Heart of the Jungle

HEART OF THE JUNGLE
ITINERARY

Day 1 (Tuesday) Depart United States for San Jose, Costa Rica
Upon arrival at the San Jose airport you will be greeted by your Rustic Pathways staff. From here you will head over to the Rustic Pathways base where you will meet the other students on your trip and spend your first night. Have fun and enjoy your stay in beautiful Costa Rica!

Day 2 (Wednesday) Heading South to Dominical
After a light breakfast, student will meet with their group and head south to the town of Dominical where they will spend the next day sampling the community service and adventure activities of the area. On your way to Dominical stop in Jaco for a hearty lunch and a zip lining adventure through the jungle canopy.  Check into the hotel and spend the evening playing team building games and getting to know your group. 

Day 3-4 (Thursday -Friday) English with los niños
Over the next couple days you will be working with a local elementary school located in a rural town outside of Dominical. You will focus your service work on teaching English to the children of the school using a curriculum organized by both Rustic Pathways and the school. Your native English skills will enhance the quality of the English instruction and motivate the children to continue improving their language skills (subject to school vacation and closings). In the afternoon you will have the chance to do some fun activities like horseback riding or surfing lessons on the beautiful Pacific Ocean. In the evening, return for a delicious dinner at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening making new friends.

Day 5 (Saturday) Extreme Adventure
Wake up bright and early and prepare for your first adrenaline filled day in the south of Costa Rica. After a hearty Costa Rican breakfast, get geared up to head towards the jungle where you will spend the day hiking through beautiful trails and canyons to a series of impressive waterfalls. Next, professional guides will instruct you on the sport of rappelling, instructing you on important safety measures and preparing you to rappel down the side of the falls. After a mission accomplished, spend the afternoon lazing by the natural pools and awing at the height and magnitude of the waterfalls that you have mastered, and then join other students for a fun soccer game. 

Day 6-7(Sunday-Monday) Kayak Expedition 
Wake up early and enjoy a typical breakfast before embarking on a two-day sea kayak expedition through the Golfo Dulce in the Osa Peninsula. You will spend the days paddling through the calm waters, admiring the beautiful green landscape, fishing for  lunch and stopping at various landmarks along the way. At night, you will camp out on the beach and enjoy dinner next to a bonfire as you exchange stories of the day’s adventures.

Day 8 (Tuesday) Service in Puerto Jimenez
Spend the day working alongside volunteers from the “Yaguara” Jaguar Conservatory.  Work could consist of cleaning cages, working with animal rehabilitation, or helping improve the facilities.  (Students will not have contact with Jaguar). 
Day 9 (Wednesday)
After a day of service, take a breather and participate in some fun activities.  After breakfast take part in an optional tour or a chocolate factory or relax on the beach.  In the afternoon hang out on the beach or take part in a game of beach volleyball. 

Day 10-11 (Thursday-Friday) The Adventure Continues
Awaken each day to the grunts of howler monkeys and the calls of scarlet macaws, and enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruits and typical Costa Rican dishes before embarking on the day’s activities. You will work on beach cleanup efforts that will ensure that this pristine environment is protected for generations to come. You will also take guided hikes through the Corcovado National Park which will give you the opportunity to check out this remote and untouched home to tropical wildlife. In the afternoons, play games of sand volleyball or relax in a hammock on the beach. Enjoy the peace, tranquility and refreshing vibe of your group’s escape into the wilderness. 

Day 12 (Saturday) (Optional) Surfing
This morning after breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags and continue on with your journey into the Osa Peninsula. The group will head back to Uvita, a relax beach town popular amongst service.

Day 13 (Sunday) Cano Island Boat Tour (Optional) & Tree Climbing (Optional)
Spend the day taking advantage of some optional activities.  With its turquoise blue waters and colorful coral reefs Cano Island, located just off the coast of the Osa Peninsula, is one of the best Costa Rica snorkeling and scuba diving destinations.  Join this magical boat tour to Cano Island and explore with detail the mysteries of the underwater world and the Cano Island archeological wonders.  Then head back to the mainland where you have the option to climb a 100 foot strangler fig tree and rappel down its branches into the jungle. Then, the guides will lead an expedition into the primary forest to teach about medicinal plants and other natural remedies hidden in the rainforest. After a day of exhilarating adventures, you will be happy to spend the afternoon relaxing on a scenic bus ride north towards the town of Dominical. After a four hours drive, you will enjoy an authentic Tico dinner and another fun night hanging out with friends.  If you choose to participate in these activities you can spend the day relaxing on the beaches of the Pacific coast and explore Bahia Ballena National Park.

Day 14 (Monday) Get Ready for Rafting
Today is a day packed with adrenaline and excitement as you prepare to experience the beauty and exhilaration of whitewater rafting on the Savegre river. The Savegre is considered one of the most beautiful rivers to raft in the central Pacific due to the lush greenery, the narrow canyons and above all, the exciting class III and IV rapids. After a full day on the river return for a delicious dinner at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 15 (Tuesday). Rise early and get ready for your return to San Jose.  Stop on the way for some souvenier shopping and an optional bungee jump off a 265ft high bridge.  This bungee will be last challenge in Costa Rica, and a final bonding experience with your group.   Arrive in San Jose in the evening y for a final dinner, and your last night in Costa Rica.  

Day 16 (Wednesday) Homeward bound or off to new adventures
If you are heading home, you must say your last goodbyes and head off to the airport bright and early in the morning. If you are heading off on another Rustic Pathways adventure in Costa Rica, you will connect to your new program and get ready for your next adventure!

Heart of the Jungle Program Specific Packing List
In addition to the general Costa Rica packing list available at http://www.rusticpathways.com/packing_lists/Costa_Rica.php all students should review the following information specific to the Heart of the Jungle Program:

PLEASE DO NOT OVER PACK!
We highly recommend packing light and fitting everything into ONE (and only one!) MEDIUM size duffle bag or a backpack. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT use wheeled bags because of the rustic and remote places you will be visiting.
• A raincoat is MANDATORY!
• Quick dry clothes are very useful since it can be very muddy and rainy and you will be outdoors quite a bit.
• Bring a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy/dirty during service work and hikes.
• Bring Strap On Sandals (Teva or Chaco) that will not fall off your feet in water (rivers, etc.) - these will be good for whitewater rafting and hiking in some locations
• Bring a Rash Guard for the surfing
• Flash Light or Head Lamp
• Kayaking gloves
• Extra sun block
• Hat for Kayaking (if covers your neck is better!)
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT YOUR LUGGAGE
1. Please try your best to pack light and fit everything into one MEDIUM size duffle bag or a backpack. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT use wheeled bags.
2. Do not forget to bring a small backpack that you can use to fit your daily gear would make a great carry on.
3. Make sure everything you pack in your carry-on complies with the new carry on regulations of the TSA http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

HEART OF THE JUNGLE
FAQs

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, Panama and 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 Heart of the Jungle program, students will spend the majority of time in the Puntarenas province.  They will spend their first and last night in country at a hotel located in Alajuela, close to the airport.  

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 arrive and stay that night in Alajuela in a base hotel. Wednesday morning students will meet with their new group and guides at the same hotel where they stayed and go off on their new program.

7 – How long is the drive from San Jose to this program?
7A—Students will be traveling through a variety of different locations.  Bus rides will vary between a one hour drive to a 5 hour drive. 

8 – What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?
8A— Students will visit a variety of different locations but most of the time, students should be prepared for hot, humid weather in the 80’s and 90’s during the day with a daily afternoon rain shower.  

9 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Spanish?
9A— Students will work with local Spanish speaking communities, however the focus of the program is adventure and service in an incredibly beautiful location.  The possibility of practicing conversational Spanish will exist during community service activities.  Local children are especially eager to speak Spanish with Rustic Pathways students.   

10- What service projects will I work on and how are the projects identified?
10A-. Rustic Pathways works with local community leaders to identify and prioritize the needs of each community. Students will work on small scale construction projects that will help improve community and school infrastructure. Students will also facilitate educational and cultural projects with local children. During the first two weeks of July, Costa Rican school children are on vacation, so students should expect to work with students in more informal environments.
  
11 – How physically strenuous is this program?
11A- Students on the Heart of the Jungle program should be in good physical condition and should be prepared for outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking that involve moderate levels of physical activity.   

12- What costs are not included on this trip? 
12A-. Students should have extra allowance money if they wish to buy souvenirs or additional snacks or sodas from the local grocery stores. Students should bring extra money if they choose to participate in optional activities that are not included in the trip costs. 

13 – What are the optional activities available at an additional cost on this program?
13A-Optional activities are:
Surf Lessons: $40
Tree Climbing: $45
Cano Island boat tour and Snorkeling: $90
Chocolate Farm Tour: $35
Bungee Jump (First Jump)--$70
Bungee Jump (Second Jump)--$35

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.  Optional activities may also be canceled.  

14 - What kind of food will we be eating? Where?
14A— Students will be eating at local restaurants as they travel throughout Costa Rica.  The food will vary between traditional Costa Rican food and occasional American and international selections.  

15 - Can we cater to specific diets?
15A-Rustic Pathways can cater to most dietary needs on this program. Vegetarian 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—Costa Rica water is generally potable, so students should feel comfortable drinking tap water unless otherwise advised.  They can also purchase bottles of water in the local grocery stores.   

17 - What will the accommodation on this trip be like? 
17A— Students will be staying in eco-friendly lodges during their travels. The lodges are carefully chosen according and are clean, comfortable and safe.  Students will also have two nights of more rustic accommodations when they camp in tents on the beach during their kayak expedition.    

18.  What are the bathroom facilities?
18A- Lodges all have bathroom facilities with running water, American style toilets and showers.  Bathroom facilities will be more rustic when camping. 

19 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
19A – There are typically more girls than boys 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 5 students. 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 may be available once and the cost is $10-$15 depending on the amount of clothes.   
   
23 - How often will they have access to phone and internet?
23A-Students will have limited access to internet during their program when they visit towns with internet cafes. When in Puerto Jimenez, they will be able to purchase international phone cards in Costa Rica from the guides or at local convenience stores which can be used to call home from the public phones.  It is important to note that they will also be spending time in some more remote areas, where there will not be public phone or internet access.  All of our guides have cell phones for emergency purposes