• Restore, rejuvenate and practice at some of Costa Rica's finest yoga retreat centers.

• Tune into nature during guided sessions at a self-sustaining ecolodge with views overlooking Lake Arenal, the surrounding rainforests and the lush slopes of Arenal Volcano.

• Gain insight into sustainability measures being taken that make Costa Rica an example for the rest of the world to follow.

• Enjoy beautiful sunsets and tranquil waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1: ¡Bienvenidos a Costa Rica!

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose and meet your guide who will be with you for the duration of the trip. Depending on your arrival time, we will enjoy a delicious arrival meal in one of Costa Rica’s many renowned restaurants.

Overnight: Studio Hotel, San Jose

Day 2: Transfer to La Fortuna

Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before departing for La Fortuna. After a beautiful drive over the mountains with incredible views, arrive at the sustainable and self-sufficient Rancho Margot Eco Lodge. Receive an introduction to the lodge and its approach to sustainability. In the evening, take your first yoga class and meditation. It is time to prepare your mind for an amazing experience in Costa Rica. 

Overnight: Eco Lodge Overlooking Lake Arenal

Days 3-5:  Yoga, activities and sustainability

Rise to the sound of birds chirping, enjoy organic breakfasts and morning yoga sessions in your group’s private studio. Participate in some of Costa Rica’s famed adventure activities during afternoon free time. Zip line, kayak at Lake Arenal or take a tour of a local chocolate producer. To learn more about local culture, food or to stock up on souvenirs, we recommend exploring La Fortuna. Take a second yoga and meditation session in the late afternoon or early evening to conclude your days feeling grateful and full of positive thoughts.

Overnight: Eco Lodge Overlooking Lake Arenal

Days 6-9: Yoga, sunsets and the Pacific Coast

After your last morning session at The Ranch and a good breakfast, pack and transfer through the rainforest, lowlands and on to the Pacific coast. We’ll spend our remaining days near the beach at a dedicated and beautiful retreat center. Wake to the fresh Pacific air, enjoy healthy breakfasts before your morning yoga sessions. Spend your afternoons taking pilates classes, trying stand-up paddle boarding or learning to surf. Watch the sunsets over the Pacific, and with any luck, see the green flash. End your days with evening yoga sessions.

Overnight: Serene Yoga Resort with Spa and Gym

Day 10: ¡Buen Viaje!

Start departure day with your last morning yoga session, a good breakfast and one last dip in the Pacific or some last-minute souvenir shopping. The team will then escort your group to the airport in private transport. 

*Itinerary days and activities are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances or events. See full terms and conditions for more information.

Checked luggage should be a duffle bag (rolling duffels are fine). Large square suitcases are sometimes difficult to maneuver through the crowded medina and may not fit well in the back of our vans. Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro: 

• Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!

• Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination (short shorts or clothing that reveals shoulders is generally frowned upon)

• Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it is easier for things to get lost, stolen or damaged. Keep your prized possessions at home.

• Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry on. Useful tip: Pack an empty reusable water bottle (Nalgene or similar) and fill it up after security.

Carry-On Luggage

A school sized backpack or similar sized bag is ideal and can double as a day bag.

• Passport and wallet (travel wallet that can be hidden under clothing is a good idea)

• Photocopy of passport (2 additional photocopies should be carried in checked luggage)

  • Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of departure and has plenty of empty pages.

• Book and/or journal

• Pen to fill out custom forms upon arrival

• Phone/Camera/Chargers

• Change of clothes (optional)

• Water bottle (refillable - Nalgene 1L)

• Medication

• Visa documentation (if applicable)

• Earbuds

Checked Luggage

A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

• Yoga Mat & Clothes

• Clothes

• Socks (enough for each day + 1 or  2 long socks)

• Underwear (enough for each day)

• Pants/capris (2) 

• Long shorts* (2-3)

• Long skirt (1)

• Tank Tops (1 or 2)

• T-shirts (5-6)

• Long sleeved shirt (1-2)

• Swimsuit (2 or 3)

• Quick dry towel

• Beach towel/sarong

• Rain jacket

• Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)

• Sneakers (comfortable and previously broken in)

• Sunglasses / Hat

Toiletries (travel-sized and in ziplock bags)

• Be sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray, feminine hygiene products and if bringing medications, be sure to bring enough for the duration of travel.

• Foam earplugs, personal medkit and wet wipes are also recommended.

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Local guide on call throughout. 

• Meals included per day: 

  • Day 1: Lunch and dinner 

  • Day 2: Breakfast and dinner 

  • Day 3: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 

  • Day 4: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 

  • Day 5: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 

  • Day 6: Breakfast 

  • Day 7: Breakfast 

  • Day 8: Breakfast 

  • Day 9: Breakfast 

  • Day 10: Breakfast and lunch 

• All scheduled transportation 

• Each night of accommodation  

• All activities as detailed in your itinerary 

• Contribution to local organizations and/or projects 

  What's Not Included

• Travel Insurance

• International flights and visa fees

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks unless otherwise stated

• Personal expenses (phone, laundry, cabs, etc.)

• Optional activities

• Tips to resort or eco lodge staff

• End of retreat gratuity for drivers and guides

Do I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica?

You must have a passport to travel internationally. When you book your trip with Off Cape Experiences, we ask that you submit a copy of your passport in part to verify whether it’ll be valid when you travel. To travel, your passport must be valid for at least six months after you return from your trip and has at least one (and probably more) empty pages. 

Renewing a passport can take four months so if it doesn’t meet the above criteria, start the process immediately. 

• Learn more about how to renew an existing passport.

• Learn more about how to expedite your passport renewal.

• Learn more about how to apply for a first-time passport.

Make copies of your passport and keep one in a safe place not with your passport. This will come in very handy if you misplace it and need to get a new one.

Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?

Visas aren’t required for U.S, Canadian or EU citizens visiting Costa Rica for less than 90 days. Learn more by visiting the U.S. State Department website. 

Travelers from outside the U.S. with other passports should review entry requirements for your home country, or get in touch and we’ll help you navigate this process.

What do I write on the customs card as my reason for being in Costa Rica?

Please list tourism/travel as your reason for visiting Costa Rica. 

What vaccines are required for travel to Costa Rica?

None if traveling from the U.S. However, we recommend reviewing the CDC Traveler’s Health page for Costa Rica, which recommends a number of vaccines, including childhood vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid. Please be sure to consult your doctor to decide what medicine and vaccines are right for you. 

In addition to vaccines, if you take prescriptions, please bring enough for the duration of your trip. Obtaining your prescriptions in Costa Rica may not be possible. Some other prescription tips:

• Pack your prescriptions in their original, labeled containers. We suggest you pack them in your carry-on bag.

• Be sure to bring enough contact solution and personal hygiene products for the duration of your trip. Ear plugs are also a good idea to have on your flight.

• A personal First Aid kit is always a good idea to have on you when traveling abroad. 

Is the tap water safe to drink? 

Water from the tap is generally safe to use for brushing teeth etc, but participants will be provided as much bottled water as they can drink. Bringing a Nalgene or similar 1 Liter refillable bottle is highly recommended and promotes sustainable travel and respect for the places we are traveling.

In addition, routine hand washing before and after meals and after using the bathroom will cut down on your chances of getting sick. Although delicious and a great way to experience local culture, eating street food can also increase your chance of getting sick. 

What will the food be like? What kind of dietary requirements/food allergies can you accommodate?  

Travelers will eat a combination of local Costa RIcan dishes and more western-style dishes. Breakfasts typically include cereal, breads, eggs, oatmeal, and fresh fruit. Lunches and dinners range from traditional Costa Rican food – rice and beans, chicken, seafood, plantains, fresh fruit and salad – to pastas, barbeques etc.

Dietary Requirements/Food Allergies – We can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common dietary requirements. Please make sure to let us know if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that the variety of foods available for some dietary preferences may become a little repetitive on longer trips.

Is it safe where we’re going in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is generally a safe place to travel. However, using common sense is a must. You will be briefed upon arrival at each location. Listen to briefings from your guides and ask questions! Do not assume. 

We highly suggest avoiding excess alcohol intake and being out late at night, especially alone. 

What happens if I need medical care while in Costa Rica?

Our staff will take you to a clinic or hospital that has been previously vetted in the area. It is important that each traveler purchase Travel Medical Insurance.

What’s the weather like?

Costa Rica is beautifully warm all year, with an average annual temperature of 80°-90° Fahrenheit on the coasts and 75°-80° in the countryside and on the mountainsides. The most stable weather is between December and April. These months have little to no rain in most of the country.

Do I need to bring cash? How much? 

It’s always a good idea to bring some US dollars as spending money. ATM cards with Plus or Cirrus network (or both, so with standard debit cards like Mastercard or Visa you should be fine). Beware of fees your bank may charge you though for international withdrawals.  Contact your bank beforehand as banks often freeze the account when used abroad. We can help you exchange dollars for colones. 

Some additional info about cash and money:

• ATMs are widely available in towns and tourist areas. They usually offer decent exchange rates, even when including fees from your bank.

• Travelers Checks are not recommended as you will receive a lower rate of exchange and additional fees to use them.

• Bargaining is acceptable in many places such as street vendors, when buying souvenirs in Costa Rica. Stores, not as much. How much you want to push it is up to you. Ask yourself what you would pay for that item at home, compare the price, and find somewhere in the middle that is reasonable for both parties. Remember to keep a smile on your face and always be polite. It’s a good thing when both sides of the deal are happy.

Is tipping expected in Costa Rica?

Yes. You’ll be expected to tip your guides and service staff you interact with while traveling in Costa Rica. How much to tip is up to you, but please use the following as a guide:

Whenever you are unsure, ask a local or your guide. As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%. Whether you're tipping with cash or card, always use the local currency to save money.

Should I bring my expensive digital camera?

If you want to capture images your phone can not capture, then yes. Cameras are or can be an important piece of equipment while traveling. As for what type of camera or lens to bring, it’s entirely up to you. Whichever camera you decide to bring, be sure to become familiar and comfortable using it before departing for your adventure and keep in mind that it will be your responsibility to look after and carry.

Photo etiquette is very important. The etiquette of photographing most people is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. In general, you need permission to take a close-up, as you would at home, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph people. If you want to shoot a portrait, show interest in your subject, and try to have a bit of interaction first. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your driver-guides can help.  

Will my phone work in Costa Rica?

Short answer, probably, if you pay for it. Check with your provider for roaming rates and international data packages before traveling. These rates can pile up very quickly and be extremely expensive.

If you have a travel phone or a phone with a slot for an extra SIM card, you can buy a local SIM card with data for the duration of your stay. This usually ends up being the cheapest option, though not always the most convenient.

Do I need a power adapter to charge my devices?

American electronics generally do NOT need any adaptors. In some places outlets might be two pronged instead of three. So you might want to pick up a three prong adaptor on Amazon or your local hardware store before traveling. That being said, most places have standard three prongs, same as the U.S.

How will we get around in Costa Rica?

We work with a local transportation company that has a private fleet of vehicles for you to travel comfortably as we move about the country.