Emma Serenko

Graphic Organizer #1
Important Trip Information

Criteria Information
Visa/Passport



Visa Citizens from the list of countries below who have a valid passport, do not require a visa
and are permitted to stay for 90 days; Germany, Andorra, Argentina, Australia*, Austria, Bahamas,
Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark*, Slovak Republic,
Slovenia, Spain, United States*, Estonia, Finland, France*, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy,
Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mxico, Montenegro, Norway*, New
Zealand*, Netherlands*, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Principality Of Monaco, San Marino,
Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Africa, United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland **, Czech
Republic, Republic Of South Korea, Hellenic Republic (Greece), Romania, Vatican City, Singapore,
Sweden, Switzerland, Republic Of China (Taiwan), Trinidad And Tobago and Uruguay. Any country
NOT listed, must have a passport AND a visa.
Passport A valid passport is required.
Geography
Natural Features
Climate
Landscape
Wildlife
Vegetation
Soils



Climate Since Costa Rica is a tropical country, annual temp. is around 21C to 27C. The
coolest months are from November through January, warmest months are from March to May.
Costa Rica has year-round tropical weathers.
LandscapeCosta Rica ranges in landscape, from hills to mountains, forests to volcanoes, also
wetlands and plains. Most of the country consists of mountains, many are dormant volcanoes.
Wildlife Costa Rica tops all other countries with the most wildlife, 615 species / 10, 000 sq
km. There are a range of different habitats in Costa Rica because of its wide range of flora and
fauna. Some examples of the many animals in Costa Rica are: howler monkeys, jaguar,
mountain lion, tapir, anteater, sloth, armadillo, parrots, butterflies, boa constrictors, rattlesnakes
and many, many more!
Vegetation
Soils Volcanic soils
Transportation
Options
Types
Costs
Tips for
Travelling

Types of Transportations & Costs
Tour Groups: Recommended for tourists traveling alone; it's an easy way to get
around without you getting lost!
Price: Included in cost for trip (taking the bus from the hotel to the family house you'll be
staying at)
Rent a Car: The most flexible way to travel though may be challenging navigating
your way around.
Price: Renting a car is very different compared to the US and Canada, and very confusing. The
price of the car can double or more after the insurance and fees are added. Make sure to ask for
the total cost per day including all fees and insurance, BEFORE paying. The costs vary
depending on size and type of vehicle, beginning at 20,000 CRC ($40) per day including fees
and insurances. A gallon of gas is 2,854 CRC ($5.66) (data from 2011 - may have increased or
decreased)
Tourist Minibuses: slightly faster, more convenient and more comfortable than public
busing. A big advantage traveling this way is that the stops and routes are directed
towards tourists, whereas the public bus goes on general routes, and you'd have to find
your way to the attraction.
Price: 15,000 60,000 CRC ($30 $120) (private/public shuttle services)
Public Buses: Cheapest mode of transportation - though, like said above, only stay on
main routes, and may need to walk to destination.
Price: 150 15,000 CRC ($0.30 $30)
Taxi: convenient for the people who don't want the responsibility of driving around.
Be aware that LEGAL taxis are RED with a YELLOW triangle on the side, all others
are illegal.
Price: Metered taxis charge in 2 ways - 1. The distance meter 2. The time meter. Generally, a
taxi ride in the same city is between 1,500 6,000 CRC ($3.00 $12.00).

Tips for Traveling
Like said above, make sure the taxi youre taking is LEGAL! RED WITH YELLOW
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TRIANGLE on the side.
Watch out for taxi prices! If they go by time, you may get caught in traffic, and end up
paying way more than you expected!
Also, watch out for car rental prices! Ask for full price per day, including ALL costs,
extra fees, insurance, etc.
Currency
Exchange

Currency Exchange Costa Rican Coln (CRC)
Currency Code = CRC
Currency Symbol =
1 Canadian Dollar = 511.58 Costa Rican Coln
Food
Menu/Varieties


Typical & Traditional Dishes in Costa Rica:
Casado/Comida Tipica most common dish in Costa Rica. Consisting of
beans, rice mixed with diced red peppers and onions, fried plantains, cabbage
salad with tomato and carrot, along with a choice of meat chicken, pork,
fish, or steak - comes with a casado grilled or sauted.
Ceviche a popular boca (appetizer) made with citrus marinated raw fish,
herbs and vegetables.
Gallo Pinto a typical breakfast, consisting of rice & beans together,
fried/scrambled eggs, chopped beef, fried plantains, and tortillas.
Empanadas fried or baked dough filled with cheese, beans, potatoes, or
chicken.
Bizcochos baked chees & cornmeal dough rings
Packing List
(Important items
to bring)
Photographic
equipment
Appropriate
Clothing,
Important
Documents,
Special
Needs
(medication
eye wear,
etc.)
Packing List:
Clothing:
Rain Coat
Running shoes/hiking shoes/walking shoes
Beach flip-flops/sandals
Outfit for plane ride and first day
Outfit for the next 6 days clothes youre comfortable in and okay with getting dirty
from building.
Underwear and pajamas (enough for the 6 days)
Bathing suit
Dressier clothing for your free time
Cotton socks
Sun hat or baseball hat
Toiletries:
Shampoo & Conditioner
Razor
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Hair brush/comb
Deodorant
Towel (1-2 should be okay)
Books & Maps (optional):
Guidebook
Map of Costa Rica
Documents:
Money
Purse/money belt/clip or wallet to keep money safe
Passport
Drivers license
Credit/debit card & travelers checks
Insurance card & contact info.
Bring a bag or case to keep these documents safe & together
Health:
Personal prescriptions
Sunglasses
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Contact lenses, cleaning solution, and/or glasses
Spare contacts & glasses (incase lost or broken)
Band-aids
Eye drops
Pepto-Bismol
Graval for motion sickness
Insect repellent
After-bite
Sunscreen
Miscellaneous/Optional Suggestions:
Plastic bag
Reusable water bottle
Flashlight
Binoculars
Music player (ipod, mp3, etc.)
Good camera to take pictures of the beauty in Costa Rica
Camera Charger

Budget Items
(Average daily
cost per person)
Local
transportatio
n
Souvenirs
Food

Entertainme
nt
Cost (Canadian $)
2.25
22.92
17.56
26.44
Cost ( Costa Rican )
1,150.77
11,700.73
8,966.25
13,497.41