Costa Rica Logistics and Travel Information

 

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

US citizens will need a valid passport for entry into Costa Rica and evidence of onward travel to exit the country (either return to US or travel to another country). You may visit Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. 

Please make a copy or take a photo of your passport and email it to yourself so you have one on file.

 

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

When arriving in Costa Rica, you will go through Immigration and Customs. We will let you know where to meet your group and shuttle in order to get transported to the retreat center.

We recommend arriving by mid-day on the start of the retreat as we will start that evening. We will finish on the last day by the early afternoon. It is great to come early or stay later if you have the time! There are plenty of boutique hotels and AirBnBs to stay at.

If want to stay at an AirBnB before or after the retreat you can use this link for a discount if it’s your first time!

 

Flight Information and Ground Transportation

There are two ways to get to Bodhi Tree in Nosara:

  1. Fly into Liberia Airport (LIR) and take a shuttle to Bodhi Tree (about 2 hours)

    • The shuttle can be a bit of a bumpy ride.  If you get car sick ask to sit up front and be prepared with things like: ginger, peppermint oil, Dramamine, etc!

  2. Fly into San Jose Airport (SJO) and then take a smaller plane to Nosara through Nature Air. These tickets sell out quickly as the planes only hold about 8 people.

We are happy to assist with your flights! We will be arranging group transfers from Liberia Airport (LIR) and Nosara (NOB). The cost of your shuttle is included in the retreat price for the first and last day of the retreat only. If you arrive before the first day of the retreat, or plan to stay beyond the retreat, you are responsible for your own transportation. Let us know if you need help with arranging it!

 

IN CASE OF TROUBLES ON DAY OF TRAVEL

Should you have flight delays or other troubles on the day of travel, contact us as soon as possible.

Email: hello@revampretreats.com, or contact admin of retreat whatsapp group directly

 

PAYMENT

The credit card on file will be charged for the final retreat balance.  All payment is non-refundable. If you have any questions email hello@revampretreats.com.

 

Getting Ready For Your Trip 

PACKING YOUR BAGS

We highly suggest you pack light and avoid bringing excess luggage. When choosing what clothes to pack, keep in mind that nylon or quick drying fabrics work very well. Keep valuables to an absolute minimum. Revamp Retreats is not responsible for any lost or stolen items including important paperwork such as passports. Think less is more! Some more packing tips below:

1. We recommend a sturdy bag that’s easy to push, pull or carry. Rolling clothes instead of folding can wonders in saving space as well.

2. Bring your daypack with you as your flight carry on. Keep your valuables in your daypack - example: passport, money, ticket, journal, etc.  We recommend you pack one set of clothes in it should your suitcase get lost.

 

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

• Yoga outfits for hot/warm outside yoga

• Light casual pants and shorts

• Long sleeved layering shirt and t-shirts

• Sweater or warm pull over for the plane

• Light/thin Rain jacket

• Underwear/socks

• Shoes, flip flops and casual day shoes

• Pajamas

• Bathing suits

• Casual day wear

• 1 day pack (a small backpack you can carry with you on our treks)

• Headphones, phone charger

• Insect repellent

• Toiletries (sunblock, toothpaste, toothbrush, tongue scraper, flossers, face wash, nail clippers, contact lens solution, hair ties, etc. Think travel size and if possible biodegradable please! The hotel will also have toiletries)

• Writing journal, a good book, and pens

• Eye mask, ear plugs

• Sunglasses

• Hat/baseball cap

• Re-useable Water bottle

• Any medications or supplements needed

• Travel yoga mat or mat cover is optional, but not necessary – the resort has all props!

Above all else, keep it light. Make it part of your yoga practice and be a minimalist in your packing please!

 WELLNESS

Your health and well-being is extremely important to us, and hopefully to you, too! To stay healthy with all the travel, switching time zones, etc., it’s important to keep your immune system and your belly happy. Here are a few tips:

  • Supplements:

    • Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes (to regulate your system)

    • Activated Charcoal (if you get a stomach bug or need a quick, effective detox)

    • Magnesium (to sleep and relax)

    • Elderberry or Vitamin C (to boost immunity)

  • Sleep Gear:

    • Eye mask

    • Ear plugs

  • Snacks

    • If you have food sensitivities, low blood sugar or love to snack, bring some healthy snacks with you! Nuts, jerky, dried fruit, rice crackers, etc. - get creative!

  • Flying

    • For a wellness-focused and comfortable flying experience, check out our tips here!

INSURANCE

Revamp Retreats does not cover the theft, loss, or damage of personal property and equipment of trip participants. We suggest you confirm with your insurance carrier that they would cover the costs if your items are stolen, lost, or damaged while on your trip. We also highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. 

 

MONEY & TIPPING (GRATUITIES)

You will want to bring a small amount of money for personal items, snacks, tipping and souvenirs. You may want to exchange cash at the airport or pull money out of an ATM located in the airport. The currency of Costa Rica is the Colones and the exchange is about 640 Colones to $1 US dollars. Some places will take USD but the exchange rate may be better if you pay with Colones.

Make sure you look up exchange rates during your stay and also check fees for Exchange Centers and ATMs.

Most restaurants will add 10% tip to the bill.  It is not necessary to leave extra, but tipping a couple extra dollars is always appreciated. Also, it is standard to tip $5-$10 for a tour guide or driver.

 

EXCURSIONS AND MASSAGES

There will be opportunities to partake in excursions and massages during your retreat.  There will also be plenty of free time to explore!

Any special packing suggestions or requirements for the excursions and give back opportunities will be noted in pre-retreat emails.

 

General Information About Costa Rica

 

ABOUT NOSARA

Nosara is a small, beautiful beach town surrounded by jungle and wildlife with a community that feels like home. It is famous for its surf, yoga, and wellness lifestyle.  The town is filled with health conscious expats from around the world that have made this place their home- many consider it the perfect place to relocate abroad.

The town lacks all development on the beach, which keeps it one of the cleanest waters in all of Costa Rica.  The locals and several associations protect the land and forest, keeping it underdeveloped.  Also, the Ostional Wildlife Refuge borders Nosara and is one of the largest Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites in the world.  You may be able to see the turtles if you are lucky!

The one phrase you must know is Pura Vida! Which translates to – the “pure life” or “simple life” and is truly how they tend to live.  Locals are very relaxed, and look at the simple way of living- no worries or stress and being thankful and present.  It’s not surprising that Costa Rica is named one of the happiest countries in the world!

 

LOCATION AND TIME ZONE OF COSTA RICA

Nosara is located on the North Pacific Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste (which is also a Blue Zone)

It is on Central Standard Time, 2 hours ahead of LA.

 

SAFETY

As it would be traveling to any foreign country, one must remember to be safe and respectful of others customs and situations.  If this is your first experience traveling abroad, please be aware in public places, and keep a close watch on your belongings.  You really won’t want to bring any unnecessary valuables. Leave all of it at home that isn’t essential.

 

MEDICAL CARE/VACCINES

There are some vaccines recommended by the CDC such as hepatitis A and Typhoid. Vaccines should be a personal decision and talk to your health care provider. Covid vaccines are not required.

 

WATER

You should not drink tap water in Costa Rica. Water will be available on property and in the yoga shala– please remember to bring a reusable water bottle.

 

INTERNET / TELEPHONE SERVICE

Bodhi Tree does have wifi, and we also encourage you to disconnect as much as possible. 

Feel free to get any international plans if you would like to have calling/text/data during your trip.

TEMPERATURE

The average temperature in Costa Rica during this time is about 79 to 95 degrees F.  The days are typically hot and the evenings can have a slight breeze.  There can also be rain showers throughout the day. Remember to wear sunscreen, have a light cover up and a light rain jacket.

We will be practicing yoga in open-air studios and it will be warm/hot.  Please remember to stay hydrated.

 

CRITTERS

Mosquitos and other critters are prominent in the jungle. Please keep your eyes open, but remember that many of the insects are harmless.  Be prepared with closed toed shoes and clothing to cover your self with in case of any problems. Be sure to pack bug spray (natural or deet). There are also great natural salves for bug bites that can help with itching – you may want to bring one of these!

When leaving your room and bathroom at night please turn off all lights.  It will help to keep the bugs away.  The bathrooms are open air and can attract tons of bugs if you do leave your lights on.  Conserve energy and have less bugs, it’s a win-win!

 

FOOD

We believe in eating delicious local and healthy meals on our retreats. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local food.  If there are any dietary restrictions please let us know ahead of time so we can inform the retreat center. 

 

Last but not leaST, here are some ways to be a Conscious Traveler:

  • Go with the flow: When traveling abroad things might not always go your way.  Flights may be delayed, luggage lost, languages misunderstood.  It is all part of the adventure, try your best to be okay with whatever comes up and embrace it as part of the journey. Practice patience and find humor in unexpected situations.

  • Respect the culture: Do some research to where you are going before you arrive.  Respect the locals and their way of life (ALSO respect the animals and wildlife). It is also great to learn a few words before arriving- please, thank you, hello. It will be greatly appreciated by the locals.

  • Keep an open mind: There is so much to learn from others who live differently and do things differently than we do. Take the time to try new things and enjoy the local food and customs. Slow down, relax, and take it all in.

  • Have fun: This trip is for YOU… to relax and unwind, to dive in deep, to get to know yourself better, and to connect with others.  Notice what comes up for you during the retreat.  It may feel emotional, exciting, difficult… whatever comes up, embrace it.  The schedule will be full of activities but also know when you need to take time alone to reflect, read, nap, or just do nothing.  We are here for you on this journey and our mission is to spark passion and inspiration for your path and life purpose.  Let us know how we can support you.

We hope this fully prepares you for an exciting trip to come!

Namaste,

Revamp Team

hello@revampretreats.com