Pricing & Frequently Asked Questions
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The current early registration price for the 7 day retreat is;
$2100.00 - single occupancy, private casita
$19oo.00 - double occupancy, shared casita
register early to take advantage of this bargain price. space is limited
A: Our rendevous point will be in San Jose at Hotel El Rodeo Country Inn. We will meet in the hotel restaurant at 10:00 am on Sunday July 26 and depart from there. We will then return to the same location for drop-off on Saturday Aug 1 in the afternoon. http://elrodeohotel.com/index.html
It is recommended that you make your flight reservations at least one day prior to and one day after the retreat.
For overnight accomodations in San Jose, we recommend El Rodeo Country Inn, Hotel Alta or Buena Vista Hotel, all of which are very close to Juan Santamaria International Airport.
We can help you make reservations if you want to stay at the El Rodeo Country Inn (our rendevous point). The group price they gave us is around $88.00 including tax for a single deluxe room.
Otherwise, there are many other good hotels in San Jose.
General Info
Entry requirements
A valid passport is required to enter Costa Rica.
Departure tax
$26.00 U.S. cash by air.
Currency, banking, credit cards, traveler's checks
The Costa Rican monetary unit is the Colon.
NOTE: DON'T BE TEMPTED TO EXCHANGE MONEY IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY BEFORE DEPARTING, THE RATE YOU WILL RECEIVE IS WELL BELOW WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE THERE. The exchange rate is currently hovering around ¢559.00 colones to $1.00 U.S. (Mar/09) and can fluctuate without notice.
It is best to bring money in the form of U.S. dollar denominated traveler's checks, don't expect to cash personal checks. In the city most businesses will accept major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Amex), however in the outlying areas cash is preferred.
Special Notice: If you are planning to come to Costa Rica, we strongly advise you NOT to bring US one-hundred-dollar bills. Central America has been inundated with false bills and you will find everyone, including the banks, unwilling to accept them. In fact, the banks are likely to confiscate them. Stick with smaller denomination bills, traveler's checks or credit cards. A further note about US bills in general--Be sure the bills you bring are in good condition. Small tears or missing pieces will render them useless in this country.
There are numerous ATM's around that work on (Cirrus, Star, and Plus) systems, don't forget your PIN, even for your credit cards. Office hours are generally from 8:00 am to 4:30-5:00 pm with an hour for lunch between 12 noon and 1 pm. Most banks are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekdays.
Electricity
Standard current is 110 volts, 60 Hertz
Telecommunications
Direct-dial telephone service, fax, telex, Internet services (Internet Cafe), radio and cable television are all available. Telephone service is efficient and there are more telephones per capita than in any other Latin American country. Bilingual operator assistance for international calls is 116, local information 113, and long distance information 124, and direct dial service is available to most countries. You may also use telephone credit cards through the appropriate operator for the following companies; ATT, MCI, SPRINT, and BELL CANADA. To call Costa Rica from the US, first dial 011.
Health
Public health facilities in Costa Rica compare favorably with that of many developed countries and are numerous and dependable. Many English-speaking doctors and dentists practice in San Jose.
Bring back up meds as not all meds are easily obtained in the more remote areas.
Water
Yes, you can drink the water! Pure and suitable for drinking throughout most of the country.
Flight information
U.S. carriers include American, United, Continental and Delta Airlines. LACSA is the official Costa Rican carrier.
Clothing
The tone here is casual wear - it is not necessary to dress up to go out. Comfortable lightweight is best. In the higher elevations, San Jose, the volcanoes, or Monteverde, temperatures are cool and sweaters or light jackets are suggested.
Taxes
There is a 13% sales tax and an additional 3% tourist tax at hotels.
Tipping
A 10% "service charge" is generally added to all restaurants bills so act accordingly. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip.
Tips are included during your 7-day Spa Living program.