Tourists from all countries are welcome in Costa Rica. Upon arriving at SJO, we recommend proceeding directly to immigration, as lines can form quickly. Restrooms are available in the Baggage Claim area.

• Valid passport required, not expiring within 90 days after your return date. We recommend that you carry a photocopy or mobile photo of your passport with the entry stamp with you throughout your stay.
• A return flight ticket is required and will be requested by the immigration officer.
• Provide "Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Herradura" as your lodging.
• Follow health protocols set by private companies for tourist activities.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travelers from South America and / or sub-Saharan Africa. Other vaccines are recommended of all visitors but are not required. 

if you carry an amount equal to or greater than the US $ 10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, cash or securities, you must request and complete the form provided for this purpose at the migration post and present it to the Customs Authority for verification; The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures. The omission of what is established by Costa Rican law (No. 8204, article 35) will result in the immediate loss of money.

When traveling in Costa Rica, it's important to check with your mobile phone carrier before you depart to discuss connectivity and costs. Most carriers offer day passes for international use, typically ranging from $10-$12 per day, allowing you to stay connected without unexpected charges. Additionally, the resort provides complimentary WiFi.

The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). While the official currency is the colón, US dollars (USD) are widely accepted in many tourist areas, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time (CST) zone. This time zone does not observe Daylight Saving Time, meaning that Costa Rica maintains the same time throughout the year. In September, when it's 12:00 noon in Atlanta, it's 10:00 AM in Costa Rica.

In September, Costa Rica's Green Coast experiences the rainy season, with daily afternoon or evening showers. Our event schedule has been adjusted to accommodate these anticipated showers. Temperatures range from warm to hot, typically from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit (24-32°C) in coastal areas and lowlands. Humidity can be noticeable, particularly after rainfall.

Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It boasts lush rainforests, pristine beaches, active volcanoes, and abundant wildlife, making it a top destination for eco-tourism and adventure. The country is also celebrated for its commitment to conservation and sustainability, with a significant portion of its land designated as protected areas or national parks.

In addition to its natural wonders, Costa Rica is known for its friendly and welcoming people, known as "Ticos." The nation has a stable political environment and a high standard of living, contributing to its reputation as one of the happiest countries in the world. Costa Rica’s vibrant culture includes traditional music and dance, delicious cuisine, and a rich heritage of art and folklore.

As we are visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season, please be aware that it is also mosquito season. To ensure the best protection against bites, we recommend wearing long sleeves and pants. Additionally, using insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus can be effective. Enjoy your outdoor activities while staying comfortable and protected!

Costa Rica is known for its relatively low crime rates compared to other countries in the region. Costa Ricans, often referred to as "Ticos," are known for their warm hospitality. 

While Costa Rica is considered a safe destination, it's always wise to practice basic safety precautions when traveling. Avoid bringing flashy, expensive jewelry and do not leave valuables out in your room. Keep your passport secure, keep your belongings close, be aware of your surroundings, and follow local advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Your vigilance helps make every adventure a memorable one!

The closest medical facility to the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is the Clínica Herradura, which is a private clinic located just a few minutes away in Herradura. For more extensive medical services, you can visit Hospital Clínica Bíblica Jacó, which is about a 15-minute drive from the resort in the nearby town of Jacó. This hospital provides a range of medical services and has English-speaking staff available to assist international visitors.

If you require medical attention, please be prepared to pay for services in full at the time of service. Our Spanish-speaking onsite staff will assist you. Be sure to collect all documentation from the medical facility, as you will need it for reimbursement from your insurance provider. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance. If you wish to purchase a policy, please CONTACT US, and we can guide you accordingly.

Like in the United States, restaurants are the most likely place where you could be left scratching your head over the tip. Unlike the USA, all Costa Rican restaurants automatically add a 10% gratuity to your bill before it's given to you, in addition to the 13% tax. In Costa Rican eateries, tipping is optional. However, offering an additional sum is polite if you feel your server exceeded expectations or went the extra mile with your meal.

Costa Rica’s Independence Day, celebrated on September 15th, marks the nation’s liberation from Spanish rule in 1821. The day is a vibrant and patriotic occasion, featuring colorful parades, traditional music, and folk dances that showcase Costa Rican culture and pride. It’s a time for the community to come together and honor their history and national identity, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere throughout the country. We are honored to have the opportunity to visit Costa Rica on such an important day!

On the Green Coast (Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast), you can encounter a diverse range of wildlife, both in the lush rainforests and along the beautiful beaches. Here are some animals you might see:

• Sloths: Both the three-toed and two-toed sloths can be spotted hanging from the trees in the rainforest.
• Monkeys: Look for howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and capuchin monkeys as they swing through the treetops.
• Turtles: The beaches are nesting grounds for sea turtles, including green turtles, leatherback turtles, and hawksbill turtles.
• Birds: You might see vibrant species like toucans, scarlet macaws, and various types of parrots.
• Frogs: The region is home to colorful frogs such as the poison dart frog and the red-eyed tree frog.
• Insects: Keep an eye out for butterflies like the morpho butterfly and other exotic insects.
• Mammals: Other mammals include the kinkajou and the agouti.

The Green Coast is known for its rich biodiversity, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for a chance to see some incredible wildlife!

Herradura, Costa Rica, is located on the Pacific (Green) coast in the Puntarenas province, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) north of Jacó and approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) west of San José. It’s around 90 miles (145 kilometers) from the Arenal Volcano, a drive that takes about 3 hours. Herradura is also approximately 110 miles (180 kilometers) from the Guanacaste region, with a travel time of about 4 to 5 hours by car. This coastal town is known for its stunning bay, marina, and the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, making it a popular tourist destination.

For a September trip to Costa Rica, pack lightweight, breathable comfortable casual clothing suitable for warm temperatures, along with a rain jacket or poncho for daily afternoon showers. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals are essential, and don't forget swimwear for beach/pool activities. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection, and insect repellent for outdoor excursions. Carry a daypack for outings, essential medications, and travel documents including your passport and insurance details.

Evening Dress:

Sunday, September 15 = dress in red, white, and blue to celebrate Costa Rica's Independence Day!

Tuesday, September 17 = dress in cocktail attire for our final night gala celebration.

While the official language in Costa Rica is Spanish, you will find that many people are bilingual and speak English. 

Sponsorship for this event is made possible due to the number of planners we bring each year. Since buyers receive complimentary accommodations, food, beverage, and more, we kindly ask that all buyers attend all scheduled events and activities. This ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the destination, discover all it has to offer, and build valuable relationships with the suppliers who pay to attend in order to meet buyers like you. Your complete participation is greatly appreciated to help us avoid hotel and event fees and maintain the quality of our program.

Participating in excursions offers suppliers a unique opportunity to truly engage with buyers while sharing memorable experiences. This type of interaction fosters lasting bonds that are invaluable for future business-to-business transactions. Our organic approach to "work" through shared activities not only enhances relationships but also creates better opportunities than traditional industry events. By joining these excursions, you are investing in meaningful connections that can drive long-term success.

Yes. Corporate incentive buyers and suppliers who are members of SITE Southeast or SITE Central America are welcome to attend. If you join SITE, you must select either Southeast or Central America as your chapter. Adding one or both chapters incurs an additional cost of $50 per chapter. If you are not currently a member of SITE, click below to take advantage of prorated rates for the remainder of 2024.

Subject to change

• Airport transfers at designated times
• Welcome Dinner on Sunday, September 15
• Breakfast on Monday, September 16
• Activities on Monday, September 16
• Lunch on Monday, September 16
• Event transportation
• Dine around coordination (dinners hosted by sponsors attending)
• Breakfast with Education on Tuesday, September 17
• Group activity on Tuesday, September 17
• Lunch on Tuesday, September 17
• Final night dinner on Tuesday, September 17
• Breakfast Wednesday, September 18

Not Included:

• Flights
• Accommodations (outside of hosted buyers)
• Resort purchases / room incidentals
• Travel insurance
• Any item not listed above

• Airport transfers at designated times
• Welcome Dinner on Sunday, September 15
• Breakfast on Monday, September 16
• Activities on Monday, September 16
• Lunch on Monday, September 16
• Event transportation
• Dine around coordination - please plan to pay separately for your guest's dinner.
• Breakfast with Education on Tuesday, September 17
• Group activity on Tuesday, September 17
• Lunch on Tuesday, September 17
• Final night dinner on Tuesday, September 17
• Breakfast Wednesday, September 18

Not Included:

• Flights
• Accommodations (outside of hosted buyers)
• Resort purchases / room incidentals
• Travel insurance
• Any item not listed above