Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodations and Facilities

There are several options for lodging at THIBS. We offer two private rooms and a private cabina, equipped with double beds, or bunk beds to accommodate more people if desired. We are also in the process of designing and building a large cabaña/bunkhouse, which will house people in a slightly less private and more economic fashion. Camping is also permitted on the property, including full use of the facilities. To view photographs of THIBS, please visit our Facilities page.

Costs are different for each lodging situation. Generally, camping is $8/night. Rental of our small private cabin is $10/per person, or private room in the main house is $15/night per room.

* all prices are in U.S. dollars, and are based on one person. Prices vary for couples, larger groups, and extended stays.

All room and camping costs include the use of clean, newly built, shared showers and bathroom facilities. Also included is the use of a shared kitchen facility with modern utensils. Arrangements can be made for cooked meals from a menu, including a large vegetarian selection, and the ability to customize meals, all at an extra, but reasonable cost.

No, The Institute itself is not able to accommodate personal laundry needs, however arrangements can be made with several of the Playa Azúl locals, and we will be happy to facilitate making the arrangements.

The power comes from a municipal source and is 110 to 120 volts. Thus, if coming from Europe or other countries that use different voltage it will be necessary to bring converters for all electrical devices. Outlets are located in all rooms and throughout The Institute for guest use.

We currently have enough beds to accomodate 4 people. We also have plenty of floor and camping space, for those of our guests who like to "rough it". With the completion of our cabaña/bunkhouse we hope to be able to accommodate as many as 17-20 people per night.

The municipal water, especially during the wet season is not recommended for drinking, although showering and washing in it is fine. The Institute always has bottled spring water on hand for drinking, and for taking with you on jaunts through the forest. All food and juices are made and washed with spring water as to reduce the likelihood of extended bathroom time. We have taken to being likely to drink the tap water and nothing has happened to any of us yet. However, although Moctezuma lived in Mexico, his revenge is far-reaching.

Transportation

Currently there is no vehicle at the Institute, but arrangements for transportation can be made. This is a very competitive occupation in Costa Rica and you may have better luck with pricecs on your own.

Again, we had to sell our van to keep the place going, so we no longer have transportation, but there are several local taxis that are glad to get up early to drive to nearby sights. They are all reasonably priced and nice guys.

Yes, Public buses run from Tárcoles to any major destination in Costa Rica, via San Jose, Puntarenas or Quepos. Buses leave often, through out the day. A shuttle runs the 3 km. distance twice daily from Playa Azúl to Tárcoles. This morning shuttle passes by Carara and will let you off, on its way to Orotina.

Yes, rental cars are available in San Jose and Jacó. Most international travel agents can book them through their respective international offices. Prices are approximately between $30 and $80 per day, depending on the season. They are usually inflated for the Christmas and spring break seasons.

Climate and Health

In the Dry Season, (November-May) it can be unbearably hot and sunny out in the open from the hours of 1000 to 1700. In the Wet Season, (May-November) it can be quite wet, and muddy. Trails can be inundated for days! However, storms and downpours occur in the driest of times, and the sun can bake an unsuspecting tourist standing knee deep in mud. It is best to be prepared for any type of weather in any season. Large hats to block the sun, long-sleeve, but light shirts are recommended for all times of the year, and of course, rubber boots, galoshes, or Wellingtons, however you refer to them are always good to have on hand. The Institute has some on hand, but if you are a male travelling from Europe, or the States you are encouraged to bring your own pair, as it is sometimes difficult to find anything larger than a European size 39, or American size 9 in Costa Rica.

No nasty pests exist in the area, however a variety of wondrous creatures live in and around the premises of the Institute, and in the National Park. Some of them will occasionally bite, sting, munch on or parasitize Humans.

Although located near a large tract of mangroves, the insects are generally not very bad at The Institute. No-seeums, (midges) can be nasty at dusk and dawn, but other than that the environment is quite innocuous. Several species of poisonous snakes occur in Carara National Park, and around The Institute, but if one stays on trail they are of little to no danger. It is always advisable to think when in the tropics, and to wear tall boots to reduce the chance of penetration if indeed, one is bitten by a venomous snake.

Clothing is the best defense for biting insects and other critters. No matter how hot, it is always preferable to wear long sleeves and pants made from a light breathable cloth to keep out the bugs. If especially sensitive to insect bites and stings you might want to bring repellent or other mechanisms of defense. People allergic to bees should have "epipens", or other such anaphylactic shock defenses on their person at all times, as Africanized Honey-bees occur in the area.

Malaria and Yellow fever are known to occur in some areas of Costa Rica, generally on the Caribbean side. They have not been known for a long time in the vicinity of THIBS, and at this point the United States Center for Disease Control does not deem it necessary to take precautions against these diseases. Dengue Fever is increasingly a problem on the Pacific coast, and there have been cases in the area. There is no shot or prophylaxis for the disease, and normal precautions against mosquitos should be taken to avoid this ailment. Other concerns do exist, including Hepatitis, and Tetanus, and it is preferable to be inoculated against the likelihood of contracting these diseases. However, it is up to each individual to take responsibility for themselves and their dependents. Again, the best defense is to wear protective clothing, and to be aware of your surroundings and environment at all times.

These conditions may change at any time, and it is always advisable to visit the C.D.C.'s website before visiting any foreign country.

Jacó and Orotina both have emergency medical centers, within a half hour drive, and within forty minutes is a large Hospital in Puntarenas. There currently is not anyone on staff at THIBS with any formal medical training. We are not responsible for any injuries, illnesses or ailments incurred while staying at THIBS or using the facilities therein, although we will make every effort to assist as best we can in any case of medical need or emergency.

Research Opportunities, Internships, Volunteering and Extended Stays

Yes, both undergraduate and graduate level research topics abound in the vicinity of THIBS. It is one of The Institute's main goals to support scientific research in the area to further conservation efforts. The Institute can not at this time offer any funding specifically for research, but discount lodging in exchange for volunteer labor or other arrangements may be made. Proposals will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Please visit our Research Opportunities page for more information.

Yes, many internship possibilities abound at the Institute. We currently do not have a concrete program or schedule, but we are prepared to accommodate just about any interest from Leaf-cutter Ants to Sustainable Development to Education. Please visit our Research Opportunities page for more information or email us directly.

Absolutely! As we are a not for profit endeavor, all of our labor is generally volunteer. If you believe in our goals and think we are accomplishing something, what better way to support our efforts than with a little bit of your time, sweat, or ideas. We welcome any help, and in fact require it for our success. Please see our Research Opportunities and Donations pages for more information on how you can help us achieve our goals.

Yes, extended stays are possible, and many different arrangements can be made to accommodate your needs and desires. We are willing to negotiate rates with longer stays, and can work out trades and barters if desired. These arrangements will have to be made on a case by case basis.

P.O. BOX 422 Maple Falls, WA 98266 USA