Central America Explorer Trip in Costa Rica and Guatemala

Costa Rica

Internal round-trip flight from San Jose airport

Airport pick up and drop off

Double share bungalow accommodations

All meals: 6 breakfasts | 6 lunches | 6 dinners

Montezuma waterfall hike (guided)

1 yoga class

1 surfing lesson

Trip to Banana Beach and access to lounge chairs

River Lajas swim or Isla Cabuya visit (season dependent)

All transfers to activities

Experienced guide who is knowledgeable about the region

Flight from Costa Rica to Guatemala

Guatemala

2 Breakfasts | 2 Lunches | 2 Dinners

2 nights hostel accommodation in Antigua, 4 nights accommodation in Lake Atitlán magic hotel

Walking tour in Antigua

Arrival and departure airport transfer from GUA (La Aurora International)

Explore Lake Atitlán on a guided hike + kayak day trip

Day trip to one of Central America's largest local markets in Chichcastenango ("ChiChi market")

Free time to explore

An experienced and knowledgeable guide for the duration of the trip

International flights

Travel insurance

Gratuities

Meals and activities not mentioned

Relax and unwind at our quaint jungle lodge. Located in a quiet part of the Nicoya Peninsula, wake up to the early morning calls of howler monkeys, spot Scarlet macaws flying overhead, swim in the infinity pool overlooking the jungle, and enjoy
meals with your new friends in the outdoor spaces.

We’re located walking distance to a reserve with walking trails and a small town with cafes and bars (ask us where to get the best coconut frozen coffee and chocolate cake).

​In Antigua, boutique hotels are selected. Think history and character, located right in town. At the lake, make yourself at home in a quaint and beautiful lakeside lodge.

"Except for close trips within Canada and the US and one “all-inclusive”, I have not traveled very far or often. Looking back on the trip, some of the worries I had before travelling abroad were definitely unfounded. However, the unease was nonetheless there, and I needed something to help me take that step - and that ended up being with them. Throughout the whole booking process and pre-trip process, this team was legit there for every question I had and always happy to answer them. It made everything so comfortable to have someone so patient help me through getting from A to B (literally!). When we got there, the trip was so refreshing. I will admit that if you like planning, this trip will throw you a little off balance because you roll with the punches. However, the destinations and adventures planned still happen and there is open and authentic communication throughout the whole trip ! This creates this cool atmosphere between a bunch of girls who don’t even know each other - you make new best friends for a week sharing some exciting, intimate and adventurous moments you will carry with you for a lifetime! ❤️"

- Tasha, CA

"I recently returned from the Costa Rica + Guatemala Explorer trip. I can honestly say it’s the one of the best trips of my life! From beginning to end, there is adventure, relaxation, delicious food (missing those epic vegetarian foods by Chef Randy!), stunning views, amazing accommodations, and so many new friendships. The team is very communicative. She answered all my many questions and from the moment I arrived at San Jose Airport and boarded the small airplane, I felt confident that I would be well looked after, and I really was! For me, travelling solo can be challenging in certain ways, as I have a hand tremor disability, which sometimes limits me from certain activities. The group of ladies and the guides on this trip were warm, welcoming, and helped me accomplish activities such as climbing over rocks to a waterfall, navigating hikes, getting into boats, and even trying surfing for the first time. I felt incredibly safe in both countries! I highly recommend this trip and company! I can’t wait to do another – maybe Morocco??"

- Sarah, CA

12. CANCELLATION BY THE PARTICIPANT

You may cancel your booking by notifying us. Cancellation fees, if any, will be determined with reference to the date on which notice of cancellation is received by us and are expressed as a percentage of the total price paid for the cancelled Tour, product, or service (excluding any insurance products).

Cancellation of a Tour:

(a) A refund for 100% of the remaining tour payment will be granted if cancellation is received 90 days or more before departure.

(b) A refund for 50% of the remaining tour payment will be granted if cancellation is received 89-60 days before departure.

(c) Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking is non-refundable.

For certain products of services the Tour Operator, alternative cancellation terms may apply. The Tour Operator will advise you of any such requirements prior to confirmation of the applicable booking.

*Note that "remaining tour payment" refers to the balance of the payment after $500 deposit.

For certain products of services Activ Retreats, alternative cancellation terms may apply. We will advise you of any such requirements prior to confirmation of the applicable booking.

Cancellation of Arrival Transfers, and optional activities (or packages) booked directly with us:

(a) Cancellation 31 days or more before departure: you will receive a full refund in respect of cancelled Arrival Transfers, and optional activities (or packages).

(b) Cancellation 30 days or less before departure: No refund will be payable in respect of any cancelled Arrival Transfers, and optional activities (or packages).

13. CANCELLATION OF A TOUR BY Activ Retreats

A departure date for a Tour offered by us will become a guaranteed departure when at least four bookings secured by a valid deposit that has been made on that departure.

Activ Retreats guarantees that all scheduled Tour departures booked and secured with a valid deposit will depart as indicated on the applicable confirmation, subject to reasonably itinerary changes as described in these Terms or good faith health and safety concerns. This guarantee is not applicable in the case of Force Majeure. Up to date Tour and itinerary information is available on our website or by contacting us. Brochures and other printed materials displaying Tour information and departure dates are subject to change may not be relied upon for purposes of this guarantee.

In the case of a cancellation, we will give travelers notice of cancellation 45 days to departure date, and provide a 100% refund for all monies paid. For this reason it is extremely important for our travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance to recoup payment for unused services due to trip cancellation.

If a Tour is cancelled by us before the date of departure for reasons other than Force Majeure and the cancellation is not caused by your fault or negligence, you will have the choice of accepting from us:

(a) a substitute Tour of equivalent or superior value; or

(b) a substitute Tour of lesser value if no Tour of equivalent or superior value is reasonably available and to recover from us the difference in price between the price of the Tour originally purchased and the substitute Tour; or

(c) a full refund of all monies paid for the cancelled Tour.

We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that you incur as a result of the cancelled booking including visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, Activ Retreats reserves the right to issue a full refund in lieu of the choices above, in its sole discretion. Where a significant element of a Tour as described cannot be provided after departure, we will make suitable alternative arrangements where possible. If it is not possible to provide a suitable alternative or if you reasonably reject any suitable alternatives, we may provide you with a refund for unused products or services as determined in its discretion.

14. FORCE MAJEUR

Cancellation of services pre-departure:

Activ Retreats holds the right to cancel or reschedule tour services if the destination country, or global situation, is not fit for travel; these situations include, but are not limited to, global/regional pandemics, civil/governmental unrest, natural disasters, terrorist activities or threat thereof).

In the case of a tour cancelation due to force majeur, clients will be offered an alternative or rescheduled trip departure option. If the client is unable to make the alternative trip, they will be offered the full value of the trip in the form of a travel voucher that can be applied to a future trip. Refunds will not be offered in the case of trip cancellation due to force majeur.

We strongly recommend all passengers purchase trip cancellation insurance at the time of booking for the best chance of recuperating costs for unused services due to trip cancellation.

Cancellation of services during trip:

We will not be liable in any way for death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to person or property, or financial costs both direct and indirect incurred, or for our failure to commence, perform or complete any duty owed to you if such death, delay, bodily injury (including emotional distress or injury), illness, damage or other loss or detriment to person or property is caused by Act of God, war or war like operations, mechanical breakdowns, terrorist activities or threat thereof, civil commotions, labor difficulties, interference by authorities, political disturbance, howsoever and where so ever any of the same may arise or be caused, riot, insurrection and government restraint, fire, extreme weather or any other cause whatsoever beyond the reasonable control of us; or an event which the Tour Operator or the Third Party Supplier of services, even with all due care, could not foresee any and all of which, individually and collectively, constitute “Force Majeure”.

By booking a tour, you acknowledge that the nature of adventure travel requires flexibility and acknowledges that you will permit reasonable alterations to products, services or itineraries by us. The route, schedules, accommodations, activities, amenities and mode of transportation are subject to change without notice due to unforeseeable circumstances or events outside the control of the team(including but not limited to Force Majeure, illness, mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, political events and entry or border difficulties). No reimbursements, discounts or refunds will be issued for services that are missed or unused after departure due to no fault of us, including your removal from a Tour because of your negligence or breach of these Terms

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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

15. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

It is your responsibility to obtain information and to have in your possession all the required documentation and identification required for entry, departure, and travel to each country or region. This includes a valid passport and all travel documents required by the relevant governmental authorities including all visas, permits, and certificates (including but not limited to vaccination or medical certificates) and insurance policies. You must have a passport that is valid 6 months after the last date of travel with us as set out on your itinerary. You accept full responsibility for obtaining all such documents, visas and permits prior to the start of the Tour, and you are solely responsible for the full amount of costs incurred as a result of missing or defective documentation. You agree that you are responsible for the full amount of any loss or expense incurred by us that is a direct result of your failure to secure or be in possession of proper travel documentation. Our team does not provide advice on travel documents and makes no representations or warrantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, or special equipment and you agree that the team is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this information.

16. ​FLEXIBILITY & UNUSED SERVICES

You acknowledge that the nature of adventure travel requires flexibility and acknowledges that they will permit reasonable alterations to products, services, or itineraries by us. The route, schedules, accommodations, activities, amenities, and mode of transportation are subject to change without notice due to unforeseeable circumstances or events outside the control of our team (including but not limited to Force Majeure, illness, mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, political events, and entry or border difficulties). No reimbursements, discounts, or refunds will be issued for services that are missed or unused after departure due to no fault of our, including your removal from a Tour because of your negligence or breach of these Terms.

17. CHANGES

Changes made by us: Activ Retreats may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion. If we make a change affecting at least one in three full days of the itinerary or which materially affects the character of a product or service in its entirety (a “Material Change”), we will provide notice to you as soon as reasonably possible, provided that there is sufficient time to do so before departure. If a Material Change is made more than 14 days before departure, you may choose to:

1. i) accept the Material Change and proceed with the amended product or service;
2. ii) book another product or service of equal or greater value, if available (you will be responsible for paying any difference in price); or

iii) book another product or service of lesser value, if available (with a refund payable to you for the difference in price); or

1. iv) cancel the amended product or service and receive a full refund for the land-only portion of the applicable product or service (a refund is not available for other products or services booked which are not subject to a Material Change).

You must notify us of your choice within 7 days of receiving notice or you will be deemed to accept the amended itinerary.

Once a Tour has departed, itinerary changes may be necessary as a result of unforeseen circumstances, operational concerns, or concerns for your health, safety, enjoyment, or comfort. Any changes are at the discretion of us. You acknowledge that you must have reasonable financial resources to cover incidental expenses during all travel with us, whether or not such expenses arise from a change of itinerary, and Activ Retreats is not liable for your failure to prepare adequately for travel and unforeseen circumstances which may arise during travel. We will not be liable for any indirect and or consequential losses associated with any changes to a booking or itinerary.

Changes made by you: You are responsible for ensuring that information provided to us is accurate and up-to-date. Any changes to your name on any booking are subject to our approval. Any changes to a booking depend on availability and are subject to our approval and these Terms. Any extra costs incurred for making the change will be charged to you along with an administrative fee. Cancellation of any Tour, product or service included in a booking will not be considered a change for purposes of this section and will be governed by the applicable cancellation terms. No changes are permitted to any booking within 10 days of departure of the first product or service on the applicable booking.

18. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK

You acknowledge that adventures travel and the products and services offered by us may involve a significant amount of risk to your health and safety. By traveling with us you acknowledge that you have considered any potential risks to health and safety. You hereby assume responsibility for all such risk and releases us from all claims and causes of action arising from any losses, damages or injuries or death resulting from risks inherent in travel, including adventure travel specifically, visiting foreign destinations, and participating in adventurous activities such as those included in Tour itineraries or otherwise offered by us.

You acknowledge that the degree and nature of personal risk involved depends on the products or services booked and the location(s) in which a product or service operates, and that there may be a significant degree of personal risk involved in participating, particularly participating in physical activities, travel to remote locations, carriage by watercraft, participation in “extreme sports” or other high-risk activities, or travel to countries with developing infrastructure. Standards of hygiene, accommodation, and transport in certain countries where Tours take place are often lower than the standards you may reasonably expect in your home country or region. You agree that Activ Retreats is not responsible for providing information or guidance with respect to local customs, weather conditions, specific safety concerns, physical challenges, or laws in effect in any locations where a Tour, product or service is operated. You acknowledge you have considered the potential risks, dangers, and challenges and your own personal capabilities and needs, and you expressly assume the risks associated with travel under such conditions.

You must at all times strictly comply with all applicable laws and regulations of all countries and regions. Should you fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on Tour or, if in the opinion of the team (acting reasonably), your behavior is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or material annoyance to others, we may terminate your travel arrangements on any product or service immediately at your expense and without any liability on our team's part. You will not be entitled to any refund for unused or missed services or costs incurred as a result of termination of your travel arrangements, including, without limitation, return travel, accommodations, meals, and incidentals.

You are responsible for any costs (including repair, replacement, and cleaning fees) incurred by us or suppliers for property damage, destruction, or theft caused by you while on a Tour. You agree to immediately report any pre-existing damage to a representative of our team and staff of the accommodation, transportation service, or facility as soon as possible upon discovery.

You agree to take all prudent measures in relation to your own safety while on Tour including, but not limited to, the proper use of safety devices (including seatbelts, harnesses, flotation devices, and helmets) and obeying all posted signs and oral or written warnings regarding health and safety. Neither Activ Retreats nor its Third Party Suppliers (as defined herein) are liable for loss or damages caused by your failure to comply with safety instructions or warnings.

You agree to bring any complaints to us as soon as possible in order to provide us with the opportunity to properly address such complaint. You agree to inform your tour leader, another representative of our team or our customer service department directly. We assume no liability for complaints that are not properly brought to the attention of our team and cannot resolve or attempt to resolve complaints until proper notice is provided. Any complaint made after the completion of a Tour must be received in writing by us within 30 days of the last day of travel of the booking in question.

1. THE BOOKING CONTRACT

Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the team issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to us immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.

You must be at least 21 years of age to make a booking on an Activ Retreats retreat. You agree to provide full, complete, and accurate information to us.

2. BOOKING ON BEHALF OF OTHERS
By booking on behalf of other participants, you are deemed to be the designated contact person for every participant included on that booking. This means that you are responsible for making all payments due in connection with your Tour booking, notifying us or your travel agent if any changes or cancellations are required and keeping your party informed.

By booking on behalf of another person or persons, you represent and warrant that you have obtained all required consents. You are responsible for verifying that any information you provide on behalf of another participant is complete and accurate and the team will under no circumstances be liable for any errors or omissions in the information provided to complete a booking.

3. REQUIRED MEDICAL INFORMATION

You must provide any medical information reasonably requested by us.

Medical Forms are mandatory for certain Tours. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which may impact the ability to travel, participate in a Tour, travel to remote areas without access to medical facilities, or may adversely affect the experience of others on your Tour, you must return a Medical Form, signed by a licensed and practicing physician to us prior to or at the time of final payment for the applicable booking.

You agree to complete the Medical Form honestly and to disclose all relevant medical information accurately and fully. 

The team reserves the right to request further information or professional medical opinions where necessary, as determined in its discretion, for your safety or the safe operation of a Tour.

The team reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the team determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.

Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the team at the time of booking. We may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The team may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.

In the event that you do not complete the required Medical Form or provide medical information reasonably required by the team for any reason by the deadline indicated above, the team reserves the right to cancel your booking and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The team does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

Travel with the team may involve visiting remote or developing regions, where medical care may not be easily accessible and medical facilities may not meet the standards of those found in your home country. The condition of medical facilities in the countries you may visit on your Tour varies and the team makes no representations and gives no warranties in relation to the availability or standard of medical facilities in those regions.

4. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Any special requirements must be disclosed to the team at the time of booking. The team will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options outside a planned itinerary. Certain activities may be inaccessible to you if your mobility is limited in any way. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to the team at the time of booking but we cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Any special requests or requirements do not form part of these Terms or the contract between you and the team is not liable for any failure to accommodate or fulfill such requests.

5. MANDATORY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

YOU MUST HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH A MINIMUM MEDICAL, EVACUATION, AND REPATRIATION COVERAGE OF US$200,000 covering all applicable dates of travel with the team. This insurance must cover personal injury and emergency medical expenses. On the first day of each Tour, a representative of the team will verify that you have sufficient insurance in place. You are strongly recommended to extend your coverage to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay, or inconvenience while traveling. You acknowledge that insurance coverage is not included in the cost of any Tour offered by the team and you are required to obtain separate coverage at an additional cost. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have sufficient coverage and comply with the terms of the applicable insurance plans. You are responsible for advising your insurer of the type of travel, destination(s), and activities included in your booking so that the insurer may provide appropriate coverage.​

6. PRICES, SURCHARGES AND TAXES

The published price of the Tour and any products or services offered by us is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 30 days before departure. Tours are priced and advertised exclusive of applicable sales taxes. After a confirmation invoice has been issued by us, we reserve the right to impose surcharges on any products or services booked for reasons arising from increases in transportation costs, fuel costs, dues, taxes, or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airport charges, local operator costs, currency, and exchange fluctuations, increases in taxes, or government action which impacts the price of the applicable products or services; provided however, we will only do so where the increase in question is greater than 2% of the original price paid for the products or services (excluding add-ons, insurance, and taxes). Upon learning of the necessity to impose a surcharge in accordance with this section we will provide notice to you as soon as reasonably possible.

Where the increase in price is greater than 7% of the original price of the applicable products or services (excluding add-ons, insurance, and taxes), you may choose to either:

(a) cancel the applicable booking without incurring any penalty; or

(b) accept the change of price.

You must notify us of your choice within 14 days of receipt of notice of the increase or you will be deemed to have accepted the price change and will be liable for payment of the increase.

From time-to-time we (or a travel agent, as its agent) may offer reduced pricing on certain products or services. Reduced pricing applies only to new bookings. Bookings where payment of at least a deposit has been received by us are not entitled to reduced pricing.

7. VALIDITY

All dates, itineraries and prices of Tours are subject to change at any time and the current price will be quoted and confirmed at the time of booking, subject to any surcharges that may be levied in accordance these Terms.

You acknowledge that you are responsible for keeping up to date on the specific details of your Tour and any other products or services, including, but not limited to checking our website at least 72 hours prior to departure as minor changes may have been made after the time of booking.

8. DEPOSITS

At the time of booking, a non-refundable deposit of CAD$500 (or equivalent as determined on the day of currency exchange), as applicable, per person per Tour is due to us. If the booking is made 60 days or less prior to departure, full payment is due at the time of booking. The non-refundable deposit should be sent to us or authorized agent, as applicable.

Certain products of services we may require you to provide a higher deposit or make full payment at the time of booking. We will advise you of any such requirements prior to confirmation of the applicable booking.

Deposits: If you cancel your booking, and that cancellation is not a result of nonpayment or any other breach of these Terms, the deposit amount will be held as a travel Activ Retreats with Activ Retreats, subject to these Terms. The Deposits have no expiry and may be applied towards payment of a deposit on any other Tour offered by by us. The Deposit is transferable and may be transferred by you to another individual of your choosing by providing notice to us in writing.

For the avoidance of doubt, only the deposit amount will form part of the Lifetime Deposit. The Deposit has no cash value. Only one Deposit may be applied per person per product booked. A Lifetime Deposit must be applied to a new Tour booking that is of equal or greater value to the cancelled Tour for which the Lifetime Deposit was originally received. A Lifetime Deposit may not be applied to the same or similar dates of travel.

9. DETAILS REQUIRED FOR BOOKING

As a condition of booking, you must provide the information requested by us along with final payment. If you fail to provide all required information prior to the date on which full payment is due, an administrative fee will be charged for any costs incurred by us as a result of your failure to provide the required information. If you fail to supply information required by us for air tickets, permits, or other inclusions, you will also be liable for any costs, fees, or losses including failure to obtain or provide that inclusion. In the event that you fail to supply information required by us, we also reserves the right to treat your booking (or the relevant component of your booking) as cancelled and levy any cancellation fees deemed reasonable by us, in its sole discretion. The information required by us will vary by Tour and will be communicated to you or to us authorized agent during the booking process. We will not be held responsible for any fees you incur as a result of errors, omissions, inaccuracies, late, misplaced, or otherwise incomplete information you have provided.

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10. INTERNAL AIRFARE

Tour prices do not include international or other airfare unless expressly mentioned in the Tour’s descriptions.

We acts only as a sales agent for the applicable air carrier and the air carrier terms and conditions apply to the purchase and use of the air travel ticket. Please consult the air carrier’s applicable terms and conditions and conditions of carriage for complete information including applicable cancellation terms. We are not responsible for changes in air itineraries or flight times and does not provide advice or alerts regarding air travel tickets, flight status, or delays.

11. FINAL PAYMENT & ACCEPTANCE OF BOOKING

The confirmation sent by us or your travel agent will contain details of final payment required for any booking. Payment of the balance of the price for any products or services booked is due 60 days before the departure date of the first product or service included in the applicable booking. If full payment is not received by the applicable due date, we may, at its sole discretion, change the rate payable for the booking, or treat the booking as cancelled and retain the deposit paid on booking as a cancellation fee. If a booking is made less than 60 days before the departure date of the first product included in the applicable booking, then the full amount must be paid at the time of booking. If, for any product or service booked, payment terms differ from those outlined in this section, the applicable terms will be communicated to you prior to booking and will also be detailed on the applicable invoice.

We are not responsible for any charges levied by third parties or financial institutions and payable by you as a result of credit card or other payment transactions and will not refund or return any fees charged by third parties or financial institutions in connection with payments made by you to us.

Please note, we have a fully outdoor itinerary and therefore activities and schedules are weather and tide-dependent. Expect to go with the flow - literally