By Air: By Air: We recommend flying into Liberia International Airport - Daniel Oduber Quiros (LIR), which is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the hotel. 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 $220 each way for a transfer) or if you prefer you can get a domestic flight to Liberia 1h20 flight and $50-100 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”. If you want to find a place to stay in this area, we recommend Living Forest Retreat Center and Lodge (https://livingforestlakearenal.com) or Mystica Lodge & Retreat(http://www.mysticacostarica.com)

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).

As of 1 April 2022, Costa Rica is not requiring any health forms, vaccine certificates or other documents/insurance to enter the country. You must have a passport with at least 3 months’ validity at the time of entry to Costa Rica. No COVID-19 test is currently required to enter the country. You can find the latest information HERE ->>

As of 1 April 2022, no health insurance is required to enter Costa Rica. However, we always recommend you get travel insurance with comprehensive health cover for your trip.

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.

If a COVID-19 test is required for your return (it is NOT currently required for entering the US and most of Europe), 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. In many countries it is possible to pre-buy a COVID test and bring it with you to Costa Rica - you take the test on a pre-arranged video call with a nurse the day before your flight and you get the results by email. This is a convenient way to meet the requirements and seems to be about the same price as taking a test at a clinic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (typically we will eat lunch at Tula Vida and breakfast/dinner will be offsite).

Yes there are some great options nearby, ask us for recommendations.

To make payment: We will send you details to make payment when you reserve your spot on a retreat. There is no charge for a payment by bank transfer (US$). For payment by credit card, there is an additional 3% fee. For payment by Paypal (which includes credit cards) there is an additional 7% transaction 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.

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, by bank transfer (US$ or UK£ or Costa Rica), by Zelle (US$) or by Paypal (which includes credit cards) - there is an additional 5% transaction fee for Paypal payments to cover their fees. 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. If you cancel more than 72 hours in advance, you will receive a full refund minus a processing fee of 15%. For cancellations less than 72 hours before the experience we cannot offer a refund. 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.

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.

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$.

You can pay for Mindful Mornings in cash on arrival. It is good to book in advance to attend as spaces are limited.

Costa Rica has handled the pandemic in a responsible manner. The country is open to visitors without restriction. Many activities take place safely outdoors and there are hand-washing / sanitising stations outside every enclosed space. Since mid-May 2022, it is only legally required to wear a mask in medical centres and on public transportation; however some private establishments still require them (e.g. certain shops, restaurants and enclosed spaces) so check the local guidance.

A test is not required to enter Costa Rica. However it may be required for re-entry to your home country and, as mentioned in the Travel section above, there are easily accessible testing facilities (including at the airport) which operate efficiently and we can assist with this process.

Since mid-May 2022 wearing a mask is no longer a legal requirement in Costa Rica except in medical centers and on public transportation; however private establishments are allowed to set their own rules on this and some places (e.g. shops or enclosed spaces) are requiring use of mask, so check local guidance. Given the year-round warm weather in Costa Rica and the nature of our retreat or horse activities, most/all of our activities, meals and common spaces will be in open air spaces and a mask will not be required. However you should bring a mask in case you need it (and it may still be required for the airport/flight).

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 ->>

The local hotels and Tula Vida have 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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, the water at Tula Vida and the local hotels is safe to drink. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle so you can hydrate throughout your stay.

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->>

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.

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 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) or we have a selection you can borrow if you prefer (check with us on sizes). 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.

Sturdy sneakers and/or 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 Face mask (certain shops and restaurants are still asking you to wear one) 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) Horse-riding helmet if you have one – we do have helmets if you don’t want to bring your own

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

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

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 (such as Gretchen Morgan in our Heal the Healers retreats) who do provide a therapeutic aspect in those experiences.