Frequently Asked Questions

The Las Nubes Expedition begins and ends in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, but mostly takes place in the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor (COBAS – Spanish acronym). COBAS is located at the foot of Chirripó Mountain, the highest peak in Costa Rica. This area contains the Las Nubes Biological Reserve as well as 7 communities spread around the Peñas Blancas river. It takes approximately 4 hours to drive from San José to COBAS by bus. Click Here to open the location in Google Maps.

We'll take you to some of the most amazing parts of the country which may include Palo Verde Biological Station, La Selva Biological Station, Las Cruces Biological Station, Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, Las Nubes Biological Reserve, Los Cusingos, and more.

Research projects rotate based on time of year and the schedule of visiting experts, but may include the following: - Wildlife monitoring: mammals, herpetofauna, benthic macroinvertebrates, birds, bats, insects - Forest structure: species richness, aboveground biomass - Environmental monitoring: precipitation, humidity, temperature

Expedition itineraries tie in with both high school and university curricula. Our lecture series can be tailored to meet specific learning requirements. We are happy to work with you and your school to make an expedition count towards your diploma. We also offer an Academic Add-on Expedition in partnership with York University. Earn credit through York University's Summer Abroad Program, then take part in a short Mondo expedition to explore the rainforest and take part in ecological monitoring. Learn more about York University's Study Abroad Program here: https://lasnubes.euc.yorku.ca/education/programs/

Accommodations vary depending on the expedition but may include hotels, eco-lodges, research stations and homestays. What are homestays? Participants of the Las Nubes Expedition will be living in homestays with local families. Two or three individuals will stay with each family. Homes may be rustic, but you will have all the basics, including internet. All participating homestay families have experience hosting people from abroad and are excited to share their customs with you.

All expeditions will be led in English but many people you meet along the way will only speak Spanish. We will teach you key phrases in Spanish at the beginning of the trip, but it may be useful to use a translator like Google Translate. It’s not a problem if you don’t speak Spanish as long as you are respectful and make an effort to communicate in other ways. It’s all part of the learning experience!

Each expedition includes a health and safety orientation, ensuring participants are aware of the hazards of the area. While out in the field, participants will always be accompanied by experienced guides trained in Wilderness First Aid. Mondo Eco-Expeditions takes every effort to prevent injury and illness, but accidents may still happen. For the Las Nubes Expedition, the nearest hospital is in the city San Isidro de El General, which is a 30 minute drive from the Las Nubes Reserve. Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies or other medical conditions that we should be aware of.

Yes we can! Mondo ensures meal options are available for everyone. Please let us know your dietary restrictions in advance.

Cost varies depending on expedition length or type of tour and if there are any special requests. Contact us for more information, including details on our incentive program for group organizers.

The cost of each expedition includes accommodation, food, transportation and activities for the length of the itinerary. It does not include airfare, insurance or anything you choose to do on your own before and after the expedition. Each participant must provide proof of emergency medical insurance for the duration of the expedition. Let us know if you or your group needs assistance in purchasing airfare and insurance.

The Las Nubes Expedition is more geared towards groups. The Reserve Hopping Expedition, day tours and night hike are open to individuals and groups.

Even if you can't join an expedition or tour, we're always looking for researchers, experienced field guides and program ambassadors. Please contact us for more information.