IN A FEW WORDS
Less people have seen the inside of Hang Son Doong than have stood on the summit of Mount Everest. Join us on this otherworldly expedition and become one of the lucky few who have had the life changing experience of exploring the world’s largest cave.
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WHY THIS TRIP IS UNFORGETTABLE
Imagine trekking straight into the depths of the world’s largest cave on an expedition unlike any other. A cave so massive that a 747 could fly through its largest cavern. A space so mesmerizing that it forces you to question whether you are still on this planet at all. Foreign landscapes found nowhere else, enormous stalagmites rising from the ground and statuesque stalactites hanging from the ceiling like an alien species. Jungles emerge from inside the cave itself, a scene so surreal that you have to see it believe it. Misty clouds envelop the whole scene, a result of the cave’s own localized weather system. Passages adorned with ancient fossils offer evidence of the millions of years that have passed on this Earth.
As you approach the jungle just outside the entrance, the rush of cool wind that cascades out brings to life everything inside of you. Hazy, cold and exhilarating, it is apparent that there’s something magical waiting just beyond the opening to the cave.
ITINERARY:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Do I need an adaptor for my electronic devices?Nope. The plugs are the same there as they are here in the US.
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Do I need a passport?Yes, each traveler is required to have a passport. VISA's are not required?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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
Name, Title
I would recommend BTM for any trip you and your friends want to go on, or to any organization interested in planning a trip... especially if you are interested in "getting out there" and not just stopping at the common tourist spots everyone goes to.
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.
Name, Title
Since I've been back I have recommended these trips to so many people because this company creates these remarkable journeys that allow people to experience the world in a unique way. I can't wait to go on my next expedition with Beyond the Map!