Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact the Soltis Center’s Director (Dr. Eugenio Gonzalez – egonzalez.soltis.center@tamu.edu) to initiate the reservation process.
The Soltis Center provides beds and linens, three meals a day, high speed internet connection (Wi-Fi), classroom space, library/public computer access, a faculty lounge for academic groups, additional space for conversations and coffee, introductory talk, half-day guided walks in the center's forest, and video conference facilities. For researchers: lab space, working benches and desks are provided. An institutional letterhead is required as proof of supporting the academic activity to be carried out at the Center and fulfilling the contract requirements.
Everyone who captures, handles, or transports plants, animals, or microorganisms in Costa Rica for scientific study must register their project, obtain government wildlife service (MINAET) research permits, and submit biannual reports to the government. Anyone collecting plant samples or capturing wild animals for teaching purposes or scientific research (pollinia or scat samples, re-capture, among others) must pay an additional fee for obtaining a collecting license, even if specimens are later released. Collecting permits must be obtained even for purely observational research if the research is to be carried out in a National Park. Research and related collecting permits (if needed) are valid for six months and can be renewed. The export of wildlife from Costa Rica for scientific purposes also requires one or more government export permits. The Soltis Center can assist students, researchers and faculty to obtain the permits, if required.
For visa requirements for visiting Costa Rica, use the following sources:
- General de Migracion y Extranjeria de Costa Rica
- US Embassy in Costa Rica
- Or the study abroad office at your university or college
The following is a series of documents and links intended to provide general guidelines when planning, traveling, or staying at the Soltis Center.
- For visa requirements in traveling to Costa Rica, please visit the web page of the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria de Costa Rica:https://migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Visas.aspx or contact the Study Abroad Program Office of your university or college.
- For travel warnings and alerts to Costa Rica, visit the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs at: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html or contact the Study Abroad Program of your university or college.
- For vaccines and medicines, or Health Information for Travelers to Costa Rica, visit with your doctor or visit the CDC web page at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/costa-rica.
- It is recommended to bring some cash (dollars). The exchange rate varies on a daily basis but for the current exchange rate, visit the Central Bank of Costa Rica website: https://gee.bccr.fi.cr/indicadoreseconomicos/Cuadros/frmVerCatCuadro.aspx?idioma=1&CodCuadro=%20400
- If bringing dollar bills, be sure to have low denomination bills of $20 dollar bills or less. Bills in the amount of $50 or $100 are hardly ever accepted locally. To exchange dollar bills to “colones”, we recommend exchanging at the local banks instead of at the airports. No U.S. coins are taken locally; only "colones", the local currency.
- If you have made arrangements to have us waiting for you, look for the person with the Texas A&M University sign in-hand. Do not allow anyone else to handle your luggage.
- Public shuttle schedules and information available upon request.
- Major credit cards are accepted in Costa Rica but be sure to have it activated for overseas traveling.
- For those suffering with car sickness, bring medications with you. These types of medications can also be obtained locally.
- Bring your prescription medications.
You should bring the following:
- Rain gear (umbrella or raincoat)
- Insect repellent
- Suntan/sun block lotion
- Flashlight (with rechargeable batteries)
- Hiking shoes/boots
- Swimsuits
- Sandals/flip flops
- Several extra pair of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Personal first aid kit
- Hat/cap
- Water canteen or bottle
- Original and a copy of your personal insurance card
- Personal identification card
- Original and a copy of your passport
Recommended, if handy:
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Laptop computer, tablets and smartphones
For vaccines and medicines, or Health Information for Travelers to Costa Rica, ask your doctor or visit the CDC web page link below: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/costa-rica.
The Costa Rica currency is the Colon, and the exchange rate varies on a daily basis. For the current exchange rate, visit the Banco Central de Costa Rica