Costa Rica is in Central America, so you will need a passport. If you do not have a passport you will want to get one ASAP. If you already have one, please check the expiration date. Airfare prices have been on the rise, so if you have not booked your flight I would recommend booking it now Once again, the closest airport is Liberia (LIR). When you arrive in Liberia you will need transportation to Playa Grande. You can either rent a car or get a taxi. If you choose a taxi, the Ripjack can arrange one to pick you up. They can also help you with a car rental. You will just have to call or email them. Here is their website where you will find contact info to set up a taxi pick up.
http://www.ripjackinn.com/
If you are extending your stay and would like some advice on other hotels, villas or areas of Costa Rica please let me know. I am happy to help. I have a few requests, below, for the adventurous souls, but if you need more, just ask.
Ripjack sponsors Pack for a Purpose. If you can pack some school supplies for local children who can’t afford to buy their own, they will send it off to a local school. See the details below to help “Make a difference. Support the Local Children of Costa Rica”
http://www.packforapurpose.org/docs/countries/costa-rica/ripjack-inn.shtml
What to Bring
*Casual clothing- yoga and beach wear. Flip flops & sneakers. No need for high heels in Costa Rica.
*A yoga mat, one or two yoga blocks (2 if you can fit it) & a yoga strap. All of these items can be purchased at Target, Wal-Mart and sometimes even Job Lot. There are, of course, more expensive options, but the basic models can be found just about everywhere.
*Bug Spray- We are arriving in “dry” season, so you probably won’t need it, but if we do get any rain the mosquitoes will follow and if they arrive you will wish you had spray. FYI this area is NOT a malaria zone.
Activities & Tours
As you know there will be plenty of yoga during our stay, but I encourage you to experience Costa Rica while you are there. There is so much to do and to see. The week will go by fast. It is a good idea to plan out your activities before you arrive, but do not book anything from the US. You will be severely over charged. Map out your week and when you check in at the Rip jack they will be happy to help. I am not as familiar with the staff at Tortuga, but I am sure they will also be willing and able to help you book activities. If you run into any problems just let me know. Here are a few of my favorites in the area:
1. Surfing- People travel from all around the world to surf in this area. If you don’t surf, take a lesson. The instructors at the local surf shop are awesome. I have arranged a group surf lesson for us. $30pp for a 90 minute lesson. This was last years price. I will need to confirm 2015 pricing, but this will give you an idea of cost. Last year everyone wanted to try it, but most were a bit intimidated. I thought if we did it as a group, we could conquer those fears together. Plus, it’s just more fun with friends. Please let me know if you would like to join us for our group lesson. I am happy to add the cost to your monthly payments.
2. Massage- In your room or at the spa. If you would like to travel to the local spa they will pick you for your appointment. The cost is $60 for 60 minutes. Again, this was last year's pricing. I will have you confirm 2015 pricing. I am happy to schedule it for you. I can also add this to your monthly payments, just let me know
3. Diving- If you are not a diver, get certified. Diving in Costa Rica is an incredible experience. There is so much life.
4. Zip line- You can’t go to Costa Rica and not do the zip line. It’s part of the adventure. I have not done this zip line, but this is the closest one. http://www.canopymonkeyjungle.com/
5. Hot Springs- There are a couple options for hot springs in the area. There may be one closer, but you will have to ask the hotel staff. I went to bueno vista. It was awesome! Volcanic hot springs and mud baths. You travel up the volcano in a tractor. It’s a great day, but a bit of a drive. You will want to make a full day of it. They also have a zip line, horseback riding and a restaurant. It is difficult to navigate, so I would recommend renting a taxi for the day even if you have a rental car. The hotel will be able to set you up with a local taxi driver. You can also stay overnight in the lodge. Details below.
6. Turtle Tours- We are staying in the Las Baulas National Park. Nesting grounds for the endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle. If you are interested in a turtle tour, they should still be available for week one guests. Here is a little more info: http://www.moon.com/destinations/costa-rica/the-nicoya-peninsula/tamarindo-and-vicinity/marino-las-baulas-national-park/visiting-the-turtles-playa-g
7. Monkey Park- The Monkey Park is a great spot for lunch, believe it or not. The park is small. It is more of a hospital/rescue, then a park, but the grounds are beautiful and the short tour will teach you about the local wild animals. The park is fully funded by donations. Your entrance fee is a donation. Can’t remember exactly how much, but I want to say $15pp. A little pricy for the size of the park, but when I heard that all of the money goes to the care of the animals I was happy to give. The staff are all volunteers. Most are students studying English. We stayed for lunch and the food was great. There is a little outdoor café with a bar and some hammocks. I’m sure we will go back this year.
8. Tamarindo- This is where you will go for your souvenir shopping. This is “downtown”. Shops, bars, restaurants and surf shops. http://www.tamarindo.com
9. Yoga- All classes are appropriate for all levels. You are not expected to take every class, pick and choose which classes work with your schedule. However, you do have a spot in every class.
Traveling roads in Costa Rica is slow and unpredictable. We recommend taxis, but there is the option to rent a car. If you do, please not that the is a very high government tax on ALL rental cars. It is usually not included in your quote and it's about $300. When traveling give yourself plenty of time. If you would like a place to stay for 1-2 nights, I would recommend the Rincon de la vieja. There are many options for lodging in all price ranges. The Buenovista lodge is located on a volcano and there is so much to do. They have horseback riding, ziplines, hanging bridge tours, volcanic springs and mud baths. I have been there on a day trip, but I have never stayed overnight. We did have a few guests stay in the lodge last year and they loved it. I was told that accommodations were rustic, but clean and comfortable. If you can’t do an overnight, it also makes for a great day trip, but it does require a full day. There are other options for lodging in Rincon de Vieja, see link below.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g321538-Rincon_de_La_Vieja_Province_of_Guanacaste-Vacations.html
http://www.ripjackinn.com/
If you are extending your stay and would like some advice on other hotels, villas or areas of Costa Rica please let me know. I am happy to help. I have a few requests, below, for the adventurous souls, but if you need more, just ask.
Ripjack sponsors Pack for a Purpose. If you can pack some school supplies for local children who can’t afford to buy their own, they will send it off to a local school. See the details below to help “Make a difference. Support the Local Children of Costa Rica”
http://www.packforapurpose.org/docs/countries/costa-rica/ripjack-inn.shtml
What to Bring
*Casual clothing- yoga and beach wear. Flip flops & sneakers. No need for high heels in Costa Rica.
*A yoga mat, one or two yoga blocks (2 if you can fit it) & a yoga strap. All of these items can be purchased at Target, Wal-Mart and sometimes even Job Lot. There are, of course, more expensive options, but the basic models can be found just about everywhere.
*Bug Spray- We are arriving in “dry” season, so you probably won’t need it, but if we do get any rain the mosquitoes will follow and if they arrive you will wish you had spray. FYI this area is NOT a malaria zone.
Activities & Tours
As you know there will be plenty of yoga during our stay, but I encourage you to experience Costa Rica while you are there. There is so much to do and to see. The week will go by fast. It is a good idea to plan out your activities before you arrive, but do not book anything from the US. You will be severely over charged. Map out your week and when you check in at the Rip jack they will be happy to help. I am not as familiar with the staff at Tortuga, but I am sure they will also be willing and able to help you book activities. If you run into any problems just let me know. Here are a few of my favorites in the area:
1. Surfing- People travel from all around the world to surf in this area. If you don’t surf, take a lesson. The instructors at the local surf shop are awesome. I have arranged a group surf lesson for us. $30pp for a 90 minute lesson. This was last years price. I will need to confirm 2015 pricing, but this will give you an idea of cost. Last year everyone wanted to try it, but most were a bit intimidated. I thought if we did it as a group, we could conquer those fears together. Plus, it’s just more fun with friends. Please let me know if you would like to join us for our group lesson. I am happy to add the cost to your monthly payments.
2. Massage- In your room or at the spa. If you would like to travel to the local spa they will pick you for your appointment. The cost is $60 for 60 minutes. Again, this was last year's pricing. I will have you confirm 2015 pricing. I am happy to schedule it for you. I can also add this to your monthly payments, just let me know
3. Diving- If you are not a diver, get certified. Diving in Costa Rica is an incredible experience. There is so much life.
4. Zip line- You can’t go to Costa Rica and not do the zip line. It’s part of the adventure. I have not done this zip line, but this is the closest one. http://www.canopymonkeyjungle.com/
5. Hot Springs- There are a couple options for hot springs in the area. There may be one closer, but you will have to ask the hotel staff. I went to bueno vista. It was awesome! Volcanic hot springs and mud baths. You travel up the volcano in a tractor. It’s a great day, but a bit of a drive. You will want to make a full day of it. They also have a zip line, horseback riding and a restaurant. It is difficult to navigate, so I would recommend renting a taxi for the day even if you have a rental car. The hotel will be able to set you up with a local taxi driver. You can also stay overnight in the lodge. Details below.
6. Turtle Tours- We are staying in the Las Baulas National Park. Nesting grounds for the endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle. If you are interested in a turtle tour, they should still be available for week one guests. Here is a little more info: http://www.moon.com/destinations/costa-rica/the-nicoya-peninsula/tamarindo-and-vicinity/marino-las-baulas-national-park/visiting-the-turtles-playa-g
7. Monkey Park- The Monkey Park is a great spot for lunch, believe it or not. The park is small. It is more of a hospital/rescue, then a park, but the grounds are beautiful and the short tour will teach you about the local wild animals. The park is fully funded by donations. Your entrance fee is a donation. Can’t remember exactly how much, but I want to say $15pp. A little pricy for the size of the park, but when I heard that all of the money goes to the care of the animals I was happy to give. The staff are all volunteers. Most are students studying English. We stayed for lunch and the food was great. There is a little outdoor café with a bar and some hammocks. I’m sure we will go back this year.
8. Tamarindo- This is where you will go for your souvenir shopping. This is “downtown”. Shops, bars, restaurants and surf shops. http://www.tamarindo.com
9. Yoga- All classes are appropriate for all levels. You are not expected to take every class, pick and choose which classes work with your schedule. However, you do have a spot in every class.
Traveling roads in Costa Rica is slow and unpredictable. We recommend taxis, but there is the option to rent a car. If you do, please not that the is a very high government tax on ALL rental cars. It is usually not included in your quote and it's about $300. When traveling give yourself plenty of time. If you would like a place to stay for 1-2 nights, I would recommend the Rincon de la vieja. There are many options for lodging in all price ranges. The Buenovista lodge is located on a volcano and there is so much to do. They have horseback riding, ziplines, hanging bridge tours, volcanic springs and mud baths. I have been there on a day trip, but I have never stayed overnight. We did have a few guests stay in the lodge last year and they loved it. I was told that accommodations were rustic, but clean and comfortable. If you can’t do an overnight, it also makes for a great day trip, but it does require a full day. There are other options for lodging in Rincon de Vieja, see link below.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g321538-Rincon_de_La_Vieja_Province_of_Guanacaste-Vacations.html