A: Costa Rica is located in the isthmus of Central America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Costa Rica is exactly 51,100 square kilometers (31,937 square miles). Virtually, you could fit 10 Costa Rica’s in to the state of California.

A: Costa Rica is is a peaceful democratic republic with no military. As with anywhere you travel, petty thievery can happen; therefore, it is important to keep a low profile, avoid temptations for thieves and keep your personal belongings close or leave them at the hotel.

A: Although Spanish is the national language of Costa Rica, if you do not speak it you can get by easily. Most “ticos” (Costa Ricans) speak some English and are very willing to learn. They also love to teach Spanish to foreigners.

A: Generally we will recommend a camp according to your age. However, we do make exceptions. To find the right trip, consider what activities you like or would like to accomplish. Next, please let us know what time frame works best for your schedule so we can match you with the best options.

A: IMPORTANT FOR MINORS UNDER 18 We ask that all participants bring a copy of our Permission to Travel Letter signed by his or her parents. This form is included in the Trip Forms and Information Folder that is sent once your deposit is received. You must be sure to have a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica. It must have at least six months validity before expiring or you may not be allowed to enter or depart Costa Rica. Be sure your passport will not expire while traveling because it will be difficult to renew in Costa Rica, especially as a minor. Some airlines may require minors traveling alone be assisted by an airline representative. Generally this has an extra fee. Visas are NOT required for those traveling from the following countries: European Union, United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. If the country you are coming from is not listed here, please contact the Costa Rican consulate in your area. If you have any difficulties, AUSun may assist you as well.

A: AUSun follows safety standards and regulations established by leading outdoor adventure tourism operators in the US and Costa Rica. We are covered by a Comprehensive Commercial General Liability policy with the Costa Rican National Insurance Institute. All participants must be covered by medical insurance. We recommend that each participant checks with their insurance carrier as to whether they will be covered for a trip of this nature. If not, we request they purchase medical insurance specifically for this trip with AUSun. AUSun insurance covers theft, loss or damage of basic personal property and equipment like clothes, shoes, backpacks, and suitcases. We suggest participants confirm that their insurance coverage includes more expensive items like electronic equipment.

A: AUSun recommends that you have updated Tetanus, Tuberculosis and COVID shots before traveling to Costa Rica. The CDC recommends the hepatitis A vaccine for unvaccinated travelers age 1 and older and the hepatitis B vaccine for unvaccinated travelers under 60. It recommends prescription medicine to prevent malaria only for travel to the provinces of Alajuela and Limón. These inoculations are not required by AUSun; this is left to your discretion. Should you choose to be inoculated for these diseases, please be aware of the side effects. If possible, administer the inoculations well in advance so that side effects will not affect you during your travels. Costa Rica is listed as a country with Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya, therefore, please consider bringing plenty of mosquito repellent and attire to protect yourself from mosquito bites throughout your travels.

A: AUSun Adventure Camps are experiences created for students to disconnect from their daily routines and devices, and to reconnect with themselves, nature, and their new friends in a healthy, outdoor environment. We therefore request you leave these devices at home. This will also avoid loss, theft, or damage of these expensive items. Our staff will carry cel phones, and a communications system will be established to keep parents informed throughout the trip. We realize that this many participants may suffer from FOMO, however our experience is that the results far out way the challenge of a journey without screen time.

Also, there is always an AUSun representative in the office in Costa Rica that knows the exact location of all participants while on their adventures. In case of an emergency, parents can call the office or trip cell phone at any time, day or night, and the representative will get them in touch with the group as soon as possible. Participants are also scheduled to call their parents upon arrival to the country, and on specific days during their travels. Parents will be made aware of these days prior trip departure.

A: AUSun is definitely a multicultural program. We get people from all over the world coming together on our different programs. Most of the participants for our Adventure Camps, however, are from Costa Rica and the United States. Many of our national participants from Costa Rica are international emigrants from different countries that have come to Costa Rica due to their parent’s work. This brings some incredible diversity into our expeditions. We have had participants come from South America, Caribbean Islands, Asia, and Europe.

A: Of course, however, it is not necessary. The relationships fostered from a group having to work together through thick or thin are something quite astonishing. You will be surprised by the new friends you can make on an adventure far away from home.

A: NO. All of the outdoor activities of our Summer Expeditions are scheduled to suit all levels of experience. Beginners do not need any previous experience for any activity. Your enthusiasm will guarantee a positive experience throughout the adventure.

A: Costa Rica holds 5% of the world’s biodiversity within its relatively small area. As long as you keep your eyes and ears open, we can guarantee that you will see an incredible number of creatures that you have never seen before. Depending on the area of your program you are likely to see toucans, herons, egrets, sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, dolphins, whales, turtles, lizards, insects, maybe even a jaguar and thousands of different plants. Landscapes and views can include a jungle lined coast, the vast ocean, erupting volcano, tropical waterways, white water rapids flowing through tropical rainforests, and views from the tree top canopy of lowland or dry tropical rainforests.

A: AUSun trip leaders are required to carry a national guiding license which is awarded after completing an intense course on Costa Rican natural history, English language classes, tropical biology, CPR, first aid, etc. AUSun also requires trip leaders to partake in our week long staff training program held every year and in which we teach them the guidelines, policies, procedures and standards of all of our programs.

A: Yes, AUSun we can include any or all the components to an adventure camp if it is not included already. Please be sure to request these activities upon requesting information so we can be sure to send you details. Costa Rican’s love to share their customs, traditions and language, and a “tico’s” hospitality is unmatched; therefore, we are always delighted when requests for such are made. Because we offer programs all over the country, Adventures Under the Sun has sought out various grassroots rural organizations and local non-profits in distinct communities, and the most dynamic language programs. We work closely with the members of these organizations to create the safest, most educational and ideal cultural experience for our visitors. Our outreach contacts are known members of the community and have ample historical knowledge of the families that provide home stays, and the locations in most need of help.

A: On back country adventure camps, participants will be expected to assist with some preparation and planning, as well as fulfilling various chores and activities required for a successful adventure. We believe in eating good, healthy meals while traveling, and all our trip leaders love to cook and eat. Therefore, get ready to get involved with the meal planning, cooking and clean up – fundamental experiences of an AUSun trip. We guarantee you will enjoy learning the skills and secrets of cooking fresh ceviche, gallo pinto, chicken fajitas, pizzas, couscous, baked desserts and more! On a front country summer expedition, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the many varieties of meals, fresh fruits and vegetables of Costa Rica. The majority of all meals will be typically Costa Rican and include tropical fruits, vegetables, rice and beans, salads and usually the option of fish, chicken, beef or pork. Vegetarians need not to worry; the main staple of Costa Rican cuisine is rice and beans, which provides plenty of protein. We only ask that vegetarians notify us ahead of time so that we may be prepared.

A: All scheduled adventure camps provide places to shower. Laundry facilities are available upon returning to a city or community after being in the wilderness, but are always available on the front country trips.

A: We have had a diversity of male/female ratios on our trips. Some trips have been completely female, while others have had an even split. AUSun can let you know the ratio for the trip you are interested in upon request.