Vacation Rentals by Owner

The Best in Playa Santa Teresa

Guest: DW (Maitland, Fl)
Date of Stay: 04/27/12 Review Submitted: 05/10/12

I just returned from a week stay at Casa Tortuga for the second time and it was just as fantastic as the first time I stayed there. The house is still awesome, all the appliances including A/C's, coffee makers, etc.. work.It is also clean and neat. Best of all it is on the beach. Three of us stayed there on this vacation (2 for the first time) and we all agree this is one of the best rental properties in Santa Teresa with one of the best locations on the North end of Santa Teresa. I have looked at other lodging options in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa and I still think Casa Tortuga is one of the prime rental homes. Nicole is a great owner and person and Juan the manager/concierge was also very helpful. Surfing right out the back is great, and there are numerous restaurants nearby. Also a small supermarket within walking distance. Cannot wait to go back for the third time--hopefully soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very comfortable house at a great location

Guest: Kali (San Joaquin, Heredia)
Date of Stay: 04/13/12 Review Submitted: 04/17/12

It was very easy to get to the house based on the address provided and when I got there it was a great surprise; the house was very comfortable and had everything I needed. Everything that I saw in the property matched with the description given and it was tidy clean. The construction is very tasteful and based on the design it feels very well-ventilated. I also liked the design of the pool and the outside area with the hammocks where you can just relax and have fun with friends. I decided to stay at this house based on a recommendation given by some friends that went there a few months ago, and would also recommend it to other friends myself. There are good restaurants in the area and the beach is literally just around the corner so it was very convenient for me as I wanted to spend a lot of time at the beach.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Amazing stay in paradise at Casa Tortuga

Guest: Tom (Bethlehem, PA / USA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/12 Review Submitted: 05/13/12

My wife and I along with three friends rented Casa Tortuga in February. We had the best time ever! The grounds and amenities are top notch and Nicole was a real pleasure to decal with. We are already planning our next trip. This was our fourth year staying in Santa Teresa and it was our favorite place so far. So close to the beach and within walking distance to many great restaurants and grocery stores. I would highly recommend Casa Tortuga to anyone looking for the perfect get away. We can not wait till next year! Pura Vida!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Una merecida escapadita

Guest: James (Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 01/24/12 Review Submitted: 01/26/12

Fantástica experiencia en este hermoso lugar, a unos cuantos metros de la playa, con piscina, y servicios indispensables para estar confortable y relajado, una excelente vibra del lugar y su gente, un clima de ensueño... Después de la parrillada en casa tortuga, una fogata en la playa y deleite de una bóveda celeste curvandose sobre nuestro cuerpo, que más podemos pedir que el espectáculo maravilloso de bioluminicencia en el mar nocturno, jugando y danzando con esas criaturas maravillosas que eran parte de una bienvenida espléndida en esta maravillosa playa de Santa Teresa, super recomendado, definitivamente es la parada ante la puertas del nirvana, ;)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Surf vacations!

Guest: Tom (France)
Date of Stay: 01/23/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

La meilleure adresse pour passer un sejour au bord de la mer! Une maison ultra spacieuse et chaleureuse, encerclee par une faune et une flore foisonnantes, toutes commodites possibles, une vaste plage - ideale pour surfer- a deux pas, que demander de plus! Un super accueil en plus, et il est tout aussi agreable de passer du temps explorant les environs que de se relaxer sur place et profiter du climat et de tout le reste... A recommander vivement!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Cat at the sun.

Guest: Cat (San Jose/Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 01/23/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

Every-time i come to Casa Tortuga, i have to admit i am very lucky and can come ones a year my hold body enters in to a relaxing happy mode. Sunny days beautiful ocean water just a walking distance from the garden, private and save,especial for gadderings of friends and family. Well located, quiet at night and comfortable rooms and bathrooms, great kitchen area to throw a party and you can really have the feeling you are in the middle of nowhere but you are really at the best place!!! Paradise Pura Vida

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

paradise

Guest: carro (Sweden)
Date of Stay: 01/21/12 Review Submitted: 01/24/12

Welcome to paradise!!This is a fantastic, soulful house with great space, friendly staf, great outdoor area for relaxing. Fully equpiped for cooking and very comfortable hangout space. Nice private rooms and a fantastic location just at few minutes from the beautiful beach, perfect for surfing, long walks on the beach and fantastic sunsets! This is the place where you wanna be!! Highly recomended.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fantastic place

Guest: suddas (Sweden)
Date of Stay: 01/21/12 Review Submitted: 01/24/12

The house is super, lots of space and really beautiful.Great location really close to the beach and a really pretty garden whit a comfortable pool and relaxing area to use when its to hot in the sun. My wife and i are learning to surf,perfect spot for surfing.It's a relaxed village and if you're not up for cooking on you're own in the fully equiped kitchen there's some nice restaurants around the corner.If you like to go to paradise go here.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

An amazing Costa Rica stay!

Guest: Ronni (Vail, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 10/12/11 Review Submitted: 10/30/11

First we would like to thank Nicole for her hospitality and amazing home away from home in Casa Tortugo. We arrived after a long day of travel, to a beautiful beach house with an amazing pool. The ocean is a three minute walk from the house. There you can find the best surf and beach walking in the area. A grocery store is just across the street for any last minute meal ideas or if you choose, local restaurants are scattered up and down the main road, take your pick. Working in the hotel industry in the states, I can tell you that this beach home is in an amazing location and it has every amenity that you would need or want. Simply a treat to have been able to stay at Casa Tortuga.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The comforts of an american home in paradise!

Guest: Melissa (NYC)
Date of Stay: 04/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/02/12

As my husband and I were walking down the dusty main road in Santa Teresa, inquiring about rooms in the area, we met Nicole the owner of Casa Tortuga. She gave us a tour of the house and it was so beautiful compared to the other hotels/lodges in the area that we just had to stay. The house had all the comforts of an american home and more. Hot running water, a fully equipt kitchen with top of the line knives, pots pans and appliances, a water filtration system for drinking water, super comfy beds, clean bath and beach towels, and a security system. Our stay was so relaxing. Every morning I would wake to the sounds of waves and the birds singing. We would cook ourselves a healthy breakfast and eat outside in the covered veranda while observing howler monkies and the humming birds in the trees. After breakfast we would go for walks along the endless beach. We walked all of the beaches in the area and realized that this spot can't be beat. There are no rocks, perfect waves and the beach is practically always deserted. Our afternoons were spent enjoying the gorgeous lush gardens lazin out on hammocks in the rancho /gazebo and swimming in our private swimming pool. After dinner it was back to the beach to watch the amazing sunsets that left us speechless. We felt so blessed to stay at Casa Tortuga. We are already making plans to bring our families next time!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jennifer Castillo (East Hampton, New York)
Date of Stay: 04/06/09 Review Submitted: 04/06/09

Casas Pura Vida were a wonderful way to spend our vacation. We had all of the modern amenities of home all wrapped up in paradise. We couldn't have asked for more! Thank you for providing such a wonderful vacation - we will definitely be sending more friends and family your way!

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Guest: Jeff and Shannon
Date of Stay: 02/16/09 Review Submitted: 02/15/09

We had a great time at Casa Tortuga. We missed Ray and Aleshia. Maybe 2010!!! Thanks! Jeff and Shannon from Denver, Colorado Josh and Erin from Detroit, Michigan

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/03/09 Review Submitted: 02/03/09

Recientemente nos hospedamos en Casa Tortuga y simplemente fue una experiencia maravillosa. Recomiendo Casa Tortuga para quien desee pasar unas vaciones de playa relajantes, lejos del ajetreo y de la gente. Esta hermosa casa tiene una serie de detalles pensados en la comodidad de quien la habita; los jardines, cercanía a la playa, la piscina y el rancho son los complementos perfectos para una vacación inolvidable.Pronto estaremos de vuelta por este paradisiaco lugar!

Owner response:Muchas gracias Lucrecia por hospedarse con nosotros. Estamos muy felices que disfrutaron de sus vacaciones en la casa Tortuga y en playa Santa Teresa. Esperamos verlos de nuevo por aqui muy pronto. Pura vida! Nicole & Stefan

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Guest: Steve Craig (Durham, NH)
Date of Stay: 01/27/09 Review Submitted: 01/27/09

This is a little piece of heaven. My wife and our 2 young boys stayed at Casa Tortuga for 10 days. The villa is one lot back from the beach, on the beach side of the road. Being steps from the beach was unbelievably easy. This is one of the best beaches I have ever seen, if not the best. If you are looking to surf or body surf, it can't be beat. With a grocery store just down the street, we went days without ever getting into a car! The kids loved coming back from out morning beach trip and hitting the pool for hours at a time. My 3 year logged more time in the pool than he had all year in his weekly swim lessons, and by mid-stay, he had actually learned to swim. The number and quality of the restaurants within 1 mile from here was a pleasant surprise. The villa is beautifully furnished and well equipped. Upon arrival, we found it has all the basics-- like tp, paper towels, garbage bags, soap, fresh towels, clean linens and bathrooms, etc.,so running across the street to pick up salt, pepper, and napkins was not an issue. A local woman came to clean every 2-3 days and did a very thorough job. She gave us clean towels and fresh linens and left the place spotless. We don't speak spanish, but we got by just fine. Now we are motivated to learn! We will be back. Steve Craig, Durham NH

Owner response:Steve, we look forward to your next visit. We had a great time with the kids, they're great. Pura vida! Nicole & Stefan

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Guest: Christine87 (Winnetka, IL)
Date of Stay: 01/27/09 Review Submitted: 01/27/09

A great place for beach-goers, surfers and lay-around-and-readers alike. The beach is a minute away, the grocery store is across the street and there are many restaurants within walking distance. Casa Tortuga has everything you need for a relaxing vacation. Just add sunscreen and you're good to go! P.S.The 5 star chef we hired for dinner one night was fantastic!

Owner response:We are really happy to know that you enjoyed Casa Tortuga and Santa Teresa town. Thank you for staying with us! Pura vida! Nicole & Stefan

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Guest: Brooke C. (Boulder, CO)
Date of Stay: 01/27/09 Review Submitted: 01/27/09

We stayed at Casa Tortuga for 10 days. The proximity to the beach was my favorite feature, especially with 2 small children in tow. Having a swimming pool was fantastic for the kids, they used it everyday. The kitchen is well appointed for cooking meals at home, which we did often. We even had fresh fish delivered to out door & were very close to the market which was very convenient. Santa Teresa is a beautiful beach town with many fantastic dining, yoga & spa options. This place is for you if you are a fairly active person who wants a relaxing beach getaway. Thank you for sharing your paradise with us Stefan & Nicole.

Owner response:Thank you Brooke for staying with us! Your family is beautiful. We really enjoyed the sunsets with the whole family.

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Guest: Chus Korpe
Date of Stay: 01/27/09 Review Submitted: 01/26/09

One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seem and one of the most relaxing vacations too. Casa Tortuga became our home for 10 days and we loved it. The pool, the hammocks and the beautiful grounds made the outdoor living so enjoyable... an unforgettable vacation. Korpe's family

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Guest: Melissa Polomeerkad
Date of Stay: 01/13/09 Review Submitted: 01/12/09

Happy New Year and what a great way to start it! This is a beautiful house and we have stayed many places but this is the best. You have thought of everything to make guest comfortable. We love Casa Tortuga, a hope to return.Thanks for everything. Melissa

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Guest: Luc Desmarteau
Date of Stay: 01/12/09 Review Submitted: 01/11/09

Des vacances formidable a Casa Tortuga! Merci a Stefan & Nicole pour votre acceuil chaleureux. La maison est fantastique et meme mieux que le mous mous altentioms votre site internet rend bien la maison. Encore une fois mille merci! A l'anne prochaine Viva la PURA VIDA! La familie Desmarteau

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Guest: Karen Shipp
Date of Stay: 12/14/08 Review Submitted: 12/13/08

Dear Stefan and Nicole We've stayed in a lot of places in Costa Rica but CasasPuraVida is by far our favorite. We had the opportunity to stay in 3 of the 4 houses on the property. I would highly recommend them all.... The location is perfect! Great surf is at your doorstep, fantastic ethnic restaurants, friendly people, spas,grocery store and much more. A secure and well maintained premises. We were looking for the perfect location and found it! If you're looking for "PURA VIDA" this is the place. Thank you all for accomodating our needs. This has been a wonderful vacation for our family. We will recommend CasasPuraVida to all our friends. Look forward to seeing you in the future! Take care! Bud and Karen Shipp Cape Carteret, NC

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Guest: Stacey Scholten
Date of Stay: 10/21/08 Review Submitted: 10/20/08

We had a really nice time at Casa Tortuga. Our kids had a great time running around and playing in the pool. It was our most luxurious accommodations we've had in Costa Rica- a treat! Thanks! Stacey, Blake, Tate and Lucy from San Francisco.

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Guest: Erika Dicus
Date of Stay: 07/22/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

This is a beautiful, beautiful place, you're beautiful people. Our family had a wonderful time and the next time we visit Costa Rica we will be back here. We feel we have made new friends. Thank you for everything! Pura vida! Erika, Russell, Scott and Mark

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Guest: Laurette Kittle
Date of Stay: 07/12/08 Review Submitted: 07/11/08

We can not thank you enough for our wonderful stay in the beautiful "Casa Tortuga". It was heaven in earth for our family! Just steps away from the beat surfing beach on the entire coast, my sons could come, go and surf "perfect" waves any time of the day! After golden days on the beach the waterfall, the rainforest, the diving, the islands - what a delight to come home to the warm and cozy Casa Tortuga, full of chic furnishings, great complete kitchen, comfy beds with nice linens, silent A/C, great bathrooms and excellent maid service, the house was always so clean. We loved the lush gardens and private pool and hammocks to read and relax in. Santa Teresa is a fun little town full of great restaurants and friendly people from all over the world, and we could ride our bike from the house to all of them. It has been so hard to leave, we have extended our stay! We all can't wait to come back. Namaste and adios! Laurette, Kit, Cody, Henry and Liz

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Guest: Robin Levis
Date of Stay: 05/27/08 Review Submitted: 05/26/08

We came for one week and stayed for four. We want to stay forever!!! Pura vida! we've seen it as its purest Robin and Diane

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Guest: Ellen Reimer
Date of Stay: 03/28/08 Review Submitted: 03/27/08

We appreciated our ten day stay and had a tremendous time reading, surfing, eating, talking and hanging together. The beach is something to behold and we will remember again and again. We very much appreciated the bikes, pedestrians, dogs, crabs, ATV's, trucks, cars.....who needs Madison Avenue? Trust we will be so happy to come back again. Eric, Ellen, Sayre, James and Pelu Reimer

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Guest: Jack Bellofato
Date of Stay: 03/17/08 Review Submitted: 03/16/08

We had a great time! The best part was the crabs in our pool in the morning!! Beautiful spot in paradise! Jack, Jessica, Michael and Nola

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Guest: John Perkins
Date of Stay: 03/04/08 Review Submitted: 03/03/08

Thank you so very much! Beautiful country and house! Don't miss Mary's for dinner. We all had too much fun. Now sadly back to Cleve, OH Kathy, John, Brenda and Bill Pura vida!

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Guest: Ingrid Varrilla
Date of Stay: 02/23/08 Review Submitted: 02/22/08

Pura vida! Casa Tortuga Ticos from NYC!!

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Guest: Hopper Family
Date of Stay: 02/23/08 Review Submitted: 02/22/08

Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality. We loved the house, beach and pool. We especially liked the surf lessons and horse back riding on the beach. Great food, especially Tsampa, the argentinian restaurant. We hope to come back soon. The Hoppers

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Guest: Caralee Lloys
Date of Stay: 02/14/08 Review Submitted: 02/13/08

"No guns, no war, no army, no problem" Casa Tortuga is wonderful and in the best area! We had our best meal here. Marco is a world class chef here in Santa Teresa, we give him our highest reccommendation. Flor Blanca is divine if you're looking for fine dining. Beautiful beach, good people, great waves. Santa Teresa is only one part of such a beautiful country. The Lloys

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Guest: Jeff O'Connor
Date of Stay: 02/06/08 Review Submitted: 02/05/08

Thank you for everything! We enjoyed ourselves so much. We don't want to leave. We're already planning our next vacation. Thanks again for everything! Jeff, Shannon, Ray, Alicia, Josh & Enn Denver and Detroit

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Guest: Chelsie Brown
Date of Stay: 01/22/08 Review Submitted: 01/21/08

Thanks for the stay! We had a wonderful time in casa Tortuga. New York Rangers

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Guest: Jennifer Orr
Date of Stay: 12/23/07 Review Submitted: 12/22/07

Fantastic stay! Thanks so much for everything. Robin, Maianne, Rob, Laura, Jake and Jennifer Orr.

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Guest: Dave Lesjak
Date of Stay: 12/11/07 Review Submitted: 12/10/07

Beautiful spot! Thanks to all of you, everything was excellent! Pura vida! Dave Lesjak, Bud Hagy and Dan Summers

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Guest: Ryan McRae
Date of Stay: 12/02/07 Review Submitted: 12/01/07

Great stay! Perfect waves, fantastic food. Can't wait to come back! Pura vida! Angy and Kent Bacon. Jen and Ryan McRae

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Guest: Trudy Schraner
Date of Stay: 11/24/07 Review Submitted: 11/23/07

Muchas gracias! So sad to leave the great waves and beaches, so close here in Santa Teresa at casa Tortuga Pura vida! Ray and Trudy

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Guest: Astrida Colucci
Date of Stay: 11/08/07 Review Submitted: 11/07/07

Another perfect stay at casa Tortuga. See you in March! Pura vida! Astrida and Chuck Colucci

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Guest: Oliver Edmons
Date of Stay: 09/16/07 Review Submitted: 09/15/07

Fantastic accomodations and environs (even during the wet season). many thanks to Nicole and Camilo for making it a smooth and easy transition from the "pura vida". Nicole and Oliver Edmons

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Guest: Williams family
Date of Stay: 08/18/07 Review Submitted: 08/17/07

Great vacation for our family. Casa Tortuga is great! You have created a beautiful paradise here. We do not want to leave!! Special thanks to Laura, our cook, Hector, our gardener, and Yadira, our maid. See you soon Hang ten, The Williams family

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Guest: Samantha Gutierrez
Date of Stay: 07/15/07 Review Submitted: 07/14/07

Gracias pot todo! Este lugar es paradisiaco. Esperamos poder volver. Atte: Samantha, Valery, Tere, Natalie, Ana.

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Guest: Madison Littlefield
Date of Stay: 06/24/07 Review Submitted: 06/23/07

This week has been a memorable one! Casa Tortuga is a beautiful house and we appreciate all of your hospitality! Thank you so much!! JR, Erlinda Edrusa (TX) Jim, Marita, Madison, and Makensie Littlefield (GA)

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Guest: Todd Tkerfoot
Date of Stay: 03/27/07 Review Submitted: 03/26/07

Thanks for the good times. Look forward to doing it again soon. Pura vida! Todd

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Guest: Astrida Colocci
Date of Stay: 03/20/07 Review Submitted: 03/19/07

Gracias. Everything was PERFECT! Astrida and Chuck

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Guest: Ezzell family
Date of Stay: 02/18/07 Review Submitted: 02/17/07

Muchas gracias por todo y por la hospitalidad. El lugar es muy bonito y comodo. Mucha suerte con todo. Greg, Ivonne,Mateo and Sienna Ezzell

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Guest: Forbes magazine
Date of Stay: 02/14/07 Review Submitted: 02/13/07

Malpais/Santa Teresa area is "one of the top ten most breathtaking beaches all over the world"

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Guest: Annie Klinsky
Date of Stay: 02/14/07 Review Submitted: 02/13/07

Thanks for the great accommodations. Beautiful Pelicano, Iguana and Tortuga houses. Peaceful, good vibe. Pura vida!

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Guest: Scott Lovett
Date of Stay: 02/11/07 Review Submitted: 02/10/07

Once again another killer vacation in paradise, and once again not ready to leave. Thanks for everything. Pura vida!

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