top of page

Find the answers to your questions here, including information about travel, food, costs & payment and planning.

Leilapagesphotography_Landscapes-8.jpg

General FAQs

  • How do I get there?
    By Air: By Air: We recommend flying into Liberia International Airport - Daniel Oduber Quiros (LIR), which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from us. If you arrive a day before or have an early departing flight, you can stay right next to the Liberia airport. We recommend the Hilton Garden Inn CLICK HERE ->> You can also fly into San Jose airport (SJO) and get a transfer from there (it is a 3.5 hour drive and $300 each way for a transfer) or if you prefer you can get a domestic flight to Liberia (1h20 flight and $150 each way) CLICK HERE ->> If you are coming for one of our retreats, see specific retreat details for transportation from Liberia Airport that is included. By land: If you are in the area already or are planning to drive here, we recommend using Waze for your directions (Google Maps sometimes does not recognise roads around Costa Rica or takes you on a strange route, wheras Waze is more up to date). You can find us on Waze or Google Maps under “Tula Vida”.
  • Do I need to rent a car?
    If you would like to rent a car there are plenty of rental car locations at Liberia (or San Jose) airport. Note: you are required to purchase car insurance in Costa Rica, so make sure it’s included if you get an online quote (it sometimes seems cheap online and then when you try to book it, or when you arrive at the car rental place, it is more expensive so better to check before you book).
  • What are the travel requirements to get into Costa Rica?
    As of 1 January 2025, Costa Rica is not requiring any health forms, vaccine certificates or other documents to enter the country. You must have a passport with at least 3 months’ validity at the time of entry to Costa Rica. You can find the latest information HERE ->>
  • Do I need a passport?
    You do need a passport to travel to Costa Rica. Make sure the expiry date of your passport is at least 3 months (or more, to be safe) from your date of travel. We recommend making a copy of your passport so you have it just in case.
  • Do I need health insurance?
    We require you to get travel insurance with comprehensive health cover for your trip to cover any unforeseen occurrences.
  • Do I need traveler’s insurance?
    See above re health insurance requirements for Costa Rica. In addition, please purchase traveler’s insurance that covers trip interruption in case of any adjustments to or interruptions of travel plans. You can purchase that online before you come.
  • What about COVID?
    There are currently no COVID related requirements in place in Costa Rica. Should a COVID-19 test be required for any reason, nearby facilities are readily available for this and we can arrange it for you. There are testing locations in our local town or at Liberia or San Jose airport before you fly.
  • What is the food like in Costa Rica?
    Food in Costa Rica is typically fresh and healthy and often includes rice and beans - the most typical “casado” plate is made up of rice and beans, meat or fish or veg, grilled plantain, salad and a fried egg! For retreats, meals will be home-cooked and healthy or in traditional local restaurants.
  • What meals are included in retreats?
    Please see specific retreat details to find out what is included. If you like to eat snacks throughout the day (e.g. energy bars or nuts) please bring those with you, they can be hard to find in Costa Rica.
  • What about dietary restrictions?
    We can accommodate your food preferences and dietary restrictions, so please let us know upon registration for retreats if you have any food allergies, preferences or special requirements so we can plan accordingly.
  • What meals are included in other experiences?
    Experiences that are shorter than a full day will not include meals. For experiences that are a full day (or longer), we will agree the meal plan with you.
  • Are there any local restaurants nearby?
    Yes there are some great options nearby, ask us for recommendations.
  • What are the payment details & policies for retreats
    To make payment: We will send you details to make payment when you reserve your spot on a retreat. We use a booking platform to receive payments which charges a flat 1% fee. There is no additional charge for payment by bank transfer (US$). For payment by credit card, there is an additional 3% fee. Sales tax: Costa Rica recently changed the law requiring businesses to charge 13% sales tax on services (as well as goods), so we have to add this to the cost of our retreats (as it is charged to us by all our service providers). Cancellation policy: All payments are non-refundable and no refunds will be offered for cancellations or non-attendance. Please ensure you have travel insurance in place to seek compensation if you need to cancel or are unable to attend the experience. If circumstances limit your travel that are beyond your control (such as COVID-19 related restrictions or natural disaster), your payment will be applied to a future retreat.
  • What are the payment details & policies for group, family, individual experiences?
    To make payment: We will send you details to make payment when you book a group, family or individual experience. You can pay by cash in-person or through our booking platform by bank transfer (US$ or UK£ or Costa Rica) or credit card. Sales tax: Costa Rica recently changed the law requiring businesses to charge 13% sales tax on services (as well as goods), so we have to add this to the cost of our retreats (as it is charged to us by all our service providers). Cancellation policy: For experiences of more than 1 day, we will ask for a deposit to hold those dates for you. All payments made are non-refundable. If circumstances limit your travel that are beyond your control (such as COVID-19 related restrictions or natural disaster), your payment will be applied to a future experience.
  • Should I bring US$ or local currency (Colones)?
    Both US$ and Colones are accepted in the vast majority of places in Costa Rica. In smaller places the exchange rate may not be as good for $ but it is not necessary to get Colones from a practical point of view. Note that large bills ($50 or 100) are not appreciated when paying for low value items so it is good to bring smaller bills with you, especially for tipping. If you do want Colones, you can get them from the airport currency exchange or ATMs.
  • What is the tipping culture like in Costa Rica?
    As the majority of visitors to Costa Rica are from the US, there is a US tipping culture in the tourism industry here (i.e. tips are commonplace and people tip based on the level of service/satisfaction, typically between 5-20%). Tips are appreciated in both Costa Rica colones or US$. For retreats or stays at Tula Vida, we are often asked for guidance on how to tip our staff. We collect tips in a pool and share them amongst the team. For a suggested amount (as any tipping is totally optional), you can use $10-20 a day as a guideline.
  • What is the weather like?
    Costa Rica has many micro-climates and the weather is very changeable so you will most likely see both sun and rain at various times during your trip. In our corner of Costa Rica, there is usually a nice, cool breeze and limited humidity so it does not get too hot. Weather is typically in the 70s-80s Fahrenheit and there may be rain showers on and off (e.g. at night or in the afternoons) depending on the time of year. It can sometimes be in the 60s at night so bring a sweater or a few layers. We like to work outside in all weather - rainbows included! - so be prepared with both rain gear and sun protection! For more information on weather (although never very accurate!) CLICK HERE ->>
  • Is there cell phone service or internet?
    Tula Vida Ranch has Starlink Wifi. You can also purchase a cell phone plan through your carrier directly in order to have access to data, or buy a Pay-as-you-go chip upon arrival in the airport. We recommend being as ‘unplugged’ as possible while here, so that you can truly take in the experience.
  • Do I need an adaptor for the electrical outlets?
    Costa Rica uses the same electricity system as the USA (110 volts) so plugs fit that size. Note that if you have sensitive electronics, you should bring your own surge protector. The electricity is generally stable but there are sometimes brief “bumps” in the service so it is better to be cautious.
  • Do I need local currency?
    The local currency is Colones, but most places take US Dollars and you can tip in USD so you do not need to have Colones. If you do want Colones you can get them from the airport currency exchange or ATM.
  • Are there a lot of bugs?
    It is a tropical environment that is biodiverse, so we do have bugs - please bring bug spray and long-sleeved shirts/pants for outdoor horse activities.
  • Can I drink the water?
    Yes, the water at Tula Vida Ranch comes from our natural spring and is UV filtered. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle so you can hydrate throughout your stay. In other parts of Costa Rica you may want to check if water is drinkable (particularly at the beach where water is in short supply).
  • What else can I see in Costa Rica?
    Costa Rica is known as one of the world’s most beautiful places because of its unique wildlife, jungle scenery, and pristine beaches. The country possesses approximately 6% of the world’s biodiversity and is the birthplace of ecotourism. There are 12 different life zones, 20 national parks, 26 protected areas, nine forest reserves, eight biological reserves and seven wildlife sanctuaries. For more information see our page 'THE AREA' CLICK HERE ->> Or visit this site CLICK HERE->>
  • What time is sunrise / sunset?
    The sun rises between 5 & 6am and sets between 5 & 6pm all year round as it is close to the equator. The clocks do not change in Costa Rica. You will find your body relaxing into this natural circadian rhythm, waking with the light and feeling tired with the dark (perhaps earlier than you are used to). The colours and sounds of the rainforest at dawn and dusk create a fairytale experience.
  • Do I need to bring anything for being with the horses?
    Closed toed shoes are required to be around the horses. The horses live in grass fields so you may walk in some mud – we recommend wearing waterproof hiking boots or else rubber boots which are cheap and easy to buy here (in any hardware store – look for a store called Colono which is in most towns). Being out in nature, it is usually more comfortable to wear lightweight, long pants and shirts and boots to protect from the sun, rain, mud, bugs, long grass etc. It will either be rainy or sunny (as always in Costa Rica!) so bring good raingear and sun screen, as well as insect repellent.
  • What should I bring for a retreat?
    Sturdy sneakers and waterproof hiking boots Sturdy waterproof sandals or river shoes (optional) One or two swimming suits Good rain gear Light jacket, layered or sweaters (sometimes we have chilly days or nights) Lightweight long-sleeves and pants (to wear when with the horses) Dry bag or plastic bags - for keeping things dry / wet clothing Insect repellent Sunscreen - with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 30-40 Medication and allergy medicine if applicable Sunglasses and/or a Hat (we will be out in the fields sometimes) Day pack Flashlight Refillable water bottle Cash for tips Easy to carry snacks, energy bars Surge protector for sensitive electronics (optional)
  • What should I bring for an individual experience?
    Sturdy closed toed shoes or rubber boots (see above question about what to bring for being with the horses) Good rain gear Lightweight long-sleeves and pants Insect repellent Sunscreen - with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 30-40 Sunglasses and/or a Hat
  • What should I bring for a group or family experience?
    Sturdy closed toed shoes or rubber boots (see above question about what to bring for being with the horses) Good rain gear Lightweight long-sleeves and pants Insect repellent Sunscreen - with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 30-40 Medication and allergy medicine if applicable Sunglasses and/or a Hat Refillable water bottle Easy to carry snacks (e.g. in case children get hungry)
  • What activities do you offer at Tula Vida?
    We offer longer all-inclusive retreats as well as transformational horse experiences (one-off or on a regular basis), including: individual experiences (typically 1-2 hours), couples or small group experiences (half, full or multi day), family experiences (half, full or multi day). We also offer classes in mindful & connection based horsemanship – ask us for details
  • What do horse experiences involve?
    Activities are dynamic and we tailor them for you personally to support your individual learning process, according to feedback from the horses. All exercises are expertly facilitated. An example activity is learning to build a relationship with your horse through non-verbal communication on the ground so that he follows you freely without any lead rope. De-briefing will offer unique insights into what your horse has to teach you. No prior horse experience is required and all levels are welcome. Most activities are on the ground.
  • Who are horse experiences for?
    Anyone who has been drawn to this site, is curious and has read this far should take the plunge and give themselves this experience! You will be amazed at how powerful it is. No prior horse experience is necessary – all levels are welcome. Tula Vida horse activities will be mainly on the ground.
  • What is Equine Facilitated Sand Play?
    Sand Play is a cutting edge healing modality, a creative and powerful way to process what lies outside of your conscious thinking mind in a safe, supportive way. The client chooses from a large collection of figures and builds a miniature “world” in the tray of sand that reflects what is going on in their lives, allowing them to process inner thoughts, struggles, and concerns through the figures. By making changes in their make-believe world, clients are often empowered to make similar changes in their real world. ​ Gretchen Morgan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is an extremely experienced holder and trainer of sand play therapy and has trained thousands of clinicians in the art. In 2018 Gretchen, together with Sally Nilsson (and Deborah Legg) explored combining the power of the sand with the wisdom of the horses and created Equine Facilitated Sand Play (in which they now offer trainings in Costa Rica): ​ “Horses have an incredible capacity to sense what is going inside us, which is what Sand Play is accessing too. When we introduced the horses to a Sand Play process we were amazed how interactive and engaged they were, not just being a calming and supportive presence but seemingly able to indicate – and even choose - figures that turned out to be hugely significant for the client.” Gretchen Morgan, LCSW Equine Facilitated Sand Play is a profound experience, awakening your consciousness and inner feelings. Working with the sand, supported by your horse, can reveal and shift whatever is asking for your attention to heal.
  • Do you offer or practice therapy?
    No, our Tula Vida horse experiences are coaching and not therapy. Eric Kolesar and Sally Nilsson are both Certified Professional Coaches and Certified Instructors in Eponaquest Equine Assisted Learning. Sometimes we co-faciliate with therapists who do provide a therapeutic aspect in those experiences, and this will be explicitly stated in retreat details.

Tula Vida horses are wise and experienced teachers of mindfulness, natural balance, energy management and self-discovery.  The vibrant, joyful magic of this corner of Costa Rica enables the natural world to soothe, nourish and restore you as only nature can. 

 

Join one of our retreats to find a supportive, beautiful and fun environment to go a little deeper into healing and self-discovery with transformational results.

bottom of page