Questions and Answers:

What is included in the tuition cost?

The program is 9 days and all inclusive with meals (minus dinner in Oaxaca City on arrival night about 15 US dollars), lodging, equipment, instruction, carbon credits, and donation to a local conservation fund in your name. You will also receive a program workbook or guide, and Green Edventures T-shirt.

What are carbon credits?

It is a way for individuals and business to offset their carbon footprint, the impact our use of fossil fuels has on global warming and other impacts carbon emissions have on the environment. Green Edventures uses carbonfund.org to offset each student’s carbon footprint by participating in our educational travel program. Green Edventures’ participants support Carbonfund.org and they in turn support carbon-reducing projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects.

What is not included?

Airfare to Oaxaca Mexico. Personal spending money (approximately $150 dollars) is not included for souvenirs, sodas, snacks and dinner in Oaxaca City Center on arrival night, travel insurance, and Mexican Departure Tax of $17. The departure tax is usually already included in your plane ticket.

How do I get there?

Our travel agent will assist you with making your travel arrangements, and if possible partner you with other participants who are traveling in your area. Roundtrip airfare is about $650-750 from the USA to Oaxaca State in Mexico. Participants will arrive and depart from two different airports: Oaxaca City Airport (OAX), Oaxaca Mexico and Hutulco (HUX), Oaxaca, Mexico. The exact airports are determined by travel dates.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

Yes it is required. Your coverage should include trip cancellation, missed connections, travel interruption, travel delay, emergency medical treatment and emergency medical evacuation.

What is your cancellation policy?

Check the application for your program for full details. Student travel requires planning and expense months before the actual departure date. The amount of refund is dependant on the date written cancellation notice is received in our office.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, all participants need a passport to travel to Mexico. You should make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one at home and store the other separate from your original passport. If you lose your passport while traveling this will make it easier to replace.

Is it safe?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines safe as, " 1. free from harm or risk, 2. secure from threat of danger, harm, or loss." Domestic or international travel, wilderness adventure or just a walk in the park all involve some level of risk. Because of this, no one or company can guarantee safety. Green Edventures works with partners and vendors to minimize risk through planning, hiring experienced guides, and enforcement of a strict participant conduct code.

What about medical emergencies?

Oaxaca City and Huatulco are two major cities we will be near and both have hospitals and clinics we can take participants to for treatment. If necessary, air evacuation can be arranged through the international airports in these locations. Please note that emergency service in Mexico is not like what we are used to in the US and emergency care can be significantly delayed.

What should I pack?

A packing list will be provided. Don’t over pack because we will be traveling throughout the state by van. There is limited space for personal gear.

What is the group size?

The group size is limited to 12 students and two chaperones.

Where will I stay?

The group will be traveling from Oaxaca City to Huatulco or Hualtuco to Oaxaca City depending on your travel date. This adventure will take you from 10,000ft above sea level to a temperate rainforest, down through the acheological-clad Central Valley, through tropical jungles, and down to sea level on the misty Pacific coast. Our lodging will be a combination of eco-lodges, beach side bungalows, and 2 nights in a three star hotel.

Who is our guide?

Davide Simonini is the Program Director and works with local guides at each of the destinations on your travel itinerary. Davide is an amazing host with a fun personality and he is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Oaxacan ecology and culture. He has many years of conducting safe eco-adventure experiences in Oaxaca. He holds a degree in tourism and speaks Italian, Spanish, English, and French. He is a mountaineer and traveler, as well as a member of the Italian Alpine Club, Greenpeace and Planet Mountain.

What do we eat?

Most meals will be local foods. Beans, rice, cheese, tortillas, meat (chicken, pork, or beef) and other foods found only in Oaxaca Mexico. Some of our meals will be at restaurants and American cuisine is sometimes offered. Vegetarians, please note, because of the tap water quality you will not have access to raw vegetable. Most of your diet will consist of beans, rice, cheese, tortillas, and fruit with a peal.

Can we drink the water?

No. Do not drink the tap water. Bottled water will be provided.

How do we get around?

We will travel by full sized, air conditioned 15 passenger vans. Road conditions vary from gravel in the mountain areas, to paved federal highways.

What is the currency and currency exchange?

The national currency is the Mexican Peso which has an exchange rate of about 1USD to 10Pesos (subject to change). You should exchange your USD at the airport before you arrive in Mexico. You can pay with USD, but it is a good idea to travel with small denominations of cash such as 5s and 10s or travelers cheques in $20 or $50. ATM’s are available in Oaxaca City and Huatulco. Some larger shops take Visa and MasterCard.

Are vaccinations required?

You are not required to have any vaccinations for your trip to Mexico. It is a good idea to ensure that your tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster is up-to-date, and malaria precautions should be considered. Contact your medical doctor or a travel health professional several weeks before departure to obtain current health information about Mexico. You can also visit the Center for Disease Control Website.

Is the electricity the same as ours in the US?

Yes.

What is the climate?

The weather will be drastically different in each part of the state you visit. When hiking in the temperate Sierra Norte expect cool temperatures, fog, and rain. You will see why the Zapotecs are called the cloud people. In the Central Valley the day time is warm and dry, evenings are cool. You will need a blanket (provided) to sleep. Along the coast expect hot and humid days. Nights are pleasant, but can be warm, muggy, and buggy.