Team Desafio in Costa Rica - Desafio Adventure Blog

Requirements to Enter Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know for Your Adventure

admin — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:20:51 +0000

Planning a trip to Costa Rica is an exciting endeavor, filled with the promise of lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. However, before you embark on your adventure, it’s crucial to understand the necessary documents required for entry. At Desafío Costa Rica, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless start to your unforgettable journey.

Passport Requirements
Visa Requirements
Entry Requirements
Additional Tips for Travelers

Passport Requirements

To enter Costa Rica, all travelers must present a valid passport. Here are the key points to consider:

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Ensure that your passport has at least one blank page for entry stamps.

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements for Costa Rica vary depending on your nationality. Here’s a breakdown of the general guidelines:

Citizens from the United States, Canada, and most European countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Travelers from countries that do require a visa must apply through the nearest Costa Rican consulate or embassy.
Ensure you have all necessary documents, such as proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay.

Entry Requirements

Besides your passport and visa, there are other entry requirements to be aware of:

Proof of onward travel: You must show a return ticket or a ticket to another destination.
Customs declaration: Be prepared to declare any goods you are bringing into the country.
Health requirements: Check for any required vaccinations or health declarations, especially in light of COVID-19 protocols.

Additional Tips for Travelers

To ensure a smooth entry into Costa Rica, consider the following tips:

Keep digital and physical copies of your travel documents.
Stay informed about any travel advisories or changes in entry requirements.
Contact Desafío Costa Rica for assistance with travel planning and personalized advice.

With the right preparation, your trip to Costa Rica will be a memorable adventure. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, Costa Rica awaits you with open arms. Let Desafío Costa Rica help you every step of the way!

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Mastering the Kayak Eskimo Roll: A Guide with Suresh Krishnan of Desafio Adventure Company

admin — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 21:36:36 +0000

Flipping over in your kayak is just part of the fun, but it’s even better once you learn to do a good Kayak Eskimo Roll to get yourself upright in the water!

Being upside down in your kayak can also be a scary feeling and lead to a dangerous situation, so learning how to Kayak Eskimo Roll is the first step to becoming a confident paddler.

Suresh Krishnan, Founder and Owner of Desafio Adventure Company enjoys sharing his love of paddling with staff and friends. Suresh recently gave a general paddling and safety talk to his guides so they could then go out and train others.

Mauricio, lead guide for our Desafio Sarapiqui Rafting operation, has a knack for teaching. We caught up with him in the middle of a lesson with a young female paddler from a local university.

He explained to the student the 4 Universal Steps to Learning How to do a Kayak Eskimo Roll:

STEP 1: Tuck your Paddle and Lean Forward The first thing is to lean completely forward across the deck of the kayak when you are upside down to avoid bumping your head on a rock or other obstacle in the river. Now put your paddle parallel to the side of the kayak and then reach straight up out of the water.

STEP 2: The Paddle Swoosh When you are sure your paddle is up as high as it can go out of the water above your kayak, swoosh it around so that it is perpendicular to the kayak along the side. Reach your top arm as far over the kayak as you can. Your bottom arm should also be extended out as far as it can to get the outer blade of your paddle out of the surface of the water. Tilt your head toward the shoulder on the side of the upper arm with the paddle out of the water.

STEP 3: The Hip-Snap The hip-snap is THE most important part of doing a successful Kayak Eskimo Roll. Women are by nature better at this move, but with a little practice, everyone should be able to get the hang of it. Your paddle being out of the water is basically for support as you push/pull yourself over. As you do the hip snap, be sure to place your head down along the shoulder of the upper arm. Now make a quick move to snap the top hip down to roll the kayak back over, at the same time you put pressure on the paddle that’s toward the surface of the water.

STEP 4: The Roll Follow-Through Your kayak will start to tilt back upright when it turns over so you have to make sure you stabilize it. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your extended paddle blade toward the top of the water. This way you’ll keep your head down to make your roll go smoother. If you pop your head up, it can make the kayak unstable. Be sure to do all of this as quickly as possible because you never know what else you may encounter downstream.

And if all of the above fails, eat your pride, and don’t be afraid to pull the spray skirt tab and swim. Even the best kayakers have had their share of “swims.”

NOTE: One thing I found difficult is getting water up my nose, so a nose clip is often helpful. And it is usually best to practice your Kayak Eskimo Roll in a waist-height pool to get started.

La entrada Mastering the Kayak Eskimo Roll: A Guide with Suresh Krishnan of Desafio Adventure Company se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.

Desafio New Logistics – New Tours

admin — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 20:58:26 +0000

Desafío Adventure Company is renowned for being at the forefront of adventure since 1992. It’s time once again to unveil our new tours and logistics for 2019 and 2020, with a special focus on the Sarapiquí region in Costa Rica.

NEW OPERATION IN SARAPIQUÍ

Explore the versatility of the Sarapiquí River, one of Costa Rica’s most popular and diverse rivers. Nestled adjacent to the San Juan La Selva and Braulio Carrillo biological corridor, this river boasts an impressive biodiversity of flora and fauna.

NEW!! Full Day Rafting Class 3-4: Experience 2 hours of thrilling rafting surrounded by the jungle, starting from San Miguel and culminating at our restaurant and operations center, Red Eyed Frog in El Roble.
Rafting Class 2-3: From La Virgen to El Roble, recommended for ages between 8 and 65.
NEW!! Jungle Safari Float Sarapiquí: Begin at Jacaré, accompanied by a naturalist guide, and finish with a delightful lunch.

Adventure Connections & One-Day Tours from San José: The Sarapiquí River offers versatile options with various classes of rapids and interesting activities in the lush rainforest. From extreme rafting to bicycle tours, pineapple, chocolate, waterfall tours, birdwatching, among others. After each tour, clients can enjoy our Red Eye Frog restaurant before being transported to their respective destinations. Explore our Sarapiquí River options for your next trip and discover how versatile and FUN it can be!

NEW OPERATION ON LAKE ARENAL

Introducing our new ARENAL PADDLE & PEDAL at Lake Arenal, providing various options for clients traveling between La Fortuna and Monteverde.

Policies for Road Drivers: Be SAFE! Have Serious FUN! We are convinced that navigating Costa Rica’s streets and highways is one of the most challenging and dangerous jobs. We pride ourselves on safe, courteous drivers. Here are our road policies:

A. Avoid maneuvers endangering customer and driver safety.

B. Avoid deviating from the established route without confirmation from Operations.

C. Do not stop in places jeopardizing customer safety.

D. Maintain speed limits.

E. Require seat belt use for all bus occupants.

Feel free to contact us with suggestions to enhance our transportation service for you and your clients.

Desafío Adventure Company to participate in the Whitewater Rafting Summit in Costa Rica

In October, we will participate in the Costa Rica Whitewater Rafting Summit, bringing together experts to modernize industry rules and procedures to international standards.

La entrada Desafio New Logistics – New Tours se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.

Unlocking Adventure: Costa Rica Incentive Travel with Desafío Adventure Company

admin — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:41:37 +0000

Imagine a corporate retreat where Miami Dolphins executives embarked on thrilling team-building activities amidst the enchanting landscapes of Costa Rica. Companies seeking unique and tax-deductible incentives for their employees are turning to the rich offerings of Incentive Travel programs in Costa Rica. This blog explores the growing trend and showcases how Desafío Adventure Company stands as the ideal partner for creating unforgettable experiences.

Incentive Travel in Costa Rica: A Unique Approach to Employee Rewards

Companies today recognize the value of providing extraordinary experiences to their teams. Incentive Travel programs in Costa Rica, like those offered by Desafío Adventure Company, have become a sought-after choice for enhancing morale, loyalty, and team collaboration. Upper management leverages such programs to motivate top performers, boost sales, and explore new strategic avenues.

Why Choose Costa Rica for Incentive Travel?

Drawing inspiration from successful endeavors, Desafío Adventure Company emphasizes Costa Rica’s appeal as an easy-to-organize destination with affordable options. With over 22 years of experience, Desafío is a family-owned and operated business with offices strategically located across Costa Rica. The company’s direct operation of tours and transport services sets it apart, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective solutions.

Incentive Travel Activities in Costa Rica

Desafío Adventure Company offers a range of thrilling activities for incentive travel programs, including:

Rafting Class 2-3 on the Rio Balsa
- Price: $80 + taxes per person
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours
- Age Range: 8-65
- Link to Activity
Rafting Class 3-4 on the Rio Sarapiqui
- Price: $105 + taxes per person
- Duration: Approx. 8 hours
- Age Range: 13-65
- Link to Activity
Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoneering
- Price: $105 + taxes per person
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours
- Age Range: 8-65
- Link to Activity
Mambo Combo – Rafting Class 2-3 on the Rio Balsa and Lost Canyon
- Price: $165 + taxes per person
- Duration: Approx. 8 hours
- Age Range: 10-65
- Link to Activity
Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping
- Price: $130 + taxes per person
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours
- Age Range: 15-70
- Link to Activity

Why Desafío for Your Incentive Travel Program?

Desafío Adventure Company’s commitment is encapsulated in two rules: Be Safe and Have Serious Fun! With specialized activities, top-level team members, and a $3-million liability insurance policy, Desafío ensures a secure and exhilarating experience. The company’s team-building activities, such as “Survivor” or “The Amazing Race,” can be customized to suit your company’s unique needs.

Choose Desafío Adventure Company for your Incentive Travel Program, and unlock a world of benefits, including increased sales volume, enhanced teamwork, improved customer loyalty, and a competitive advantage. Let Costa Rica be the backdrop for your company’s success, where serious fun meets serious business.

La entrada Unlocking Adventure: Costa Rica Incentive Travel with Desafío Adventure Company se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.

Costa Rica Adventure Academy: Igniting Excellence in Adventure Education

admin — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:57:50 +0000

The inception of the Costa Rica Adventure Academy, spearheaded by Suresh Krishnan, the proprietor of Desafio Adventure Company, marks a pivotal move to train the upcoming cohort of adventure guides. Focused on leadership, safety, and service, this initiative aims to elevate the adventure industry and foster robust community connections.

In March, a group of seven young Costa Rican men, predominantly from rural regions, completed their training at the Costa Rica Adventure Academy. Four of them, with indigenous BriBri roots from the Caribbean coast, formed the group named Di_Na-Mu, translating to Jaguar in BriBri.

Drawing inspiration from his U.S. military training, Krishnan infused elements of discipline and leadership into the academy’s curriculum. “So much of what I learned in the Army applies to my business,” Krishnan reflected.

Despite Costa Rica’s reputation as a peaceful, military-free country, Krishnan contends that a nation’s military ethos plays a pivotal role in shaping leadership, especially for the youth. “In my experience, we lack a strong culture of leadership in Costa Rica,” notes Suresh.

To impart an intensive leadership course, Krishnan enlisted three seasoned Master Guides, each boasting over 15 years of local and international adventure expertise.

The Adventure Academy’s training objective is to prepare both the mind and body for the challenges of the adventure tourism industry and the unpredictable natural environment. “Our Master Guides leveraged Costa Rica’s natural wonders—rivers, canyons, lakes, and rainforests—as classrooms,” Krishnan explained. The training included a demanding 2-hour rough-water swim in Lake Arenal, followed by an overnight camping experience in the elements.

Participants in the Costa Rica Adventure Academy engaged in self-competitive activities, fostering teamwork and mutual understanding. They acquired skills in raft guiding, tropical waterfall rappelling, and hiking in extreme conditions, complemented by rigorous physical training. Post this one-month training, they showcased their capabilities in the Costa Rica National Rafting Competition, securing an impressive fourth place.

While physical prowess is crucial for adventure guides, Krishnan emphasizes the multifaceted nature of leadership. A leader, in his view, must be an adept listener, a quick thinker, and prioritize safety and customer service. Students were evaluated on problem-solving abilities, adherence to safety protocols, and their capacity to deliver outstanding customer service. “Our focus was solely on enhancing the client experience,” Krishnan affirmed.

Observing the transformation of this group into strong leaders, Krishnan expressed confidence in steering adventure tourism towards enhanced safety, strength, and success. “The Di_Na-Mu graduates from the Costa Rica Adventure Academy are poised to become exceptional leaders.”

La entrada Costa Rica Adventure Academy: Igniting Excellence in Adventure Education se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.

Continuing Education in Costa Rica

admin — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 21:15:41 +0000

Exploring Costa Rica’s Education Landscape: A Guide to Learning Opportunities

Discover the rich educational offerings in Costa Rica, from bilingual schools to adventure academies. Learn about the country’s commitment to education, bridging language gaps, and providing unique learning experiences for locals and visitors alike.

Many people are curious about what Costa Rica is like before they come to visit. One of the common questions is, “I don’t speak Spanish. Will it be hard for me to communicate with the locals in Costa Rica?”

If you’re considering staying in Costa Rica, whether to learn Spanish, embark on new adventures, take surf lessons, or attend a Costa Rica cooking class, there’s an opportunity for continuing education.

Costa Rica boasts one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America. A significant percentage of students graduate from high school, and major international companies like Amazon, Intel, Bridgestone, Hewlett Packard, and others have established factories and call centers in the country.

Due to the absence of a military, Costa Rica allocates resources that would otherwise be dedicated to warfare to its education system, offering continuing education opportunities for its citizens.

For example, near La Fortuna, at the base of the Arenal Volcano, there’s an elementary school providing a bilingual and hands-on education. The students cultivate their fruits and vegetables, raise cattle, goats, and chickens, and sell the surplus at local markets to fund school projects.

Education goes beyond traditional subjects; students also learn financial management and leadership skills on the farm. Innovative school directors like Eulyn Chacon emphasize practical life skills, instilling discipline in students.

Costa Rica takes adult education seriously with the National Institute of Learning (INA), offering free courses ranging from auto mechanics to English to hotel management.

Even private companies, like Desafío Adventure Company, collaborate with INA to establish an Adventure Academy, providing leadership and safety training for Adventure Guides.

Costa Rica’s commitment to advanced education is evident with Earth University, welcoming students worldwide on scholarships to study sustainable agriculture. INCAE, a renowned business school, hosts visiting professors from the Harvard School of Business.

Teaching English in Costa Rica is a popular choice, with Centro Espiral Mana near the Arenal Volcano providing certification for both new and experienced English teachers. Founder Mary Scholl secures international funding to offer a unique live-on-campus experience.

In conclusion, Costa Rica’s emphasis on education creates an inclusive environment. Don’t hesitate to explore and communicate with locals; you may even discover something new during your visit.

La entrada Continuing Education in Costa Rica se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.

Community Art Beautifies Rural Costa Rica School

admin — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 20:44:36 +0000

Community Art Enhances Rural Costa Rica School: A Desafio Initiative

Desafio, in collaboration with various organizations and compassionate individuals, has joined forces to uplift Cerro Alegre, a local elementary school. This initiative involves providing dance outfits for the school’s dance group, painting its walls, constructing playground equipment, and furnishing desks and supplies.

Notably, Desafio Adventure Company, in partnership with a local travel planning company, has sponsored a mural by Selina Lee, a talented Canadian artist.

This interactive mural serves not only to beautify the school but also to engage the children in the artistic process. Selina Lee, the artist behind the project, shares her inspiration:

“Every aspect of this project was extraordinary – from designing the mural to interacting with the staff and involving the children. I chose to depict a tree because, like a school, it is continuously growing and evolving. The leaves sprout, mature, fall, and provide nutrients for new growth,” explains Lee.

“This symbolism resonates with the experience at Cerro Alegre, a school showered with love that circulates within the school and community. During my painting sessions, the kids gathered around, asking questions about my artwork. This not only provided English conversation practice but also encouraged the exploration of color mixing. Their support and encouragement were invaluable,” she adds.

Lee’s decision to involve the children in the painting process aligns with her love for participatory artwork. It allows each young artist to contribute their unique touch, adding a personalized meaning to the overall piece. Moreover, many Costa Rican elementary schools lack funding for art classes, making this a novel experience for the students.

“I started by conducting an art class for the kindergarten students, incorporating activities to stimulate creativity, including dancing and drawing. This energized them, and when it came time to paint, they approached it with excitement and freedom.”

Each child painted a leaf-shaped piece of wood, which was then affixed to the tree’s branches. The children took pride in their creations.

The mural has transformed into more than a decorative piece; it has become a tangible connection for the students, leaving a lasting impression. Lee hopes it ignites a creative spark within the students, fostering an ongoing appreciation for artistic expression, potentially using paint as their medium.

La entrada Community Art Beautifies Rural Costa Rica School se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.

Climate News from Arenal Costa Rica

admin — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 22:29:27 +0000

Exploring the intricate relationship between climate and tourism, Suresh Krishnan, the Founder of Desafio Adventure Company, provides insights into the current climate conditions in Arenal Costa Rica’s Northern Zone.

Embracing Rainy Adventures

Clients often ask, “Can we go on our tour if it’s raining?” The resounding answer is, “Of course!” Arenal Costa Rica is celebrating a season of steady rain, ensuring optimal water levels in rivers, canyons, and the picturesque Lake Arenal.

While the Arenal Volcano area is renowned for heavy rainfall, Suresh reflects on the evolving weather patterns over his two decades with Desafio Adventure Company in San Carlos. Despite the region being humorously labeled as “where it only rains 13 months a year,” noticeable changes have unfolded.

Climate’s Impact on Tourism

Climate significantly influences tourism in Costa Rica. Desafio Adventure Company’s activities, from rafting and canyoning to kayaking and transfer services, are intricately tied to Mother Earth. Heavy rain brings challenges like landslides and road issues, emphasizing the delicate balance between nature and tourism.

Monitoring Weather Patterns

As an avid follower of weather channels and climate reporting websites, Suresh frequently checks www.WeatherChannel.com to stay updated on conditions affecting tours. This year presents an intriguing phenomenon with fewer dangerous storms, potentially signaling less rainfall for Costa Rica. Despite consistent rain, concerns about future droughts linger.

Environmental Changes and Adaptations

Costa Rica faces dramatic environmental changes and desertification. Reduced rainfall impacts rivers and rainforests, prompting adaptations in Desafio’s rafting operations. Hydroelectric projects in the Northern Zone have led to logistical adjustments, affecting rivers like Peñas Blancas and Arenal.

Suresh shares a poignant encounter at Peñas Blancas River, highlighting the impact on local communities. The decrease in water levels and quality of Penas Blancas River and Arenal River affects residents, emphasizing the integral role of rivers in community life.

Uncertain Future for Rafting

The construction of dams, like the one on Rio Toro, has forced operational changes. The Rio Balsa’s new dam is in testing, raising uncertainties about its future for rafting. Rumors of additional hydroelectric projects on Rio Sarapiqui and Tenorio River add to the industry’s uncertainty.

Economic Impact and Environmental Advocacy

The potential loss of rafting, a sought-after tourist activity, poses a severe economic threat. Millions in annual revenue and local economic impact are at stake. Suresh’s involvement in workshops on “The Future of Energy Production in Costa Rica” reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental advocacy.

A Call to Adventure

In this beautiful democratic country, Suresh emphasizes the importance of serious fun, rain or shine, on adventure tours. Whether it’s rafting, canyoning, or other activities, now is an opportune time to visit Arenal Costa Rica.

Suresh Krishnan, Founder and Owner of Desafio Adventure Company.

La entrada Climate News from Arenal Costa Rica se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.

Certification for Sustainability

admin — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 22:06:46 +0000

Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica Through Certification

Every two years, the Costa Rican Tourism Board encourages tour outfitters to apply for the renowned Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST). This certification, based on rigorous ecological practices, awards between 1 to 5 stars or “leaves” to companies like ours. As a responsible company, we’ve implemented ecologically-minded policies, ensuring our tours adhere to sustainable practices.

As part of the CST certification process, we inform our providers about our Mission, Vision, and adherence to various Costa Rican laws, including those prohibiting sexual exploitation of children, sexual harassment, illegal substance consumption, equal opportunities, waste management, environmental quality, and protection of archaeological heritage.

We conduct periodic evaluations to ensure the proper implementation of sustainable tourism management policies. Our Emergency and Evacuation plan, known to all staff, emphasizes safety and first aid equipment. We operate and promote tours with minimal environmental impact, supported by programs such as water and energy conservation, sustainable cleaning agents, waste management, recycling campaigns, and community development support.

We actively participate in addressing the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, aligning with the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. Our commitment includes a zero-tolerance policy, employee training, contractual clauses, annual reports, and visible signs showcasing our adherence to the Code of Conduct.

To ensure compliance with Costa Rican laws, we are familiar with important legislation, such as the Ley de Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Ley Orgánica del Ambiente, Ley Forestal, Ley de Biodiversidad, Ley Contra la Explotación Sexual de las Personas Menores de Edad, Ley 7600 for Equal Opportunities, and more. Our commitment extends to supporting organizations like the Ministerio Ambiente y Energía, Fiscalía Delitos Sexuales Paniamor, Consejo Nacional de Rehabilitación y Educación Especial, and others.

Desafio Adventure Company has as a certified Carbon Neutral Company since 2012, committed to sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. Our dedication to environmental conservation, social responsibility, and legal compliance reflects our mission to provide memorable experiences while preserving the beauty of Costa Rica for generations to come.

La entrada Certification for Sustainability se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.

Carlos plants a tree and falls in love with rafting

admin — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 21:58:34 +0000

Title: Carlos’ Adventure: Rafting, Tree Planting, and Community Activities on the Balsa River

by Carlos Oviedo – Desafio Finance Manager

In 2009, during my early days at Desafio, I embarked on my first tour along the Rio Balsa. A slight mishap caused me to miss the regular morning rafting tour that most clients opt for. However, luck was on my side as I discovered a community group of local high school students from La Fortuna gearing up for a day of rafting and tree planting.

Accompanied by about 20 enthusiastic students, we made a pit stop in Santa Clara for some fresh fruit and to engage in tree-planting activities. The experience was not only enjoyable but also entertaining, with some Costa Rican high school students attempting to ride cows in a nearby field. Amidst the laughter and unforgettable moments, I encountered a small hurdle when one of my shoes fell apart, leaving me to navigate the rest of the day barefoot. Lunch at the river house was a delight, with delicious food adding to the overall experience.

My guide for the day was Cuca, who made the adventure even more enjoyable. He even allowed me to take control of the raft in a calm spot along the river. It was on that day that I fell in love with both the company and the thrilling sport of rafting. From then on, I dedicated my time to mastering the sport, progressing to solo kayaking adventures on the river. To this day, whenever the office gets busy or there’s a shortage of guides, I step out to cover the safety kayaks on rafting tours – a refreshing break from the daily grind.

If you want to delve deeper into the wonders of the Balsa River, click here to learn more. For those interested in engaging in community activities and contributing to tree-planting initiatives, feel free to contact our office here.

La entrada Carlos plants a tree and falls in love with rafting se publicó primero en Desafio Adventure Blog.