The
following 'Frequently Asked Questions' are the ones our guests ask
often. We hope the answers help you in making your decision to come
and walk the track with us.
Q: When is the best time of year to tour The Jurassic Trail - Tarrazu Quepos Mountains?
A:
Depends on your interests. May to November - the green season brings rains and grasslands turn green. Biking tours through the wet dirt roads are superb. January - Coffee harvest time in the highland valleys. December / March -
traditionally the driest months with the summer flowering plants in
bloom - The weather is crisp and fine with winds, perfect for taking pictures. April - Coffee plantsl in flower, weather usually
warmer
Q: What is the average temperature I can expect?
A: Summer months (December to May) and the green season
average around 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit . Evenings can be a little cooler
but the lodges are warm. Weather is warmer during the green season with afternoon showers as average.
Q: What do I need to bring? How important are boots? And long johns /
polypropylenes? Can we buy these upon arrival?
A: For your stay in the Coffee farms and the area around San Marcos, wear what you are used to at home during the summer. Although the mountain tracks are in good
condition we recommend you have sturdy, well worn in walking boots
with good ankle support. Being a rainforest we experience a lot of
rain and the track can get a little muddy in places. Lightweight
polypropylene long sleeved tops and long johns are available for
purchase at local stores should you require them.
View full
information on what to bring.
Q: About the lodges; is there electricity, can I have my own room,
what about the bathrooms?
A:
One of the lodges is run on generator power
which is turned off around 11pm, so if you wish to read late into
the night please bring your own torch. The shared bathroom
facilities have unlimited hot water and each toilet and shower is in
its own room. The bedrooms are twin share and if you are travelling alone we do try to give you your own room, but cannot
guarantee it as our lodges accommodate sixteen guests which is the
maximum group size for any one trip. At Diego's place though, you have the option to rent a private room, with hot water, own tv, refrigerator and private door for ultimate privacy. At Gustavo's you will have plenty of room and privacy and the lodge is equiped with all you will need. There is a primitive camping shack at a remote location for the more adventurous with basic facilities and no electricity.
Q: How difficult are the tours, how fit do I have to be?
A: The days
are long but not difficult. We have guests from the ages of 10 to 84
doing the tours and as long as you are an actively fit person you
will manage the excitement of traveling the mountains. Remember you only carry your pack on the wilderness journey if you choose to,
the rest of the time it is walking down the road to downtown San Marcos or taken by car to the other sites.
Q: Are the Quetzals and Tepezcuintles always seen at the cloud forests?
A: The colony of Costa Rica Quetzals are always visible at the Tarrazu/Dota cloud forests. The Tepezcuintles, however, only come out at night to eat in the banks of the small creeks and the NARANJILLO river. They are
visible in groups and entertaining to observe.
Q: For the Wilderness Journey, how far and for how long do we walk each day - time and distance?
A:
Day One: Track beginning to Gustavo's Lodge. Distance Walked -
7kms (4.3 miles), 4 - 5 hours.
Day Two: Gustavo's Lodge to Jurassic Trail base camp 2
including nature experience. Distance walked -
12kms (7miles), 4 - 5 hours.
Day Three: Down to the Beach walk. Distance walked - about 30 kilometers = 18. miles, depends on the individual's choice, 5 -
6 hours.
View full information
about the track route on the track map.
