Logistics & Extra Information

Make the most of your time here in Costa Rica!

Recommendations
Logistics
Packing List
Let's Speak Spanish!

Recommendations

If you're staying in Santa Ana...

We recommend the following:

For Food & Drinks:

  • Tap House, City Place
  • La Empanatta Santa Ana
  • Mocapan
  • Bar Restaurante El Jardin
  • Bacchus

For Activities:

  • Refugio Animal de Costa Rica
  • Multi Plaza
  • Feria del Agricultor
  • Hacienda y Beneficio La Chimba
  • Centro de Conservación de Santa Ana

If you're staying in Ciudad Colón...

We recommend the following:

For Food & Drinks:

  • Che Pizza
  • Al Punto Social Club
  • Fresas Heladería 1990
  • Chirote
  • Bistro 22

For Activities:

  • UPEACE Peace Park
  • Ciudad Colón Park
  • Villa Amphitheater
  • Saturday farmers market in the center of Ciudad Colón


Logistics

Poás Volcano Tour

Everything you need can be found on this document linked below and on the itinerary to the right:

Poas Itinerary & Details

If you have any questions don't be afraid to reach out to UPEACE's CEE team.

Food

Lunch will be provided at UPEACE each day of our GGH summit and lunch will be served at 12:30 PM from Friday to Sunday.

Lunch at UPEACE consists of a variation of a Costa Rican Casado (see "Let's Speak Spanish" for more information) and it is very easy to make it fit to your own food preferences.

There will be options for everyone who has any food restrictions or allergies.

Coffee breaks will also be provided throughout each day of GGH. This is a great chance to try local coffee, grown right here in Costa Rica!

Happy Hours

The Centre of Executive Education at UPEACE will be hosting Happy Hours during our GGH weekend. Happy hour is a great chance to get to know your fellow GGH participants and presenters as well as catch up with former friends from GGH.

Thursday, March 6th will be held at El Glop in Santa Ana. It is located at the City Place in Santa Ana right across the way from the Hilton Garden Inn. Happy hour on Thursday night will be held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Friday, March 7th will be held on campus at UPEACE on the terrace. This happy hour will be directly after the GGH events for the day. For entertainment there be a live marimba band. Happy hour on Friday night will last from 5 PM to 7 PM.

Saturday, March 8th will be held at Chirote in Ciudad Colón. Chirote has a terrific atmosphere and it is located in the center of Ciudad Colón. Happy hour on Saturday night will be held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Packing List

What we recommend to bring for a wonderful week in Costa Rica:

Clothes

  • Light, breathable shirts (short & long-sleeve)
  • Quick-dry hiking pants & shorts
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Comfortable hiking shoes & socks
  • Hat & sunglasses
  • Weather is unpredictable - be ready with layers

*Note: Pants and long-sleeves are recommended for hiking*

Essentials

  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Rain jacket, poncho, and/or an umbrella
  • Lightweight daypack
  • Passport
  • Reusable water bottle

Accessories

  • Power adapter and power bank
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Portable travel fan
  • Microfiber towel

Presenters

  • Laptop or tablet (if needed).
  • Materials needed for your presentation (if needed).
  • Business cards.

Let's Speak Spanish!

Every Spanish speaking country has their own phrases and sayings. Here the some Spanish phrases and sayings you might hear during your time in Costa Rica.

"Pura Vida"

This is one of the most famous expressions to come from Costa Rica. When someone says this to you it is polite to say it back to the person. "Pura Vida" reflects the country’s laid-back, happy, and friendly spirit. Locals use it to say hello, goodbye, express gratitude, or simply embrace life’s good vibes.

In English the direct translation is "Pure Life" or "simple life."

Tico/Tica

This is how people from Costa Rica refer to themselves. Instead of saying they are costarricense, they shorten it to Tico/Tica.

Being a Tico or Tica is about more than language—it represents Costa Rican identity, warmth, and friendliness. Ticos are known for their laid-back attitude, hospitality, and positive outlook on life.

"¡Upe!"

A traditional way to announce your arrival when visiting someone's home, especially in rural areas. Instead of knocking on the door or ringing a bell, you call out "¡Upe!" to let the person inside know you're there.

Aguadulce

This is a warm drink made from sugarcane and most of the time is served with breakfast. It’s a comforting, natural alternative to coffee or tea, especially enjoyed in rural areas and homes across Costa Rica.

In English, the direct translation is "sweet water"

Casado

This is a traditional Costa Rican meal consisting of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and meat. The word “casado” means “married” in Spanish, and the name reflects how the dish is a perfect marriage of essential Costa Rican flavors, just like a well-balanced home-cooked meal. If you’re looking for a true taste of Costa Rica, a Casado is the perfect choice

"Tranqui"

This is the shortened and more casual version of "Tranquila" but many Ticos shorten it and drop the -la at the end of the word. Ticos often say "tranqui" in informal conversations to tell someone to take it easy, relax, or not worry too much.

Share on LinkedInShare on Instagram