This is the New Zealand website
Our system has detected that you may be browsing from New Zealand. So that we can give you the correct information please choose from the following:
Click here to view the New Zealand website (www.exploreworldwide.co.nz)
If we guessed wrong please select your location from the list below:
* By setting your location you will see prices in an appropriate currency, and may see content customised to your location.
 |
0845 291 4541 | ||
 |
Speak to us online | ||
 |
E-mail us |
Your short list is empty 
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to top
You’ll also need some extra money to cover meals not included in the tour price, other sightseeing, arrival taxes of US$15, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry. Please note there is a departure tax of 35 USD payable at the airport (this may be included in your ticket). If travelling to El Castillo overland there will be an extra cost of USD16.
Back to top
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Back to top
Granada - Mombacho Canopy tour by zip line US$47; Isletas tour US$10; kayaking US$36. Masaya Market and Volcano US$32.
Ometepe Island - Guided tour of Ometepe (full day) US$25; Charco Verde US$15pp; Petroglyphs US$15, volcano walk US$25.
Bartola - Visit Indio Maiz NP US$15.
Corn Island - Guided snorkelling (including equipment) US$10; Snorkelling off boat US$35 (depends on numbers).
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly, you should allow US$25 for tipping. 10% is expected and often added in restaurants.
Back to top
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
Back to top
Local Currency: Costa Rica: Costa Rican Colon. Nicaragua: Cordoba.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Bear in mind that Central American economies are tied to the US$; It’s important to carry all your funds in US Dollar cash in mixed denominations (NOT Sterling, which is not readily exchanged). US$ bills must be clean and not have any nicks or tears.
Where to Exchange: Available except Bartola & El Castillo.
ATM Availability: Some ATMs which accept Visa cards are available in Granada and Corn Island.
Credit Card Acceptance: Limited to major cities.
Travellers Cheques: Note that Travellers Cheques are not easy to exchange.
Back to top
Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
Back to top
| UK | Costa Rica | Nicaragua | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $2.00 | $0.70 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $2.00 | $0.70 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $2.00 | $1.20 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $3.00 | $1.20 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $15.00 | $7.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $20.00 | $12.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 | $10.00 | $8.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to topVisas not required for citizens of UK, and USA, CAN, NZ and AUS for Nicaragua; Tourist cards are issued on arrival. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Back to top
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
Please note: Please note that flights on the tour may transit through the USA. According to US law, passengers will have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight.
Holders of the UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and several EU country passports can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they hold a machine readable passport. They must also be entering the country by sea or air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/onward ticket. As well as being machine readable, if your passport was issued on or after 26 October 2005, it must contain both a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.
All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night’s accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel.
Anyone applying for ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel under the Visa Waiver system will be charged a fee of 14USD (9GBP).
For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter).
For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Back to topNicaragua: Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
Back to top
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topTropical, with little seasonal variation in temperature. The heavy rainy season is May to October but it can rain at any time along the Caribbean coast of Rio San Juan. Even during the rainy season, showers tend to occur only in the late afternoon There are 3 main climactic zones, the hot tropical lowlands and the cooler hill region which has a larger range of daily temperature.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece of luggage (suitcase or holdall) and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. N.B: There are weight restrictions on domestic flights to Corn Island of 13kg. Therefore you should pack as light as possible. Excess luggage can be sent back to Managua with the bus on day 12.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOn Corn Island and around Managua you will need loose-fitting comfortable, hot-weather clothes (100% cotton is recommended). You should bring lightweight long trousers and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt to wear in the jungle to protect against insects. Also pack a fleece for evenings in the jungle. Bring a waterproof jacket as it can rain at any time in the rainforest area around Rio San Juan and the Caribbean. Don’t forget your swimming costume.
Back to topLightweight walking boots plus comfortable trainers and sandals for travelling and relaxing. Water sandals may be useful.
A water bottle, sunhat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars are useful for bird watching. Also bring a torch and a beach towel. If keen, we suggest you bring your own snorkelling gear. An umbrella and waterproofs can be useful in short downpours.
Back to topPlease note: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
