Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the age range for this tour?

  This adventure tour is designed for travelers between 18 and 39 years old.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  Accommodation will vary and includes simple hotels (3 nights), hostels (9 nights, often multi-share with 4-6 group members), and a local homestay (1 night). Most accommodations will have shared bathroom facilities.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Only 1 breakfast and 1 dinner are included. Meals are generally not included to provide flexibility in choosing where and what to eat, though our groups often dine together. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) can recommend local restaurants.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The group size can range from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 18 participants.

• What kind of activities are available on this tour?

  The tour offers a wide range of activities including exploring volcanoes and cloud forests, relaxing on white-sand beaches, and visiting wildlife reserves. Optional activities include ziplining, waterfall rappelling, surfing lessons, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, wildlife refuge tours, hot springs visits, and coffee plantation tours.

• What transportation methods are used during the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities will involve local buses, boats, taxis, private vehicles, and walking.

• Do I need to carry an emergency fund?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations. It's advisable to carry a personal first aid kit and antibacterial wipes, as the tour may visit remote areas away from medical facilities. Tour leaders are not permitted to administer medication. A medical questionnaire is required for pre-existing conditions.

• How should I manage my money during the trip?

  Credit and debit cards are useful for cash advances, with Visa being widely accepted. However, do not rely solely on cards as their functionality is not guaranteed in Latin America. A combination of US dollar cash (preferably denominations lower than $100 and in good condition), traveler's cheques, and cards is recommended.

• Is tipping customary in Costa Rica and for the tour staff?

  Yes, tipping service providers like waiters (around 10%), local guides, and drivers ($5-10 USD per day) is customary. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is also appreciated, with a guideline of $5-7 USD per person, per day.

• Are there any specific entry requirements for Costa Rica besides a passport and visa?

  Yes, Costa Rica requires proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.) to enter the country. If you are traveling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your entire itinerary and a departure ticket from your final destination.

• What kind of support does a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) provide?

  The CEO's role is to enhance your travel experience by providing information on the places you are visiting, offering suggestions for things to do and see, recommending local eating venues, and facilitating interactions with local communities. They have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. Local guides are also utilized for more specific expertise.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2. This means an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  Accommodation on this tour will be varied, including stays in simple hotels, multi-share hostels (where you might share a room with 4-6 other group members, and rooming requests cannot be taken), and a local homestay for one night. The majority of accommodations will have shared bathroom facilities.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour price includes 1 breakfast and 1 dinner. Other meals are generally not included, offering you flexibility to choose your dining options.

• What kind of activities and experiences are included in the tour?

  The tour includes unique cultural experiences such as a homestay in the local community of Coope San Juan and the Life Monteverde Experience. You'll also have ample beach time in Puerto Viejo and Santa Teresa, and free time in La Fortuna and Monteverde to discover Costa Rica's diverse landscapes, including volcanoes, cloud forests, and wildlife reserves. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is covered.

• Are there many optional activities available, and what are some examples?

  Yes, there is a wide range of optional activities available for an additional cost, allowing you to customize your adventure. Popular examples include ziplining through the cloud forest, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, coffee plantation tours, surfing lessons on the Pacific breaks, snorkeling, and relaxing in hot springs like Baldi or Ecotermales.

• What is the typical group size and travel style for this tour?

  This tour is designed for 18-to-Thirtysomethings with a maximum group size of 18 people. It offers a flexible adventure style, blending organized travel with opportunities for personal exploration and choice of activities.

• Will there be a tour leader with our group?

  Yes, a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany the group throughout the entire trip. Their role is to manage the tour logistics, provide information on places, offer suggestions for activities and local dining, and help foster a great group dynamic.

• What is the physical rating of this tour, and what does it entail?

  The tour has a physical rating of 2. This indicates that an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers should be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and comfortably carry their own luggage.

• What currency should I bring for spending money, and is tipping customary in Costa Rica?

  A combination of US Dollar cash, credit cards, and debit cards is recommended for spending money, as reliance solely on cards may be challenging in some areas. Tipping is customary in Latin America; a guideline of approximately 10% for service providers like waiters, $5-10 USD per day for local guides/drivers, and $5-7 USD per person per day for your CEO is suggested.

• How will we travel between destinations on this tour?

  Travel between destinations and to/from included activities will involve a mix of local bus, boat, taxi, private vehicle, and walking, providing a varied and authentic experience of local transport.

• Are there any specific entry requirements for Costa Rica?

  Yes, Costa Rica requires proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.) to enter the country. If you are travelling through multiple Central American countries, you will need to show proof of your full itinerary and a departure ticket from your final destination.

• What are the general weather conditions I should be prepared for?

  During Costa Rica's winter season (June-November), be prepared for rain and potentially lower temperatures, especially when visiting the central valley region.

• Is an emergency fund recommended for this trip?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, for unexpected circumstances such as natural disasters that might require changes to the planned route. This is a rare occurrence.