide Carlos was wonderful and very knowledgeable. All of us loved the trip and came back with so much more knowledge of the area than when we left. Our driver Juan Carlos can drive up a mountain without any effort. (our eyes were closed though!) The cloud forest with the SkyWalk was a highlight for some, the arenal area with the hot springs and volcano were others favorites and of course the Guanacaste area for the beach and relaxation were wonderful. We cannot say enough about Costa Rica. Call us today to book your COSTA RICA ADVENTURE!!! 262-542-5955
Pictured above from left to right are Gayle, Mary, Pat, Nancy, Karen and Tana.
Man Cannot Live by Beach Alone
Beaches...over 735 miles of glistening sandy beach outline lush rainforest where orchids boom, toucans primp their feathers and troops of howler monkeys prance from branch to branch. A climate which guarantees perfect sunny days and temperatures of 81 average. Costa Rica is also known as " Little Switzerland" and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Exotic ferns, flowers, butterflies and over 800 species of birds, plus sparkling waterfalls, thermal springs and majestic volcanoes are on the menu for the best vacation yet. Beaches, yes, but you'll need to bring your sneakers!
Here are a couple of tour, air and hotel packages already set up and ready to sell at a very affordable price. Contact First Choice Travel and Cruise at 262-542-5955. For Gayle, Pat, Nancy or Mary call 262-542-5955. Email: Pat@FirstChoiceTravelandCruise.com or trvl1st@aol.com
COSTA RICA UPDATE:
Approx Exchange rate:
You will receive approx ¢457 Costa Rican colones for each US dollar you exchange. We always recommend that you change your money in a bank or in your hotel where you will receive one or two colones less.
Most businesses will accept US Dollars and are generally giving you the bank rate.
The airport departure tax for tourists is $26.00 and may be paid in U.S. dollars, VISA Credit or Debit Card, Costa Rica colones, or a combination of both currencies.
Please remember that everyone needs a passport, with at least six months remaining before expiration, to visit Costa Rica. You may use a photo copy of your passport while traveling around in Costa Rica but you must have the original passport for entering or departing the country.
Weather:
San Jose: Mostly Sunny, Daytime High 82 Degrees F. (feels like 84) Overnight Low, 58 Degrees F. Humidity 54 %, UV 5, Moderate, Winds from the East at 13 MPH.
Playa Hermosa: Sunny, Daytime High, 91 Degrees F, (Feels like 94) Overnight Low 67 Degrees F. Humidity 51% , UV 3, Moderate, Winds from the East, 16 MPH.
Our winter is the dry season in Costa Rica, The landscape in Guanacaste and the beach is Golden and the beautiful flowers and trees are in bloom. The Sunsets are gorgeous and breathtaking. The Sun is shinning every day so don’t forget your sun screen. Bug spray if you are going in the jungle.
Average temperatures Costa Rica
| MONTH |
CELSIUS |
FAHRENHEIT |
|
|
High |
Low |
High |
Low |
| January |
33 |
21 |
91 |
69 |
| February |
35 |
21 |
95 |
69 |
| March |
35 |
22 |
95 |
71 |
| April |
36 |
23 |
96 |
73 |
| May |
34 |
26 |
93 |
79 |
| June |
32 |
23 |
89 |
73 |
| July |
32 |
23 |
89 |
73 |
| August |
32 |
23 |
89 |
73 |
| September |
31 |
22 |
87 |
71 |
| October |
31 |
22 |
87 |
71 |
| November |
31 |
21 |
87 |
69 |
| December |
31 |
21 |
88 |
69 |
 Come To Costa Rica For The Natural Beauty...
Stay For The Adventure!
SOME OPTIONAL TOURS TO CHOOSE FROM:
Palo Verde National Park $75
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Palo Verde National Park is known for preserving some of the most extensive wetlands in Costa Rica, providing refuge for thousands of migrant and resident waterbirds, numerous land birds and many other animals. Crocodiles relax in the sun while monkeys sprint through the branches overhead as our jungle boat cruises slowly along a river. Scientists from around the world visit this unique nature sanctuary to learn more about the different species that find shelter at this wildlife refuge.
Recommended: Walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars.
This tour is appropriate for people of all ages.
This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
This tour departs daily at approximately 8:00am and lasts approximately 10 hours.
If airport/hotel transfers are booked with Central American Tours, you will receive the necessary information on the tour upon arrival into San Jose. If transfers are not booked, the necessary information will be at your hotel upon check in.
Reservations are required upon arrival into San Jose and can be made by calling (262-542-5955)
This tour is valid for the following Guanacaste hotels:
Allegro Papagayo by Occidental
Barcelo Playa Langosta Resort & Casino
Costa Smeralda
Fiesta Premier Resort & Spa
Paradisus Playa Conchal All Suite Beach & Golf Resort
Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort
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Rincon de la Vieja Volcano From Guanacaste $61 |
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This is one of the most impressive volcanos in Costa Rica. Two craters (one active with a hot water lake), exiting fumaroles and a large variety of vegetation and wildlife. What kind of wildlife? It is possible to see resplendent Quetzals, monkeys, sloths and maybe even a cougar. Enjoy lunch at the Rincon de la Vieja lodge. All this is part of this fantastic one day adventure.
Recommended: Walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars.
This tour is appropriate for people of all ages.
This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
This tour departs daily at approximately 8:00am and lasts approximately 10 hours.
If airport/hotel transfers are booked with Central American Tours, you will receive the necessary information on the tour upon arrival into San Jose. If transfers are not booked, the necessary information will be at your hotel upon check in.
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Arenal Volcano / Tabacon Hot Springs Day Tour $89 |
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This trip offers a unique diverse variety of ecosystems, some of the most scenic natural beauty in Costa Rica and the majestic Arenal Volcano with its spectacular fiery display of thundering explosions. The tour descends into the Tilaran Area where you will see the "sabanas" and some of the Costa Rican "haciendas".
Recommended: towel, swimsuit, walking shoes, sweater or light jacket, binoculars, flashlight, camera. This tour is appropriate for people of all ages. This tour is wheelchair accessible.
This tour departs daily at approximately 8:30am and lasts approximately 15 hours.
Child rates apply for children ages 3-12.
If airport/hotel transfers are booked with Central American Tours, you will receive the necessary information on the tour upon arrival into San Jose. If transfers are not booked, the necessary information will be at your hotel upon check in. | |
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Corobici River Float From Guanacaste $74 |
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Admire nature as you float down the Corobici River on a rubber raft. Exotic sights of flora and fauna are common to this area: ospreys, mot mots, herons, egrets and a variety of iguanas and monkeys. An unforgettable adventure for all age groups.
Recommended: Rain gear, insect repellent, walking shoes, binoculars. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
This tour departs daily at approximately 7:30am and lasts approximately 9 hours. |
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Canopy Tour $65 |
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An amazing, unforgettable experience! Fly through the tree tops of the Monteverde Could Forest via steel cables. You will be able to experience the various levels of the canopy as you swing/glide from tree to tree. Expert guides and strict safety measures will allow you to fully enjoy this half day fascinating adventure!
Recommended: Long sleeved shirt, long pants, tennis shoes, and insect repellent. This tour is appropriate for people over the age of 5. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
This tour departs daily at approximately 7:00am and lasts approximately 6 hours. |
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The Botanical Orchid Garden is very close from Juan Santamaria International Airport, and perfect to visit if you are in San Jose, or in the middle of a transfer to Jaco from San Jose. It is an amazing place good for any activity and event as well.
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Buena Vista Hot Springs/Horseback Riding $78 |
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Buena Vista, located in the volcanic mountain range of Guanacaste, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy nature at its best. A short and easy horseback ride will take you to the volcanic hot springs and fumaroles. Enjoy a mud bath and mask in a relaxing sulfur hot water pool.
Recommended: Long pants, bathing suit, insect repellent, walking shoes, binoculars. This tour is appropriate for all ages. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. | | Please note: |
Prices of tours may change at any time!
CHECK OUT THIS COSTA RICA ADVENTURE VIDEO IN GUANACASTE FROM OUR GOOD FRIENDS CAT TOURS IN COSTA RICA! WE USE CAT TOURS AS MUCH AS WE CAN WHEN SENDING OUR CLIENTS TO COSTA RICA. THEY LIVE IN COSTA RICA AND ARE VERY RELIABLE TO WORK WITH!!! THEY ROCK!
SHOW AND TELL from our Adventurous COSTA RICA CLIENTS! |
Surf is up in Costa Rica. This whole group had a ball and tried out almost every activity that Costa Rica offered!! Pictured are Jesse Geboy, Adam Claussen, Dean Young and Aaron Miller. The girls must be taking the pictures and beaching it!
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN....IN COSTA RICA TRIP!!
Kathy St John and her friends Jackie Heckert, Cheryl Krimmer and Adele Thompson went on an exciting trip to Costa Rica. Jackie thought Costa Rica was a lot like Mexico. The resort, food, drinks and men were all wonderful but very similar.
Kathy said it was the best trip she was ever on, and she has traveled all over. People were fantastic in Costa Rica. Everyone was so nice and the friendliest people she ever met. Kathy said she felt at home and very safe there. It was so clean and immaculate at the Allegro Papagayo in the Guanacaste area.
Edwardo from CAT TOURS went above and beyond for the girls. She said Cat Tours really represented First Choice Travel well while she was out of the country.
Kathy St John, R.N.
Hales Corners
I thought it was a great trip, but I did think it was a bit secluded. The hotel was nice. I liked the country, the people at the hotel were great and the weather was great. We had fun in Chicago too!
We did take a boat ride to Coco beach and there were a bunch of dolphins swimming around the boat and we took a boat ride on the river.
Cheryl Krimmer
Gayle,
Trip to Costa Rica was very good. We got a break from the rain and were able to see the Arenal volcano. We didn't take any extra tours, (there were some already included in the package) though we did visit the reptile facility and the zoo.
Thanks for setting up our vacation.
Ron and Anne Erhardt
This is not a JOKE!
Ron sent us this picture of a 2 headed Koati???
I don't know if he was kidding me or not. We will have to ask him.
The Famous ZIP LINE TOUR IN COSTA RICA!
 Hello Pat,
Thank you again for your help in getting me and my husband to Costa Rica. We had a fabulous time. The Apple representatives were excellent. Getting from the airport to our hotel and back was so easy. That is usually a point of stress when going on vacation. Absolutely no worries this time.
I've attached a couple of pictures for you. Some of our beach area and hotel/villas and one of my husband during the canopy tour.
It was a blast and we definitely look forward to going back with our kids next time!!!
Have a great day!! Staci and Rich Neidert
More Adventurous Zip Liners celebrating a SPECIAL 25th ANNIVERSARY!!!! What a way to go!
Stayed at the Grand Papagayo in Costa Rica:
Hi Pat,
Gwen and I had a great time. The oceanview room and the resort were awesome. We had a wonderful view of the ocean from our rooms verandah. The food was the best of any all inclusive that we have ever seen. The people and service was amazing.
Our tours of the volcano and rainforest and the hot springs were very enjoyable. The night was foggy, so we didn't get to see the volcano erupt, but it was still a spectacular trip. After the first few runs on the canopy tour, Gwen who is afraid of heights, really settled in and totally enjoyed the ziplining experience.
All your guidance and recommendations for the trip, led us to a wonderful 25th anniversary vacation experience. Thanks again for all your personal recommendations. It was wonderful having an agent that had been there, done that.
We are both looking forward to our next vacation with you and First Choice travel.
Best Regards, Gary and Gwen Heath
Pictured below are the First Choice Travel Agents who found a little ADVENTURE in Costa Rica. For more photos of the First Choice Travel girls in Costa Rica click on each agent or MEET OUR DESTINATION SPECIALISTS.
We were busy working while we visited Costa Rica for YOU our clients! All the First Choice Travel and Cruise Costa Rica Specialists visited Monteverde, the Volcano area, San Jose and Guanacaste. Some have been here before and others for the first time. We checked out hotels and sightseeing! Loved every minute of it.
Gayle Zielke, president of First Choice Travel and Cruise will try anything once for the sake of her clients adventure vacations! From the smile on her face I bet you think she enjoyed herself on this zipline trip in Costa Rica. Look closer and see she is really hugging the tree for dear life on a very tiny platform. Take a look on the zipline guide's face as he wipes his brow. I think she held onto him way too tightly.
Gayle said that she was glad she did it but since she is afraid of heights she wasn't sure why she said yes to Greg Ludwig from Funjet to attempt this adventure!! Those Funjet people can talk her into trying anything once!
Everyone should try the zip line adventure in Costa Rica at least once in their lifetime! | | Please contact us for more information on COSTA RICA and our Costa Rica Destination nights. Call and request a Costa Rica Specialist: 262-542-5955 or info@firstchoicetravelandcruise.com
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