What is San Juan del Sur like?
San Juan del Sur is the most popular travel and vacation destination on Nicaragua’s pacific coast and offers a lovely mix of local culture and natural beauty to fill your soul. Direct access to a wide variety of wellness activities along with beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife makes San Juan del Sur the ideal location for our retreat. Offering numerous restaurants, cafes, music and eco- adventures you’re sure to have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Enjoy this lovely beach town and experience for yourself the natural beauty, friendly people, and local style that make it so unique.
Where Do I Fly Into?
You can either fly into Managua International Airport (ACS) or Liberia International Airport (LIR). Both airports have frequent flights to and from all over the United States and Canada.
OPTION 1:
Flying into Managua – There are not many direct flights to Managua. Most have a connection in Atlanta or Houston.
It is only a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Tree Casa Resort from Managua International Airport. We will assist in providing shuttle service for you. It would be helpful to arrive in Managua mid-day (between 12-2pm) if possible so we keep the shuttles grouped together.
OPTION 2:
Fly into Liberia – which has been recently expanded with increased numbers of flights from the US and Canada. Liberia has become a destination of many non-stop flights from several US cities (Chicago, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Denver, and Houston).
It is only a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Tree Casa Resort from Liberia, Costa Rica. We will assist in providing shuttle service for you. It would be helpful to arrive in Liberia mid-day (between 12-2pm) if possible so we keep the shuttles grouped together. If choosing this option, it will require crossing the Nicaraguan border. As long as you provide your passport information ahead of time, it will make the transition seamless. If you have questions about this option from Liberia, please contact Jenny at yogawithinyouretreats@gmail.com or call 847.322.3101.
** With either flight option, please account for the shuttle drive-time or domestic flight-time needed prior to your travel back to your destination.**
There will be a US $10 entry fee when going through Customs in Nicaragua. American currency is accepted. There is also a US $42 departure tax; many airlines include this tax in the price of the ticket. If the tax is not included in the ticket, payment can be made at the airline counter upon departure.
Then how do I get to Tree Casa Resort?
For all group shuttle services you will need to make advanced reservations and we can help you with that.
Tree Casa Resort group shuttles run on arrival and departure days ONLY several times during the day from/to Managua or Liberia. It is a scenic 2.5 hour drive. The cost varies upon the number of people in the shuttle van, payable in cash when you arrive at Tree Casa Resort reception. As soon as you know your flight itinerary, please email it to yogawithinyouretreats@gmail.com.
According to the arrival times of all major airlines we have grouped the shuttle pick ups between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. for flights arriving at midday and early afternoon, and between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for all flights arriving in the evening. This means that if you have reserved a seat on a group shuttle, and your flight is arriving in any of these two mentioned time periods, a Tree Casa Resort group shuttle will be waiting for you outside of the Arrivals terminal.
Upon departure, you should plan to be at the airport two hours before your flight’s departure. This means that if your home-bound flight leaves from Managua or Liberia i.e. at 8 a.m., you would leave with the group shuttle from Tree Casa Resort at 4 a.m. to arrive in Managua or Liberia at 6 a.m. (two hours before your scheduled flight).
Individual transfer is also available for guests, who are not arriving or departing on Saturdays or those who wish to travel more privately. We will gladly arrange for your pick up by Tree Casa Resort’s trusted drivers (one way: $140 one person, and $70 each for two people). The same rates apply. To book a private driver, please let us know.
What Do I Pack?
There are no weight limitations outside of your airlines’ specifications, which is usually 50lbs of check-in.*
However, consider packing light since we will be in warm weather. Maybe pack a light sweater for the cool, ocean breezy nights. Also, pack a “white outfit” for our Salsa Night! Many props are available in Tree Casa’s yoga studios, including mats, straps, blocks, blankets, and pillows so feel free to leave your mat at home if you’d like. If you want to bring your own mat, my favorite mat bag is the Yopa Mat Backpack. It holds your mat and more and you carry it like a backpack. Very convenient.
If you plan on doing excursions, please bring proper shoes (Vibrams, Tevas, hiking shoes) and clothing.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST:
- Passport. Before you go please make a copy of your passport which you will need to carry with you when leaving the center.
- Mat (If you prefer to use your own)
- Notebook or Journal
- Any special medications/treatments you may need
- Casual clothes
- White outfit (for Salsa Night)
- Yoga clothing
- A couple of footwear options
- Bathing Suits
- Headlamp **very important**
- Camera
- Chargers for phone, camera, and computer
- Water bottle
- Travel mug/water bottle
- Lightweight backpack (for hiking)
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock
- Natural bug repellant
- Toiletries that are earth friendly biodegradable
WHAT NOT TO PACK:
- Fancy clothes
- Lots of shoes: The only shoes you will need in Nicaragua are flip flops and a good pair of walking/water shoes if you want to do any hiking. No need to bring high heels.
- Expensive Jewelry
- Too much technology!
Do I need shots?
Always check with your doctor in regards to vaccinations. Vaccinations may not be required in the areas that you will be traveling. If you are to travel to other locations before or after the retreat, you should consult with your doctor to determine if vaccinations are necessary.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
It is not required but Jenny Guzon-Bae, Wade Gotwals and Tree Casa are not responsible for loss of services due to unexpected illnesses or life events.