Outdoor Adventure Courses

Basic Rock Climbing Courses (3 days): $180 p/p

The course is composed of two classes and 2 practice sessions on the crag. All the essential topics that every climber should know will be covered: History, basic equipment, knots, anchors, movement techniques, psychology and appreciation of the rock, exercises, communication, ethics and safety. On the practice days we will master the knowledge learned in class. We will top rope different sport routes (top roping is the appropriate climbing for beginners, it is the safest climbing in which the rope is placed at the highest point of the route and goes back to the climber). During these 2 days of extreme action, we will learn the essence of the art of rock climbing, gain confidence on the wall and learn the techniques that will allow us to climb independently in a safe and enjoyable way. The practice days will take place in Bayamón, Ciales, Cayey, or San German. This course is the introduction and basis for sport climbing for the future rock climber. It shouldn't be your only learning experience for this sport.
Course Includes: Equipment (Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, and ropes), 2 classroom days, 2 practice days and professional guides. Transportation and lunch are optional.
Requirements: This course is designed for people of all ages, beginning at age 6. It is recommended that participants be in average physical condition and in good health. Minimum of 4 participants. Rates for smaller groups can be arranged separately.

Backpacking Course: Essential Skills (4 days): $250 p/p

The Backpacking "Essential Skills" Course is designed for people of all ages and genders who consider themselves lovers of the natural life and that wish to learn about the secret wonders that Mother Nature offers us. Participants will learn in a comfortable and secure way, in complete balance with our surroundings, the natural environment. Route selection, choosing the best spot to place your camp, bringing everything that is necessary, maintaining a balanced diet, knowing where you are all the time, and understanding how to manage yourself, while following the ethic of "Leave no Trace", are only some of the basic and minimal skills that make the activity of camping a true art. Nature is perfect, one can learn from it by the mere exercise of contemplation; at the same time it can be harsh and severe. This is why it is absolutely necessary to become a better backpacker in order to be able to enjoy Nature and all its wonders in a secure way.

Difficulty: In a difficulty scale from 1 to 3, this course is considered 1, in other words, easy. Even so, the participant should have an average physical and medical condition.

What will the course cover? (All subjects will be discussed in theory and in practice):

  • Low environmental impact ethics ("Leave No Trace")
  • Psychology, ethics and group dynamics for the camper: leadership, respect, decision making, cooperation, etc.
  • Basic equipment: tent, backpack, cookware, compass, etc.
  • Suitable camping clothes and shoes
  • Food: What to bring, how much, and how to bring it?
  • Camping pre-plan
  • Planning for Emergency Situations and Fist Aid
  • How to prepare and pack a backpack
  • Basic orienteering: topographic map, compass and GPS
  • Camping area selection: choosing a site and organization
  • Cooking and Cleaning
  • Personal cleanliness, bathroom and trash management
  • Meteorological and security considerations
  • Nature improvisations: fire, plants, shelter, emergencies.

What is included in the course?

The course is divided in two parts. The first part is the theoretical section where we will get the chance to share with each other and to discuss and understand the fundamentals before getting out to the field. Here we will discuss topics such as ethics, equipment, pre-plan, food, etc. The approximate time to cover this section is 4 hours. All the discussed material will be complemented with readings (assignments). You will be responsible to study these materials prior to proceeding with the second part of the course.

The second part of the course is the field trip, where we will be able to apply all the theoretical knowledge. We will learn to camp safely and healthfully by practicing all the skills covered in the theoretical section. It is a 3 days and two night field trip. On the day of departure we will first visit the supermarket, to choose suitable food for a camping trip; then we head to the parking lot of the Arecibo Radio Telescope, where our backpacking experience begins. The selected place for the course is the "Nepos Valley" in Arecibo, in the surroundings of the beautiful Tanamá River. It is a magical place, carefully chosen for the wide range of elements it possesses and to ensure this life experience will be an unforgettable one.

Guides: The ratio of guides to number of participants is 1 to 5. This way we make sure to offer personalized attention to every member of the group.

The price includes: Transportation to and from the camp area, snacks, refreshments, bibliography, references, specialized equipment, professional guide services and individual life insurance during the course. Each participant must bring their own personal camping equipment and cover their own personal nutritional needs.