FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

There are no medical requirements upon entering Costa Rica and not much to be concerned about except Dengue (Yellow fever) which is more prevalent on the Carribean coast.

The Art of Union H.O.M.E. is located in the coastal mountains on the south west coast of Costa Rica, between the beach town of Dominical and San Isidro del General. Midway between the slopes of Mount Chirripo and the Pacific Ocean, an independent mountain range called Tinamaste rises up to create the watershed for the pristine Baru River. This sparkling clean water gushes down over 12 waterfalls including Costa Rica's tallest, the 600 foot Diamante Falls, on its way to the sea. The valley carved out by the Baru River is one of Costa Rica's most scenic areas with dramatic views of the ocean, and fertile farmlands. The HOME Community lands stretch over seven parcels of land from the coast to the 3,300 foot summit of the Tinamaste Mountains.

The Art of Union HOME is the Diamante Verde wilderness sanctuary extendign from the base to the summit of the Tinamaste Mountains. The home for our retreats will be in the "Catedral de Piedra" a massive cathedral-like cave system embedded into the steep side of the Tinamaste mountains, above the towering Diamante Falls. The main flow of the Baru River flows over the top of the Catedral de Piedra creating a powerful energetic vibration that has provided a sanctuary for shamans and healers for thousands of years.

Several inexpensive hostels have recently opened in San Jose that offer a conscious 'family' experience.

Casa Mona - www.puntamona.com
Our friend Steven from Punta Mona recently opened up this urban oasis, a shanty little house with good vibes and righteous food in between San Jose Center and the University Area of San Pedro. Rooms are around $20/night.

You can also check out:
Tica Linda, for a real Tico family experience. Annexo
Email: ticolindaannexo@hotmail.com, tele: (506) 221-3120

US, Canadian and E.U. citizens receive a 3 month visa upon entering Costa Rica, which can be renewed by stepping out of the country for 3 days and then returning.

Flights to Costa Rica are cheaper than they have been for years. Flights out of the Cascadia are currently under $400 round trip! Check out these internet sites for the best flights:

The entrance to the Diamante Verde Sanctuary is about 20 miles to the west of San Isidro. Follow the only road towards Dominical for about 16 miles over the Tinamaste Mountains to the small village of San Cristobal. From there take the road left to Las Tumbas. After crossing the second bridge in Las Tumbas take the small dirt road up to the left right after the turquoise house. The clearing with the big rock and the yellow van is the future site of the Diamante Verde Sanctuary welcome center . The trail up to the Casa de Piedra (The Diamante Verde Sanctuary) winds up the mountain from the big rock site and is well marked. For most people the journey takes 2-3 hours. If you are up for the walk, we have made it from San Isidro to the Base in less than six hours. If you are driving, it takes about 45 minutes to get to the bottom of the trail.  If you take the bus, take the one that goes to Platanillo  and ask the driver to stop in San Cristobal (under a dollar). Note the last bus service to Platanillo is at 4 pm. A taxi will take you to the bottom of the trail to the Diamante Verde Sanctuary for $20.

The Hotel Chirripo right on the center square of San Isidro is the classic meeting place for adventurers coming to the Art of Union HOME. Rooms are available for around $5 per night and the cafe offers descent traditional costa Rican food.

All flights coming into Costa Rica land in San Jose. From there you can choose any number of bus companies that will take you on a scenic 3 hour tour over the mountains to San Isidro for about $US3.00 . Other options are to hire a van or mini bus from the airport which will take you right to the Art of Union HOME for around $100 US. There are also flights down to Quepos you can check into.

The Chirripo sector of Costa Rica has some of the most diverse terrain as the elevation rises up from the Pacific Ocean to the slopes of the 12,800 foot Mount Chirripo. Within this rugged landscape are ancient growth jungles, wooded forests, grasslands and pastures.

The Chirripo sector of Costa Rica has a relatively predictable climate with three main seasons, although the seasons tend to shift around the calendar by up to a couple of months each year.

Summer - December through March is the dry season and temperatures range from highs in the 90's by the ocean and in the 60's further inland on the foothills of Mount Chirripo. Night time temps range between 60's on the beach and the 40's further inland.

Fall - From April through August this area receives modest amounts of rainfall and temperatures vary accordingly.

Spring- The wet season with regular heavy afternoon downpours is from September to December.