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FAQ's

  • In terms of arriving, having your own 4x4 transport is 100% essential, not only to be able to safely arrive up to Pura Vida Ecolodge but also to be able to discover some of the hidden gems that are on our doorstep here in La Zona Sur. If you don’t already have your own 4x4 transport arranged, we recommend that you get in touch with our contact info@vamosrentacar.com . They have a good fleet of 4x4 cars, are Costa Rica owned, they price match and as long as you mention us when booking will offer a FURTHER 5% DISCOUNT.

    If you're ready to book straight away, you can use this discount code:

    https://vamosrentacar.com/?p=R00001

    PLEASE NOTE that if the rains are extended and especially heavy come late afternoon/evening (during Green Season May-November), you may be wise to stay up at the lodge as the river in Tres Rios village occasionally rises so much so that the concrete bridge is temporarily un-passable. 

    While in previous years this was quite a rare occurrence, in the last couple of seasons, due to the accelerating effects of the existencial climate crisis, it’s best to be warned and especially prudent especially as we're now seeing more extreme and unpredictable weather conditions/

    With this in mind, we frustratingly envisage this route being flooded (at the bridge) more often than in previous years. We are of course waiting & praying for the local Municipality to build a better bridge here in Tres Rios but this is Costa Rica and these improvements happen very slowly. Please also bear in mind that while we of course regularly maintain our private entrance, access to Pura Vida Ecolodge is via the public road which is the responsibility of (and maintained by) the Osa Municipality. In recent years, they have made significant improvements to the road between Coronado and Tres Rios bridge, but after the bridge, the road can be bumpy and is very steep in parts. Naturally they do their best to maintain and make as safe and passable as possible but this is Costa Rica and the ‘to do’ list is never-ending. We thank you for your understanding in advance. After all a bumpy ride up is part of the off-the-beaten track adventure!

    PLEASE NOTE: All car hire companies in Costa Rica require the driver to have (and present) a valid Credit Card when they pick up their 4x4 vehicle.

  • While we currently only have sleeping space for up to 7 guests, Pura Vida Ecolodge, over recent seasons especially, has played host to some rather special Boutique Weddings, Yoga Retreats, Wellness & Re-wilding Escapes and Psychedelic Journeying. For all of the above, we can help arrange an array of high-end services such as photography & video, catering & private chef, masseuse and holistic therapies as well as private yoga & dance therapy classes. For more information please drop us an email on info@puravidaecolodge.com

  • YES! If there’s anything that’s more important than eating a healthy diet, it’s drinking pure, uncontaminated water. Why, because we’re made up of over 70% water! Our water comes from a natural spring 2 miles away in the heart of the jungle. Despite its incredibly pure source, inevitably there are organic contaminations that are picked up along the way and for this reason we have invested in a very high end Aquatru countertop reverse osmosis water purifier. Guests can reload the filter chamber manually from the kitchen tap, and then remineralize with a pinch of Pink Himalayan Salts and Celtic Sea Salts to replace any minerals lost in the 4-stage filtering process and NO NEED TO BUY ANY PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES & CREATE UNNECESARY WASTE - everyone wins! Our filter is certified to NSF standards to remove 83 contaminants, including lead, arsenic, PFAs, fluoride, chlorine, nitrates and many more so you can have peace of mind with every sip.

  • Included in the Pura Vida Pantry, along with all the basics such as rice, beans, herbs & spices, sugar & salt, coconut oil, overnight oats etc, you’ll find a variety of organic coffee beans ready to grind, ceremonial grade cacao, homemade oat milk with a dash of vanilla and a generous breakfast combo of jungle honey, homegrown canela, coconut butter, superfood seed mix and an organic fruit basket.

  • Starting on April 1, 2022,

    1. The health pass is no longer required for entry into Costa Rica

    2. A negative Covid test is not required for entry.

    3. Travel insurance will not be obligatory for unvaccinated visitors.

    4. QR Code Program – Businesses will not be required to ask customers for proof of vaccination to enter and can all operate at full capacity. 

    For complete up-to-date travel information and insurance options and providers, please visit this really useful travel blog by our friends Jenny & Matt at Two Weeks in Costa Rica

  • Reservations can be made easily online via our bookings page (just click on the BOOK NOW button the the right hand side. With password security settings, Patient Data Protection (HIPAA) and with SSL protection to all guest interactions we can guarantee guest security when booking online. Payment for direct bookings is via PayPal payment system which is naturally 100% secure, reliable, and convenient. We collect guest payments up front and in full when you make your reservation. We also uphold your cancellation policy from the moment the booking is accepted until the end of the reservation. Alternatively, you can book online via our booking partner Airbnb but you should expect to pay between 15-20% more on this platform, due to the Airbnb Booking fees etc.

  • At Pura Vida Ecolodge we operate a strict cancelation policy. For guests who have booked via Airbnb, a 50% refund up to 2 weeks prior to arrival, except fees. This is available for our Jungle Villa listing for any stay throughout the year of 27 nights or less. For a 50% refund, cancellation must be made 14 full days prior to Pura Vida Ecolodge's local check in time on the day of check in, otherwise we cannot offer refunds. For example, if check-in is on Friday, cancel by Friday two weeks before check in time would be necessary. If the guest arrives and decides to leave early, the nights not spent are not refundable.

    For bookings made via Trip Advisor/Holiday Lettings, we also have a Strict policy as follows (provided that the guest pays the full balance on time, they can receive (less traveller booking fee): A 50% refund of the total amount paid by the cancellation date if they cancel at least eight weeks before check-in.or a 25% refund of the total amount paid by the cancellation date if they cancel at least four weeks before check-in.

    For direct bookings via the website, 90% of paid prepayments refundable when canceled 90 days before arrival or earlier. 50% of paid prepayments refundable when canceled 60 days before arrival or earlier.

    Once the reservation begins (whether booked via vacation rental platform such as Airbnb or directly), any changes, issues or breakages must be requested or reported in writing via email to info@puravidaecolodge.com while guests are still up at Pura Vida Ecolodge. If the guest arrives and decides to leave early, the nights not spent are not refundable. No refund requests or changes will be accepted or considered once checked in if guests fail to communicate any potential issues before vacating the property.

  • As a result of litigation filed by the tourism industry and others, the government’s plan to implement the QR code vaccine requirement has been put on hold. On November 12, a court in Costa Rica issued a preliminary injunction. This means that the court still needs to hear the merits of the case, where the government will need to show that it is 100% necessary/effective to implement the QR code scheme.

    From April 1st 2022, businesses are not required to ask customers for proof of vaccination to enter and can all operate at full capacity. Previously, nonessential businesses had to operate at 50% capacity if they didn’t require vaccination. The government has abandoned this plan. For more information on the QR code program

    For more info Two Weeks in Costa Rica

  • Starting June 12th 2022, the United States has lifted the Covid test requirement for international travellers entering the US. That means if you are visiting Costa Rica, you will no longer have to be tested to return home (or if you have a layover in the US).

    And since Costa Rica doesn't require a test to enter, you won't need any Covid tests to vacation in the land of Pura Vida. Logistically and financially, this will definitely make it easier to travel.

    If your country of residence does still require a negative Covid test for travel home, then Vargas Consultorio Medico is the most local option (with clinics in both Uvita & Ojochal). They offer PCR Covid-19 tests (via nasopharyngeal swab) with results within 48-72 hours (sent by email). For more details please email doctoravargasv@gmail.com or telephone (whatsapp) ‭+506 8750-9118‬. Please bear in mind that they are NOT OPEN for tests on Fridays or weekends so plan accordingly. Alternatively, guests can get Covid tests at the Hospital in Quepos (around 1.5 hours from Pura Vida Ecolodge) along with (cheaper) Antigen test results within four hours (please book ahead direct). The exact address is Hospital Metropolitano, Paseo del Mar, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos and their phone numbers for more information are +506 2519 9733 & +506 2521-9595. Guests can also get in touch via email info@metropolitanocr.com and their website .

    For a complete list of clinics and reputable testing centres please read this informative article by Two Weeks in Costa Rica and as more testing facilities become more widely available, pricing is expected to continue decreasing in the coming weeks along with more Antigen rapid test options outside the San Jose area. We suggest keeping an eye on the fore-mentioned blog as well as staying in touch with Uvita Info Centre (whatsapp +50688437142) or email uvitainfocentre@gmail.com

  • Costa Rica initially closed its borders back on March 22, 2020, in an attempt to slow down the spread of COVID19 and has taken a very aggressive stance to slow the spread throughout the country. Starting in April 2020, there have been intermittent driving restrictions (although rental cars are exempt) based on license plate numbers. Towards the end of 2020, Costa Rica cautiously reopened its borders, a challenge to every government: how to restart its economy and minimize the spread of the pandemic… but the decision was made to open its borders to all US States from November 1st 2020.

    All in all Costa Rica has done an incredible job managing the spread of the COVID Virus. Social distancing practices, low population density, the warm weather, and outdoor living have kept the risk very low in the beach areas. The Puntarenas province where Pura Vida Ecolodge is based, has reported less than 2% of the total COVID Cases for the entire country. Costa Rica has a relatively low number of confirmed cases and a low number of intensive care patients and deaths. The country's health system was well prepared and nationals and residents who shows symptoms of COVID can currently get tested locally for free. The country's initial quick action to implement travel & vehicle restrictions, closing off all public areas & most non-essential businesses allowed Costa Rica to come out of this faster than most other destinations. As many of you will know, ecotourism is the number one industry in Costa Rica and its citizens and government understand the importance of being responsible now so tourists can safely return. Costa Rica's low-density population, safe & responsible tour operators, hotels & retreats are all reasons why we will emerge from this crisis as the premier Tropical destination for ecotourism & adventure!

  • Given the ongoing fluid situation of the global pandemic, this is generally dealt with on a case-by-case basis etc. That said, as a guide, if travel becomes 100% IMPOSSIBLE due to personal Covid illness (of travelling guests) or lockdowns/specific travel restrictions come back into place (in Costa Rica) which in turn prevent guests from arriving into the country, then on a case by case basis, we are currently allowing guests to change their reservation dates within 12 months of the original booking. Please bear in mind, that any changes must be requested at least 2 weeks before the arrival date and lack of forward planning (such as not organising the necessary Covid tests/certificates/insurance policies prior to travel etc) is the responsibility of the guests and as hosts we cannot be responsible for any ensuing delays or cancellations etc.

    Given the ongoing global pandemic, we strongly advise that guests take out a Travel Insurance Policy that has an Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, (which essentially adds new coverage related to epidemics, including Covid-19). Nowadays, many companies offer Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, which naturally tend to be a little more expensive but have the benefit of coming with much more flexibility. Obviously, the finer details will vary between the many policies available, so please check with your provider direct. Please note that travellers must usually buy their coverage some time in advance of their departure date with some of the top insurance plans available and each policy will have their own individual exceptions and policies naturally vary by state and country. 

  • Both bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. The Ocean View Suite is upstairs, has an external balcony with ocean view and can be accessed internally via the open-plan lounge and living area. It can be set up (if arranged in advance) as a Super King or a twin. It also has an additional day bed (single pullout). The Jungle View Suite is located downstairs (with external access only via the ground floor bamboo corridor or via the partially exposed/external staircase). It has its own covered balcony hanging over the jungle canopy and is equipped with a Queen Size bed. NOTE: For young families/younger children, parents may choose to take advantage of the additional day bed in Ocean View Suite and/or sofa bed in the lounge instead of using the Jungle View Suite.

  • Yes, our little ecolodge retreat is incredibly private as we have designed something special, ‘all for you and just for you’. Whether you’re honeymooners or a group of 7, you will have the entire property, including all indoor and outdoor spaces, yoga decks, plunge pool, nature trails and the jungle reserve all to yourselves.

  • When booking direct at Pura Vida Ecolodge, a pre-authorization of USD 400.00 is due 1 days before arrival and released 3 days after departure (this is secured at the time of booking with a credit card etc).

  • Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica, which means "Rich Coast", constitutionally abolished its army permanently in 1949. It is the only Latin American country included in the list of the world as 22 older democracies. Costa Rica has consistently been among the top Latin American countries in terms of the Human Development Index, and ranked 54th in the world in 2007. The country is ranked 3rd in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2010 Environmental Performance Index. Due to the high quality of its human capital, Costa Rica is the world's fourth largest exporter of high technology. In 2007 the Costa Rican government announced plans for Costa Rica to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021. According to the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica ranks first in the Happy Planet Index, is the "greenest" country in the world and recently won the Earthshot Prize in 2021

  • Pura Vida literally means "pure life", but the meaning is closer to "full of life", "purified life", "this is living!". It can be used as a greeting, as a word of farewell, to express satisfaction, or to politely express indifference when describing something. The phrase has become widely used by Costa Ricans (and expatriates) since 1956. Some foreigners view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time, and of wanton friendliness. However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, resilience in overcoming difficulties with good spirits, enjoying life slowly and celebrating good fortune of magnitudes small and large alike. Peace, Plants & Pura Vida

  • Eco-tourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strive to be low impact and (often) small scale. It purports to educate the traveller; provide funds for conservation; directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Eco tourism is held as important by those who participate in it so that future generations may experience aspects of the environment relatively untouched by human intervention. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

  • An ecolodge is an environmentally low-impact home designed and built using materials and technology that reduces its carbon footprint and lowers its energy needs. Green Design or Sustainable Building, is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from location choice to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by: Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources, protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity, and reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation.

    The following have played a large part in the Green Living Concept:

    Alternative building materials such as locally sourced Bamboo - Bioclimatic and solar passive houses - Energy saving and production - The implementation of Solar panels & heat collectors - Rainwater catchment and storage - Grey water treatment - Natural air conditioning - Composting toilets and so much more…

  • One of the core values at Pura Vida Ecolodge is a basic understanding of natural and social systems as this is integral to a sustainable relationship with the environment. Therefore, we aim to concentrate on educating both ourselves and our design team throughout the development and operational stages.

  • Sustainability is the capacity to endure. In ecology the word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. For humans it is the potential for long-term maintenance of wellbeing, which in turn depends on the wellbeing of the natural world and the responsible use of natural resources. Sustainability has become a wide-ranging term that can be applied to almost every facet of life on Earth, from local to a global scale and over various time periods. Long-lived and healthy wetlands and forests are examples of sustainable biological systems. Invisible chemical cycles redistribute water, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon through the world's living and non-living systems, and have sustained life for millions of years. As the earth’s human population has increased, natural ecosystems have declined and changes in the balance of natural cycles has had a negative impact on both humans and other living systems

  • Our entire team up at Pura Vida Ecolodge is committed to minimising the impact of our activities on the land we occupy and to ensuring that any disturbances will be offset by positive action in the form of Tree Planting and the support of like-minded sustainability efforts and conservation platform.. Our intention at Pura Vida Ecolodge is to 'eliminate negative environmental impact completely through ‘skilful and sensitive design'. It is a philosophy that can be applied in the fields of architecture, interior design & landscape architecture as well as the day to day running of the accommodation (and concierge) service. Sustainable design is mostly a general reaction to the global environmental crises (the rapid growth of economic activity and human population, the depletion of natural resources, the damage to ecosystems and to the loss of biodiversity). In architecture, sustainable design is not the attachment or supplement of architectural design, but an integrated design process. This requires close co-operation of the design team, the architects, the engineers and the client at all project stages, from the site selection, scheme formation, material selection and procurement and project implementation. The design of Pura Vida Ecolodge has many important elements.

  • Eco Farmer’s markets in Bahia Ballena/Uvita on Wednesdays (8am - 2pm) & Saturdays (8am - 1pm) and in Dominical every Friday (8am - midday)

  • Beach cleanups are currently every second Wednesday of each month at Playa Ventanas and fourth Wednesday of each month at Playa Tortuga (8-10am). An activity for the whole family - the more volunteers, the bigger the impact!

  • Pura Vida Ecolodge is incredibly proud to be Costa Rica’s first Certified Ecolodge Member of this wonderful platform that was founded to prevent greenwashing, certify reputable giving and provide accountability. The 1% for the Planet certification was given to our little jungle retreat as we met their high-bar commitment and pledge to donate 1% of annual revenue to environmental causes & local conservation programs

  • As the world seemingly spins off its axis, with experiential climate change, mass species extinction and ubiquitous contamination, we feel the need for refocussing our attentions on People & Planet, with a healthy balance of fear, anger, hope and action! We recognize it’s the healthy symbiosis and interconnection of us and the natural world that will enable us to both to survive and thrive. As we endeavour to be an advocate for Green Living, at Pura Vida Ecolodge we’re making every decision with the highest regard for both the local community and the world we call home, working with local conservation projects, platforms and partners. Our vision is to inspire action to both explore and protect the natural world that we need to reconnect with.

  • Prior to checkin day, we are more than happy to help and advise guests to ensure they get the most from their Pura Vida Experience (either via email or Airbnb).

    On checkin day, guests are advised to keep in touch with Juan Carlos with their ETA via whatsapp (details in welcome pack as both Kika & I are based in Italy so we’re generally 8 hours ahead). Juan Carlos is the Pura ida Ecolodge caretaker and meets guests at the designated meeting place, escorts guests up to the lodge and will give a brief tour of the retreat and its facilities. For any of the ‘day-to-day’ issues that guests may experience during their stay, they’re best to communicate with Juan Carlos direct (such as power outages or hot water issues etc).

    If there are any problems or issues of a more serious or persistant nature (or any challenges with communications for our non-Spanish speaking guests etc), we request that you get in touch via email so that we can best help from afar or via whatsapp if it’s really urgent.

    All booking change requests, issues or any breakages must be requested or reported in writing via email to info@puravidaecolodge.com while guests are still up at Pura Vida Ecolodge so that we can best accommodate our guests and find the appropriate solutions if necessary.