FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-Latin America
NICOYA TURTLE EXPEDITION
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 Nicoya Turtle Expedition program, students will spend the majority of time in the Guanacaste province. They will spend their first and last night in country at a hotel located in Heredia, 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—The bus ride from San Jose to Ostional beach is approximately 4-5 hours depending on road and weather conditions.
8 – What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?
8A—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 environmental work and conservation of the sea turtles. Students will have some opportunity to practice Spanish with the local park rangers and with the children at the school in Ostional (subject to school vacations and closings).
10- What service projects will I work on and how are the projects identified?
10A-. Rustic Pathways works with the national parks and community organizations to identify meaningful service projects that will aid in the conservation efforts of the turtles. Students will participate in beach clean ups and nightly turtle patrols and will also work in hatcheries to provide a safe space for baby turtles. Students may also facilitate educational and cultural projects with local children in the town of Ostional in an effort to promote environmental education. 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- The Nicoya Turtle Expedition is appropriate for students of most physical activity levels. Students should be prepared for some manual labor and rustic conditions at point throughout the program.
12- What costs are not included on this trip?
12A- The majority of costs associated with the program are included on this trip. 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:
- Sea kayaking in Samara: $40 (approximate)
- Zipline trip: $70
- Yoga classes:$30 (approximate)
- Surfing Lessons: $35
- Horseback riding $ 45
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 meals prepared by local catering groups and at restaurants in the area. 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 - During their time in Ostional, students will be staying in Cabins where conditions will be somewhat similar to a hotel with a more rustic touch. While they are in Samara, students will stay at a comfortable hotel. Each room of four students will have its own bathroom, running water, modern toilets and showers. In Carrillo students will be staying at the Carrillo Club hotel where conditions are similar to the hotel in Samara.
18. What are the bathroom facilities?
18A- Hotels all have bathroom facilities with running water, American style toilets and showers.
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 is available once in Samara 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 Samara, where they can go to internet cafes. 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
Turtle Time
Nicoya Surf Vibe
A Special Note for Turtle Students: