Ben & Galya

You can book a flight to SJO airport. Our home base will be in San Jose, Costa Rica.

To enter Costa Rica you need to fill out a health form and show proof of insurance that covers COVID-19 if you are unvaccinated. For American citizens, this is the most affordable insurance we have found. For non-American citizens/residents and people coming from outside of the US, this is the most affordable insurance we have found. Remember, insurance is only necessary for entry if you are unvaccinated. Your airline will probably require you to receive a negative COVID test prior to your departure. 

The most updated information (health form and insurance) can be found here. This website lists three other insurance providers that are covering Covid in Costa Rica.

Getting tested in Costa Rica before your departure can be done at the CIMA hospital (7 minute walk from the Marriott Residence Inn), Lab Echandi (a lot cheaper than CIMA, it has numerous locations, apointments can be made ahead of time), or any other authorized lab. You can make an appointment to be tested by Lab Echandi ahead of time on their website.

For those coming from Israel: We are monitoring the situation closely. Costa Rica is pushing an aggressive vaccination campaign and we hope that in the next month infection rates will fall and Israel's restrictions will be rescinded.

The Residence by Marriott in Avenida Escazú is where we recommend you go. Unfortunately the hotel can no longer keep the discount, but the price on Booking.com is pretty much the same.  

The Hotel is in a beautiful location and walking distance from where we'll have the Shabbat Dinner. If you do not want to rent a car, this is also a good option.

If you are only coming just for the wedding, you can probably manage without a car, although you may need to take a few taxis or get a ride.

If you plan on staying longer, or want go out on your own to explore we recommend you rent a car. If you're going to relatively well known places, you probably do not need a 4x4.

The wedding will be casual and (if it's not raining) partially outdoors. Feel free to wear something nice, but comfortable. Suits, sports jackets, evening gowns, and heels are not recommended/not necessary. It might be chilly at night, so bring something warm just in case.

If you are planning on staying longer, keep in mind that Costa Rica is very humid and may be very rainy. Try to bring clothes that dry quickly. Unless you are going to a particularly cold area, you probably only need a sweater. Bring a rain jacket if you think you'll be doing activities in the rain.

Escazú Saturday morning farmers' market

Biesanz woodworking studio and shop: Biesanz studio is the place to visit if you want to see incredible craftsmanship and possibly buy very unique gifts made by a world-renowned artist. 

Craft beer tasting in Santa Ana

Santa Ana Sunday morning farmers' market

Hacienda La Chimba: This place has a little bit of everything. You can do their 9km hike and coffee tour among other fun activities! The drive is up narrow and bumpy roads. The site is also not recommended if you do not want to walk. Their GoogleMaps directions can be inaccurate so it's best to follow the Waze directions.

We hope you come to Costa Rica for longer than these three days! Before booking site visits, contact Diane (Galya's mom) at dmscostarica@hotmail.com for help with reservations and possibly discounts!

Keep in mind that it might be very rainy when you arrive which would make some places 'less worthwhile' to visit.

The following area some of our favorite non-traditional places that should have great weather. 

Rio Perdido - you can go for the day, or better yet, spend the night for a luxurious experience in the Guanacaste region. Enjoy the views, natural hotsprings, and amazing facilities!

Llanos de Cortes - beautiful waterfall in the vicinity of Rio Perdido. Requires a bit of walking down a rugged path.

Hacienda Guachipelin - get your adrenaline rush all in one place! Hacienda Guachipelin has some of the best tubing, ziplining, and horse backriding that we've ever been to. They have so many other activities to offer, make sure to check them out when planning your trip.

Probably any beach that is normally recommended - some of you might want to do something 'less touristy', but the truth is that a lot of these places are touristy because they are quite spectacular! Email Diane if you have questions or want recommendations.

If you are planning on staying here for Rosh HaShana and want to be close to the local Chabad, speak with us and we will see how we can help.