Apartado 4442-1000
San José, Costa Rica
Tel. +506 2713-0000
151 Ellis St NE
Floor 1, Suite 133
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone +1 404 995-1230
As you prepare for your trip to EARTH, we want to pass along some helpful information that will help you make the most of your experience on campus. The agenda will include field trips to the rainforest reserve, campus farms, and gardens; presentations and interactions with faculty and students; and time to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the University’s 8,200-acre campus.
Temperatures at EARTH are consistently hot and humid, so you should feel free to dress comfortably and casually. On campus, appropriate daywear for campus tours and meals includes lightweight long pants, t-shirts and hiking boots or tennis shoes. Due to the prevalence of mosquitoes and other biting insects, long pants and closed toe shoes are recommended for farm tours.
During the evening, slacks and polo shirts are appropriate for men and casual dresses, skirts or slacks and sandals are appropriate for women.
The weather in San José will be much cooler, in the 60s and 70s, especially in the evenings.
Sunscreen
Bug repellant
Wide-brim hat
Sunglasses
Lightweight long pants* and long sleeve shirts
Hiking boots or comfortable closed-toe outdoor shoes*
Resort casual evening outfits
Light sweater/jacket
Water bottle – tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink
*Visits to our Organic Farm and Community Development Experience require closed shoes and long pants
Unless you use a global data plan on your cell phone, we recommend turning off your cellular service before landing in Costa Rica. Otherwise, data and roaming charges can be considerable. Wi-Fi is available at PEP and all across central campus. Passwords are not required for access.
In order to depart campus in a timely way, please pack your bags before breakfast on the day of your departure. Luggage may be left in your room until departure, but there will be no time to pack after lunch, so please be sure luggage is ready before breakfast.
Airport Exit Tax – customarily paid separately upon leaving the country, this tax has been included now in fares with nearly all major airlines including, Delta, American, Avianca, Copa, Jet Blue and United. As of this writing, only a handful of airlines still require the tax to be paid at the airport in advance of departure at the assigned counter (or your hotel may process this for you upon request).
Housing during your stay will be at PEP – the University’s conference center. Rooms are comfortable and have private baths and hot showers. Overhead fans keep rooms cool. Wi-Fi is available at many points throughout campus, including PEP.
The reception desk is open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.
The EARTH cafeteria serves a healthy menu with sustainably grown food produced on EARTH’s academic farms. A vegetarian option is available at all meals.
The water at EARTH (and in San Jose) is completely safe to drink. We refrain from using disposable plastic bottles on campus, but you may refill your reusable bottle anywhere on campus. And if you need a water bottle, visit Oropéndola, the campus store, to purchase one with the EARTH logo!
Should you have a severe food allergy to note, please email Margaret Jenkins at mjenkins@earth-usa.org
Aroma’s coffee shop is a very popular recent addition to the campus. Their hours are the same as Oropéndola. Be sure to stop by for a delicious cappuccino, espresso, or cold refreshment.
La Jama is the student snack bar near PEP (next to the pool tables). It is open from
8 am – 10 pm, except during meal times. Colones only, please.
Our campus is carbon neutral thanks to our efforts to reduce our carbon output, increase our forest cover and promote conservation. You can help us maintain our green in the following ways: