Leer en español

Preparation

We envision you here very soon! Be sure to check the date on your passport, confirm flight times and have your local transportation booked in advance. If you need help booking anything contact us at travel@envisionfestival.com.  While you're getting everything together for your trip, remember to pack light and avoid items that will wind up in our local landfills. Help our sensitive environment by practicing eco-consciousness when you pack. You don't need much to emerge yourself in the pura vida, or pure life, of Costa Rica.

Remember! The Envision Campgrounds do not open until Wednesday at 10:00 AM. Guests who arrive early will be turned away and will have to find somewhere else to go until gates open. Please plan accordingly.

Arrival

Bienvenidos! When you arrive at the airport prepare for a welcoming wave of warm air. It's a good idea to have a pair of sandals and shorts accessible to change into. Have your immigration paperwork completed and passport in hand. After immigration you will collect your bags and take them through customs. Don't pack anything that you don't want to explain or that is obviously restricted. Once you are through, be sure you have everything you brought with you and put your passport in a safe place.

Vaccinations

If you are traveling from a South American - including Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Peru - you may need to show proof of a Yellow Fever Vaccination before being granted entrance to Costa Rica. If you think this applies to you, please read the following:

Currency

Almost everywhere you go will accept US dollars. Do not feel pressured to convert your money in the airport, as these locations are notorious for having the worst exchange rates. Instead wait for the opportunity to go to a bank or just keep and use your dollars.

The rate fluctuates a little but the rough exchange rate is $1 = 500 colones:

$10 = 5,000 colones and $20 = 10,000 colones

You can think of it this way:

From dollars to colones, halve the amount and add three zeros.

Transportation

If you are flying in to SJO, we recommend booking the Envision Shuttle to catch a direct ride down to the venue with other festival goers. Please read our Shuttle Page for more info. 

If you do need a cab use the authorized airport cabs, located to the left just before you exit the airport.  There are also car rental agencies and other shuttles before you exit. Remember it is the busy season so it's a good idea to book in advance, especially for rental cars. Make sure to get all the details and hard costs including insurance and taxes. Please note, we highly suggest using Envision Travel for rental cars.

Envision Travel only works with one well trusted and competitively priced car service.  Online booking can be very risky due to hidden costs, extra fees and unresponsive companies when something goes wrong.  Often times companies surprise clients at the counter with expenses, such as mandatory insurance.  Envision Travel and our car rental partner will be available 24 hours / day in case of any emergency.

Please note that although 4 wheel drive is not needed to get to the festival venue, it is needed for many rental houses and hotels, and we highly recommend 4 wheel drive if you plan to explore the Southern Zone.  Please check with Envision Travel if your hotel or home rental will need a 4x4 car.  Cars are available for pickup and dropoff both at the airport, homes rented through Envision Travel and at the festival site.  Our agents can help you make the best car decision for your needs and budget. Email Travel@EnvisionFestival.com to get started.

If you are driving yourself be very careful and stay alert. The main roads and highways are marked clearly on the maps but road signs are few and far between. Look over your map before driving to have in mind names of towns to watch out for. Costa Ricans drive aggressively so stay alert. It is also not uncommon to find a lot of people and dogs along the side of the roads, especially at night. Be smart and drive sober!

Costanera Highway

The Costanera is the highway that runs down the Pacific coast and will deliver you directly to Uvita. There are plenty of local restaurants, fruit stands and scenic viewpoints along the way. Enjoy the cultural experience and support the local community. Don't forget to tell all the gracious folks you meet along the way about Envision! The locals are friendly and respond well to good manners.

Festival Hours

The festival gates open Wednesday Feb 27 at 10am. Please do not arrive before this time as you will be turned around at the gate and will have to find somewhere else to go. All attendees must vacate the festival by Monday the 4th at 12 PM. See the Box Office hours below for additional info.

Wristbands & Box Office

ALL FESTIVAL WRISTBANDS WILL BE PUT ON BY BOX OFFICE STAFF ONLY. ANY WRISTBAND THAT IS NOT ISSUED BY OUR BOX OFFICE IS NOT A VALID WRISTBAND AND YOU WILL BE DENIED ENTRY IN TO THE FESTIVAL. PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE WRISTBANDS OR TICKETS FROM SCALPERS OR UNAUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS.

In an effort to make this a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, Envision has dramatically increased security this year.  Those without wristbands will be denied access and continued attempts and illegal entry will result in police involvement.  Please have a visible wristband on at all times so as to make the event safer for everybody.

You MUST go to the Box Office/Ticket booth at the entrance gate to get your wristband. The ticket booth is situated near the parking lot. Please have valid photo ID ready. DO NOT arrive before 10AM on Wednesday, February 27. You will not be granted entry.  If you arrive before this time you will be turned away at the gate and will have to find somewhere else to go.

Tickets

• You must go to the Box Office to get your wristband.
• You must have a Photo ID, Credit Card or Printed Ticket to claim your wristband.
• All multi-day passes include music, camping and access to all of our workshops.
• The Envisionary Camp Grounds will open Wednesday at 10 AM and will remain open until Monday at 12 PM. All guests must be packed out by noon on Monday.
• Envision is a family friendly event. Children 12 & under will be admitted for free if accompanied by an adult. There will be a children's area, however, do not leave your children unattended!
• Prices are subject to increase at anytime without notice.
• Ofrecemos precios especiales para los que tienen cédula Costarricense o de América Central.  Para recibir este precio especial hay que mostrar su cédula en la entrada.
• Entradas también están en pre-venta en www.envisionfestival.com

Main Gate / Box Office Hours

• Tues:     Main Gate: CLOSED  / Box Office: 12pm-9:30pm - Staff, Volunteer & Artist check-in ONLY
• Wed:     Main Gate: 12:00pm - 12:30am   / Box Office: 10:00am - 10:00pm
• Thurs:    Main Gate: 8:30am - 2:00am   / Box Office:  10:00am - 10:00pm
• Fri:        Main Gate: 8:30am - 8:30am  / Box Office:   10:00am - 10:00pm
• Sat:       Main Gate: 8:30am - 8:30am / Box Office:    10:00am - 10:00pm
• Sun:      Main Gate: 8:30am - 10pm  / Box Office:      10:00am - 3:00pm

When you plan your trip please take in to account our box office hours. If you arrive at the event after the box office hours you will have to wait until the box office reopens.

NO EXCEPTIONS!

All guests will be required to register at the ticket booth and receive a wristband, which must be worn AT ALL TIMES throughout the duration of the event.

If you do not have a wristband you will be escorted out of the event. If you lose your wristband you will need to purchase another one.

A person in possession of a wristband that has been tampered with or altered in any way is subject to ejection from the festival grounds without refund.

In and outs are strongly discouraged due to the remote location. Everything you need will be on site, however, re-entry is allowed. Look over all the schedules; you don't want to miss anything...

In an effort to make this a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, Envision has dramatically increased security this year.  Those without wristbands will be denied access and continued attempts and illegal entry will result in police involvement.  Please have a visible wristband on at all times so as to make the event safer for everybody.

Violation of these rules, or misbehavior that cause others harm will result in revocation of your ticket and ejection from the event without refund.

ATMs

There are no ATMs at the venue. There are several banks along the highway in Uvita and one across from Dominical on the east side of the highway that have ATM's. You will need to leave the venue via car or taxi to get to an ATM.  Vendors may or may not accept credit cards.

Parking / Shuttles

Parking will be available in a secure lot as you approach the venue. Parking is $7 per entry or $25 for unlimited entries the whole weekend. THERE IS NO CAR CAMPING INSIDE FESTIVAL GROUNDS. Your vehicle pass must be placed inside your vehicle for the duration of the event. Envision is not responsible for vehicles parked on the roadside or anywhere outside the paid parking area.  You may sleep in your car if you so desire, but will not be allowed to setup tents in the parking area.

The parking area will be a short distance from the camping area. We will be providing a shuttle system for you and your gear to get back and forth. Please prepare for this when deciding how much stuff to bring with you to the festival.

• Secure parking will be available at the venue for $7 per entry or $25 for the event.
• Even though we will have 24-hour security in the parking lots, please do not leave valuables in your car anywhere in Costa Rica!
• After you park, head to the ticket booth to collect your wristband.
• A shuttle will be available to help you move your gear from the parking lot the venue.

Workshops & Yoga

All Movement and Spoken Workshops are included in the price of your entry and FREE throughout the event! Take advantage of learning a new modality and meet inspiring teachers and fellow students.

There will be schedules posted at the event and offerings are available here:

YOGA & MOVEMENT

WORKSHOPS

Vending

Our vending area offers a wide variety of community-made goods including clothing, jewelry, hula hoops and much more. It's not your average trip to the mall, so take advantage of the opportunity and peruse the range of unique goods. There are no ATMs at Envision. Please be sure to bring sufficient cash for the weekend or plan on driving or taking a taxi to the ATM out near the highway.

• Delicious Food -  A wide selection of amazing organic and locally sourced food will be available for purchase in the Envision Global Mercado and vendor areas. Please be sure to bring sufficient cash to cover you for the weekend.
• You are allowed to bring in your own food, coolers and propane stoves for cooking.
• Enclosed propane grills are acceptable in the camping areas but NO open flame or charcoal grills will be allowed.

Drinking Water

We want you to stay hydrated! Envision works hard to provide access to free drinking water on site as much as possible.  Envision goes to great lengths to be able to offer free water -  please do not waste water.

Bring your own water container to refill regularly at the water station.

Music and Live Entertainment

Prepare to have your mind blown and heart opened! Please refer to our Experience page for all the info.

Showers

Beautiful showers will be available in the campground. ONLY biodegradable products are allowed in shower area!!

Tents

If you are renting an Envision tent, pick it up at the Bag Check storage container inside the venue. You will be shown where this is on the map at the Main Gate. If you still need to rent one from us, a tent plus pad and pillow are $75 for one person, $95 for two. Visit this link to reserve your tents: TENT RENTAL

Secure Bag Check

There will be a secure bag check area where you can store your valuables. We advise against leaving any valuables in your tent or car.

The rate is $5 per use or just $25 for the entire weekend. You will have access from 9am-3am.

All belongings must be collected by noon on Monday!

Camping Info

DO NOT CAMP UNDER A COCONUT TREE ANYWHERE IN COSTA RICA! COCONUTS ARE HEAVY, FALL A LONG WAY AND ARE NOT SO SWEET IF THEY HIT YOU.

Access to camping is included with all multi-day passes. We will do our best to provide enough shade to cover your tent, but cannot garuntee you tent will be in the shade.

Ideal hammock trees are limited inside the venue. Do not count on being able to find a space for a hamock on the property.

Campground Rules:

• Do not camp in unauthorized areas.  Campgrounds are clearly delineated.
• No open flames, coals or fire dancing in the campground.
• Propane or butane stoves only.  No open fires.
• No amplified sound in the campgrounds.
• No "Space Saving" as in roping off area for your friends who arrive later.  Please arrive together or meet new neighbors.
• Pack it in / Pack it out and leave it better than you found it!
• Please be mindful that this is a family event.
• Play nice with everyone around your camp area and in the festival grounds.
• Your respect of these rules allows us to continue to offer this experience in the future.

A medic team will be available but you are responsible for taking good care of yourself.

Fires

Open flames, fires or open coal cooking is not allowed. This is in the best interest and safety of all of our attendees and in preserving future use of the land.

Fire Spinning

Permitted in designated areas only and with the permission of the fire crew. Please do not light up in the field, as there is dry grass that can easily catch fire.

Cigarettes

Cigarette butts cause fires and trash. Always put your butts out and NEVER throw them on the ground. Carry a small can or film tube in your pocket to hold your used butts. Let's show this land how much we respect it!

Camp Stoves and Grills

Enclosed propane grills are acceptable in the camping areas but NO open flame or charcoal grills will be allowed. Please use extreme caution and be responsible. Always make sure your stove is in an area that is clear of dry grass and brush, and never leave a stove unattended while it is burning. If you are using a camp stove, make sure you bring along a fire extinguisher and have it properly placed where everyone can access it.

Campfires

Unfortunately due to the sensitivity of the land and the severity of flying embers we can not allow open fires anywhere at the festival.

Prohibited Items

• Firearms or Weapons
• Fireworks or Explosives of any kind
• Children under 18 without parent
• Photography without consent
• Violence
• Charcoal grills (White Gas/Propane is ok)
• Bad attitudes
• Unauthorized vending will NOT be tolerated
• Coolers in festival area, outside of camping
• All illegal drugs are prohibited
• MOOP (Matter Out Of Place)

Permitted Items

• Enclosed propane stoves
• Good Vibes
• Alcohol in campgrounds in non-glass containers
• Backpacks
• Cameras
• Coolers in Campground
• Shade structures over your tent
• Creative Ideas

Trash

Pack it in and pack it out. Please be sure to clean up your campsite thoroughly before departing the festival. Leave no trace! (if you bring it, take it with you when you leave). Keep It Clean! Our awesome Green Team will be available for questions and to help guide you to recycling areas. If you see a plastic wrapper or any other pieces of litter, help us keep this beautiful land clean! Pick it up and throw it out!

Medical

We will have a medical team on site. Look for the medic sign and medic shirts. The info booth will also be able contact local medical care. In case of emergency alert the nearest staff member ASAP. If you HAVE medical insurance, check your plan to see if it offers coverage outside the U.S. If it does not, most major providers include the option to apply for supplemental international coverage. For as little as a few dollars a day, you can get insurance that will cover your time in Costa Rica. If you DO NOT HAVE insurance, the best option is to get international travelers insurance. Another option is single trip insurance, which is ideal for vacationers or those who spend small amounts of time abroad (1‐2 weeks a year).

Communication

Local prepaid "Kölbi" phones are available at the airport. These are convenient if you foresee needing to make local calls. Wifi is available in many places throughout Costa Rica. There will be message boards at the front box office and central info booth for you to leave a quick message for friends.

Shoes

Be sure to bring a pair of good walking shoes or a pair or light hiking boots for maneuvering through the festival at night. We encourage radical self-reliance and you are responsible for taking good care of yourself at all times, so watch where you step and look out for your crew.

Common Sense

• Be conscious that you are in a country that may not have the same level of "wealth" as the country you come from. Minimize signs of wealth and do not leave your valuables lying around.
• We encourage radical self expression.  We suggest being respectful of those whose idea of radical self-expression may not be as radical as yours. There will be children at this event, as well as a wide variety of people from different countries and cultures.  Try to impress them, not offend them.
• Respect your fellow Envisionaries and their stuff. Vandalism and thievery will not be tolerated. Treat folks the way you want to be treated...need we say more?
• Be sure to secure any loose items before leaving your camp. Please control your trash, especially cigarette butts.
• Be prepared to take care of yourself! Remember necessary medications, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, plus whatever your special needs may be.
• Drink plenty of water while at the event.
• Be discrete and respect others around you at all times when having a good time.  Nobody wants to be the person (or with the person) who is too drunk to remember the experience!

Additional Info

• This is an all ages event, anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No exceptions.
• The legal drinking age in Costa Rica is 18. Underage drinking and illegal drug use is NOT permitted! Non-compliance with this could jeopardize the future of Envision and could result in arrest.
• There is a NO-DROWNING policy at Envision, absolutely NO ONE is allowed to drown! Please swim only in the presence of an on-duty lifeguard and obey all lifeguard commands. Access to Ballena National Park is a privilege. Please respect our land and its environment.

We Suggest...

• Leave no trace - leave our site and the national park better than you found it. Bring 2 trash bags to your campsite to keep your recyclables separate from your trash.
• A reusable water bottle. Stainless steel is the best.
• Reusable eating utensils.
• Gifts for new and old friends
• Flashlight, headlamp, cool neon, anything else to light yourself and your way
• Costumes (we know you won't forget)! decorative lighting, lots of blinkies and other things to decorate and light yourself
• Art, musical instruments, props, banners, signs, and anything else you can think of that might make the experience more fun for all
• Camping gear - especially if you want privacy! Ideally waterproof. Tents and tarps need to be free-standing. Consider a few large garbage bags to protect your gear from your leaking tent and possible water flow coming in through the floor. A good idea is to set a tarp down as a ground cloth inside the tent
• Shade structures, umbrellas, parasols, sheets, canopy, tarps, tent, parachute; something to break the strong mid-day sun and/ or rain
• Plastic bottles or tennis balls to top and protect dangerous rebar stakes or other hazards
• Appropriate clothing: light clothes for during the day, warmer clothing for at night and rain gear
• Earplugs (if you're a light sleeper)
• Garbage bags – leave no trace!
• Any prescription medications, contact lens supplies (disposables work great), and whatever else you need to maintain your health and comfort in a remote area with no services
• Sunscreen lotion, lipbalm, sunhat and sunglasses
• Solid sandals or close-toed shoes and flip flops
• First aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Yoga mat
• Portable chairs