Where do you want to go this year? Cuba, Costa Rica, Colombia, let's look at where we are headed....
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Oh, the allure of international tourism! We all want to travel, see exotic places, stay in nice hotels, eat great food and visit exciting attractions. See below for our 4 day Costa Rica property tours, our 8 day tour to Cuba March 2 - 9 (Sold Out). We just added another Cuba tour March 24 - 31 (Sold Out) but that one quickly sold out so we have added Cuba April 6 - 13, open to couples and singles. See the sidebar for more information on our tours and to sign up.
We've now added an 8 day tour in Medellin, Colombia and beyond April 16 - 23, all inclusive at $2,000 per person or $3,600 per couple sharing a room. Sign up on the sidebar
We also added Buenos Aires, Argentina combined with Uruguay for 10 days April 26 - May 5. This tour though mostly based in Buenos Aires, will venture for an overnight in both Montevideo and Colonia Uruguay. The cost of this tour is $2,500 per person or $4,200 for a couple sharing a room and is all inclusive. We will also be overnighting at Iguazu Falls. The tour fee includes RT airfare to and from the falls but not airfare to Buenos Aires from the US or Canada. This tour is now open for booking, you can sign up on the left sidebar
Just added is an 8 day tour to Guatemala May 11 - 18 (see details below and sidebar to sign up)
Just added 8 day tour to Costa Rica May 19 - 26 (see details below and sidebar to sign up)
Explore Exciting Tour Opportunities
Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we explore some of the most captivating destinations around the world. Below, you will find a list of our upcoming tour dates along with exciting details and booking information.
8 Day Havana Cuba and Beyond
Embark on a journey through the vibrant streets of Havana and beyond. We invite you to join us on this all-inclusive tour that has become incredibly popular among our guests. Our next tour with space available is set for April 6 - 13 and is sure to sell out. With limited spots available, be sure to secure your spot early. Priced at $2,000 per person, this tour offers an immersive experience of Cuban culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. This tour provides a rare chance to see how Communism is working and has failed. On this tour we visit Old Havana, Havana Centro, Vedado, Vinales, and Veradero Beach. We tour the city with a Cuban Historian, take a trip around Havana in old US Convertibles, and have amazing photo opportunities throughout the tour. This is the most popular tour we offer. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Book now by clicking the "Sign up Here" link.
See more details here See more details about the 8 Day Havana Cuba and Beyond tour here.
8 Day Medellin, Colombia tour
Discover the hidden gems of Medellin, Colombia, on our next 8-day tour from April 16 - 23. This all-inclusive tour is perfect for solo travelers or couples seeking an enriching experience filled with adventure and cultural exploration. Priced at $2,000 for singles and $3,600 for couples, this tour guarantees unforgettable memories and authentic Colombian experiences. Secure your spot by clicking the "Sign up Here" link. We visit the Park Botero, with one of the largest collections of Fernando Botero sculptures in the world. The Antioquia Museum of Art, Guatape' and El Penol, Park Arvi (a botanical park located outside the Aburra Valley and home to the world's smallest orchid), el Castillo (a castle built in Medelllin in the early 20th century), Comuna 13, El Centro and El Hueco, Explorar and more. We'll learn the history of Medellin including the rapid growth and the tragic period of narco trafficking that made this beautiful city the most dangerous city in the world in the 1990's. There's a lot to see in Medellin and this tour is a great way to visit. The tour is all inclusive and includes all meals, lodging, transportation within Colombia (including airport pickup and drop off), all activity and entrance fees and more.
see more details here See more details about the 8 Day Medellin, Colombia tour here.
Argentina and Uruguay Tour
April 26 - May 5, 2024, including Iguazu Falls
10 days all-inclusive priced at $2,500 per person or $4,500 per couple.
Arrive at EZE airport in vibrant Buenos Aires
Argentina economy update
The Argentine economy is a huge mess at the moment, with inflation expected to hit 200% this year. Using Argentine pesos can therefore be a nightmare – and mean you lose a lot of money. The blue dollar (an unofficial exchange rate that gives you a better conversion than the official rate) is around, but if you want to avoid carrying lots of cash, you can now pay using your credit card and get an exchange rate similar to the blue dollar rate. You must choose to pay in Argentine pesos (not USD!) to secure this rate.
This is a rough outline of our tour, just to get you excited. I adjust each day based on weather and what activities are best on what day of the week.
We start out in the center of Buenos Aires, at Plaza Lavalle, where we will be staying for the first 3 nights. We'll see some of the magnificent architecture of Buenos Aires, some of the domed buildings, visit the Teatro Nacional (a city block long) see a Tango show, visit the famous Recolota Cemetary, visit both the San Telmo Market and the Feria Mataderos on Sunday, giving us a chance to see real Guachos up close and personal. We'll also visit the famous Obelisk, the national stadium (Argentina is the current holder of the World Cup), see a variety of museums and famous buildings and more. We'll visit La Boca, a cute area with great shopping and impressive photo opportunities.
We also ferry to both Colonia, Uruguay, spending a night in this back to the past city, as well as a night in Montevideo, the Capital of Uruguay. And let's not forget our overnight visit to Iguazu Falls, complete with airfare, hotel, entrance and activity fees paid. Immerse yourself in Argentina and Uruguay, and do it all while you are here. It's a long way from home from North America.
We'll be eating some of the best beef in the world but rest assured we have plenty of options for other dietary preferences. We'll also be visiting a winery and sampling wine... Don't miss this exciting tour. This is just a quick summary, there's lots more to this tour. We'll also see the Corte Supreme, the Plaza Lavalle, The Templo Libertad, the Palacio Barolo, the Obelisk, the Avenida Presidente Rogue, Saenz Pena. We'll see plenty of the architecture that Buenos Aires is famous for; neo classic, art nouveau, and art deco. We'll also stroll on Calle Florida, a wonderful pedestrian only street, ending at the impressive Plaza San Martin, in Retiro.
No trip would be complete with a visit to the national stadium La Bombenera stadium, and Argentine soccer fans went ballistic last year when Argentina won the world cup. Argentina currently holds the title, this their 3rd time with that honor. We’ll visit the area outside the stadium where you can get a photo of yourself with the world cup (or at least with a really good replica).
We’ll eat either breakfast or lunch at the oldest cafe in buenos Aires, for lunch, Café Tortoni
We’ll eat steaks at the Fogón Asado parrilla situated in the trendy neighborhood of Palermo Hollywood, seamlessly blends artistry with culinary excellence.
We'll take the hop on hop off bus through the city of Buenos Aires.
On day 9 we’ll visit the harbor area and walk along the waterfront. We’ll eat again at a wonderful steak house that night. We always have options for vegetarians too….
Guatemala 8 Day Tour
May 11 - 18 $2,000 per person or $3,600 per couple sharing a room
Embark on an unforgettable 8 Day Guatemala Discovery tour that will immerse you in the heart of this captivating country. With an expert tour guide leading the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, vibrant markets, serene lakes, and even climb an active volcano. From the historic charm of Antigua to the bustling streets of ChiChiCastanengo, every moment of this adventure will be filled with discovery and cultural immersion. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the rich tapestry of Guatemala on our upcoming tour from May 11 - 18, 2024.
With an expert tour guide by your side, you'll have the opportunity to delve deep into the heart of this captivating country. From exploring the ancient ruins of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the indigenous people, every moment will be filled with discovery. Our next Guatemala tour will be May 11 - 18, 2024. This 8 day tour is priced at $2,000 per person and is all inclusive. It includes all in country transportation, all meals, all lodging, entrance and activity fees.
One of the highlights of your journey will be a visit to ChiChiCastanengo, home to one of the largest indigenous markets in Central America. As you make your way through the bustling streets, you'll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and an array of goods that will leave you in awe. From intricately woven textiles to handcrafted jewelry, woodwork, and pottery, there's something for everyone to admire and take home as a cherished memento of your time in Guatemala.
After immersing yourself in the vibrant market scene, you'll have the opportunity to relax and unwind at the serene Lake Panajachel. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty, this tranquil oasis offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We will take a leisurely boat ride across the crystal-clear waters, explore the surrounding area and immerse yourself into all things Guatamalteca. But the adventure doesn't end there. We'll also take you to Puerto San Jose, where you can soak up the sun on pristine beaches and indulge in delicious seafood. And for the thrill-seekers, we offer the opportunity to climb an active volcano and witness the raw power and beauty of nature up close. We'll also get out beyond the typical tourist spots and visit the diocese of Guatemala in Guatemala City, as well as the capital building and downtown areas.
We also step further out to the town of Zunil, home to amazing flora and fauna on the flank of a volcano and also home to Fuentes Georginas (sulfurous hot springs). Located up on the mountains and surrounded by an extraordinary ecosystem, a cloud forest flanked on one side by beautiful farming lands.
If possible I always try to visit one of the circuses that travel around Guatemala. They are unique and worth the effort.
See more details about this 8 day Guatemala Discovery Tour here
Why tour with us?
When it comes to choosing a travel company, you want to ensure that you are in the best hands possible. That's where we come in. As seasoned travelers ourselves, we understand the needs and preferences of our clients, particularly those in the older demographic. We have carefully curated our tours to provide you with the highest quality experiences, prioritizing comfort and cultural immersion.
One of the key reasons to tour with us is our extensive knowledge and expertise in international business. As someone who has personally owned properties and businesses in multiple countries, we have gained invaluable insights into the world of international real estate. This unique perspective allows us to not only offer exceptional tours, but also to help you consider the potential benefits of retiring, owning, or investing abroad.
We pride ourselves on our flexible cancellation policy. We understand that plans can change, and we want to make sure that you have peace of mind when booking with us. If you need to cancel or adjust your tour, simply notify us as soon as possible. If you cancel or inform us of flight issues at least 30 days before the tour, there will be no charge. For cancellations between 30 and 7 days before the tour, we will only charge for non-refundable hotel bookings. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour will incur a charge of 50% of the tour fee.
At our core, we prioritize the comfort and mobility of our participants. We want to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, which is why good mobility is important. Many of our tour activities involve walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of vehicles. If you have any mobility issues, we kindly request that you refrain from booking our tours to ensure the best experience for all.
When traveling to a foreign country, it is crucial to take responsibility for yourself and your belongings. You need to have a valid passport, with at least 6 months before the expiration date, you might want to consider travel insurance, and being aware of your surroundings is paramount. Proper planning is key, including making photocopies of your passport, printing out your itinerary and boarding passes, and packing appropriately. To assist you in preparing for your journey, we provide a packing list suggestion for our tours.
Our tours are specifically designed to strike the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. We cater to the needs of active individuals who want to explore new destinations without compromising comfort. While we offer a variety of tours, each with its own unique itinerary, all of them are carefully crafted to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Join us on one of our upcoming tours and let us captivate your senses with exceptional destinations and unforgettable experiences. From the 8 Day Discovery Tour of Cuba to the 8 Day Medellin Colombia Tour and the 10 Day Costa Rica Tour, we have a wide range of options to choose from. Our tours are not just about tourism; they also provide insights into owning or investing abroad for those who are considering being a snowbird.
When you tour with us, you can trust that you are in the hands of an experienced and knowledgeable guide. We have spent years studying international business and have a deep understanding of both travel and owning property abroad. Our tours are designed to provide high-quality experiences at an affordable cost, allowing you to explore exceptional places without breaking the bank.
Don't just take our word for it, check out the testimonials from our tour guests on our website. We are confident that their experiences will give you a glimpse into the incredible journeys that await you when you choose to tour with us. So why wait? Join us on an adventure of a lifetime and create memories that will last a lifetime.
As an experienced traveler and expert in international business, I have curated these tours to provide you with the highest quality experiences. I understand the needs and preferences of an older client base, offering itineraries that prioritize comfort and cultural immersion. Whether you want to witness breathtaking waterfalls, explore exotic destinations, enjoy live music, or partake in activities that require mobility without the adrenaline rush, our tours cater to your desires.
Traveling abroad not only opens up new horizons but also presents opportunities for property ownership or business ventures. I have personally owned properties and businesses in multiple countries, giving me valuable insights into the world of international real estate. By offering affordable tours, I aim to help you discover exceptional destinations while considering the potential benefits of living or investing abroad.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change, which is why we have a flexible cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or adjust your tour, please notify us as soon as possible. If you cancel or inform us of flight issues at least 30 days before the tour, there will be no charge. For cancellations between 30 and 7 days before the tour, we charge 60% of the tour fee. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour will incur a charge of 100% of the tour fee.
Mobility
To ensure the best experience for all participants, it is important to have good mobility. Many of our tour activities involve walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of vehicles. If you have mobility issues, we kindly request that you refrain from booking our tours.
Foreign Travel
When traveling to a foreign country, it is essential to take responsibility for yourself and your belongings. This includes having a valid passport, considering travel insurance, and being aware of your surroundings. Proper planning, including making photocopies of your passport, printing out your itinerary and boarding passes, and packing appropriately, is crucial. We provide a packing list suggestion for our tours to assist you in preparing for your journey.
Tours for Baby Boomers
Are you looking for a tour that strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation? Our tours cater to the needs of active individuals who want to explore new destinations without compromising comfort. However, please note that good mobility is necessary to join our tours, as we engage in various activities that require physical agility.
Upcoming Tours
We offer a variety of tours. See the list and Sign up links below.
8 Day Havana Cuba and Beyond
Tour Our Costa Rica Developments and Properties
We offer a few different tour options, our popular 4 day Costa Rica property tour and our tourism tours to places like Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Costa Rica 10 day tourism tours and our 10 day Costa Rica to Panama or Panama to Costa Rica tour.
for information on our 4 day property discovery tour, see below
For information on our other tours, see the home page of our website on the left sidebar, at www.pacificlots.com
The cost of the 4 day Discovery tour is $399 per person for the all inclusive 4 day tour.
To see the updated list of our tourism tours to places like Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica or Costa Rica to Panama, please visit our home page at www.pacificlots.com That's where we keep an updated list of the tours we are currently running. You can see client testimonials of our "Tourism Tours" here.
Our 4 day, "Discovery Property Tour" is a great affordable way to check out Costa Rica and our developments. Demand is high (especially in winter) for our tours and our guest house so in order to ensure availability, check with us before making your travel arrangements to Costa Rica. We'll coordinate around your schedule and suggest your flight arrangements accordingly. In all cases you want to fly into the San Jose, Costa Rica airport (SJO airport code), not the airport in Liberia, Costa Rica. On arrival we will pick you up and take you to the Martino Resort (www.hotelmartino.com) located about 20 minutes from the airport and included in the tour fee. Our area of the country is a 3.5 hour drive from San Jose, to the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica. Our van will on depart to head south on the morning of day two from the Martino Resort, giving everyone time to relax after their flights on the first day of the tour, the Martino has a great restaurant but we do not include meals other than breakfast while at the Martino resort.
Our discovery tour includes airport taxi fare, transportation to and from the southern region, 3 nights lodging, all meals (except as noted above while at the Martino Resort) and all tours and excursions. We'll drop you at the airport or local hotel in San Jose after the tour. We have a great chef at our guest house who will cater to your dietary needs and even beer and wine are included while at the guest house. We are in an area with rising elevation and good views go hand in hand with steeper terrain. If you have trouble walking or getting about, you might not be a good candidate for our property tours. We do not sell ocean front property. Ocean front property is not for sale in Costa Rica and throughout the country all beaches are public. See our release of liability before signing up for any of our tours.
We do have some flexibility on how to visit us but we have had a difficult time trying to offer any one day showings. We get many requests from people who will be in the area of Costa Rica where our developments are located who are interested in a one day tour or to meet with our sales staff and visit our developments. We understand our system is restrictive but our project is not a 40 lot development that you can see in an afternoon with a realtor and with one of the largest construction teams in the entire area and 28 years of history we can’t show it in a day. We are a master planned community encompassing nearly 3000 acres with thousands of owners. We don't sell finca (farm) title but rather we sell registered “en condominio” title with HOA restrictions that are enforceable and provide protection for our owners, although a few of our phases were titled in farm title. We also don’t saddle our owners with common area amenities that need to be paid for, club houses, equestrian centers, community pools, etc. and we do have enforceable by-laws that keep our community as we envisioned.
We are building a large international residential community. Although our $399 fee includes 3 nights lodging, meals, adult beverages, all transport other than airfare, tours throughout the property, and lots of knowledge and education.
Cost and Time constraints should be weighed in relation to the seriousness of the investment and outcome. There are lots of complex issues when considering buying property or moving to a foreign country; foreign property ownership, legal documents, banking rules, residency requirements, foreign reporting requirements, property management, rental management, banking etc. that we both cover on our tours and offer in our projects. We make it easy to own your property and do what you envisioned with it while offering an easy interface for our clients to meet the letter of the law.
Information on our "Discovery Tours" Click the link for a complete description. Our 4 day Discovery tours include all lodging, meals and transportation within Costa Rica other than meals on the day your arrival. If you arrive on the start day of the tour, we will pay for a taxi from the airport to the Hotel Martino and you will get specific instructions on the process. We'll drop you back at either a hotel in San Jose or the airport on day four around 3:00 pm. We recommend you stay that night at either the Wyndham Plaza Herradura or the Adventure Inn.
These property tours include lodging at the Martino Hotel and Resort on the day of your arrival into San Jose, transportation to and from our developments, two nights lodging at our guest house and tours of our properties. We generally limit the number on these tours to 14 people between couples and singles. While at the guest house, we include everything; all transportation, lodging, meals and beverages (beer and wine included). Meals feature fresh local seafood, fresh meats, gourmet salads and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and we cater to dietary restrictions, allergies and aversions. We have a top notch chef on premise who makes amazing meals. We'll tour our developments and see houses we've built, houses currently under construction and available home sites and lots. Discovery tours are $399 per person. You are responsible for your airfare to San Jose. The first step to set up a visit is to complete the Online Client Visit Application here. You can find a word version of the form here Word Version Client Visit Application.
There are NO SALES PRESENTATIONS. You will be flying into San Jose airport (SJO airport code) and should plan to arrive on the first scheduled day of the tour and book a flight out no earlier than 8:00 pm on the last scheduled day of the tour. Most people need to stay the night when we arrive back in San Jose, to fly out the next morning. We can add a hotel on that last night for an additional fee of $105 and that hotel will include a free breakfast the following morning as well as free airport shuttle. For a photo pictorial of what to expect on our 4 day visit, click here.
We charge $399 to come join our tour, experience our community, meet owners, see available home sites and more. As in any of our tours, we offer a 5% discount for cash purchases but also offer full financing if you prefer.
The first step to set up a visit is to complete the Client Visit Application. There are NO SALES PRESENTATIONS.
A few important notes:
I should mention is about the size of our project, demand to visit and the limitations of our staff. We are not a 40 hectare project that you can visit it a half hour. Our developments cover over 3200 acres, in 18 phases. We regularly turn away people who call us last minute and want to "stop by". Our guest house staff works very hard and we are very busy at this time of year, especially with the holidays. Since our project requires a lot of time to fully view and understand, it is helpful to give us as much notice as possible so that we can prepare for your arrival and have a Property Guide available. We suggest you allow adequate time for a visit and point out that if you contact us at the last minute for a tour, we may not be able to accommodate you. The best ways to see the property are listed above. Here's your chance to come and visit us before the rest of the world shows up.... You should also be in reasonable health and not have issues with normal mobility, stairs, etc.
Although our area is one of the most scenic you will ever visit, we are in an emerging area. Many roads are not paved and they can be rough at times, especially at the end of the rainy season before they have been re-graded. We do not sell ocean front property, we sell ocean view. Our home sites are located between a mile to up to three miles from the beach with minimum elevation of about 400 feet above sea level. Sitting back from the beach provides less highway noise, better sweeping views, it limits the bugs and affords better breezes. Although it would be possible walk to the beach, walking back would require climbing 40 stories or more and the walk would be difficult. Residents in town drive their cars or take ATV's to the beach. At this point we don't yet have a downtown section that you may be expecting but our town is growing fast. Though we have a large number of restaurants, most are on side roads and not centrally located. Many of our homes are hidden in the jungle fauna but we have a really tight community and there are a lot more people in town than people imagine. Our activities involve people and community, not shopping and things. Don't get me wrong, we have plenty of shopping available but life is different here. Yes we have satellite TV, 3G cellular service, high speed internet etc. but the US is the largest consumer nation in the world and Costa Rica is not the US. Sure you can find Walmart, Pricesmart, OfficeMax and nearly every high end store like Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, etc. but most of them are in San Jose, not where we are.
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