Costa Rica Quest- GAP Adventures

For many people traveling is an excuse to get away from the ordinary and to explore a different part of the world. Many people venture into the unexpected to experience an adventure and to meet likeminded individuals. I am one of them. I can’t sit at home waiting for my friends to go on a vacation just to find out that our travel interests don’t even coincide. That’s why I decided to go on a Gap Adventure to Costa Rica. I didn’t want to simply crisp on the beach for a week; I was looking for an adventure.

Gap Adventures is ideal for someone who is traveling alone, yet who would like to be in the company of likeminded travelers. My group consisted of twelve very contrary people. Each of us possessed a unique character and personality, but we all joined this tour with one common interest: to have the adventure of a lifetime.

For me, an important part of traveling is to be able to interact with the locals and to learn more about their culture. Having to use local transportation, when commuting from one city to another, made this easier. You cannot sit beside a Costa Rican for four hours without exchanging an interesting thought. I met a carpenter who had fourteen siblings, who explained to me the difference between building a home for a rich person and a poor family. He also enjoyed telling me how old and dangerous the bridges on the highways are, while we were stuck on one. An airplane mechanic shared his thought on the conflicts between the neighbouring countries and gave me the scoop on some Spanish slang. And a young graduate warned me of areas to avoid in San Jose and invited me salsa dancing with his friends.

These are the moments that made my experience in Costa Rica unforgettable, and it is because of the freedom and variety that Gap offers on their trips that made this possible. But of course it is up to each individual to accept the new environment and to open up to the locals. Lack of air conditioning, the language barrier and the cultural differences may be an uncomfortable issue to some, but for me these were the exact reasons why I loved this trip. I was looking for an experience that I would not find at home, and I found it with Gap Adventures. Go on a Gap tour with an open mind, expecting the unexpected, and you will not be disappointed.

Flights:
Air Canada, American Airlines and Continental
However, for a more authentic experience purchase a flight from GAP Adventures with LACSA (the Costa Rican airline) with a connection in El Salvador.

Airport Pickup/ Taxi:
- Airport pickup by GAP- $20US
- Taxi to the hotel- $14US (more interesting)

Accommodation:
Hotel rooms, shared with one other person (2-3*)
San Jose- www.hotelamistad.com
Monteverde- http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/hotel/claro-de-luna/
Quepos- www.villaromantica.com/

Transportation within the country:
Local buses - The most interesting mode of transportation where you can chat with the Costa Ricans sitting beside you, while the bus breaks down on the highway
Private van- Sometimes air conditioned and saves time
Boat- There is a boat ride to cross the Arenal lake to get to the horses
Horse- 3 hour horse ride to Monteverde is included in the package
Taxi- Cheap and quick as long as you set the price beforehand
Lots of walking…………………..

Guided tours:
All tours are conducted by knowledgeable local guides, who are not only fluent in English, but they can also converse with the howler monkeys

- Canopy tour through the jungle including the Tarzan swing
(a must do)
- Waterfall repelling and rafting
- Cave tour
- Coffee plantation tour
- Volcano night walk
- Frog farm
- Mangrove tour
- Hot springs and many more…………………………..

Food:
Only the first and last breakfasts are included, the rest is up to you and your tummy. The tour leader will recommend good local places to dine; most dinners are with the group

Breakfast
The local bakery offers freshly baked, cheap pastries
Typical Lunch/ Dinner
Cassados (married plates) - include rice, beans, fried plantains, salad and choice of fish, chicken, pork or beef
Ceviche- raw fish or shrimp cocktail
Patacones- deep fried plantains stuffed with guacamole, beans and sour cream
Typical Drinks
Freshly squeezed papaya juice, liquid lava, chan

Interaction with the locals:
Being on a GAP tour will give you plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals, it is up to you to make use of those opportunities

- Tour guides, taxi drivers, waiters, sales clerks, concierge, internet café clerk, the coconut cutter, the guy sitting beside you on the bus, the guy sitting beside you on the airplane and anyone else along the way who made your trip memorable…
Pura Vida!