BodyLab Results Retreat

All Canadian, US and EU citizens who travel to Costa Rica for tourism need a valid passport. Please check your passport to make sure you have at least 6 months validity from the time you enter Costa Rica. If it is not, you should get your passport renewed before you arrive. A visa is not required.

For international travellers, please arrive at San Jose Costa Rica (SJO) prior to 2pm Central Time on the day of the retreat.

When you leave Costa Rica, you will have to pay a departure tax of US$29. It must be paid at Juan Santamaria International Airport before going through airport security. The tax is payable in either colones, U.S. dollars, or with Visa/Mastercard.

Upon your arrival into San Jose at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), you will be collected by our private driver with the rest of the group. The group will travel down by bus to Ojochal. The drive is 3.5 hours and there will be a stop midway to eat and use the restrooms.

Colones is the official currency of Costa Rica, although US dollars are widely accepted. Items and activities purchased at Ojochal can be charged to your room and paid with a credit card at the end of your stay. The amount of local currency that you need depends on how much you intend to spend on extra purchases outside of the property.

For Americans, it is really not necessary to convert any money to colones as all businesses happily accept U.S. dollars (however, expect your change to be in colones). In fact, we suggest that you do NOT change any money and bring several smaller bills so you do not receive any change. The current rate of exchange fluctuates around 500 colones for every 1 U.S. dollar.

If you are entering Costa Rica from South America, you will be required to show proof of having a yellow fever vaccination. Otherwise, you do not need any vaccinations or shots to visit Costa Rica. 

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, although English is widely understood.

Because Costa Rica is blessed with wonderful weather year round, there really isn't a "best" time to visit. Though most guidebooks list the ideal time to ravel to Costa Rica as December through May, we enjoy a stable climate of 75-85 degrees year-round.

1. Passport – This might be obvious but make sure your passport is current and up-to-date. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity. There is NO visa required to travel to Costa Rica.
2. Vaccinations – If you are entering Costa Rica from South America, you will be required to show proof of having a yellow fever vaccination. 
3.  Money – Bringing some cash is great but you can use your credit cards everywhere you go. Topanga Villa accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. For safety reasons, we encourage people to travel with as little cash as possible and we recommend bringing lots of small bills for easier currency exchange. You will need cash when taking taxis around San Jose or for street snacks.
4. Toothbrush and toothpaste – Don't worry if you forget yours. Both of these items can be easily purchased.
5.  Clothing – 2 or 3 pairs of shorts and 3 or 4 tank tops. You can also bring some T-shirts but most establishments will allow dressing in a tank. Don't forget underwear and socks.
6. Shoes – Sandals, flip flops, or Tevas. You do not need a lot of footwear. You may consider bringing some old sneakers for hiking in waterfalls and in the jungle. Expect your shoes to get wet and not dry fully before your departure. Sturdy shoes are essential for any adventures.
7. Bathing suit – Essential for the beach and pool. Some guests like to take advantage of the isolated and mostly private beaches in Costa Rica and go "sin ropas". While you probably will never see a police officer strolling the beaches, please be aware that nudity is not allowed. 
8. Journal and pen – These items are difficult to find. So many people journey to Costa Rica to spend some much needed time to contemplate the meaning and direction of their lives. A powerful practice in yoga is to take the time to journal your thoughts, ideas, dreams, and goals. You will receive invaluable insights from these moments and want to write them down.
9.  Camera/binoculars – You never know what whales might be breaching in the distance, monkeys might be swinging from the trees, or interesting birds you might want to capture. If you are a birder stopping by Topanga Villa, we suggest you join our naturalist guide, Fillo, for a journey into the jungle. He will bring his large telescope and give a close-up view of life in the rainforest.
10. Flashlight – Topanga Villa is an eco-resort and has low lighting at night. Having a flashlight ensures that you will be able to find your way around without stepping on any creatures that may be on the path.
11. Sunscreen – Another essential item for your vacation to the tropics. Sunscreen is readily available in most stores in Costa Rica. We will have natural sunscreen at the Villa for our groups to use.

*Laundry will be available at the villa.