FAQ: Punta Uva, Costa Rica Retreat
Q: HOW DO I GET TO THE VILLA FROM THE AIRPORT?
A: We have arranged for private shuttle to pick you up directly from the airport. We are working with a reputable company that will make sure you know you are in the right place. We will also be accessable by phone, so if there is any doubt as to what to do or where to go, we will be able to help you out along the way.
Q: WHERE DO WE FLY TO?
All flights should arrive and depart at San Jose International (SJO). Our shuttle will be picking you up and dropping you off here.
Q: WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE/DEPART?
We have arranged for a private shuttle to transport our guests to and from our villa. The private shuttle leaves at 10am from SJO on Sunday, 1/19. Due to the unpredictable weather in January, we recommend arriving a day early and choosing an early flight. We have recommendations for affordable hotels and hostels in San Jose. Most major hotels have free shuttles to/from the airport. If your hotel does not offer a shuttle to and from SJO, it is easy to arrange for a taxi. Departure is Saturday, 1/25 at 9am. We have estimated a generous amount of time for this shuttle drive, but if concerned about missing a flight due to travel delays, book an evening or next morning flight. We recommend booking a departing flight no earlier than 4pm.
**The shuttle time varies based on traffic, accidents, or weather. We have chosen easy travel days with lower traffic to help. Expect the shuttle to take 4-6 hours.
Q: DO I HAVE TO EXCHANGE MONEY?
Honestly, you don’t need to. Everyone takes dollars at a fair rate, and they’ll give you change in the local currency (colones). You can also use credit cards almost anywhere, also at a fair rate.
Q: MY PASSPORT IS EXPIRED. IS IT TOO LATE?
There’s plenty of time to get your passport renewed. You can do it by mail. It usually takes 4-6 weeks. Or you can do the expedited renewal, which costs an extra $60 and takes 2-3 weeks. Click here for the official details.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PASSPORT:
It’s possible to get one quickly. Click here for details. I recommend that you call them.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
We are located on the beach-side of the road with a short private boardwalk to the beach. We are staying in a villa that has multiple bedrooms and private bathrooms. There are shared or private room options available. The villa has an outdoor gazebo with a room temperature jacuzzi for cooling off. We have an open air dining room that opens up to a patio that overlooks a canal and jungle vegetation. We are on private property with a groundskeeper on site. There are multiple community and private spaces to encourage a blend of social experiences and opportunities to be alone.
Q: WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
Exquisite! Sarah Philipp is our personal chef all week. Not only is she a certified nutritionist, she is also an incredible cook. Her multiple years of experience cooking in Costa Rica has helped her hone in the skill of cooking fresh, local, authentic foods. Most of the meals are vegetarian and we may have fresh fish at some of our meals, as well. The meals will be mainly whole foods, simple, and delicious.
*All dietary restrictions can be met and declared during the retreat registration process
Q: IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
We have this covered! We will provide large filtered water at the villa. Bring a refillable water bottle to save on disposable plastics.
It’s generally safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica, except in the most rural and undeveloped parts of the country. However, if you prefer to be cautious, buying bottled water is your best bet.
Q: IS THERE MEDICAL CARE NEARBY?
There is a medical clinic nearby (15 minutes) and more extensive medical care in Limon.
Good medical care is available in most major cities but may be limited in rural areas.
For an extensive list of physicians, dentists and hospitals, visit https://cr.usembassy.gov and look under 'U.S. Citizen Services/Medical Assistance/Medical Practitioners List.'
Most pharmacies are well supplied and a handful are open 24 hours. Pharmacists are licensed to prescribe medication. If you’re taking any medication on a regular basis, make sure you know its generic (scientific) name, since many pharmaceuticals go under different names in Costa Rica.
Q: IS COSTA RICA SAFE?
Yes!! Costa Rica is is a democratic republic, and it’s the one of the safest countries in all of Latin and South America. Under the 1949 constitution, all citizens are guaranteed equality before the law, the right to own property, the right of petition and assembly, freedom of speech, and the right of habeas corpus. A unique feature of Costa Rica is that it does not have an army. Costa Ricans decided there would be less chance for coups and dictators without one, and so it has become a global model of democracy. During the last 50 years, the money that would have gone into the military has been spent on education. The country has one of the highest literacy rates in the world.
Q: WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The average maximum temperature lies around 29.0°C (84.2°F). With a water temperature of around 27.0°C (80.6°F), this is a great month to swim. It rains a lot in Costa Rica! Hence, the number of rain forests :) January may see regular rain, and a daily rainfall is possible. The majority of the time the weather should be beautiful!