HOME PAGE 

TOPICS
Essays on miscellaneous topics
Short stories
Academic writing
Travel  �
Social & political comments  
Theater-acting-teaching kids 
Entertainment reviews 
Pets 
My family & its history  
Other personal autobiography

For those arriving on Day 1 of the trip (Feb. 4):

Upon arrival at the Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica, you will be directed downstairs through customs, and finally upstairs and outside to the curb. For those arriving on Day 1, (Feb. 4th) driver Reuben or trip leader Koky Porras will meet you at the airport with a sign. The sign will have either your name or will say Wild Planet Adventures.  Please double check the flight info you write in above.

For those arriving anytime before Day 1 of the trip, special arrangements must be made with us to make sure we coordinate our meeting time and place. We are not usually available prior to Day one to pick you up at the airport, however, we will handle all aspects of your arrival and coordinate it with you to make sure that everything goes smoothly.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:

�         Meals - All meals from Dinner on day 1 to Breakfast on your final day EXCEPT lunch on DAY 2 and DAY 9. We usually have a late breakfast and early dinner on these two days, and the timing of our activities are arranged so that you will not require an additional meal on your own -- a simple snack is usually more than sufficient. Some of the meals are eaten in restaurants or lodging facilities, others we provide in simple “on-the-go” picnic-style. Wild Planet offers limited selections from restaurant menus, sometimes ordered in advance for simplicity. When eaten at restaurants or lodging facilities, dinners are provided up to the first $13.00 including food, tax and tip, lunches up to $6, and breakfasts to $5, all of which are per person, not including beverages, and not share-able. In almost all cases this will be more than adequate. We may, however, chose as a group to experience a more expensive restaurant if everyone is comfortable contributing more. If you would like something other than our selections, please pay any difference at the time of ordering.

�         Lodging - We generally double folks together in the rooms based upon the availability at each lodge. If at any time you would like a single room (only if available) please pay the difference at the time of arrival. Single rooms, or even double rooms can not be guaranteed during the high season, although couples are assured of private rooms. On rare occasions we may triple or quadruple folks together if availability is limited.

�         Admissions are included to Aviarios Wildlife Refuge, Cahuita National Park,  La Selva Biological Preserve, Tabacon “middle” hot springs, Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, St. Elena Skywalk or Selvatura, Manuel Antonio National Park, Carara Biological Preserve and Corcovado National Park. Admission to all other national parks and preserves that are on your itinerary are also included.

�         Rafts, kayaks and canoes, instruction, and local guides for rivers and Golfito Bay sea-kayaking segments.

�         Additional local guides as needed for the following segments: La Selva Biological Preserve, Monteverde Cloudforest, St. Elena Cloudforest, Luna Lodge. Wild Planet trip leader(s) will act as guides on all other segments.

�         All transportation within Costa Rica, except as noted below.

�         Activities as detailed in our itinerary, subject to flexibility due to availability, conditions, hazards, acts of God and judgements of your trip leader.

Ecotourism Ethics and Guidelines

“Ecotourism,” “sustainable tourism” and “responsible tourism” are terms used to describe tourism that focuses on appreciation and preservation of a country’s flora, fauna, ecosystems and culture. Costa Rica stands at the forefront of the ecotourism movement. Despite its small size, a large percentage of its land mass is dedicated to natural reserves, parks, and preserves. At the same time, Costa Rica is pioneering community-based tourism projects that directly benefit small traditional communities in rural areas of the country.

     Sustainable tourism is a cooperative effort in which the tourist plays a crucial role. You, the tourist, can help ensure the success of Costa Rican ecotourism by considering the ethical tourism guidelines listed below. We hope that you will take the time to learn as much about Costa Rica as possible, both before, after and during your visit.

1           Wilderness Area and Wildlife Habitat Protection

Travel to wilderness areas is best undertaken in the company of trained and experienced local guides (some areas permit only guided tours for the protection of both habitat and visitors). When hiking in wilderness or conservation areas, stay on the trail. Don’t trample delicate vegetation or remove any form of plant life. Stay on the periphery of animal assemblages and bird colonies. Don’t approach, surround or chase animals you may observe on the trail in order to obtain a photograph. In marine environments, don’t get between an animal and the water’s edge. Never remove animals or birds from burrows, dens, caves, nests or tree cavities; or come between an animal or bird parent and its young. (It goes without saying that capturing or hunting animals or birds is both illegal and wrong...if you should observe such conduct, report it to the local law enforcement authorities). Waste of any type must be disposed of in designated waste disposal containers and/or landfills. You must pack it out and transport it to a suitable facility (local guides can advise you where waste disposal is permitted.) Obey regulations regarding areas closed to the public. Do not interfere with ongoing scientific research areas. Be quiet and unintrusive (you’ll be rewarded by the natural concert of the rainforest.)

2           Protected Species and Artifacts

Do not purchase products derived from the killing of protected animal species, including those listed below. Report any attempts to sell you such products to local law enforcement authorities. Anything made from the sea turtle (jewelry, eggs, skin creams, shells). Anything made from reptile skins and leathers. Birds (parrots, wild birds and their feathers and skins) whether dead or alive. Furs of spotted cats (jaguar, ocelot, margay). Orchids or cacti (except by special permits available for orchid purchasers). Wild animals of any type, dead or alive.

3           Cultural Sensitivity

Be sensitive to local cultural norms. Conduct that may be acceptable in certain European or American communities (i.e.; drug use, nude sunbathing) is not appropriate in Costa Rica. Churches are often viewed as tourist attractions; however, their primary purpose is as houses of worship for local residents; visitors should be quiet and respectful.