Costa Rica
- What kind of wildlife will we see in Costa Rica?
- What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
- Do I have to get to San Jose, Costa Rica on my own?
- What is the hiking like?
- Will we have chances to speak to the locals and practice our Spanish?
- Where do we sleep?
- Do we really need a fleece jacket in Costa Rica?
- Do I need a passport?
- Do I need a visa?
- What is the best part of this trip?
What kind of wildlife will we see in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica there is an enormous diversity of animals. While we are hiking in the rainforest we will see monkeys playing in the canopy, scarlet macaws squawking as we hike by, and iguanas scurrying up a branch. Many groups see sloths and tapirs. On the coast we may see schools of tropical fish, giant turtles, and dolphins playing. Costa Rica is known for its abundant wildlife and wild lands. On this trip we will experience the very best of it.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, the weather is a lot like Florida in the summer time. During the day it can be hot, sunny and humid. Late afternoons often bring showers, which will cool us off. You will often go to bed with only a simple cover as it is warm enough to sleep without your sleeping bag. When we ascend into the cloud forest the temperature becomes a little cooler (like in the 50’s at night) and you will want to crawl into your sleeping bag to stay snug.
Do I have to get to San Jose, Costa Rica on my own?
No. We offer an optional escorted flight that leaves from Miami, Florida that flies to San Jose. The trip officially begins in San Jose, but every year about 90% of students choose to take the optional escorted flight. This option is available from San Jose back to Miami as well. If you choose to meet the group in San Jose on the first day, you will be met at the airport by one of your leaders.
What is the hiking like?
As with most ARCC trips, on this adventure we assume that students have little or no backpacking experience. Therefore, we always give a backpacking orientation and we begin our hiking sections with a short day (often a couple of miles). In Corcovado National Park, we are hiking through the jungle and along the beach. Our longest day is about 12 miles, along flat terrain. In Savegre, the terrain is a little more up and down, and our longest day in is about 10 miles. On average, we hike about 6 miles a day, and have layover days built into each backpacking section. Our pace is leisurely, with plenty of time for snack breaks and wildlife viewing. The backpacking sections allow the group access to parts of Costa Rica not often seen by tourists, and also allow the students to form tight bonds with each other. Although the backpacking can be challenging, it is also huge trip highlight.
Will we have chances to speak to the locals and practice our Spanish?
Yes. Whether we are in a town or in the backcountry there is ample exposure to practice your Spanish. In San Jose and Savegre, we visit some local shops and get a chance to speak the language. In the backcountry, our local guides are native Costa Ricans and are happy to help you practice your Spanish. In addition, your ARCC leaders will speak Spanish.
Where do we sleep?
During this adventure we sleep in a variety of accommodations: guesthouses, small simple hotels, camping in tents, and in the homes of Costa Rican families. When staying with Costa Rican families, we all stay together with the same family. The group does not split up into individual “homestays”.
Do we really need a fleece jacket in Costa Rica?
Yes. At night, when the sea breezes start blowing in, it can get a little chilly. Also, when we climb into the upper-elevation rainforest of Savegre it can cool off quite a bit. A fleece jacket is the perfect way to ward off the chill at night.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. ARCC requires that all students traveling to Costa Rica have a valid passport. Passport applications are available at the post office. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as you enroll in this adventure. It normally takes six weeks to process a passport application.
Do I need a visa?
No. Costa Rica does not require visas for American citizens who are staying less than one month
What is the best part of this trip?
Many students cite the chance to meet local people as the best part of the trip. Others say the overwhelming natural beauty! Students love hiking along the beach in Corcovado National Park, riding a zip line through the rainforest, playing in waterfalls and seeing an abundance of wildlife. However, it is the lifelong friendships you make on an ARCC trip that ultimately can be the best part of any ARCC adventure.