Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We understand that there are many questions when coming to a place you have never been. We hope help to provide clarity to any of your questions or concerns. If you have any further questions please feel free to email us at retreats@truenaturecommunity.org.
Thank You.

What should I bring?
Our Suggestions:
-We suggest bringing only one suitcase that you are comfortable handling and that is easy to use/move, and one daypack.
-A camera w/spare batteries and film. Voltage is 110volts like North America.
-Binoculars, particularly if you are a bird and wild life enthusiast.
-We recommend clothing appropriate for warm tropical weather and comfortable clothing for hanging out, hiking, and even getting a bit dirty sometimes.
-A long sleeve shirt or a light jacket as the evenings get a bit cool, rain gear, sun hat, swimsuit, and comfortable walking shoes. Lightweight water-resistant sneakers or hiking boots, and sandals or other comfortable beach and river shoes.
-A flashlight and/or headlamp for the nights.
-Basic First Aid Kit
-Toiletries such as sunscreen, lotion, insect repellent, soap,
shampoo & conditioner (Biodegradable Only Please)
-necessary medications (please notify TN staff of all medications)
-Cushion to sit on or a"Crazy Creek Chair"
-Yoga mat, blanket, and meditation shawl
-water bottle
-pocket size English/Spanish Dictionary
-passport and a copy of your passport
-some cash and an ATM card if possible

What if I forget something?
San Isidro, the nearest town, has almost anything you would need.
If you forget something, you will be just fine.

How do I get to True Nature/Costa Rica?
All international flights will arrive at the San Jose International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica. From the airport, TN can help organize transportation for all retreat participants and guests. The trip to True Nature from San Jose is approximately 4 hours. If you need transportation provided to True Nature, you must notify TN at least one week in advance of your arrival.

Are there laundry facilities?
Yes, you will have access to laundry facilities to wash your clothes.
Laundry will be washed in the middle of the week during the one week programs, and will be washed twice during two week programs. Bring enough clothes, so you can have clean clothes when you would like.

Do you have a lot of bugs at True Nature?
No, we don't have a lot of bugs at True Nature. In the tropics, there is a lot of insect life in general. However, our elevation keeps this issue at a minimum and our guests find that there are very few bugs that bother them. If you are sensitive to bugs you can always bring insect repellent as a precaution.

What will the weather be like during retreats and programs?
January through April is the best time of year to be at True Nature. It is our Summer time, where the sun shines and the birds are out singing. The temperature will range from 65F to 85F. There is always a possibility of a shower here and there as we are in the tropics, but a majority of the time it will be sun,sun,sun...

Is the water safe to drink?
At True Nature the water comes from a fresh water spring, has been tested and is perfectly fine to drink. Enjoy spring water without having to buy a bottle your whole time at True Nature.

In most of Costa Rica the water is safe, and as always there are some exceptions in certain places. We usually drink bottled water in the cities.

How much money should I bring? What are my expenses going to be?
There are ATM machines throughout Costa Rica. We recommend that you do not carry much cash with you, as you can get money from the ATM any time you are in town. The exchange rate is best when using ATM's rather than exchanging money at the bank. There is an ATM in the baggage claim of the airport in Costa Rica. We suggest that you use this to get your first Costa Rican money.
When departing Costa Rica there is an exit tax of $26 that is payable inside the airport.
Of course most major credit cards and debit cards are accepted, however be prepared to always have some amount of Colones, the local currency, to purchase items from small shops, street vendors, etc.
There are fees for some extra activities during the retreats
(see the activity page for details).

What is communication (phone/internet) like at True Nature?
Your cell phone will not work here unless you have an international calling plan (check with your provider).
It is a reccomended to bring a calling card to make long distance phone calls. Please get international calling information specifically for Costa Rica when buying a calling card. (This includes a special toll- free number to dial while in Costa Rica)
True Nature does have high-speed internet and there is a fee of $2.00 and hour. We encourage people to use the internet and phone minimally.

What are the medical concerns in Costa Rica?
Health-care in Costa Rica is very good and sanitary standards are high. First class hospitals are found throughout San José and some of the other largely populated areas. Since long ago, diseases such as malaria, paludismo, and yellow fever have been nearly eradicated in Costa Rica. Hospitals and the Red Cross will provide any medical treatment in case of emergency. Please check with your physician for any other necessary personal preperation.
We recommend that either a family member or friend have a copy of your daily itinerary and your passport in case of an emergency.

Can I get medicine in Costa Rica?
If you are on a particular medication, please ensure that you have enough medication for the duration of your participation in the retreat. Even though there are many pharmacies in Costa Rica, they may or may not stock your specific medication. When you arrive to the retreat you will be given a waiver where you will be able to describe any allergies and/or medications we need to know about.

What is the language in Costa Rica? Do people speak English?
Spanish is the language primarily spoken. You will find that many people speak English as a second language and you should not have troubles communicating with locals.

What are the entry requirements into Costa Rica?
A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica, however visitors of the USA, Canada, and most European countries do not need a visa.

What is the time zone in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is the same as U.S. central standard time, but does not observe daylight savings time.

Is driving a good idea?
Many people love driving and visiting the country at their own pace. Car Rentals are available from the major rental companies. To rent one you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license and a major credit card. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Costa Rica. Most are open 24 hours. Auto insurance is a MUST, which is included in your contract with the car rental because most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact your carrier. When the rented car is given to you, the contract will explain both parts responsibilities. Parking is limited at True Nature. Please check with TN in advance to see if space is available.

Is bus transportation available?
Costa Rica has a bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation. It is the primary means of transportation to natives. On the countryside, sometimes buses do not run frequently. In some places they operate only once a day. Another possibility is arranging transfers with tourism transportation agencies which would give you a first class service at reasonable rates. The primary bus used to get to the Southern Pacific Region of Costa Rica is MUSOC. MUSOC runs from San Jose to San Isidro de General daily on the hour.

Do I need to have any special precautions?
Please consider the following precautions during your trip, that are the same wherever you travel around the world:
Do not leave your luggage unattended at the airport or with a stranger. Do not carry any stranger´s luggage through customs or immigration, and always carry your money within an inside pocket, a body pouch, or a money belt.
Daily spending money could be carried in your bag or front pocket. Credit cards and travelers´checks are good tools when you travel. Carry a separate package with the following information: a copy of the identifying pages of your passport, the number of your credit cards, traveler checks, bank accounts, airplane tickets, and emergency phone numbers. Valuable items should be left in a safe place. Avoid crowds as well as dark and lonely places, and deal with well-known tourism agencies instead of unknown persons. In other words, take the same precautions you would have when visiting any other country, but do not let that decrease your enjoyment of this experience.