Travel/Logistics

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

www.ticotravel.com www.travelocity.com www.orbitz.com For the more adventurous travelers I recommend the 'over land' route. Give yourself several weeks for the journey and take note of all the places you want to return to later. Another option is to sail to Costa Rica. There are several yacht sites on the internet that offer crew positions to able, agile sailors. Coming home is even easier over water. A few art of Union HOME visitors have jumped on sailing vessels after they pass through the Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean and headed back north.