Pre-Departure Information

COSTA RICA PRIVATE JOURNEY Table of Contents

TRAVEL INFORMATION Passport Visas Money Tipping Departure Tax Special Diets Communications Electricity

MEDICAL INFORMATION Inoculations Malaria Prevention Staying Healthy Bot Fly Bites

HELPFUL INFORMATION Photography Being a Considerate Traveler Explore on Your Own

PACKING LIST The Essentials WT Gear Store Luggage Weight Limits Notes on Clothing Clothing Equipment Personal First Aid Supplies Optional Items

READING LIST Essential Reading Also Recommended Reminders Before You Go

WELCOME!

We’re delighted to welcome you on this adventure! This booklet is designed to guide you in the practical details for preparing for your trip. As you read, if any questions come to mind, feel free to give us a call or send us an email—we’re here to help.

PLEASE SEND US

Trip Application: Complete, sign, and return your Trip Application form as soon as possible if you have not already done so. Medical Form: Complete, sign, and return your Medical Form as soon as possible if you have not already done so. Air Schedule: Please forward a copy of your email confirmation, which shows your exact flight arrival and departure times. Refer to the Arrival & Departure section of the Detailed Itinerary for instructions. Please feel free to review your proposed schedule with Wilderness Travel before purchasing your tickets if you have any questions about the timing of your arrival and departure flights or would like to confirm we have the required minimum number of participants to operate the trip. Vaccination Card: Please send us a photo or scanned copy of your completed Covid-19 Vaccination Card if you have not already done so. Just the front side of the card is sufficient.

PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW

Travel Documents & Medical Information: Carefully review the Travel Documents and Medical Information sections of this booklet to familiarize yourself with Passport and Visa entry requirements for your destination, as well as any recommended inoculations. Optional Travel Insurance: Review the Trip Cancellation & Transfer Fee Schedule included in the Detailed Itinerary. We recommend that all trip members purchase Travel Insurance. Final Documents: Approximately three weeks before your trip, we will send you final departure documents, including hotel and local contact information and rendezvous instructions.

QUESTIONS?

Call: 1-800-368-2794, go to our website (www.wildernesstravel.com) or e-mail us at: [email protected]. Travel Information

PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from . In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say “Visas” at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say “Amendments and Endorsements,” and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. The service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016. You can request a new passport through US Passport Services Office (http://travel.state.gov/passport) or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend Passport Visas Express (http://www.passportvisasexpress.com/?affId=2120). Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip.

It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport’s photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.

VISAS

US citizens do not need a visa for Costa Rica. On arrival, your valid US passport gives you a free visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.

MONEY

The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). We suggest you bring your funds in US cash. Bring new, post-2000 US bills because faded, ripped, or older bills may not be accepted. Small denominations ($20s) are easier to cash. It is not necessary to have colones for this trip, however, you can change money on arrival at the airport if need be. Some people find that they can use US dollars for small purchases, without the need for colones. Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are accepted in many places. Traveler's checks are not recommended as they can be difficult and time-consuming to cash.

You will need to budget spending money for gratuities, for any meals listed as “on your own” in the trip itinerary, for international and domestic airport departure taxes, and for personal items such as beverages.

We recommend you bring approximately $400 in cash in small bills and one or two major credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) for shopping and lodge extras. To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad. You are not allowed to bring Costa Rican colones out of the country, so be sure to exchange any remaining colones before clearing customs when you leave. TIPPING

Tipping is discretionary but customary. The following are recommended tipping guidelines: Restaurants in Costa Rica are required by law to add 15% tax and 10% tip to the bill. As a general rule, Costa Ricans do not tip; Taxi drivers are not usually tipped unless extra service is provided; Bellboys are often tipped a minimum of $1-2 per bag at check-in and check-out. For chambermaids, consider $1 per night; Transfer Guides and Service Guides, are $3 per person per day. Naturalist Guides: $10 per person per day; River Guides are $5 per person per day; Drivers are $5 per person per day. These tips tend to be a bit higher for a very small group.

DEPARTURE TAX

The departure tax is included in your international air ticket.

SPECIAL DIETS

We will do our best to accommodate special dietary needs, however, please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or limitations due to logistics can make it extremely difficult and at times impossible to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a restricted diet. It is important to bring a flexible attitude and supplemental snacks.

COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone The international dialing code for Costa Rica is 506. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.

Email & Internet Access Internet access is available at all of our lodges.

ELECTRICITY

Costa Rica has 110-volt current, the same as the US plugs have two flat blades or three rectangular pins. It’s a good idea to bring a plug adapter kit for appliance use. Medical Information

The following recommendations should be used as a guideline only; consult your physician for medical advice. It is vital that you let Wilderness Travel know of any medical problems, allergies, or physical limitations you may have. Please fill out and return the personal medical questionnaire, and feel free to consult us if you have any questions about your ability to undertake this particular trip.

Wilderness Travel is not a medical facility and has no expertise or responsibility regarding what medications or inoculations you and your physician decide are necessary for your safe participation in the trip.

Traveler's health information is available from the Centers for Disease Control. (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm) Medical travel products are available from Travel Health Medicine (http://www.travmed.com) and from Magellan's Travel Supplies. (http://www.magellans.com)

INOCULATIONS

Entry requirements are subject to change; check with the Centers for Disease Control for updates. All shots should be entered on your International Health Card (yellow card), which is provided by the facility giving the shots. Keep it with your passport while traveling. This provides an important personal record for you to refer to when making future travel plans. We recommend you discuss the following with your physician:

Yellow Fever This is the only vaccination currently subject to international health regulations. There is no risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica. The vaccination is required only if you are coming from “endemic yellow fever zone” countries of Latin America, such as Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia before your trip.

Polio People who have received the primary series of at least three doses of polio vaccine are considered fully immunized. People who are unsure of their status should receive the vaccine (three doses spaced at intervals).

Hepatitis The vaccines HAVRIX and VAQTA (two injections, six to 18 months apart) give long-term protection against Hepatitis A and are worthwhile if you travel regularly to developing countries.

Tetanus Booster A booster is strongly recommended (effective for 10 years).

Typhoid The CDC recommends the shot or the oral vaccine, Vivotif Berna, a course of four capsules, one every other day for a week, with full effectiveness reached in a week. You may not be able to take the oral vaccine simultaneously with mefloquine (for malaria prevention). MALARIA PREVENTION

Malaria is present in Costa Rica, but not prevalent in the areas we visit on this trip. It is a serious but preventable disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. We recommend that you discuss malaria and the available antimalarial medications with your doctor. The most important precaution is to wear long sleeves and long pants at dusk. Thin clothing should be sprayed with repellent, especially around the elbows and ankles, using repellent containing DEET.

If, after returning from your trip, you have a persistent fever with chills, muscle aches, and headache, report to your doctor the possibility of exposure to malaria. For full malaria information, consult your doctor or the CDC Malaria Hotline(http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm): 888-232-3228.

Dengue fever is present in both cities and rural areas in Central and South America. Consult your doctor for full information. During your trip, apply repellant with 30% DEET during the daytime.

STAYING HEALTHY

The water is generally safe to drink (a good rule of thumb is in the highlands, the water is safe; if you’re on the coast, ask if the hotel has filtered water and if not, stick to bottled). You can feel safe trying new foods too. Food served in a restaurant or market can be trusted to be clean and cooked, keeping up, of course, the same judgment you would use eating in your own country.

BOT FLY BITES

Bot flies bites are a rare occurrence for travelers in the Central American tropics and rarely cause serious health problems but we want you to be aware of the possibility, especially if you are staying in a rainforest. If you have been in the deep jungle and have a mosquito bite that seems extremely itchy, is swollen or raised, or looks like a bite, ask your local guide or Trip Leader how to treat the problem. If you have already returned home, see your doctor and be sure to tell him or her that you have been in a tropical jungle. In general, judicious use of mosquito repellent with DEET is the best way to avoid bites. Helpful Information

PHOTOGRAPHY

Camera Recommendations With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. Camera equipment is available for rent from Borrow Lenses (https://www.borrowlenses.com/discount/wildernesstravel), with a 10% discount offered to Wilderness Travel clients. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip.

Camera Accessories We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don’t forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.

Sharing Your Images We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to [email protected] or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.

Photography Etiquette When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader’s guidelines for what is appropriate.

BEING A CONSIDERATE TRAVELER

Please show respect for the cultures we are visiting by observing local customs concerning appropriate dress, particularly in sacred places. Your Trip Leader is always available to answer any questions that you may have regarding this. If it is necessary to use a cell phone during the trip, please do so privately. Smoking is rarely an issue these days, but if you do smoke, please do so only away from the group. EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN

We offer the following suggestions for dining out in San José:

Tin Jo You can eat in the Japan, India, China, or Thailand room at this wide-ranging Asian restaurant. Tin Jo stands apart from the two other Chinese restaurants on this block with exceptional food and whimsical decorations that add color to this former residence. Treats include kaeng (Thai shrimp and pineapple curry in coconut milk), mu shu (a beef, chicken, or veggie stir- fry with crepes), samosas (stuffed Indian pastries), and sushi rolls. The vegetarian menu is extensive. C. 11, between Avdas. 6 and 8, San José, Costa Rica. Phone: (+506) 2257-3622.

Le Monastere Restaurant & Bar This former monastery turned formal restaurant high in the San Rafael hills has a view of the Central Valley. The Belgian owner prepares classic French dishes and some original Costa Rican items. La Cava, the bar beneath the dining room, has live music Monday through Saturday. Closed Sun. No lunch. San Rafael de Escazu; take old road to Santa Ana, turn left at the Paco Shopping Center, and follow signs, Escazu, Costa Rica. Phone: (+506) 2228-8515

Cafe Mundo This fine eatery serves meals on the porch, on a garden patio, or in two dining rooms. Along with soup of the day and fresh bread, choices include penne in a shrimp and vegetable cream sauce and lomito en salsa de vino tinto (tenderloin in red- wine sauce). The chocolate cake is the best in town. Closed Sundays, Easter time, and the last week in December. C. 15 and Avda. 9, Barrio Otoya, San José, Costa Rica. Phone: (+506) 2222-6190.

La Cocina de Lena Traditional Costa Rican dishes featured here are black-bean soup, ceviche, tamales, oxtail with cassava, and plantains. There is live marimba music several nights a week during high season. It is one of the few places that doesn't close during Holy Week. Centro Comercial El Pueblo, San José, Costa Rica. Phone: (+506) 223-3704.

Restaurante Cerutti In a century-old adobe house, Cerutti’s menu has fine Italian-style cuisine with such dishes as octopus and asparagus in pesto, ravioli with mushrooms in a truffle sauce, and rack of lamb roasted with vegetables. Closed Tues. Cruce San Rafael de Escazú, Escazú, Costa Rica. Phone: (+506) 228-4511. Packing List

THE ESSENTIALS

Air tickets (or E-tickets) Passport One other picture ID, such as a driver's license Expense money

WT GEAR STORE

To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (http://wildernesstravel.newheadings.com).

LUGGAGE

Soft-sided roller bag with a small padlock (must be unlocked for travel) Daypack, large enough for a light fleece jacket, rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want with you during the day Small carry-on bag for travel on charter flight

WEIGHT LIMITS

You need to bring two bags with you, one main piece of luggage for the trip and one carry-on bag for the essentials you need for two nights at Tortuguero on Days 7 and 8 of the trip (you might need this second bag if you are doing the Corcovado Extension as well). You will have all your luggage with you until Day 7. The small charter planes to Tortuguero have limited cargo space. The weight limit on the charter flight is 30 lbs. per person (both luggage and carry-on. It is 35 lbs per person for the Corcovado Extension). Your main bag will be returned and stored at your hotel in San Jose by the driver.

NOTES ON CLOTHING

The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only. During the trip, most people will wear lightweight hiking pants and a t-shirt during the day, and casual travel or hiking clothes in the evening. For city/hotel attire, we suggest skirts or slacks for women, slacks and shirts for men. No jackets are required for men. Note: There are limited opportunities to do laundry on the trip but each hotel or lodge does offer a laundry service. CLOTHING

Light rain jacket with hood Light fleece jacket or sweater for warmth Lightweight long pants; synthetic “travel” fabrics dry easily; jeans are slow drying and not recommended Walking shorts Long-sleeved shirts, quick-drying fabric T-shirts Shade hat with a wide brim Lightweight hiking boots with good traction (for muddy trails) Teva-type sandals or a spare pair of comfortable shoes in case other shoes get wet Underwear/ socks; synthetics or smart wool dry faster Bathing suit Sleepwear City/hotel attire Note: For summer trips that include the sea nesting tour, you should bring some dark clothing to wear while viewing

EQUIPMENT

Reusable water bottle for the hikes Good quality sunglasses with case. A spare pair of sunglasses is invaluable should your first pair be broken or lost. Field guides Binoculars Personal toiletries Flashlight, extra batteries

PERSONAL FIRST AID SUPPLIES

Sunscreen SPF #30 or higher. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores. Lip balm with sunscreen Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol, Tylenol PM for sleeping Topical antibiotic (such as Neosporin) for cuts, bites, or sores Insect repellent Blister kit. Look for the long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. “Liquid band-aids,” such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister. Anti-bacterial gel for hand washing Antihistamine such as Benadryl and cold remedy such as Sudafed Imodium for diarrhea. If you wish to bring an antibiotic for diarrhea prophylaxis, please consult your physician. Prescription medications properly labeled Spare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses Feminine protection (not always available for purchase) OPTIONAL ITEMS

Rain pants Camera, spare batteries, spare memory cards Reading/writing material Plug adapter kit for appliance use in hotels. Costa Rica has 110-volt current; plugs have two flat blades or three rectangular pins. Money belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse. Reading List

ESSENTIAL READING

Costa Rica, A Traveler's Literary Companion Wild Costa Rica Barbara Ras Adrian Hepworth 1994, 238 PAGES 2008, 176 PAGES These 26 well-chosen stories by Costa Rican writers This beautiful, informative survey of the habitats, wildlife introduce the people, culture and land. and protected areas of Costa Rica features 200 color photographs and chapters on natural history and conservation.

The Wildlife of Costa Rica, A Field Guide National Geographic Costa Rica Twan Leenders Christopher P. Baker 2010, 360 PAGES 2013, 272 PAGES This guide includes 450 of the most common, interesting This stylish and informative travel resource features 200 and charismatic mammals, birds, reptiles, and photographs, many maps and good information on the arthropods that you are likely to encounter. With exquisite country's history, nature and culture. full color illustrations for each.

Costa Rica Adventure Map National Geographic 2008 A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.

ALSO RECOMMENDED

Costa Rica Travel Map Costa Rica, The Complete Guide Toucan Maps James Kaiser 2015 2015, 496 PAGES Perfect for exploring Costa Rica by car or bus, this map From pristine beaches and jungle waterfalls to high- depicts all of the country's major roadways with driving altitude coffee plantations, award-winning author and distances, full indexes and insets of major cities. Double- photographer Kaiser shows readers the best of Costa Rica, sided, printed on waterproof paper and scaled at including the country's stunning collection of national 1:470,000. parks.

Culture Smart! Costa Rica Frommer's Costa Rica Jane Koutnik Eliot Greenspan 2012, 168 PAGES 2016, 640 PAGES History, religion, daily life, food, health and safety are all A comprehensive, practical guide to the region with covered in this accessible pocket guide to Costa Rican excellent recommendations for hotels, restaurants and customs, etiquette and culture. excursions. With two-color maps throughout. Lonely Planet Costa Rican Spanish Phrasebook Moon Spotlight Arenal & Monteverde Lonely Planet Christopher P. Baker 2013, 256 PAGES 2015, 100 PAGES A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and A practical guide in the Moon series, packed not only with Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos. travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history and destinations throughout Lake Arenal and Monteverde and the surrounding area.

A Brief History of Central America The Ticos Hector Perez-Brignoll Richard Biesanz 1989, 223 PAGES 1999, 307 PAGES A good overview of the region's economic, political and This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican social history through the 1980s by a professor at the people details their culture, history and society. University of Costa Rica. Well-written, informative and concise.

Costa Rica Reader: History, Culture, Politics Costa Rica, A Journey Through Nature Ivan Molina Adrian Hepworth 2004, 392 PAGES 2014, 208 PAGES A lively, literate sourcebook on the politics, economy and Dividing the book by ecosystem and geographic area, society of Costa Rica BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Hepworth's color photographs showcase the diversity of Costa Rica's wildlife and habitats.

National Parks of Costa Rica Nature of the Rainforest, Costa Rica and Beyond Gregory Basco Michael Fogden 2015, 304 PAGES 2008, 200 PAGES Moving from its giant mangroves to cloud forests, tropical Our favorite biologist-writer returns to the Neotropics in dry forest and nesting sites, this photographic this beautifully illustrated, oversized overview of the collection celebrates Costa Rica's extensive national park rainforest. With chapters on Monteverde and Guanacaste, system, which comprises 25 percent of Costa Rica's total , and snakes, birds, monkeys and , the landmass. , peculiar and . A marvelous, anecdotal introduction to ecology, evolution and conservation.

The Monkey's Bridge, Mysteries of Evolution in Tropical Nature Central America Ken Miyata David Rains Wallace 1984, 248 PAGES 2007, 280 PAGES Two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field Opening this absorbing account of the history and biologists offer a lucid portrait of the tropics through 17 biogeography of the Central American isthmus with the marvelous essays that introduce the habitats, ecology, tale of Columbus, Wallace often weaves his own travels in plants and of the Central and South American the region with a crisp overview of exploration, nature and rainforests. evolution. Natural history buffs and ecologically minded travelers will appreciate this valuable resource. Volcanoes, Crucibles of Change Where and Jaguars Once Roamed, Ever- Richard Fisher Evolving Costa Rica 1998, 344 PAGES Jack Ewing A complete primer for the volcano lover, this heavily 2015, 290 PAGES illustrated book covers types of volcanoes and eruptions, Renowned environmentalist Jack Ewing explores the worldwide distribution and the physics of their formation. natural in this conservation study, telling why the country is so unique, why he founded a national wildlife refuge and why the and still might return to the southwest coast.

Costa Rica & Costa Rican Wildlife James Kavanagh Pocket Naturalist 2007 2013 A handy, laminated fold-up card with color illustrations of This handy, fold-up card includes color illustrations of Costa Rica's more visible species of butterflies and moths. dozens of typical birds, mammals and reptiles. We also Includes the distinguishing markings or behaviors of each carry plastic cards for Costa Rica Birds (Item CRC56) and species. Costa Rica Butterflies & Moths (Item CRC57), $6.95 each.

Neotropical Rainforest Mammals, A Field Guide Photo Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica L.H. Emmons Richard Garrigues 1997, 298 PAGES 2015, 264 PAGES Compact enough to slip into your daypack, this field guide This field guide treats 365 species commonly seen by to the mammals of Central and South America features 29 birders (about 40 percent of Costa Rica's bird population). color plates of more than 200 species. Each profile includes color photos and distribution maps, plus the bird's measurements, field marks, habitat and behavior, voice, status and distribution.

The Birds of Costa Rica Tropical Plants of Costa Rica Robert Dean Willow Zuchowski 2014, 425 PAGES 2007, 529 PAGES This new edition covers 903 species of birds with Organized by habitat, this photo guide to 400 species has hundreds of new, supplemental or revised color chapters on popular destinations, including Monteverde illustrations by Robert Dean and revised color-coded and Tortuguero. range maps.

Rain Forest National Geographic 1993 By filming leaf-cutting , water-walking , howler monkeys and plenty of other South American creatures, National Geographic created this classic portrayal of the tropical rainforest. Runtime: 60 minutes.

Revised: October 05, 2020