Introduction
Are you ready for an experience of a lifetime? Traveling in Costa Rica may be a different experience than what you are accustomed to, so we prepared these tips to ensure you are well-prepared for your SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour. Pura Vida!
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio) photographed by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica during the 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Most of our hikes will be easy to moderate. Expect guided hikes to last 2-3 hours. We will travel slowly on the trails so that we will have a better chance of viewing wildlife. It is important to know that the trails may be slippery and muddy, so having good footing and closed-toes shoes are essential! Adventurous explorers will have the option to take more strenuous hikes. While we do have scheduled activities planned for you, there will be times where you will have the choice of how to spend your time. Would you prefer to go on a morning jungle hike or birdwatch from a hammock on your balcony? The choice is yours!
On a ridge in Monteverde, 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour
Wear Sunblock & Stay Hydrated
Costa Rica is a tropical country. While this is exciting, it comes with a few cautions: in particular, the sun is strong! Make sure to hydrate, wear sun protection, and get plenty of rest.
Costa Rican Beach Sunset
Money
While the US dollar is widely accepted in Costa Rica, it is best to exchange your money at a bank or to withdraw local currency, Colones, from an ATM. It is wise to have cash and a major credit card or two on you, lest you want or need to purchase something not included in the Ecotour.
Most of your expenses are covered in your ecotour payment.
Crime Prevention
While we will be traveling in a group and the risk of experiencing crime is low, please be aware that crime is a potential issue anywhere you may travel. We recommend leaving all valuable items in a safe at the hotel and only carrying what you need. A money belt inside your clothing and/or an over the shoulders bag (not an easily snatched purse) is also a good option for carrying necessary items.
Crocodiles at the Tarcoles River, Costa Rica
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for AT LEAST SIX MONTHS past the date you plan to depart Costa Rica or you will not be allowed to enter the country. Please re-read that sentence and ensure your passport expires at least six months after you plan to depart Costa Rica.
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) photo courtesy Bruce Jones
Visa Requirements
No visa is required for citizens of the United States. If you are not a United States citizen, then please check your country’s laws about traveling to Costa Rica.
Agalychnis saltator, TAMU Soltis Center, Costa Rica
Dietary Preferences
The SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotour to Costa Rica can accommodate most dietary preferences and/or requirements, including vegan and vegetarian. We will sample an array of Costa Rican culinary delights from many different regions and cultures. Please inform us in advance of any dietary needs, in as much detail as possible.
Food in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Lodging In Costa Rica
During the tour we will sleep in comfortable, relaxing and modern hotels all while being surrounded by the beauty of Costa Rica. Each hotel is able to accommodate couples and families without a problem. If you are traveling alone, then you will share a room with another ecotour participant. If you would like your own room, then it can be arranged for an extra cost.
Birding in Tortuguero National Park, 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour
Water and Food
While Costa Rica has decent water filtration we recommend not risking drinking the tap water during your time here. This also goes for the street food, and make sure to watch out for fruit, vegetables, juices, etc that may have been washed in the water. Most of the lodges we stay at will have large jugs of drinkable water and are used to catering to tourists.
Buffet lunch in Tortuguero, Costa Rica during the 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour.
Vaccinations & Medication
Zika outbreaks have been reported in Costa Rica. Because of the risk of birth defects in babies born to women who were infected with Zika while pregnant, women who are pregnant should not travel to Costa Rica. Malaria medication is not recommended for travel within Costa Rica. For specific information about what vaccinations or medications you may need, please visit the CDC Costa Rica website and/or talk to your doctor.
Healthy Frogs, Healthy Humans!
Patience
While we have worked very hard to avoid any delays or alterations in the schedule, in Costa Rica sometimes there are delays and changes. This only means to remain patient and remember to just enjoy your surroundings! We are going to be in some of the most amazing tropical ecosystems in the world, so if any changes in timing happens, rest assured the scenery will be worth it.
SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour For Families 2022 tour route.
Alcohol
Looking for frogs at night is not the world’s safest activity. As such, drinking and frogging really don’t mix. We request that you not get anywhere remotely close to drunk prior to frogging. If you do feel the need for a dinnertime alcoholic beverage, we strongly suggest limiting it to one drink. Post-frogging, feel free to let loose at the bar.
If the frogs start looking like this art by SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest Grand Prize Winner Nick Gustafson, you took it too far!
What To Bring To Costa Rica
Here is a list of recommended items that you should bring to Costa Rica.
Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium valeroi) photographed by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger in the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, Costa Rica, 2008.
Exploring Costa Rica Before Or After The Ecotour
There is plenty to do in Costa Rica, so if you have extra time to enjoy the country, we are happy to advise you on hotel lodging and recommended locations. Please contact us with your possible schedule if you seek Costa Rica travel advice.
“I felt very prepared, and appreciated (Ecotour Leader) Michael’s willingness to talk with me about the trip and answer all my questions beforehand.”
— Dan Suzio Participant on the 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour
Gladiator Frog (Hypsiboas sp.)
