FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-Latin America
AN ECO SERVICE ADVENTURE
1 - How long is the flight to this country?
1A – Direct flight from Newark to San Jose takes approximately 5.5 hours.
Direct flight from Houston to San Jose takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
2 - Will there be a flight leader to this country?
2A – Yes. All flights between Costa Rica and the USA will have a flight leader starting in both Newark and Houston. Return flights to the USA will also have a flight leader as far as Newark and Houston. Flights between Costa Rica and Panama or Peru are not escorted by a Rustic Pathways guide.
3 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
3A – Students from the United States and Canada will be automatically issued a 90 day tourist visa upon entry into Costa Rica.
4 – What Costa Rican province(s) does this program pass through?
4A- During the Eco Service program students will briefly pass through the provinces of Alajuela and Heredia, during their travel to the Arenal National Park where the Rancho is located. They will spend the majority of their time in the Alajuela province.
5 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
5A – Rustic Pathways does not make recommendations regarding immunizations. We strongly suggest that you consult with a travel doctor or your family physician for medical recommendations based on the area where the student will be traveling (as listed above). You can also check the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for more information. Yellow fever vaccinations may be required to enter Costa Rica if you have traveled to some international destinations including Peru prior to your trip to Costa Rica. Please check the Center for Disease control website for more information.
6 - How does this program connect to other programs?
6A – On Tuesday afternoon students will depart from the Eco Service base. They will stay that night in Heredia at our base hotel. Wednesday morning students will meet with their new group and guides at the same hotel where they stayed and head off to their new program.
7 – How long is the drive from San Jose to this program?
7A—The drive from San Jose to the Eco Service Rancho base is approximately 4 hours depending on weather and other driving conditions.
8 – What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?
8A—The Eco Service program takes place in the rainforest by the mountains, a very green, humid, and “wet” area in the country. Students should be prepared for hot, humid weather in the 80s and 90s during the day, and the daily afternoon rain shower.
9 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Spanish?
9A—The Eco Service Program does not include formal Spanish language instruction; however students will have multiple opportunities to practice Spanish with people that will be working with them at the rescue center and the organic farm. All the staff working at the Rancho Margot are Costa Ricans and very few of them speak English. The Rustic Pathways staff will be all English speakers.
10- What service projects will I work on and how are the projects identified?
10A- Rustic Pathways works with local community leaders and the National Park Service
of Costa Rica (MINAE), to identify and prioritize specific environmental needs. Rustic Pathways, the Rancho Margot and the MINAE are planning a long term project. Students will be building the first wildlife rescue center for the northern region of Costa Rica. Students will be working with the animals that are in the “provisional cages” (monkeys, parrots, dears, birds), and will be part of the planning of future buildings in the center. Students will also do farm work at the organic garden and the dairy farm at the Rancho Margot, which will provide them with an excellent opportunity to learn about medicinal plants, vegetables and organic and sustainable farming.
11 – How physically strenuous is this program?
11A- The Eco Service project is appropriate for most physical activity levels. Students should be prepared for moderate physical activity including lifting heavy materials, shoveling, digging, wood work, and other manual labor during the service projects.
12- What costs are not included on this trip?
12A- The majority of costs associated with the program are included on this trip. The ziplining and yoga classes are both included in the cost of the program. Students should also have extra allowance money if they wish to buy snacks and soda or to shop for souvenirs such as artwork and handicrafts from local artisans.
13 – What are the optional activities available at an additional cost on this program?
13A-Optional activities are:
- Hotsprings: $30
- Horseback riding: $35
- Rappelling: $65
- Kayaking: $45
- Snake Zoo: $10
Please note that these optional activities are subject to change. Occasionally Rustic Pathways staff identify new opportunities throughout the summer that we feel will enhance the students overall experience and we will offer them to students who wish to participate at an additional cost. Optional activities may also be canceled at the staff’s discretion.
14 - What kind of food will we be eating? Where?
14A—Meals at the Rancho are buffet style and students will be eating a “fantastic” variety of fresh food. Breakfast may include fresh fruits, cereal, homemade bread, eggs and traditional Costa Rican “gallo pinto” (a mix of rice and beans). Lunch and dinner will vary from chicken (different styles), rice, potatoes, plantains, salads (all organic), juicy steaks, fish or seafood dishes. All meals come with fresh made fruit juice and “unlimited seconds”.
15 - Can we cater to specific diets?
15A-Rustic Pathways can cater to most dietary needs on this program. There will be access to fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, and vegetarian choices in the buffets. Vegan diets can be accommodated. Please know that while we are happy to accommodate alternative diets, many of the special diets common in the United States are not common in other parts of the world and travelers must be patient and understanding in having these needs be met. Please contact costarica@rusticpathways.com with any questions regarding special diets or allergies.
16 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
16A—Unlimited drinking water will be provided at no additional cost at the Rancho. Costa Rica water is generally potable, so students should feel comfortable drinking tap water unless otherwise advised.
17 - What will the accommodations on this trip be like?
17A—During their time at the Eco Service program, students will stay at a beautiful bunkhouse at the Rancho located within walking distance of the rest of facilities. Two students will be sharing a room. Boys and girls will sleep in different rooms and guides will be sleeping in separate rooms close to the students’ quarters.
18. What are the bathroom facilities?
18A- The bathroom facilities are located in the Bunkhouse building, there are 5 showers and 5 bathrooms, all with running water and American style toilets and showers. Hot water is available.
19 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
19A – We expect a good mix between genders, however the exact numbers vary from week to week.
20- What is the ratio of guides to students?
20A- Rustic Pathways generally strives to maintain a ratio of approximately 1 guide for every 6 students. There will be 2 guides on this program. Our guides go through a rigorous selection process including interviews with our program managers and a full background check.
21-Is your staff qualified in First Aid?
21A- Because safety is our number one priority, all of our programs have staff that is certified with First Aid and CPR training. Many of our guides are also qualified Wilderness First Responders, EMTs, Wilderness EMTs, or Life Guards.
22 - How often (if at all) will students be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
22A—Students should pack reasonably for this program. Laundry will be available at the Rancho at a cost of $6 per kilo.
23 - How often will they have access to phone and internet?
23A-Students will have scheduled access to internet at the rancho. There is WIFI service in the Rancho, but computer access and time will be restricted during certain hours. Phones are not available at the Rancho, but students will be able to call home during their visit to the town of La Fortuna. They will be able to purchase international phone cards in Costa Rica from the guides or at local convenience stores which they can use to call home from the public phones in town.
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