COSTA RICA: TBD

“God’s Story, through His Creation”

(Program #250101a, led by Larissa and Aaron Smith)

This program is quite different from our traditional programs that you may be familiar with. The program aims to do the following:

1. Go on an adventure!

From the longest zip-line course in the country, to learning about the epic battle between the capuchin and howler monkeys, to resting in on the most beautiful beaches, to exploring waterfalls, bridges, nighttime wildlife, resorts, rainforest bungalow… *whew* Costa Rica is an adventure! If you want a destination that will take your breath away at every turn, you’re not going to find a better place than Costa Rica.

2. Help you take a break.

The aftermath of COVID (not to mention general chaos of kids, work, ministry) has many of us stressed out! God’s Word practically opens with the value of rest:

 “And so the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their heavenly lights. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.“ Genesis 2:1-3 (NASB)

The very concept of שַׁבָּת (sabbath) is given as a time of forced rest and rededication to God. As Mark 2 says: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

The point is, in the hustle of all of your responsibilities, God was very clear that he wanted you to spend some time with Him! In our world of instant contact from work and instant distraction from phone notifications, we wanted to provide an easy escape to reacquaint yourself with the goodness of God through the majesty of His handiwork.

3. Get refocused.

If you’ve been traveling with us before, we know you aren’t afraid of a deep dive in the finer points of theology, church history, or cultural studies. You know how much we love those studies, but that’s not this program. This program will focus on the basics. The Lord delights not just in the study of His Word, but time in His presence! The foundation of our faith is a relationship with God, which can’t happen through study alone. Our hope is that you’ll return home with a refreshed spirit and renewed zeal. As a result, the content covered in Costa Rica will be simple, powerful truths of God’s Word.

  • Day One. Departure Day (Tuesday, January 2, 2024)

    Depart the USA and meet your group in San Jose Airport, Costa Rica. On arrival, you will take a short ride to your hotel. Later, you’ll have dinner at a local restaurant and get a good night’s sleep for the coming adventure!

    Overnight: Alajuela area. Included meals: D.

  • Day Two: Coffee and Crater (Wednesday, January 3, 2024)

    This morning, we head to La Fortuna, stopping to observe the coffee harvest and hear about the world’s “social drink” during a two-hour tasting tour. Then we will make our way to one of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, Poas Volcano National Park, where we hope to show you the aquamarine waters in the giant crater. What a site! We will arrive this afternoon to our spa hotel and enjoy the facilities or a short hike around the stunning property!

    Overnight: La Fortuna. Included meals: B, D

  • Day Three: Whitewater Rafting and Night Time Exploration (Thursday, January 4, 2024)

    Today you can choose to venture into the rapids, or stay back for relaxing spa time or bird watching at the hotel! Whitewater rafting with Class II and III conditions will be exciting but safe for all participants. After a good lunch sharing our memories of the tumbling river, we will return to the hotel. Tonight, you have the option to experience night time wildlife with a guided tour.

    Overnight: La Fortuna. Included meals: B,D.

  • Day Four: Volcano Hike and Waterfall (Friday, January 5, 2024)

    Today we explore Volcano Arenal’s lava fields with a hike through the jungle following the old lava flow from Arenal’s 1968 eruption. Taking time to cool off at the La Fortuna waterfall, we will marvel at the beautiful, powerful blue water. After getting some rest from all our exercise today we will head to the Ecotermales hot springs to soak our muscles and relax.

    Overnight: La Fortuna. Included meals: B, D.

  • Day Five: Cloud Rainforest and Canopy Zip Lines (Saturday, January 6, 2024)

    After our incredible scenic drive to Monteverde Cloud Rainforest, we will enjoy a local “casado” lunch and then get ready for some adventure and adrenaline at one of Costa Rica’s longest ziplines. If you prefer a less adrenaline filled activity there is horseback riding available. We will end our evening dining at a local restaurant with an amazing sunset view.

    Overnight: Monteverde area. Included meals: B,L

  • Day Six: Stunning Coastline (Thursday, Sunday 7, 2024)

    Today, we continue our adventures and head toward the southern coast of Costa Rica to Manuel Antonio. Here we will observe a variety of monkey species, “hang out” with some sloths, and spy some natural beaches of the country’s most famous park, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.

    Overnight: Manuel Antonio. Included meals: B.

  • Day Seven: Monkeying Around (Friday, Monday 8, 2024)

    Today is our free day in Manuel Antonio/ Quepos area. We will have the opportunity to enjoy the surf and sand at the beaches, use the spa at the hotel, shop, or if you want even more hiking and waterfalls we can help you arrange guided tours of some other beautiful places close by. 

    Overnight: Manuel Antonio. Included meals: B

  • Day Eight: Return Day (Saturday, Tuesday 9, 2024)

    After an early breakfast, we will make our 3 hour transfer to the San Jose Airport for our afternoon flights. We’re sure you’ll arrive home ready to share your adventure with family and friends!

    Included meals: B.

We will make every effort to provide the program as specified, but several experiences are weather and conditions permitting.


TOUR CONDITIONS

TOUR PRICE for January 2025 will include group transfers, hotels, Costa Rican buffet or cooked-to-order daily breakfasts, all tips for group services, full sightseeing, the services of an English-speaking local guide, devotional notebook, and all entrance fees to sites and activities as listed in the program, unless they are clearly listed as optional activities (see day four and five). All taxes and surcharges in effect as of October 10, 2023 are included. If additional surcharges or taxes are imposed by the airlines or governments, any additional amounts will be the responsibility of the passenger. This price is based on a minimum of 14 passengers.

LAND ONLY means each person is responsible for their own air and transfers should they miss the arranged group transfer. Participants should arrive at the airport in time for the group transfer which will be communicated once secured.

NOT INCLUDED are any expenses required for COVID compliance, personal items such as laundry; drinks or coffee with dinners; lunches, optional activities specified in the itinerary as such (specifically note options in day four and five), tips for personal favors; excess baggage and forwarding of baggage; transfers other than with the group; travel insurance. 

YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS are based on First Class (4*) hotels using double occupancy in a twin bedded room with private bath. There is a supplemental charge of $997 if you prefer a single room. Individuals enrolling without a roommate may request to be matched with a roommate. In the event that a roommate is not available, individuals will be required to pay the single supplement charge. All single rooms are subject to availability and may be smaller than normal twin rooms.

PAYMENT: A nonrefundable deposit of $400 per person, is required to secure your place on the program. Final payment is due to CTSP three (3) months prior to departure. Thereafter, a late payment fee of $100 per person per month will be assessed.

CANCELLATION FEES*:

90+ days prior…..  non-refundable deposit

66-90 days prior…..  50% plus non-refundable deposit

0-65 days prior…..  No refund

*If your cancellation results in a roommate needing a single supplement, that amount will be charged to you in addition to the above fees.

*All refund claims must be in writing to CTSP. There is no refund for any services not used.

TRIP INSURANCE is strongly recommended. Insurance purchased within two weeks of CTSP receiving the original deposit provides the best value, and may cover pre-existing conditions.

ITINERARY LENGTH: Flight times are subject to change without advance notice. CTSP is not responsible for changes and delays in airline schedules and does not reimburse passengers for expenses resulting from delays. Because airlines often change flight times and dates at the last minute, CTSP strongly recommends that if passengers are purchasing any connecting tickets they should be able to be changed without heavy fees or penalties. CTSP reserves the right to lengthen or shorten the itinerary, and whenever possible, you will be notified in writing. 

YOUR LUGGAGE is restricted in size and shape by the airline, and is limited to one checked piece (max 50#), one carryon, plus a smaller personal piece. You should check your airline for their specific restrictions.


STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

CTSP agrees to provide the itinerary described for this trip, and it represents the entire agreement between the passenger and CTSP. No changes or deviations are effective unless approved in writing and signed by an authorized officer of CTSP. Except as stated herein, no person is authorized to cancel, modify, or vary the program arrangements (during the course) or to make any representation of warranty concerning the program.

All prices, itineraries, and schedules are subject to regulations and changes thereof by acts of Government, International Agreement and Airline tariff adjustments, rules and regulations.

CTSP reserves the right to change or withdraw the program, in whole or in part, at any time. In the event of a change, the sole exclusive obligation of CTSP will be to refund pro rata any recoverable payment received, based on recovered funds. In the event of rescheduling of the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation and refund clause will apply. CTSP reserves the right to refuse or to revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of CTSP, incapable of or detrimental to group travel.

Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, CTSP assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconveniences, illness, irregularity or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of CTSP, or by any person or reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disaster, closures of airports or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence, or omission of any by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this program. 

The commercial carriers are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board commercial carriers. The passenger contracts, in use by all commercial carriers involved, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the commercial carriers and the passenger or purchaser of this program and/or passage and program operator assumes no liability or responsibility in connection therewith.

ENROLLMENT  in and payment of the deposit for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the Program Conditions and Statement of Responsibility.