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Home > EcoVacations > Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q. Where do we stay? A. You will stay in local eco-hotels and lodges--small, low-impact lodges that allow easy access to beautiful natural surroundings. All of the hotels have clean comfortable beds, fans (when necessary), private bathrooms, and hot water. |
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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. |
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Q. What do we eat? A. We view food as an obvious and delicious way to make a connection to both the Earth and the people of the region. Most of your meals are taken at local restaurants where regional specialties are served. We encourage you to make a special effort to taste tropical fruits and vegetables not readily available in North America. Enjoy the staple of all Costa Rican's diets- gallo pinto (rice and beans), seasoned with a unique and delectable Costa Rican flavor. Remember that you are going to a different country; please don't expect to find American food! Because we are an eco-tourism organization, and in light of the cattle industry's effect on the deforestation of Costa Rica, we encourage you to limit the amount of beef consumed during your stay. This is one way in which we regard the impact of personal decisions on the local and global environment. We consider this a completely personal choice however, and any and all decisions are accepted and respected. |
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Q. How do we get around? A. When you are not hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, or white water rafting, you travel from activity to activity in a comfortable vehicle. On privately guided or group tours, you will travel in a chartered air-conditioned bus with a professional driver. |
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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 you the opportunity to witness its natural wonders. None of the hikes are too difficult for anyone in reasonably good health and moderate physical shape. To highlight some of the hikes: the hike to the waterfall in La Fortuna is short but follows a steep path of steps cut out from the hillside. The hike through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge takes about 3 hours- only because you stop often to check out the amazing plant and animal life, and taste treats from the forest along the way! Hikes will not focus on getting from Point A to Point B, but rather to experience the beauty and wonder of the places you visit. 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, which can add to the fun (and the mess) of all of the hikes! |
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Q. Who will be our guides? A. Privately guided and group tours will be led by a highly trained Costa Rican naturalist, a member of our in-country staff and extended Costa Rican family. |
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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. You will need at least one 1-˝-liter bottle everyday. These can be purchased at your hotel or any store (pulperia). |
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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. |
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Q. Do we need to know Spanish? A. Though it can add to your experience, and help you to get to know the people better, knowledge of Spanish is not essential. All of our guides are bilingual, and will help you with any communication issues. |
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Q. What is not included in the cost of the trip? A. On privately guided tours, you will need spending money for food & beverages, the $26 airport departure tax, gratuities, and souvenirs. On group tours you will need money only for the $26 departure tax, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and souvenirs. You can bring cash or travelers' checks. Most places accept US Dollars, but there will also be an opportunity to change money into Costa Rican colones ($1= @425 colones). Many shops and restaurants accept major credit cards. |
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Q. How should we pack? A. As lightly as possible! While you will never have to carry your bags very far, you should be able to carry everything you bring with you, as most hotels do not have bellhops. You may want to bring a piece of luggage with wheels. Don't forget to bring a backpack as your carry-on/daypack. Please see the List of Things to Bring for more information on packing. |
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Q. What about bugs? A. The rainforest does have bugs…lots of them. And we wouldn't want to kick them out of their homes just because we're coming to visit! Most of them, however, do not have any interest in you. It is the mosquitoes that may "bug" you the most. Please remember to bring insect repellent. You may want to bring lightweight and breathable pants for hiking as extra protection against the bugs. |
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Q. Can we be in touch with home? A. Because of the remote locations of ecolodges and activity sites, access to telephones can be limited. Most of the hotels only have one phone line, so calls need to be relatively short. The most convenient way to phone to the States is by using calling cards (AT&T, MCI or Sprint), or by calling collect. |
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Q. Do I need a passport? A. According to the Costa Rican Embassy, if you are a US citizen, you should travel with a valid passport. However, if you do not have a passport you can travel with an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and a valid driver's license or official photo ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles and a tourism card (which may be purchased for $4.00 at the Airport in CR.) In our experience it is always easier to travel with a passport. 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. We would be happy to help you with this procedure. |
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