Aside from being an exotic, biodiverse destination, Costa Rica is also very safe. Costa Rica boasts a great variety of tropical landscapes and biomass all of which are readily accessible and within a relative short distance of travel. Costa Rica is a democratic republic with little internal strife.

Costa Rica is located in Central America on the isthmus. 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 the state of California.

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in the world. It is a peaceful democratic republic with no military. However, we never allow any of our participants to venture off alone without company or notifying an adult in charge. Also, we always recommend that one keeps a close eye on one’s belongings because petty theft is a big temptation in third world countries.

No. 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 and are very willing to learn English, as well as teach Spanish to foreigners.

IMPORTANT FOR MINORS UNDER 18
We ask that all participants bring a signed copy a Parent Release Form. Click here for a printable copy of the form.

You must have a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica. Be sure your passport will not expire while traveling because it is very difficult to renew it in Costa Rica, especially as a minor. Some airlines may require minors traveling alone be assisted by an airline representative. Visas are NOT required for those traveling from the following countries: European Union, United States, Argentina, Brasil, 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.

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. For custom trips, we can also offer to set up travelers insurance for any or all assisting chaperones for a minimal fee.

AUSun requires that you please be sure to have an updated Tetanus and Tuberculosis shot before coming on any programs. The FDA has recommends that those traveling to Costa Rica be inoculated for malaria and hepatitis. These vaccinations are not required for AUSun; this is left to your discretion. Should you choose to be inoculated with these vaccinations, please be well aware of the side effects. If possible administer the inoculations well in advance so that side effects will not affect you during the program. AUSun leaders are qualified to assist in administering or reminding participants to take prescribed inoculations.

Telecommunication has advanced quite incredibly in Costa Rica making contact with loved ones far away quite easy. There is always an AUSun representative in the office in Costa Rica that knows the exact location of the group as they are in route. Parents can call the office or cell phone of the representative at any time, day or night, and the representative will get them in touch with the group. The group also calls their parents upon arrival to the country, and on specific days during their adventure. Parents are aware in advance of these days and times. For front country trips, phone numbers for all lodgings are provided ahead of time upon request.

AUSun is definitely a multicultural program. We get people from all over the world coming together on our programs. Most of our participants, 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 an incredible diversity into our scheduled group trips. We have had participants coming South America, Caribbean Islands, Asia, and Europe.

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

NO. All of the outdoor activities 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.

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 amount 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, turtles, lizards, insects, and thousands of different plants. Landscapes and views can include clean waves in the ocean, erupting volcano, canals lined with lush jungle, white water rapids flowing through tropical rainforests, and views from the canopy of lowland or dry tropical rainforests.

On any Scheduled Backcountry Program, 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. Meal planning, cooking and clean up are fundamental experiences of this AUSun trip. Participants will enjoy learning the skills and secrets of cooking fresh ceviche, chicken fajitas, pizzas, polenta, couscous, baked desserts and more! Unless the Group Coordinator requests it, participants of a Student Group Program will not be expected to assist with meal preparation and planning in a backcountry setting.

On all Front Country Programs, 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 typical Costa Rican meals which 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 Rica cuisine is rice and beans that provide plenty of protein. We only ask that vegetarians notify us ahead of time so that we may be prepared.

All back country and front country trips provide places to shower. Laundry facilities are available for the front country trips.

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.

Yes! The group leader and/or an AUSun representative will meet the participant(s) at the airport and accompany them throughout their stay.

Costa Rica has two seasons: a dry season from the end of November through April and a wet season from May through October. The average temperature is about 75?F (24?C). The coastal regions can be very humid and hot.

NO! AUSun maintains very strict policies about NO alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products allowed on any AUSun programs. Participants can dedicate themselves to having a good time through fun activities, adrenaline from adventure, and many laughs.