The best of southern Costa Rica and northern Panama, featuring an abundance of both natural and man-made wonders. As Panama is still off most travellers' radars, it's the perfect place for a genuine discovery experience, with plenty of activities ranging from fantastic bird watching to exhilarating white water rafting. Panama Experience Classic 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Central America Costa Rica, Panama Panama City San Jose Panama Costa Rica Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 15 3 Basic http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/centralamerica/honduras_copan.jpg Arrive in Panama City at any time. Spend the day at leisure or partake in one of the many optional activities. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal, explore the old city and ruins or hit the market for souvenirs. Head to the beautiful white-sand beaches of Santa Clara. During the week, this beach is the perfect model of tranquility, but things liven up over the weekend. Our journey continues, taking us to the mountain retreat of Boquete. A plethora of outdoor options await us here, including numerous hikes, white water rafting, and a coffee plantation tour. Travel by bus and boat to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. There's plenty of opportunity for island hopping trips to any of the numerous top-notch beaches. Otherwise your time is free to snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax on the beach. Begin with a scenic bus ride over the Panama border to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca's white and black sand beaches are surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. Many optional activities are available, including bike rentals, snorkelling, boat trips to Manzanillo and hiking through the Gandoca - Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Travel north through the beautiful Costa Rican countryside to the capital city for our last night out on the town. Arrive in Panama City at any time. As your fellow travellers are arriving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Spend the day at leisure or partake in one of the many optional activities such as visiting the world-famous Panama Canal, exploring the old city and ruins, and shopping.

Lying in the centre of Panama’s southern coast, the country’s capital is a modern, bustling city, thanks to the enormous trade and commerce that passes through each year. However, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the Panama City aside from the world-famous canal. The city has a long and varied history, and the site was an important stop on the “Gold trail” of treasures being shipped from the Spanish colonies in the Americas back to the motherland. For this reason, the early settlement was attacked numerous times and at one time the city was burned to the ground. This part of the city is now known as Panama La Vieja (Old Panama) and still has some great old buildings, as well as some interesting museums that document the history of the region.

After the fire, the city was relocated 8 km away, on a small peninsula planners felt would be easier to defend. This area is now known as the “Casco Viejo,” and is surrounded by sea on 3 sides and a moat on the fourth, making it a very strategic location. The area is beautiful, and great for a glimpse into history with its narrow cobblestone streets and colonial-style buildings. Heading out of the city there is a fantastic 2 km-long causeway linking the city with 4 small islands off the coast. The causeway has great views of the city and ocean, and if you are lucky you can sometimes spot dolphins.

The Panama Canal is a fabulous example of modern engineering and is considered to be one of the engineering wonders of the world. Many times before was a canal attempted to join the two oceans at this point. The first to try were the French, but they encountered endless trials and catastrophes, in the end claiming the lives of 22,000 people—and the canal was abandoned. The United States eventually completed the canal in 1914, and today it extends 80 km across the country. Gigantic lock systems raise and lower the water levels, allowing ships to go from lake to lake (the canal is made up of entirely fresh water), and eventually from ocean to ocean. According to statistics, more than 12,000 ocean-going vessels pass through it a year–over 30 a day! Watching a freighter pass through the locks is something not to be missed.

This laid-back town on the Pacific coast is the perfect place to wind down. In addition to relaxing on the long stretch of white-sand beach, your options include kayaking local rivers or the coast, biking or horseback riding.

If history interests you, check out the airfield located at nearby Playa Blanca. Currently used for infrequent chartered flight landings, this was used by US stealth bombers in 1989 when they bombed Noriega's barracks at the then military base. You may also be able to find Noriega's old vacation home with bullet-riddled walls nearby, although there are plans to tear it down soon.

El Valle de Anton is also a short day-trip away if you'd like to explore this little village in an extinct volcanic crater famed for its Sunday market that is very popular with Panama City residents on the weekend.

Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 150 km Our journey continues, taking us next to the mountain retreat of Boquete. A plethora of outdoor options await us here, including numerous hikes, whitewater rafting and a tour of a coffee plantation.

The picturesque town of Boquete is nestled in a green mountain valley, with a beautiful river running through it. The town is well-known for its cool, fresh climate and unspoiled natural environment, making it an outdoor lover’s paradise. There are numerous hiking tours to choose from, as well as horseback riding and whitewater rafting. It is also a good place to just relax in the mountain climate as a break from the lowland heat. For the coffee lovers, there are many plantations that offer tours of their factories as well as taste tests.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 330 km
We travel by means of buses and a boat to arrive at the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Our time here offers us plenty of opportunities to snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax on the beach.

The Archipelago of Bocas del Toro is made up of 6 islands, only 2 of which have roads and services for tourists. The islands are unique in many ways. The islands and closest shoreline form an isolated pocket of lowlands between the mountains and swamps of most of nearby mainland. As a result there is much wildlife found only in this region and nowhere else. The islands are mostly covered in rainforest, and have spectacular beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling or diving.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 340 km
Begin with an incredible bus ride over the Panama border to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast to the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Fourteen kilometers of incomparable white and black sand beaches are surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. There are several optional activities available. Hike to Monkey Point through the Gandoca - Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Try snorkelling or take it easy and explore La Isla Botanical Gardens.

Rent a boogie board if the waves are calling, dance the night away to reggae and calypso, taste flavourful Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and succumb to the natural beauty of this tropical paradise. This area of Costa Rica was quite isolated until a road was built a only a couple of decades ago, and it still hasn’t lost its charm.

Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 70 km Travel north through the beautiful Costa Rican countryside to the capital city for one last night out on the town.

Located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate. Like most cities, San José has its good and bad sides. It is the centre of government, theatre, and art, as well as of air pollution and congestion. It has beautiful parks and museums, and a few beggars on the streets. It is big and often noisy, but even from its crowded downtown streets, you’ll often enjoy a view of the surrounding lush mountains.

Start your exploration of the city in the main plaza, a great place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

A source of pride for the Ticos (Costa Ricans) is the National Theatre. Inaugurated in 1897, the building was paid for by coffee growers through a voluntary tax on every bag of coffee exported. The National Museum, housed in the Bellavista Fortress, offers exhibits on pre-Columbian art, colonial art and furniture and religious art within a 19th century building that was converted from a military fortress after the army was abolished.

The Museum of Costa Rican Art, located in La Sabana Park, used to be the international airport and the museum is now housed in the old terminal building. The Jade Museum is on the 11th floor of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros building. In addition to the marvelous collection of jade objects, there are pre-Columbian ceramic and stone works as well as displays with archaeological and ethnographic information. The Gold Museum is located underneath the Plaza de la Cultura. Its spectacular collection of indigenous gold art belongs to the Central Bank of Costa Rica.

The best and least expensive places to buy souvenirs in San José are the markets. The two main ones are the ones in Plaza de la Cultura, which is an outdoor open market, and the Central Market, where handicrafts are sold along with boots, fish, flour, herbal remedies, shirts and everything else you can imagine. Always watch your belongings and be ready for crowds. If you plan on spending a few days in San José after your tour, there are a number of activities within the city and area that you can participate in, many of them outdoors.

Probably the hardest thing you will do in San José, other than get safely across busy streets, is keep the street numbering systems straight. Street and avenue numbers are posted on buildings at the corners of some intersections. Keep looking as you walk, and you will eventually find one.

Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 230 km
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0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 789 749 479 369 1029 699 649 949 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 789 749 479 369 1029 699 649 949 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 789 749 479 369 1029 699 649 949 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 789 749 479 369 1029 699 649 949 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 789 749 479 369 1029 699 649 949 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 789 749 479 369 1029 699 649 949 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Simple hotels (14 nts) (may be multi-share). Brochure Notes The Pamana Experience tour is a component of our Great Mexico and Central American Journey (JPX). Departure Departs Wednesdays and Sundays, departures vary DepEnd Wed-Wed, Sun-Sun Group Leader Tour leader throughout. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Panama, Panama City, Santa Clara, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, San José. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD425 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included No meals included. Min Pax 6 Recommendation Want something longer? Consider adding Nicaragua and Guatemala with part of our Great Central American Journey CPPA. Reverse Itinerary This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code JSP. StartFinish Panama City to San José Testimonial "The trip was excellent, the tour guide Natalia, was outstanding. The trip exceeded my expectations in every way." - Howard Brandon travelled on Panama Experience Transport Public bus, Boat, Van. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Associated Planeterra Project Brochure Intro The best of southern Costa Rica and western Panama, featuring an abundance of both natural and man-made wonders. As Panama is still off most travellers' radars, it's the perfect place for a genuine discovery experience, with plenty of activities ranging from fantastic bird watching to exhilarating white water rafting. Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash and travelers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- reading/writing material
- binoculars
- cover for backpacks
- pocket knife
- flashlight
- concealable moneybelt
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Immodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax USD26 Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro The best of southern Costa Rica and western Panama, featuring an abundance of both natural and manmade wonders. As Panama is still off most travellers’ radars, it’s the perfect place for a genuine discovery experience, with plenty of activities ranging from fantastic bird watching to exhilarating white water rafting. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in San José, Costa Rica. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures San José, Costa Rica,
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT –6).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 506 2231 4708.

Costa Rica Emergency Cell Phone: +506 8322 9140 (after office hours).

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office in Costa Rica,
we have a toll-free line within North America (or our regular direct line), which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 416 305 6139.
Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Important Notes 1. Please note that this tour combines with other G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may be continuing together on another G.A.P Adventures tour after your trip concludes.

2. We have been advised that as of November 1, 2008, all travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission will be required by the Panamanian government to have proof of a yellow fever vaccination before entering Panama. (See http://www.who.int/entity/csr/ith%20annex1%202008.pdf - the list contains mostly countries in Africa and South America.) There is a 10-day incubation period for the vaccination, so all persons must receive the shot at least 10 days prior to entering Panama.
Additionally, although details remain vague, it may be required that travelers leaving Panama and entering Costa Rica and/or South American countries may be required to display their proof of vaccination. Proof of yellow fever vaccination appears to also be required for travelers entering Panama overland from Costa Rica. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel 2009 hotel:
Hotel Centroamericano
Avenidas Ecuador y Justo Arosemena
Zona 3
Panama City, Panama
Phone: +507 227 4555 Joining Instructions There is an official taxi stand in the exit area after you pass through customs. It costs $25 for the 20 minute taxi ride into Panama City. Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities are planned. Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. The Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G.A.P Adventures group trips. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person, in USD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Panama City:
Tour of city and Canal $50
Self guided tour of same approx $15 (for transportation, locks entrance, museum)
General Entrance to Canal + museum $8
Panama Viejo $3
Taboga Island Ferry $10 (return trip)
Visit to Emberŕ village and waterfall $50

El Valle:
Canopy tour and pools $40
Hike to India Dormida with guide $30
Visit to beach $2 for roundtrip transportation

Bocas del Toro:
Scuba diving $60 (2-tank dive)
PADI open water course $195
Snorkel trips $15-$30 (depends on location and operator)
Boat taxi to Red Frog Beach $10 return, $2 entrance

Boquete:
White water rafting $75-$95 (full day)
Naturalist tour $25 per person
Kotowa Coffee factory tour $23
Horseback Riding $25
Hiking trips range from $0 to $120, depending on necessity of transportation and/or guide
Rock climbing $30

Puerto Viejo:
Naturalist tour of Manzanillo $25
Ziplining $50
Bicycle rental approx $10
surf lesson $40
Sloth Rehab Center visit $12 plus transportation
Whitewater rafting Pacuare $95
Visit BriBri indigenous village $50

San José:
Carara Reserve $60 (full day w break & lunch)
Irazu, Orosi and Lankaster Garden tour $55 (with lunch)
Grecia & Sarchi $40 (oxcart & handicrafts)
City tour $24
Poas Volcano $51
Rafting (Pacuare) $90
Rafting (Sarapiqui) $75
Braulio Carrillo Reserve $50-$65
Café Britt tour $20-$30
Butterfly Farm $20-$25

Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Like any city where tourism is on the increase, crime also tends to increase and while San José and Panama City are not noticeably dangerous cities, there are certain precautions you should take. Make sure that you are aware of your things at all times and don't go out carrying expensive gear or jewellery. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whatever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.