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DISCOVER COSTA RICA
Do You
Know What to
Pack?
THE ALL IN ONE GUIDEdid someone say "giving back"?
YOUR COMPLETE
ITINERARY
FROM DAY 1
TO DAY 14
HINTS
TIPS
INFO
AND JUICY
DETAILS
A COMPLETE
GUIDE TO
YOUR PROJECT
Y @ H
D I S C O V E R C O S T A R I C A | T H E U L T I M A T E T R A V E L G U I D E
hey there!Firstly, on behalf of everybody at Bamboo, I would like to offer you our thanks for choosing to experience this
incredible part of the world with us. We guarantee you an amazing time and we’re all very much looking forward
to meeting you in Costa Rica soon.
I imagine that right now you’re very excited about your upcoming adventure and this little guide has been put
together to help you understand more about what will be happening, what to expect, how to plan and more. We
guarantee your time with us will be unforgettable from start to end.
Bamboo is growing as our style of 'travel' has proven to be the 'way' to travel. You are now a part of this journey
and we welcome you with open arms and hearts. This growing experience is down to people like you, so do get
stuck in, become part of our way of life, live every moment and take nothing for granted.
Peace, Love & Bamboo Mark (& the other pandas, Steve & Colin)
highlights of your tour
Soak up the stunning vista of theArenal Volcano
VOLCANO
Wake up to sounds of the jungle inthe La Fortuna
JUNGLE
Chill out for sunsets onbreathtaking beaches.
BEACHES
Embrace a fascinating andcaptivating culture
CULTURE
Sample authentic and traditional,mouth-watering cuisine
FOOD
Learn about the continuing workbeing done to sustain and replenishthe local marine life
GIVE
itinerary
It’s finally here - the commencement ofyour epic journey starts today. When youland and have gone through all the usualrumble and tumble of airport formalities,one of our hearty and forever-smilingguides will be waiting to greet you with ahug, smile and Bamboo hi-5!
They’ll be very noticeable as they sporttheir Bamboo colours or wave theBamboo flag - yes, we have flags. You’llthen be whisked off to theaccommodation to get rested andrefreshed.
There will be an informal meet & greetfor those of you feeling energised enoughtonight. Let the adventure begin!
DAY 1 (SATURDAY): ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSE!
To kick off today, we will gather you allin the morning at breakfast for an in-depth orientation.
We'll give you the run-through of whatyou'll be getting up to during this epicadventure, explain the do's and don'ts, theculture and customs, the day-to-dayitinerary and offer some tips to help youto get the most out of this trip. After this we head off to the PacificCoast! On arrival at the project we'll havea chat about the work that's going onhere to save the country's turtlepopulation.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 2 (SUNDAY): SAN JOSE - TURTLECONSERVATION PROJECT
itinerary
Working with a local award-winning initiative we will be doing a variety of tasks that not only focus on the turtle population but also the education of the local community.
The beaches of this area are stunning and have been the fertile breeding grounds for these turtles for thousands of years. Together we'll work to reverse the negative effects that humans have created and ensure that these legendary creatures continue to have a safe and sacred land for breeding.
Whether you're involved with beach clean ups, planting trees, night patrols or educating the local community, each and every task will play an important part towards the overall goal of improving the lives, and sustaining the population of Costa Rica's sea turtles.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3 - 6 (MONDAY - THURSDAY): TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT
itinerary
We're off to Monteverde! This morningwe'll kiss goodbye to the coast and set offon our 200 kilometre journey up into themountains.
The town of Monteverde is our nextdestination, and what a destination it is! Made famous for its wonderful organiccoffee, incredible views, warm andfriendly locals and its extreme sports,Monteverde has it all, and we're all over it!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 7 (FRIDAY): TURTLE CONSERVATIONPROJECT - MONTEVERDE
The best way to experience thisstunningly beautiful setting is from theair; travelling like a bird, skimmingthrough the treetops and feeling totallyfree. Well, that's exactly what you'll bedoing today, as we zipline the junglecanopy!
Once the adrenaline has returned tonormal we'll give you ample chance toexplore Monteverde and discover whatthis town has to offer. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 8 (SATURDAY): MONTEVERDE
itinerary
This is arguably one of the mostincredible trips you'll take in Costa Rica.
From Monteverde to La Fortuna it'sbeautiful winding roads to the edge of astunning lake. Here we'll jump into a boatto cross the lake, sailing past an activevolcano on the way. The surroundingvistas are like something from JurassicPark, all that's missing are the dinos! Thisis yet another day to remember!
We’ll arrive in the afternoon and havesome free time to discover this beautifulplace.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 9 (SUNDAY): MONTEVERDE - LA FORTUNA
You've earned it so we're giving it to you!
Finally, a day you can relax and take ineverything that you've seen, done andexperienced over the last 10 days.
We'll all take a private minibus for a fivehour journey to Manuel Antonio, astunningly picturesque location to spendtime in the home of private yachts, poshmarinas and a cocktail or two by the pool.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11 (TUESDAY): LA FORTUNA - MANUELANTONIOToday we go all earth-huggy and learn
about why and how Costa Rica hasbecome such an incredible country forsustainability. We will learn about thelocal land and ecosystem and have achance to swim in the waterfall.
Also, as an incredible way of giving backto this fabulous country and it'speople, we will be volunteering to supportthis lush paradise that by now we will allhave fallen madly in love with!
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 10 (MONDAY): LA FORTUNA
itinerary
Today we will be treating you to anincredible catamaran tour in ManuelAntonio!
Don’t worry about a thing, just sit back,relax and take in the breathtaking views.We even have lunch covered for you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
DAY 12 (WEDNESDAY): MANUEL ANTONIO
Manuel Antonio is a lot more thanmarinas and cocktails, however, andtoday we'll show you something evenmore incredible. After breakfast we'lltake a road trip to the national park;home to wild sloth's, monkeys andpristine beaches where we get to spendour final chillaxing day. This place isseriously beautiful and you get to relaxhere. You're welcome!
In the afternoon we're heading back tothe beginning, back to where it allstarted, with a road trip to San Jose.
But the fun doesn't end.. we have a finalnight-out to give Costa Rica the send-off it truly deserves! Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13 (THURSDAY): MANUEL ANTONIO - SANJOSE It's over...the end! Trust us, you won't
believe how much you've done, how muchyou've experienced, how many newfriends you've made and how soon you'llwant to be back here in this magicalcountry.
Hugs, back-slaps and hi-5's all around,along with that final team photo – thememory that'll last forever.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 14 (FRIDAY): DEPART SAN JOSE
itinerary
What's includedDISCOVER COSTA RICA Y@H
1. Airport Pickup (8 am - 6 pm on arrival day) 2. All accommodation (shared rooms) 3. All activities as mentioned in the itinerary 4. All meals as mentioned in the itinerary 5. Private Mini-van throughout your tour 6. Donation to the turtle conservation project 7. Accompanied by one of our amazing guides 8. All meals whilst volunteering 9. A tour of a local coffee farm 10. Memories to last a lifetime!
FAST FACTS
VISA and passport requirements are YOUR
responsibility
ENTRY REQUIREMENTSNot all people who wish to travel to Costa Rica
need a tourist visa ; this will depend on your
nationality , the purpose of visit , country of
residence and duration of stay .
Visa requirements are based on international
agreements or treaties . However , the visa does not
guarantee entry to Costa Rica .
We recommend that you check the following
website to check if you require a visa or not .
http ://www .costarica-embassy .org/
You will need to be able to prove that you have an
exit flight from Costa Rica upon arrival . This must
either be printed or available to show upon
request . You will not be granted entry without this
information to hand .
THE INFORMAT ION YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE WE BEG IN D ISCOVER COSTA
R ICA
THE NITTY GRITTY
Native Costa Ricans call
themselves Ticos and
Ticas .
Costa Rica has a 96%
literacy rate . For rural
areas where children
can ’t make it to school ,
lessons are taught over a
national radio station
It is essential that you arrange travel insurance
providing suitable cover for the duration of your trip
before you travel .
Bamboo offers a comprehensive policy through our
partners AHI . For more information , click here
TRAVEL INSURANCE
FAST FACTS: MONEY
Basic costs of things :
Local Meal Casado (rice , beans
plantain) $6 .00
Meal at a mid-standard
restaurant $15 .00-$20 .00
Bottle of beer $3 .00
Bottle of water $1 .00
Memories - Free of charge
Remember to tell your bank
that you are leaving the
country to avoid your cards
getting blocked .
The Colón (named after Christopher
Columbus , known as Cristóbal Colón in
Spanish) is the currency of Costa Rica .
The plural is colones . CRC When it comes to
advice on how much money to bring , it ’s
entirely up to you . All our BamFam members
are very different .
Where some go all out , others are on a
budget . You can find both high end and
budget restaurants , bars and shops in both
countries .
MONEY
ATMs , or cash machines , are prevalent
throughout Costa Rica with the exception of
when you are volunteering . We recommend
that you bring some currency with you , which
you can change before touch down in Costa
Rica , or if you prefer at the airport once you
arrive . Please remember that ATM machines
will charge you for withdrawals , and you
should bare this in mind when budgeting .
As mentioned above you will be issued the
local currency called colón . Typical exchange
rates are : $1 - 560 £1 - 748 In the touristy
areas of Costa Rica you can spend USD along
with colones ,
We don ’t recommend bringing traveller 's
cheques with you . The reason is that banks
across Costa Rica have odd hours of
operating , and it may cause unnecessary
hassle finding a bank open when you wish to
make a transaction . Major credit cards are
widely accepted in Costa Rica . Larger hotels
and restaurants may accept credit cards , but
in general cash is king .
FAST FACTS: TRAVEL
For up to date information about the best
travel vaccinations to have before arriving in
Costa Rica we urge you to contact your own
GP , travel health clinic or check the World
Health Organisations website . Bamboo are
not medical professionals and therefore can ’t
offer you medical advice .
TRAVELVACCINATIONS
FLIGHTSThanks to the world wide web we all now
have access to great flight deals through
websites such as Skyscanner , Google Flights
and more . If you ’d rather use the services of a
booking agent , the likes of STA Travel ,
Trailfinders and Flight Centre are all available
online .
To be eligible for the airport pick-up , please
arrange your flight to arrive at San Jose
International Airport on the day that your
tour starts between the hours of 8am and
6pm .
The tour ends two weeks later in San Jose
From there you ’ll need to make your own
arrangements for onward travel .
IMPORTANT NOTICEOnce you have booked and confirmed your
flight to Costa Rica , please make sure that
you have shared your flight arrival time and
flight number with our team .
Without those details we will be unable to
guarantee your collection on arrival .
Did you know that?
Did you know that?
On a flight the bathroom door isn ’t
really locked when you ’re inside .
Lavatory doors can be locked and
unlocked from the outside for a
multitude of reasons . It allows flight
attendants quick access to locked
lavatories in case of emergencies . In
other instances , it allows the cabin
crew to restrict access to bathrooms
during takeoff and landing .
Costa Rica is the second largest
exporter of bananas in the world
after Ecuador
ARRIVALS INFO
ARRIVALSan Jose International Airport can be a busy
airport and also a confusing place . Please
read these details carefully so you are
prepared on arrival .
You will need to complete an arrivals card
when you land in San Jose , before passing
through immigration . This will ask for where
you are staying in Costa Rica . You will be
staying in the Barrio Escalante area of the
city . The name and address of the hotel will
be confirmed approximately 14 days before
your arrival so please make a note of this
when you receive it .
Once you have passed through immigration
(Passport Control) you ’ll need to turn left and
collect your luggage from one of the
carousels before heading through the exit .
Once through you will enter the busy main
arrivals area . You will see a crowd of taxi
drivers but go straight through them until
you find our Bamboo team member holding
a Bamboo sign .
They should be easily recognizable with their
Bamboo t-shirts . Once you ’ve spotted our
team , head over and introduce yourself , you
will then receive further instructions .
Please bear in mind that we may be waiting
for others to arrive , so your transfer to the
hotel may not be immediate .
Once we have you we ’ll transfer you to the
hotel , help you check in and give you more
details of what ’s happening .
Keep your eyes peeled for the
smiling face that holding our
Bamboo logo - Kooga our guide in
the photo above loves to
smile . . .honest !
MAKE A NOTE!
If you cannot locate one of our team
on arrival , please call the following
number :
+506 6111 0851
If you have supplied us with a
mobile number , make sure your
phone is turned on as we may be
trying to contact you .
FUN FACTS: TRANSPORT
TRANSPORTThis first trip will take us from the capital city of
San Jose to the secluded beach area on the Pacific
Coast where you ’ll be getting your hands dirty at
the turtle conservation project .
Travelling by air-conditioned bus , the journey
takes around eight hours .
To cut down on high levels of
pollution , San José , Costa Rica , car
owners are forbidden to drive into
the city one day out of the week .
The forbidden day corresponds to
the last number on their car ’s
license plate .
SAN JOSE TO TURTLE PROJECT
Bidding the coast farewell , we leave the turtle
project and head to the mountain town of
Monteverde . It 's around a five hour drive by air-
conditioned bus .
TURTLE PROJECT TO MONTEVERDE
The journey from Monteverde to La Fortuna will be
both overland and on water !
It 's around a two hour drive from Monteverde to
Arenal Lake where we 'll then jump on a small
passenger ferry for a scenic 45 minute boat trip
across the lake .
Back on dry land , it 's then just a 30 minute drive
to La Fortuna town .
MONTEVERDE TO LA FORTUNA
LA FORTUNA TO MANUEL ANTONIO
It 's a long drive of around seven hours here but
we 'll make plenty of stops along the way and the
beaches waiting for you at Manuel Antonio are
well worth the journey !
MANUEL ANTONIO TO SAN JOSE
The last leg of our trip is back to San Jose the
night before your departure . It 's
approximately four hours drive from Manuel
Antonio .
YOUR TRANSPORTThroughout the tour you 'll be using
private , air-conditioned buses or
mini-vans to travel overland
FAST FACTS: GUIDES
GUIDESAny tour is only as good as the guide – fact . The
input of a tour guide cannot be understated . Their
input in to your tour , their little insights , the off-
the-beaten-track , the knowledge and experiences
that they share with you will make or break your
time wherever you are in the world .
At Bamboo we take the selection and training of
our guides and our coordinators very seriously .
Each guide undertakes a structured training
program of three months and only once we ’re
convinced that they are genuine representatives
of Bamboo are they signed up to the family .
Each of our tours have English-speaking guides to
support you , answer your questions , educate you
and to ensure that your time is unforgettable .
From time to time we may have new guides-in-
training on our tours . If you ’re lucky to have a
trainee on your tour , please be patient . They are
undergoing training and therefore their
knowledge won ’t be that of the trained and
experienced guide who will be accompanying
them .
TIPPINGAlthough not in any way expected or encouraged ,
anybody who goes over and above the call of duty
to ensure that you have the very best time , may
deserve a special little thank you .
Did you have extra special service in a restaurant?
Did the bus driver make an additional pit-stop
just for you? Did your guide go out of the way so
that you could experience something unique? At
Bamboo we ’re firm believers in Karma – what goes
around most definitely comes around !
Our guides are the face of Bamboo ,
and they come in all shapes and
smiles .
We love each and every one of them
more than sloths love sleeping .
Whilst most them are elite travel
mavericks in their own right , you
may come across newbies who are
on the path the greatness .
If you 're lucky enough to meet a
fresh-faced newbie , be sure to show
them your support and patience ,
most guides remember their first
tours forever , so let 's play nice .
The 'must brings'HAVE YOU PACKED THE FOLLOWING?
0. An open mind 1. Light, loose-fitting clothes 2. Warm clothes for the evenings 3. Flip flops or sandals 4. Trainers or Sneakers 5. Water shoes 6. Insect spray 7. Hat & Sunscreen 8. Reusable Water Bottle 9. Multi-use plug adapter 10. Towel or travel towel
The 'can brings'WHILST EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, WE’VE COMPILED A MORE
DETAILED LIST FROM FEEDBACK OF SOME OF OUR PAST TRAVELLERS WHICH YOU MAY FIND USEFUL AND ALSO WANT
TO CONSIDER BRINGING:
1. Medical Kit 2. Toiletries 3. Earplugs 4. Any home luxuries you simply can't live without 5. Card games or books 6. Torch 7. Day pack/small backpack
YOUR ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
Discover Costa Rica
SAN JOSÉ
Welcome to San José!
Rooms here are twin, triple or
quadruple share (single beds).
Free WiFi is available
throughout the hotel.
Kitchens are available for
guests' use and there are large
common areas; great for
relaxing!
Located in a buzzing district,
there are also plenty of
restaurants and pubs to
choose from on a night out.
Ready, set, go...it's time to
give back!
Your accommodation here
will be dorm-style and you'll
be sleeping on bunk beds
with your fellow travellers.
There are also shared
bathroom facilities.
The accommodation is basic
but comfortable. Please note,
there are no towels provided
so please ensure to bring
your own.
Each room is equipped with
a fan to keep you cool at
night.
VOLUNTEER PROJECT
PACIFIC COAST
MONTEVERDE
Immerse yourself in the
beauty of Costa Rica's
forests.
Accommodation will be
twin or triple share here and
each room comes with its
own private bathroom and
wardrobe.
Free WiFi is available around
the hotel and common
areas.
With large and spacious
gardens it's a wonderful
place take a break, relax in
nature and enjoy the view.
LA FORTUNA
Located close to the
Arenal Volcano National
Park, your
accommodation in La
Fortuna is set amongst
lush, tropical rainforest.
Rooms will be twin, triple
or quadruple share, each
with an en-suite
bathroom and wardrobe.
Free WiFi is also available.
With an on-site
restaurant, it's the perfect
place to relax surrounded
by the sights and sounds
of nature.
MANUEL ANTONIO
Time to explore another one
of Costa Rica's national
parks!
Located a short distance
from Manuel Antonio
National Park, your
accommodation here is
perfectly situated and will
be twin or triple share.
Each room is equipped with
an AC unit and an en-suite
bathroom with hot
showers.
The hotel also offers various
common areas ideal for
relaxing.
YOUR PROJECT GUIDE
DISCOVER COSTA RICA
TURTLE CONSERVATION
During your time in Costa Rica, like all of our tours, there’s an
element of giving back. This tour offers an incredibly exciting
opportunity to give back with a project that very few people will
have experienced.
The projects we support in Costa Rica are located on the Pacific
Coast of the country's southern Nicoyan Peninsula. They offer
unique experiences where you'll be involved in sea turtle
conservation and hands-on volunteer work; assisting in the
protection of marine and terrestrial life resources as well as
interacting with, and educating the local communities.
Nesting season for the turtles on the Pacific Coast is commonly
between the months of July and December. This is normally
when the turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs on the beach.
Please remember that the turtles are wild animals and sightings
are never guaranteed, even during nesting season. The projects
operate year round and vital work is always being carried out to
support the conservation of the animals and their environment.
VOLUNTEERING
Fishing nets, pollution and rubbish are one of the causes of the
alarming decline in turtles hatching on these beaches. We'll work
together to ensure the beaches are clean and safe for both the
wildlife as well as the local community.
BEACH CLEAN UPS
The tasks you will be assisting with may vary depending on when
you travel but the sort of activities you can expect to be involved
with could include:
Reforestation is key to turtle conservation as the animals prefer to
nest where there is coverage. In most beach developments, healthy
mangrove is torn apart to make way for pretty palm trees.
Healthy plans and their roots create high quality sand for the eggs
that are laid; naturally removing the bacteria left behind from
hatched eggs, it ensures that future nests in the same place are not
contaminated. Strong roots also aid in anchoring the sand,
protecting the dunes from erosion and ensuring the turtles have a
safe environment in which to lay their eggs.
TREE PLANTING
VOLUNTEERING
Educating the local community is an important part of the
project's work. Without the support and engagement of the
community, habits and customs will not change and their
ecosystems will continue to suffer.
Outreach activities range from school visits to workshops and
environmental initiatives like recycling. The project also recruits
and employs local members of the community, providing a
wage and a better opportunity that poaching eggs to earn a
living.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
NIGHT PATROLS
During turtle nesting season, we conduct nightly beach patrols.
This is to ensure the turtles have a safe passage from the sea to
hatch their offspring. We also count both turtles and eggs,
relocating nests from the beach to the hatchery from protection.
TERMS & CONDITIONSPlease read these Terms and Conditions carefully as they form the basis of your contract
with WeAreBamboo. This agreement is made at the time of booking and becomes legally
binding upon payment of your deposit. By booking a program with WeAreBamboo, you
signify you have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions
All programs advertised on our website and/or on Facebook are offered and/or operated
by WeAreBamboo Ltd. (trading as Bamboo and referred to as Bamboo or ‘we’ herein
after) with company number 59926953 whose registered office is:.
WE ARE BAMBOO LEVEL 2
61 SEAVIEW ROAD LOWER HUTT, NEW ZEALAND 5010
All travel arrangements are sold subject to the following conditions. Bamboo reserves the
right to update the Terms and Conditions at any time.
Please view our full terms and conditions here:
https://www.wearebamboo.com/about/legal.php
Please note that the information in this pack is subject to change at any time without notice.
