COSTA RICA SCAVENGER HUNT
Day 01 (Tuesday)
Depart the USA en route to San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon arrival your Rustic Pathways Staff will greet you at the airport. From here you will go to the hostel rented out by Rustic Pathways where you will spend the first night meeting new friends and mingling about with students preparing for our many enriching programs. Good luck and enjoy your stay in beautiful Costa Rica!

Day 02 (Wednesday)
Wake up for an early breakfast at the hotel before heading by bus toward the small Costa Rican village where you will spend the next couple days meeting local leaders and community organizations to learn about the needs of their village. Your time in the community will also give you a glimpse of rural Costa Rican life.  You will also break into two small groups for your first “team” competition.  This challenge will help you get to know the culture even better as you work together to make the perfect Costa Rican breakfast.  Local women will instruct you on the art of cooking the famous “Gallo pinto” and shaping the perfectly round corn tortillas by hand.  The team that whips up the best breakfast, as judged by the local women, will win the first challenge and get out of dishwashing duty after the meal!

Day 03 (Thursday)
This morning after breakfast, the group will head to Arenal Volcano and continue the race to raise funds for your service project.   During the scenic bus ride north, you will also receive a list of items that you must find or photograph throughout the program.  The team that successfully gathers the most items will receive a special bonus at the end of the journey.   Once you arrive, enjoy lunch at your hotel and spend the afternoon receiving an introduction to the area and strolling through the town of La Fortuna, at the base of Arenal Volcano.

Day 04 (Friday)
This morning after breakfast, get ready for a team challenge that will take you on a hike to the top of an ancient volcano. You will navigate rainforest, unique rock formations and mountain streams along the way.  If your entire group reaches the top, you will be rewarded with additional funds for your service project.  Remember to keep your cameras with you as there may be opportunities to grab photos and items off the scavenger list that will help you earn more points.   In the evening, relax all those hard worked muscles at the EcoTermales Hot Springs.   These naturally hot pools provide a soothing end to a wonderful day.

Day 05-07 (Saturday-Monday)
You will continue to spend your next days working on both team competitions and group challenges that will allow you to gain additional funds for your project.  You might take a short trip to Lake Arenal to embark on a kayaking challenge that will lead to one team’s victory or receive “baile folklorico” classes that will teach you traditional dance moves that your group will have to work together to remember.  There may also be a boat tour through a wildlife refuge that will give you the opportunity to take photos you will need from your list.  The days will be filled with adventure, surprises and challenges that will bring the group together and allow you to enjoy all that the Arenal region has to offer. 

Day 08 (Tuesday)
Today we will awake early to catch our bus towards our next adventure. Along the way, we will make a bungee jumping stop, where you will have the opportunity to jump off the tallest bungee bridge in the Americas. If you are up to the challenge, strap up for an amazing ride as we leap 285 feet through the air for the experience of a lifetime!!!** After a taste of true adrenaline pumping adventure, we will continue our journey.
**Bungee Jumping is optional and costs extra (approximately $65).

Day 09-10 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Wake up early and prepare for a white water rafting trip on the Pacuare River.  You will have to paddle hard and maintain your calm as you battle the class III and IV rapids of the river.  In the evening, you will camp out in permanent tents placed on platforms next to rainforest and the soothing sound of the water.  In the morning, continue your journey until you reach your final destination where buses will be waiting to whisk you to your next location. During your ride towards the Caribbean, you will be able to celebrate the money that your entire group collectively won by mastering the rapids of the Pacuare!

Day 11-12 (Friday-Saturday)
Bienvenido al Caribe—Welcome to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica where white sand beaches, turquoise waters and reggae beats create the perfect atmosphere to relax after your white water rafting adventure.  Besides hanging out on the beach, you will also have several team challenges to complete during your days in this tropical paradise.  Beach relay races, sand castle competitions and some surprise challenges will give you the opportunity to earn some extra funding for your group’s service project. 

Day 13 (Sunday)
After one last dip in the turquoise waters and a delicious Caribbean style lunch, it’s time to say goodbye to the palm fringed beaches and start heading to back towards village for a fun reunion with the community. 

Day 14-15 (Monday-Tuesday)
All of your efforts of the past two weeks come to fruition as you present the community with the money that you have earned from the challenges.  You will spend the last two days working with the village on these projects, before saying good bye knowing that the community will work together to complete a project that you helped make possible.  On Tuesday evening you will return to San Jose for a final dinner, and your last night in Costa Rica.  

Day 16 (Wednesday)
Wake up bright and early to go to the airport.........or travel on to one of Rustic Pathways other amazing adventures!

*** PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary above is not set in stone and may be changed by the staff running this program as they see fit. It is designed to give you a good idea of the day to day schedule and activities that the students will be participating in.***

Packing List
In addition to the general Costa Rica packing list available at http://www.rusticpathways.com/2009/packing_lists/Costa_Rica.html  all students should review the following information specific to the Nicoya Turtle Expedition program:

• Extra Sunblock since you will be in the sun a lot!
• Please bring a flashlight with filtered light bulbs (red or green filtered).  Traditional flashlights will disturb the turtles when they are nesting at night.
• Pack light since you will be moving around a fair amount between Camaronal, Samara, and Ostional.
• Sheets and sleeping sacks will be provided when you camp in Camaronal, but you may want to bring an extra, light weight sleeping pad for additional comfort
• You may enjoy having a frisbee for use while on the beach.

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 Nicaragua are also escorted by a Rustic Pathways guide.  Flight from Costa Rica to Peru and Mexico will not be escorted.

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- 5A – During the Costa Rica Scavenger Hunt, students will pass through all 7 of Costa Rica’s provinces including San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, Limon, Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces. 

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 night students will have a final group dinner and stay the night in Heredia at the 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 6 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 can practice Spanish with their guides as well as local tour guides.  They will also have time to practice Spanish in the local community where they will identify a service project.
 
10- What service projects will I work on and how are the projects identified?
10A-. Students will work with the community leaders to identify a project in need of support.  They will then participate in activities and challenges to “earn” the money to donate to the project. 
 
11 – How physically strenuous is this program?
11A- The Costa Rica Scavenger Hunt is appropriate for students of most physical activity levels. Students should be prepared for hikes and adventure activities that may require moderate physical activity.   

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:

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 hotels during their travels. The hotels are carefully chosen according and are clean, comfortable and safe.  Students will also have one night camping along the river. 

18.  What are the bathroom facilities?
18A- All accommodations have bathroom facilities with running water, American style toilets and showers.  The bathrooms at the river camp are more rustic.

19 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
19A – We expect a good mix of boys and girls  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 at the end of the first week for a cost of approximately $6-$10 a load.    Those that will be connecting to another program will have access to another laundry service in San Jose at the end of their program for a cost of approximately $10-$15.        

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. 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.