TRIP PLANNING FOR COSTA RICA AND ECUADOR TRIPS

PREPARING FOR THE TRIP
What we need from you before your Costa Rica trip:

• Medical Form
• Waiver
• Boat Choice
• Flight information

What we need from you before your Ecuador trip: 

• Medical Form
• Waiver
• Boat Choice
• Flight information 

PACKING
Plan on packing light. Airlines are really tightening their baggage restrictions, and the more you pack the more you have to keep track of.  Double check your paddling gear as you will not find spare gear here. In Costa Rica, attire is casual and shorts very acceptable. Shorts do not offend Ecuadorians, but typically only tourists wear them about town.  Pants/blue jeans are better walk-about clothes for Quito. In Ecuador, if you will be spending additional time there is inexpensive laundry service available.  Reference the Costa Rica or Ecuador Packing List for help in what to bring.

Reading List
Van rides/early nights provide an opportunity to read that you might not have at home. Wow--vacation and you have the chance to read for fun!  Even better is reading about the history, politics and culature of Latin America.  Selections off our guide reading list can help you get started on what to bring/load on your ibook and/or Kindle.

If you have any small gifts (i.e.: coloring books, crayons, small candies) there are opportunities to help out kids in the rural areas. 

PERSONAL
A valid passport is necessary for travel.  Please confirm that the expiration date of your passport is 6 months after your return home. No shots are required; however, always check with your physician for your personal needs.  Other recommended items include your cell phone charger, a Spanish dictionary, camera and charger, and a personal first aid kit that includes ibuprofen, Imodium, Neosporin, Swimmers ear solution and Band-Aids.

Shopping: Something More than a T-Shirt
Costa Rica is not known for a wide selection of hand-crafted items, but there are beautiful gifts to be found. Costa Rican coffee is a great gift, as are wooden carved bowls and hammocks.  And we have several local craftsmen who will display their handcrafted jewelry and sandals during the trip.  Even the airport in San Jose offers turbo-shopping for those in need of gifts for returning home.

There is no better place in all of Latin America to purchase hand crafted items than Ecuador! Haggling on prices is appropriate in the market areas but not in the shops.  As a tourist you are a target for being charged more.  ALWAYS ask the price before accepting it and do not be shy about haggling for a lower price. And make sure you have small bills (20’s are large in Ecuador).  Exception: the finer stores. No haggling and credit cards are accepted.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIPS

• Expect that the pace will be different than what you are used to in the States.  Leave U.S. expectations at home and enjoy the cultural change
• Travel Guide – definitely bring a travel guide along!  We carry the Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit book in stock in our store. We can send a copy to you.
• Before leaving home, photocopy your passport and have it in a separate spot than your original
• Pull out your Spanish!  Locals will be most helpful in trying to figure out what you are saying, especially when accompanied by a smile.
• Travel wisely as you would in any big city.  Avoid flashy jewelry and  keep track of your purse, wallet, backpack or fanny pack.  If you are in a major city, watch out for pick-pocketers.  If you are traveling out and about, avoid driving isolated roads at night. Streets are not well marked or well lit as they are at home.  Rental cars have become targets for theft. Do not leave valuables in a rental car—especially your back pack with personal id.
• Be aware that in many places pedestrians DO NOT have the right-of-way.  Look before you cross any street.
• Water- You can drink the water in Costa Rica. In Ecuador, use only bottled water.
• Do not count on buying Gatorade-type drinks/power bar snacks every day. But we try to make snack stops on days we are traveling.
• There are abundant Internet Cafes and Wi-Fi is prevalent throughout both countries. Take care to avoid public wi-fi issues--turn off your computer’s file sharing before departing home to avoid sharing files, photos and other information. 
• Also check your cell phone international service options, but check rates as some travelers have returned home to pretty expensive cell phone bills after an international trip—and that includes text messaging.
• Shots – no shots are required for travel in either Costa Rica or Ecuador, but consult with your personal physician before traveling.  This is especially true if you will be doing any additional traveling before or after the trip.  The shot we have found to be most beneficial is a flu shot.  Winter-time viruses tend to travel down with paddlers and randomly select victims.  Best advice: Stay healthy before the trip!
• Van rides/early nights provide an opportunity to read that you might not have at home. Resource our reading list for suggestions on favorites that guide/trip members enjoy reading on the trips.
• Women traveling to Costa Rica and Ecuador. Our guests have always felt comfortable traveling throughout both countries. But there are tips for traveling that apply specifically to women.

PADDLING TIP: STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR KAYAK
Do not put your paddling away in the closet between now and then.  Even a couple of trips to a pool session will keep you in good karma with your paddling.  Then relax about the trip and look forward to a great week of paddling.