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Costa Rica Explored
Days:
From: $2250
Style: Classic Adventure
OVERVIEW
IN A FEW WORDS
Costa Rica practically invented adventure travel and eco-tourism. For years, travelers from around the world journeyed to Costa Rica in search of their own unique adventure. Now it's your turn! The Costa Rica Explored trip is perfect for those that want to see it all! We've taken the classic Costa Rica trip and added our own twist! From the iconic cloud forests, volcanos and beaches, to the hidden corners of the country, we've uncovered some of the best kept secrets in Costa Rica and want to share them with you! 

Active Rating 

Nature Rating 

Cultural Rating 

HIGHLIGHTS
WHY THIS TRIP IS UNFORGETTABLE
  • Soar through the cloud forest on the highest zip line in Costa Rica 

  • Discover a new home camping in a cave tucked behind a hidden waterfall  

  • Embark on a journey through the jungle and navigate class III-V white water rapids 

  • Meander through the rainforest in search of sloths, monkeys & other wildlife

  • Uncover the secrets in the underground caverns of Costa Rica

  • Live with a local family on their self-sustained eco-lodge and organic farm 

  • Take the plunge and rappel over a 90 ft cascading waterfalls

  • Experience the pura vida lifestyle from a hammock overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a morning yoga session or a bon-fire under the stars

ITINERARY
ITINERARY:
  • Do I need to bring money with me?
    Our trip's are designed to be all-inclusive which means, technically you do not need to bring any extra money with you. That being said, if you would like to purchase souvenirs or purchase additional snacks or personal items, then you should bring spending money. On average guests typically bring $100-$150 extra depending on their interest in shopping.
  • What form of payments are accepted?
    The majority of the places will accept your standard credit cards or the US dollar, however, more remote shops may only take the local currency of colones. If you would like to have the local currency with you, it is suggested to exchange money prior to leaving for the trip.
  • What are the accommodations like?
    This trip contains a mix of accommodations. The first night is spent at Arenal Observatory Lodge (www.arenalobservatorylodge.com) which was once a research station for scientists and contains standard beds like you would find in a hotel in the US. The second and third nights are spent in the Monteverde Eco-Lodge which is more like a cabin style configuration with bunkbeds. The fourth and fifth nights are spent being immersed with a local family at their eco-lodge. This will also be cabin like accommodations. The sixth night is spent "camping" behind a waterfall and will be sleeping bag accommodations. The final night will be spent in an eco-lodge with cabin style bunkbeds. All of these locations are environmentally friendly and use fans and the natural breezes to stay cool, there is no air conditioning.
  • How are the room configurations set up?
    Boys and girls will be in different sleeping headquarters. The trip leaders and accompanying adults will be in seperate rooms seperating the boys and the girls rooms. Special techniques are used to ensure that students stay in their own rooms throughout the night. All of the rooms will be in the same area to ensure we are always nearby. All rooms are based on double occupancy and students may be asked to share a bed with a fellow classmate of the same gender.
  • How many trip leaders will be on the trip?
    There will be one trip director and guide from Beyond the Map in addition to one teacher from the school. We also work closely with a number of local guides throughout the trip as well.
  • How do flights work?
    We will book the flights for the students. The airline will depend on the lowest available price at the time of booking, however, common airlines include JetBlue, Spirit and Southwest. Flights details will be shared with the students and their parents/gaurdians. All students will meet at the airport terminal where their Beyond the Map guide, teacher and fellow classmates will be there waiting to check in. We will travel through the airport as a group to ensure everyone gets through safely. We will all travel on the same flight and arrive at the same time in Costa Rica.
  • How long have you been traveling to Costa Rica?
    We have been traveling to Costa Rica for over 10 years. We also partner with local guides that are from Costa Rica. We have guided students groups all over the world and also in the United States.
  • How difficult are the activities on the trip?
    The trip is designed to be challenging yet enjoyable for the students. The activities are meant to provide growth and learning opportunities. Some activities are very easy and consist of walking at most, while others require both mental and physical strength. We have taken travelers of all abilitiy and fitness levels to Costa Rica and each one of them were able to complete and enjoy the activities. We always say, anyone can do it as long as they have an open mind and adventurous spirit!
  • What are the physical requirements of the trip?
    You must be able to swim for certain activities. We always accommodate for various levels of fitness, however, it helps if you are able to walk/run at least one mile without stopping.
  • What should I pack?
    We provide a packing list for each trip which you should find on your personal webpage. In general, packing should be light as the student will be toting around their bags through the airport and throughout the trip. If you need more details about a specific item on the packing list, we recommend contacting us at info@beyondthemap.org or waiting until the in person gathering the month before the trip.
  • Do I need an adaptor for my electronic devices?
    Nope. The plugs are the same there as they are here in the US.
  • Do I need a passport?
    Yes, each traveler is required to have a passport. VISA's are not required?
  • How are Costa Rican medical services?
    Costa Rica is internationally recognized for its top-notch medical services, both public and private, thanks to its wealth of skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities. For minor aches and pains, visit a local pharmacy. All pharmacies are required to have a licensed pharmacist on staff, and they can diagnose certain ailments and prescribe medication on the spot.
  • Do I need any vaccines?
    There are no mandatory vaccines, but the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, etc.), as well as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid.
  • Will each student have travel insurance?
    Yes. Each student is provided with their own personal travelers insurance that covers expenses such as trip interuption, medical services, lost luggage, etc. More information will be provided to each student about the coverage of their travel insurance.
  • What will the weather be like in June?
    We will be traveling throughout various landscapes in the country. Because of that, weather can vary depending on the location. In general, the temperatures in June will vary between mid-70's and low 90's. This is the beginning of their rainy season, so rain should be expected intermittingly throughout the trip.
  • What will the food be like?
    Costa Rican cuisine is mostly mild and savory. Spicy food is uncommon, and traditional dishes go heavy on the Latin American favorites of rice, beans and local produce. Many meals are homemade with ingredients from the local gardens and are often vegetarian but at times also contain meats.
  • Are you able to accommodate special dietary restrictions?
    Yes! Because meals are planned in advance, we ask that you give us 30 days notice of any food allergies or restrictions.
  • Will my student be able to contact home?
    There will be some nights where the accommodations will have wifi and then some nights where we will not. If the cell phone has an international plan, then there will be more opportunities for contact. That being said, we encourage students to disconnect from electronic devices on this trip to enhance their experience. The Beyond the Map guide will be updating the private Facebook page each day so that family members at home can stay informed.
  • Do students have free time?
    Generally the days are filled with activities. There are some occassions where the students will have some free time in the evenings while we are at our accommodations for the night.
  • How are payments made?
    A payment schedule is outlined on the personal webpage. Checks are to be made to Franklin Academy by the due date outlined.
INCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS
All inclusive convenience meets Beyond the Map adventure! We've thought of it all so you don't have to once you leave home!      

Local, private transportation. No random drivers, no cattle-herding tour buses!

Rustic & modern options available, depending on your style and budget. 
Breakfast, lunch  & dinner each day. Hangry-free guaranteed!

All activities outlined in the itinerary are included in your cost before you ever leave! 

From start to finish, we're with you! Unlike many companies, our expert guides are there 24/7 to provide unique information, answer questions and even deliver the occasional joke! 

Why Travel With Us
Support locals and small businesses 
Skip the tourist trails and get off-the beaten path
Have a small group? Customize the trip for your specific interests 

Mike Dann

The Costa Rica trip met and exceeded all my expectations. Accommodations, at all levels, were a wonderful experience. Caving, Ziplining, Rafting, Repelling,Wildlife experiences, Local people. What could be better! The trip was well planned in order of easy experiences to more difficult as the trip progressed. Easing us old timers into it. Cody and Lystina were great hosts, guides, traveling companions and very conscientious for each of the team members. 

Steve Blatney

This was hands-down one of the the most exciting, rewarding, and memorable trips I've ever been on! The peace of mind to know that I didn't have to worry about anything was worth every penny. All I had to do was show up. Cody and Lystina took it from there. No stress, no anxiety, no rushing around or wasting time trying to find an activity or a place to eat. I got to sit back, relax, and experience a whole new world that was far beyond my map.

Madisen Gomez

Beyond the map is for sure one of the best travel companies you can go with. Everything they had us do was something I never thought I was capable of! I pushed myself & completed everything & it was just an amazing feeling. The things you see and the people you meet just makes the trip hundred times better! This was my first time in Costa Rica & I don’t think I would’ve had a better experience with anyone else! 

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