FAQ

Following are some of the most commonly asked questions about our Specialty Retreats, Cleanses and Immersions. If you find that you have a question that is not answered here, please contact Inward Bound and we will be happy to help you!

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Should you need to cancel your reservation 45 days or more prior to the first date of the retreat you will receive a refund for payment made less the/a US$500 deposit. Should you need to cancel less than 45 days prior to the first date of the retreat for whatever reason we will not be able to provide a refund for any payment made. No refund will be made for arriving late or departing a retreat early. In the unlikely event Inward Bound needs to cancel a retreat, a full refund for payment made will be given. Inward Bound will not be held liable for any expenses incurred by the participant for a retreat cancelled either by the participant or by Inward Bound. A cancellation must be received in writing sent via email.

We recommend the purchase of travel insurance for coverage of unexpected change in or cancelation of travel plans even before you depart, for delayed/lost luggage and for missed/cancelled flights.

Where is Playa Guiones in Costa Rica?

Playa Guiones is one of the beaches near to the Northwestern Pacific coastal town of Nosara, Costa Rica. It is about 2½ hours south of Tamarindo on the Nicoya Pennisula in the province of Guanacaste.

Where is Hacienda del Sol in Costa Rica?

Hacienda del Sol is near to the Northwestern Pacific coastal town of San Juanillo, Costa Rica. It is about 1½ hours south of Tamarindo on the Nicoya Pennisula in the province of Guanacaste.

Getting to and from Costa Rica

There are two international airports in Costa Rica; Liberia International Airport (LIR) and San Jose International Airport (SJO). Both airports have frequent flights from all over the United States and Canada.

Liberia International Airport
The closest airport to Playa Guiones & Hacienda del Sol is Liberia International Airport (LIR), it is only a 2/2½ hour scenic drive away.

San Jose International Airport
San Jose International Airport is an alternative option as sometimes flights from the US or Canada to San Jose can be cheaper and/or more direct. However, getting to Playa Guiones or Hacienda del Sol by road is more costly (private taxis or rental car) and takes around 4½ hours.

If transfers are not included within your package, there are some alternative travel options for you have to choose from:

Rental Car
You may reserve your own rental car to drive from Liberia or San Jose to Playa Guiones or Hacienda del Sol. However, a car is not needed during your stay with us. We recommend online bookings with Toyota Rent a Car or National Car Rental, as these rental car companies allow you to drop off your car in Nosara. The price for a one-day rental car with drop off in Nosara is usually around $100, you will need a driver’s license, passport and credit card.

Taxi
There are always taxis available at the Liberia and San Jose Airports that will take you to Playa Guiones or Hacienda del Sol. From Liberia a taxi will cost you approximately $110 – $130 and from San Jose approximately $200 – $220.

Plane
An alternative from San Jose is to take a short 40 minute plane flight to the domestic airport in Nosara. To assure making the connection, this usually requires arriving in San Jose the night before and then taking a morning flight to Nosara.

There are two airlines with daily flights to and from Nosara. For schedules, fares, and bookings visit Nature Air or Sansa. Both airlines impose luggage restrictions, to avoid payment for extra weight, please read the information on their websites carefully.

We would also like you to be aware, that Sansa Airlines sometimes change or cancel their scheduled flights if the weather conditions are considered precarious for their propeller planes (i.e. too windy). Nature Air is much more reliable regarding their flight schedule, however, you will need to take a 20 minute taxi ride ($20) to transfer from the San Jose International Airport to the domestic Pavas Airport for your flight.

Once you arrive at Nosara Airport, there are always taxis waiting that can take you to Playa Guiones or Hacienda del Sol.

Departure Tax
There is a departure tax to be paid of $26 at San Jose or Liberia airport when you leave Costa Rica. It needs to be paid in cash (US$ or Costa Rican Colones) or with credit card at the airports on your departure day.

Do I need a Passport?

Citizens of the U.S. and Canada may enter Costa Rica with a valid passport. Note that Costa Rican law requires your passport to be valid for at least 90 days after the date you enter the country. Check with your airline or travel agent for more information. Citizens of other countries should check with the applicable Costa Rican Consulate in your country about rules governing entrance into Costa Rica. You are required to carry your passport or a photocopy with your photo, passport number and entry stamp with you at all times.

Do I need a Visa to visit Costa Rica?

To be certain of your Visa status, contact the Costa Rican Consulate or Embassy in your home country. Visitors from most of the European countries, Canada and USA can stay 90 days without applying for a visa.

Do I need Vaccinations?

Starting on July 30, 2007, the Costa Rican authorities will demand that all travelers coming from the following countries (Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador as well as the Republic of Guyana) have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. If traveling abroad and unsure, please check the World Health Organization Website: http://www.who.int/ith/countries/vaccination/en/

What kind of electricity is there in Costa Rica?

If you bring anything electrical, Costa Rica runs on 110 Volts, 60Hz. If you want to bring 220V equipment, a converter is needed. Bring only rechargeable batteries!

Are US dollars accepted in Costa Rica?

Yes, almost all businesses in Costa Rica, accepts U.S. currency.

What is the weather like?

The winter season, December-April, is warm and dry with clear blue skies, with average temperatures ranging from 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 35 degrees Celsius). June through November is the Green Season. The mornings from June through September are usually clear and sunny with light rains beginning in the late afternoon. October is the peak of the rainy season, when rains can last all day. If you arrive in San Jose, long pants and a sweater may be needed, as it is high in the mountains and cooler.

What should I pack?

This will depend on the retreat destination, content and activities involved. Prior to the start of your retreat you will receive a packing list via email that will let you know everything you need to bring. To get you started, below are a few things we recommend:

Bug repellent (natural if possible)
Headlamp or flashlight
A good book
Journal & pen
Flip flops
Tennis shoes (for hiking or running)
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Handy wipes (optional)
Camera and iPod (optional)
Bathing suit(s)
Sarong or beach cover-up
Rash guard or tight t-shirt (for retreats that include surf lessons)
Yoga clothes (for warm weather)
Comfortable light weight clothes (like shorts and tank tops to hang out in)
Umbrella or light rain jacket (for afternoon showers)

Is Costa Rica safe?

Generally, Costa Rica is quite safe. Like any place, normal precautions and care should be taken depending upon where you are visiting. Violent crime is rare in Costa Rica while theft of personal property (from automobiles and hotel rooms) is more common. Big cities, beach areas and any place with a concentration of tourists is more likely to draw thieves and such.

Is there an ATM in Nosara and San Juanillo?

There are two ATM’s in Nosara that accept VISA and/or MASTERCARD. There is no ATM in San Juanillo.

How do I pay for additional treatments and purchases at Hacienda del Sol?

Hacienda del Sol does not accept credit cards. Payment for additional treatments and purchases can be made through PayPal or by a bank transfer.

What is Anusara Yoga?

Anusara (a-nu-sar-a), means “flowing with Grace,” “flowing with Nature,” “following your heart.”

Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara yoga is a school of hatha yoga, which unifies a life-affirming Shiva-Shakti Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment. Anusara yoga has become one of the most highly respected schools of hatha yoga with over 1,000 licensed yoga teachers, thousands of teachers in training, and hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. Anusara yoga has a presence on every continent throughout the world, excluding Antarctica, and is in 70 countries, thus attracting media attention worldwide. For further information, please visit Anusara Yoga

What kind of Advanced Yoga do you offer?

In our retreat weeks, we are always happy to work with students who want to take their practice to the next level. We are also offering Anusara Yoga Immersions, Levels 1, 2 & 3, in a unique consecutive format from March 12 – April 2, 2011. You can invest in one week or take all 3 weeks. These are ideal if you want to learn about the principals and therapeutic benefits of Anusara Yoga – and are prerequisites to become an Anusara Inspired or Certified Teacher.

What are “Living Foods”?

Living foods and raw foods are foods that contain enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs to heal and maintain optimal health. Cooking foods destroys more than 90% of its nutritional value and natural enzymes that the body needs to digest the food.

Can you accommodate groups?

Yes, depending on the group size and requirements, we can incorporate a group into one of our retreats or help create your own very special experience. Please email us with your questions.