EcoClassroom FAQs

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		How do we get to Costa Rica? How much does all of this cost? How can we make it affordable? Where do we stay? What will staying at Punta Mona be like? What do we eat? How do we get around? What are the hikes like? Do we have free time? What about medical facilities? Can we drink the water? Do we need any shots? Do we need to know Spanish? Do I need a passport? How much spending money do I need to bring? What should I wear/carry with me on the plane?
		Q. How do we get to Costa Rica? A. There are many different commercial airlines (including American, Delta, Continental and Lacsa) that now fly into Costa Rica's capital city, San Jose. We can make the reservations and all of the arrangements for travel from your home city. Q. How much does all of this cost? A. Our set itineraries range from $1155 - $1575, plus airfare (usually between $500-550). This includes all costs within Costa Rica: lodging, 3 meals per day (plus snacks!), bilingual guides to accompany your group on the entire trip, local guides, all entrance fees, equipment, and activities. The only expenses not included are souvenirs and the $26 airport exit tax required when leaving the country.		Back to Top
		Q. How can we make it affordable? A. We have hosted groups that have paid for their entire experience through fundraising. The key to successful fundraising is enthusiasm and timing. Make sure to get an early start and plan several different events and programs. Please contact us for more ideas and information on fundraising.		Back to Top
		Q. Where do we stay? A. We stay in local eco-hotels and lodges. That means that all of the places we stay, with the exception of the night(s) at Punta Mona, have beds and private bathrooms. They all have fans (when necessary) and hot, running water. However, remember that hot water is a commodity and if roommates aren't considerate, it can run out! The number of students per room varies from 2 to 4. Students may be required to share double beds with travel-mates.		Back to Top
		Q. What will staying at Punta Mona be like? A. We will hike through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in order to arrive at our remote beachfront organic farm. At night, we will stay in one large bunkhouse as well as some tents equipped with foam mattresses for your comfort. Guests must bring there own bedding. (see list of things to bring for more information.) Remember, Punta Mona is a very rustic site most tourists to the country do not have the opportunity to visit. We will be trading in some modern amenities in exchange for the privilege to live so closely with nature. Remember that we will be sharing the forest surroundings with many creatures who sometimes like to poke around to check out who the guests are. This is a normal occurrence in any jungle lodge, and the folks in Punta Mona are looking for natural non-violent ways to keep these critters out. The site is equipped with running water, electricity from solar power, a full-service kitchen, and a sanitary bathroom facility. Most of the food we eat will come from the organic gardens! In an effort to be self-sufficient, most of the meals at Punta Mona are completely vegetarian. Occasionally fish and eggs are served (when the fish are biting and the chickens are laying!) In visiting Punta Mona, we will participate in a community of locals and foreigners working and living together towards a sustainable way of life. During the days we will partake in a variety of activities depending on your group’s interests. These include exploring the mangroves of the Gandoca lagoon, participating in a research project with dolphins living offshore, arts and crafts, gardening and building, as well as working with a local craftsman.		Back to Top
		Q. What do we eat? A. We view food as an obvious (and delicious) connection to both the Earth and to the people who live in the region. Most of our meals are taken at local restaurants where regional specialties are served. We make a special effort to taste tropical fruits and vegetables that are not readily available in North America. At all meals, you will have a choice of a main entree (usually chicken, fish or vegetarian) with a set menu of side dishes. Be prepared for a lot of rice and beans (gallo pinto) cooked with a special Costa Rican flavor. This is the staple of all Costa Ricans' diets. Remember that you are going to a different country. Please don't expect to find American food! Please do notify us about any special dietary needs; we will do our best to meet them. Because we are an eco-tourism organization and the cattle industry has played a large role in the deforestation of Costa Rica, we have made a conscious decision to eliminate beef from the Costa Rican Adventures experience. This is one way we show how our personal decisions can be effected by and in turn affect global environmental issues.		Back to Top
		Q. How do we get around? A. When we are not hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and white water rafting, we travel from activity to activity on our own air-conditioned bus with a professional driver. Every bus has a tape player so we can listen to local tunes. But feel free to bring your own music to share with the group.
		Q. What are the hikes like? A. What better way to get to know the rainforest than through your feet! Walking slowly through the forest affords us the opportunity to witness its natural wonders including all kinds of wildlife. None of the hikes are too difficult for anyone in reasonably good health and moderate physical shape. The hike to the waterfall in La Fortuna is short but follows a steep path. Hikes in La Selva Biological Research Station and Cahuita National Park are like strolls on neat paths through the forest. The hike through the KekoLdi Indigenous Reserve is more challenging because it takes us up hill, where a delicious lunch awaits us (that's good incentive!). The hike through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge lasts about 4 hours. That is only because we stop so often to check out the amazing plant and animal life and to taste forest treats along the way. We will never be hiking simply to get from Point A to Point B but rather to experience the beauty and wonder of the places we visit. One thing to keep in mind is that in order to keep its name, there must be lots of rain in the rainforest. And lots of rain leads to lots of mud! Mud can add to the fun (and the mess) of all of the hikes! For this reason, you may want to consider the purchase of comfortable rubber boots for the muddier hikes.
		Q. Do we have free time? A. Our days are jam packed with activities, and we stick together as a group for the entire experience. We will have some (supervised) free time at the beach and in town. In the evenings before and after dinner, you will be able to find some "down" time for journal writing, reading or hanging out with each other within the hotel grounds. At Punta Mona the time is less structured and there is more of an opportunity for free time within our campground.		Back to Top
		Q. What about medical facilities? A. Throughout the trip we are never far from a clinic or Red Cross station. When we are camping at Punta Mona, we keep a boat on call in case of the need for emergency evacuation to the clinic. In addition, our staff is trained in wilderness first aid and they carry a first aid kit with them at all times.
		Q. Can we drink the water? A. While it is okay for North Americans to drink the water in many parts of Costa Rica (not including the Southern Caribbean Coast), we don't like to take any chances. Every morning we provide 5-gallon jugs of bottled water for you to refill your bottles. You will need at least one 1-½ liter bottle or canteen to be refilled everyday. By refilling the same bottles we will cut down on unnecessary plastic waste.
		Q. Do we need any shots? A. The Health Department of Costa Rica does not require any immunizations to enter the country. Many people have been fine to travel without vaccinations. However, several US governmental organizations recommend malaria prophylactics. We view health as a very personal issue and encourage people to consult with trusted physicians, health service organizations or other medical professionals before making any decisions about vaccinations.
		Q. Do we need to know Spanish? A. Though it can only add to your experience and help you to get to know the people more, it is not essential that you speak any Spanish. Our guides and staff are bilingual and will help you with any communication issues, though we will encourage you to learn some during your stay!		Back to Top
		Q. Do I need a passport? A. Yes! A passport that is valid for at least 90 days from the departure date is required. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please consult with the Costa Rican or Belizean consulate nearest you to determine if you require a visa to enter the country. Or go to http://www.costarica-embassy.org/consular/visa/country-selection.htm We are happy to help you with this procedure. Please contact our office with specific questions regarding travel documents or consult the Passport Agency website. If you are not a US or Canadian citizen, please consult with the Costa Rican Embassy to determine if you require a visa to enter the country. Some useful links: Passport Agency: http://www.state.gov/travel/ Costa Rica Embassy in the US - (202/234-2945) www.costarica-embassy.org Belize Embassy - http://www.embassyofbelize.org/
		Q. How much spending money do I need to bring? A. The only spending money you will need is for the $26 airport departure tax and any souvenirs that you may want to buy. $50-$100 has been more than enough for most past participants on our 8-day adventure. Add to this amount if your stay is longer. You can bring traveler's checks but make sure to have some cash as well. Always bring checks and bills in small denominations (no larger than $20.) These will be easier to exchange. A lot of places accept US Dollars, but there will also be an opportunity to change money into Costa Rican colones. ($1= @ 519 colones)
		Q. What should I wear/carry with me on the plane? A. Depending on your group's arrival time, you may be scheduled to begin your adventure immediately upon arrival. If this is the case, you should wear or carry with you the clothes that you would like to wear for the first day's activities. This may include hiking clothes, boots, bathing suit, and towel. Don't forget to leave your camera, sunblock and insect repellent easily accessible as well! You may also want to pack a change of clothes and basic toiletries in your carry-on bag just in case your luggage arrives to Costa Rica after you do.		Back to Top
		For any other not-so-frequently asked questions, contact us.		Back to Top