YOGA RETREAT TRAVEL

To arrive at Shooting Star Studio requires about 1/2 day travel from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. First you must get to Golfito, a small town located in the southern pacific corner of Costa Rica, nestled in the Gulfo Dulce only about 20 miles from the border of Panama.

A one hour flight from San Jose to Golfito is the best method for efficient travel, using local charter planes or one of the domestic airlines, Sansa or Travel air. Your other alternative is to drive or use the local busline, Tracopa. By road, this journey takes 7 hours.

From Golfito, we take a taxi (4x4 preferable) driving a little under 2 hours on dirt roads as you wind your way through hills, farms and jungle to our little coastal town Pavones. We will take you to your accommodations, Cabinas La Ponderosa.

Getting to Shooting Star Studio:

1. Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica
2. Fly, bus or drive to Golfito:

Fly: (1 hr) per person. Sansa airlines has 3 flights daily 6:00 am 9:30 am 12:30 pm or 2:30 pm (changes seasonally) Approximate rates:

• Sansa airlines - $70 (US)

• Travel air - $85 (US)

• Charter plane - $120 (US)

Bus:(8 hr)

Tracopa Bus-several buses daily - $8(US)

Drive: (7 hr) See directions below

3. Taxi, bus or drive to Pavones:

Drive: (2 hr) See directions below

Car Rentals: Costa Rica has several car rental agencies in San Jose. It is highly advised to rent a 4x4 if driving in Pavones. If your preference is to fly to Golfito but you want to have a car while in Pavones, some car rental agencies will do drop off and pick up from the Golfito airstrip for additional fee.

Driving Instructions: From San Jose to Pavones can take up to 9 hours total. You have 2 options leaving San Jose: The coastal highway or the Pan-American highway. The coastal highway is a much more scenic, pleasant route although it can add 1-2 hours depending on traffic leaving San Jose going towards the coast. Eventually both routes meet at 'Palmar' after about 5-6 hours driving. Keep heading south to 'Rio Claro'. From Rio Claro there are 2 options.

Option 1: Go right at the gas station about five miles towards Golfito. You do not go all the way to Golfito. You turn off, left at the Rodeo Bar driving about 30 minutes to the "ferry." (The ferry is open 5am-8pm) Continue for another 30 minutes to 'Conte'. Turn right.

Option 2: This route bipasses the "ferry." Go straight through Rio Claro taking the Pan-Am highway another 30 minutes all the way to 'Paso Canoas' at the Panama Border. Turn right, through Paso Canoas and drive 45 minutes on bumpy dirt roads across bridges to 'Conte'. Turn left.

Just past Conte take left fork in road for another 45 minutes up and down potholed roads to arrive in Pavones.

 TRAVEL ADVICE:

Costa Rica is a safe and welcoming country to visit. The standard of living in Central America is above third world standards. The water is mostly safe to drink in all restaurants and hotels. Busses and taxis are clean. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Hospitals, doctors, dentists, clinics are readily available and for the majority of cases provide adequate medical care to meet your concerns. Throughout Costa Rica you will be amazed at how well they understand poor Spanish, how much English they understand and how many other foreigners (mostly Americans) travel and moreover, live here.

However, be aware that petty theft is apparent throughout the country, especially in San Jose. So watch for pick-pocketing in crowded streets, and be sure to assess well where to leave or carry your money or valuables. Also, do not leave valuables in rental cars parked in remote places.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us if we may be of assistance in your travel plans. Namaste.

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