GROUPS AND SCHOOL VISITS

Groups visiting Cloudbridge have different options:

  • Service projects, some groups choose to do a service project like planting trees, trail improvement, etc.
  • For groups that are with us for multiple days, short term research projects are an option.

What’s the accommodation like?

Cloudbridge cannot host large groups, but there are a number of great accommodations nearby. The Casa Mariposa and the Hotel Uran are both in easy walking distance of Cloudbridge.

What about the toilet and shower facilities?

There are basic toilet facilities (outhouses) up on the reserve.

Can I drink the water?

The water at Cloudbridge comes from pure mountain springs and need no treatment. In the village, we recommend drinking boiled or bottled water.

What are the costs?

Groups make a donation of $5-$20 per person per day to continue planting trees and maintaining them.  Costs for the guided programs can be found here.

What happens if there is an emergency – eg., someone gets hurt, or bitten by a snake?

First-aid equipment is kept at the Casa and the Field Station for immediate use. If someone needs professional medical help, there is the Hospital San Isidro (tel. 771-3122) and other clinics in San Isidro. We recommend that you get medical insurance in your home country. One company that offers travel medical insurance is Medex (www.medexassist.com). Groups are totally responsible for their own health and safety.

Snakes and insects?

Yes. It’s a jungle out there – and watch out for those bitey insects. To alleviate itching, bring antihistamine pills with you, try applying hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or some other kind of anti-itch cream, or soaking in baking soda. Don’t scratch. There are fewer snakes and insects at this altitude, but of course there are some. Watch where you put your feet, and where you grab onto a low-hanging branch.

How do we get food?

There are several restaurants in the village. A few groceries can be bought at Albergue Uran, 15 minutes from Casa Amanzimtoti, and there is a limited selection at the pulperia (small grocery store) in the village of San Gerardo. (We actually do a weekly shop in San Isidro).

Swimming?

Some groups choose to take a dip in the Chirripo River, this is possible in several locations, During the rainy season the river can be very high and fast, consult with your guide before entering the water. A rope could be invaluable – it wouldn’t be any fun being swept over a waterfall. Two horses tried it. One survived.

Communications?

We have high speed Internet with a wireless connection.  So bring your own laptop, just make sure you have an anti-virus program on it. If the Cloudbridge computer is down, visit Albergue Uran for Internet, or the Talamanca Restaurant nearby which has internet facilities too.

Cloudbridge does not have a telephone.  There are public phones – the nearest one is outside the Albergue Uran, just 12 minutes from the casa. You’ll need to buy a phone card. In San Isidro you can use public phones using a calling card (widely available). San Isidro and other cities have internet cafes.

Stamps are available only at the Post Office. The Cloudbridge mailing address is Reserva Cloudbridge, San Gerardo de Rivas, PZ, Costa Rica.

Directions

Print out the “Directions” page in both English and Spanish. Print this document out too.

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