What to do in Costa Rica: Clubs, organizations, classes, religious services and more

To help readers connect with others in Costa Rica who have similar interests and faiths, The Tico Times compiles and occasionally updates the following Clubs and Organizations, Religious Services and Take a Class lists. This information is subject to change. If you find a listing that needs updating, please let us know by e-mailing aharrell@ticotimes.net.

For a list of upcoming events, art exhibits, concerts, theater shows and more, check out the Calendar weekly in the print or digital edition of The Tico Times.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The following groups meet regularly and welcome visitors:

Academy for Peace of Costa Rica: 2282-4041, info@rasurfoundation.org (bilingual).

Al-Anon: Grecia, 2444-1515, 8340-0175;  Escazú, Sat., 10:30 a.m., International Baptist Church, Guachipelín, Tues., 5:30 p.m., Casa Pastoral, Escazú Centro, and Thurs., 10:30 a.m., Buena Tierra Cafeteria, Escazú Centro, Rosemary Z., 2288-0896, rosemary_puravida@yahoo.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Arenal, meets Mon., 7 p.m., church at intersection of Lake Rd. and Guatuso Rd.; Atenas, Tom, 2446-4136, 2446-0664; Escazú, Zoo Group, 2228-1049, 2293-4322, 2291-3831; Flamingo, Don, 2654-4902; Grecia, Jay, 2494-0578; Heredia, Laura 2267-7466; Jacó, Nancy, 2637-8824; Limón, 8811-3448, 2750-0080; Manuel Antonio, Jennifer, 2777-2592; Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, John, 2672-1163; Puerto Viejo, Zancudo, 2776-0012; San José, 2222-1880; Tamarindo, 2653-0897, ellenzoe@aol.com.

American Legion Post 10: Escazú, John Moran, Commander 2232-1680, USA 786-484-2573 http://AmLegionCR10.com

American Legion Post 16: Heredia, 2510-1307, 2591-1695.

Animals of Assisi: 2267-6011, 8382-5163, consci@racsa.co.cr.

Association of Residents of Costa Rica: 2233-8068, arcr@casacanada.net, www.arcr.net.

Athos Fencing Academy: Escazú, Carlos Godoy, 8380-0913, esgrimacostarica@hotmail.com.

Birding Club: costaricabirding@hotmail.com.

Bridge Clubs: Club Los Fiebres, Sidney Ferencz, 2220-0645, 8815-3320; National Bridge Association, Sabana Oeste, contact Ian McLennan 8835-0575, canachilsa@racsa.co.cr.

Canadian Club: 2257-6646, 2288-6762, www.canadianclubcr.com.

Central Pacific Women’s Group: Jacó, 2643-2853, 8899-1520, christinatruitt@gmail.com.

Central Valley Golf Association: David Maddox, 2254-0140, 8392-8595, www.thecvga.com.

Centro Tai Chi Bambú Dorado: San Pedro, 2225-4411, 8829-0237, taichicr@gmail.com.

Coffee Pickin’ Square Dancers: San Francisco de Dos Ríos, Grace Woodman, 2249-1208, 8369-7992, gracewccr@gmail.com.

Community Action Alliance of Costa Rica: San Ramón, Mike Styles, 8333-8750, www.actionalliancecr.com.

Costa Ballena Women’s Network: Ojochal, 2786-5146, cbwn00@gmail.com.

Costa Rica Cricket Federation: www.costaricacricket.org.

Costa Rica Gardening Club: Mariel, 2410-6096, mcastaneda@altigua.com.

Costa Rica Labyrinth Society: National Sacred-Paths Walkers, maicerosurbanos@gmail.com.

Costa Rica Multilingüe: Volunteer community conversation groups, www.crmultilingue.org.

Costa Rican Federation of American Football: Various teams, www.ffacr.com.

Democrats Abroad of Costa Rica: Nelleke Bruyn, 2279-3553, cr.democratsabroad@yahoo.com.

EFT and LOA: Patty Martin, 8879-5982, fincacerroazul@gmail.com.

English conversation clubs with Ticos: 2207-9485, info@crmultiligue.org.

Ernest G. Familier C.R. Detachment of Marine Corps League: Bill Enell, 8812-0126, mcleaguecr@yahoo.com.

Fencing: Luis Cruz, 8325-1689, l.cruz@costarricense.cr, luisc@inii.ucr.ac.

Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International: 2433-8336.

Hash House Harriers: Javier Fernández, 2228-2510.

Health Club: Escazú, Dianne Rowley, 2266-0123, healthnow@gmail.com.

International Gay and Lesbian Association: Rick, 2280-3548, rastern@racsa.co.cr.

Kiwanis Club: San José, 2446-3840, rontucker2001@yahoo.ca.

La Leche League: For nursing moms, Nancy, 2228-0941; Gretta, 2592-2023, Cartago; Wallesca, 2441-0148, Alajuela.

Labyrinth Association of Costa Rica: Luis Pages, 8819-3173, laberintosdecostarica@gmail.com.

Lacrosse Club of Costa Rica: La Sabana, 8990-0984, laxcr@hotmail.com.

Language Exchange Group: 2257-0441, ext. 101, hellen@universal-edu.com.

Lions Clubs: San Isidro, Heredia, 2268-4646.

Little Theatre Group: English-language community theater, 8858-1446, www.littletheatregroup.org.

Narcotics Anonymous: Sabana Sur, 2256-8140, 8712-9880, www.nacostarica.org.

National Association for Animal Protection: 2255-3757, info@anpacostarica.org.

Newcomers Club of Costa Rica: For women, 2416-1111, costaricaporo@yahoo.com, www.newcomersclubofcostarica.com.

Overeaters Anonymous: Quepos, 2777-1898.

Professional Women’s Network: Part of Women’s Club of Costa Rica, pwn.wccr@gmail.com.

Republicans Abroad Costa Rica: 2232-5016.

Rotary Club: Cartago, Jimmy Ramírez, 8368-9936, Mayela Madrigal, 8340-2258, meets Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Puntarenas, El Cocal, 2661-0838, meets Tues., 8 p.m.

Sat Yoga Institute: Escazú, 2288-3294, www.satyogainstitute.org.

Science of Mind Reading Group: Escazú, 8378-6679, scienceofmindincostarica.com.

Taoist Tai Chi Society: Heredia, 2263-5075, costarica.taoist.org.

Tibetan-Costa Rican Cultural Association: 2258-0254, actc@tibetincostarica.com.

Ultimate Frisbee: 8337-5249, 8391-6980, 8825-8967.

VFW Post 11207: San José, 2272-2893.

Wine Club: costaricawineclub@gmail.com.

Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army: 2221-8266 (Spanish only).

Women’s Club of Costa Rica: 2268-6130, 2244-3330, wccr.org.

Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom: 2433-7078, peacewomen@gmail.com.

Women’s Slow-Pitch Softball League: Sun., 9-11 a.m., southwest La Sabana Park, by baseball fields, 8396-9549, 8898-2686, jccotoc@racsa.co.cr.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Anglican Episcopal Church: Ca. 3/5, Av. 4, north side of Colegio de Señoritas, 2222-1560, ibuenpastor@gmail.com.

B’nei Israel: La Sabana, 800 m west of Pops, 2231-5243, congbnei@racsa.co.cr.

Baha’i Faith Firesides: La Uruca, 2249-1231.

Beach Community Church: Sun., 10 a.m., Brasilito, Guanacaste, next to Country Day School, 2653-4437, info@beachcommunitychurch.com.

Chabad Lubavitch: Rohrmoser, in front of Antojitos; Escazú, 50 m west of Banco General, 2296-6565, hspalter@jabadcr.com.

Christian Center: San Roque, Grecia, 2494-0970, laterrazagrecia@msn.com.

Church of Christ: Quircot, Cartago, 8839-4331.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Curridabat, Edificio Trébol, 500 m south of Pops, 2224-9401, 2015218@ldschurch.org.

Costa Rican Lutheran Church: Barrio El Carmen, San José, 600 m southeast of San Cayetano Church, 2227-8080, comunicacion@ilco.cr.

Episcopal Diocese of Costa Rica: Zapote, 75 m north of Plaza Cemaco, 2225-0209, anglicancr@racsa.co.cr.

Escazú Christian Fellowship: Interdenominational, Sun., 5 p.m., International Baptist Church, Guachipelín, Escazú, 8395-9653, www.ecfcr.net.

Foursquare Church: Monthly English-language worship service, Sunday school, Manuel Antonio, 8338-4655, 8702-0807, 8390-0591.

Guadalupe Missionary Baptist Temple: Guadalupe, 300 m east of cemetery, 2222-4757, kerawa@racsa.co.cr.

Hare Krishna Center Gaudiya Math: Cuesta de Núñez, #1331, Av. 1, Ca. 15/17, 2256-8650, haribol@racsa.co.cr.

Harvest Vineyard Church: Sabana Oeste, Lexicon Library, 200 m north, 100 m east, 75 m north of UCIMED, 2291-4383, info@harvestvineyard.info.

International Baptist Church: Guachipelín, Escazú, west of Multiplaza, north side of highway, 2215-2117, paul_dina@hotmail.com.

Jehovah’s Witnesses: La Asunción, Belén, across from Avis, 8982-3381.

Mass for hearing-impaired: With translation in Costa Rican sign language, Sat., 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, Heredia.

Muslim Center: Guadalupe, Calle Blancos-Montelimar, 100 m east, 80 m south of Escuela Santa Mónica, 2240-4872, omarhemeda@hotmail.com.

Nondenominational Christian Church: Sun., 8:30 a.m., El Empalme, San Ramón, Pastor James Rush, 8385-6403, trandall360@gmail.com.

Quaker Meeting: Sun., 11 a.m., Friends Peace Center, San José, Ca. 15, Av. 6/8; Monteverde School, Monteverde, 2222-1400, friends@racsa.co.cr.

Roman Catholic Mass: Sat., 4 p.m., cathedral, San José, Ca. Ctrl./1, Av. 2/4, 2221-3820.

San Pedro Christian Fellowship: San Pedro, Centro Comercial Calle Real, 2267-6038, sleves@racsa.co.cr.

Science of Mind Study Group and Potluck: Escazú, 8378-6679, www.scienceofmindincostarica.com.

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Chapel: Mass, Sun., 4 p.m., Hotel Ramada Plaza Herradura, Cariari, 2209-9800.

Union Church: San Rafael, Moravia, 100 m east, 400 m north, 100 m west of Lincoln School, 2235-6709, www.iglesiaunion.net.

Unity: Piedades, Santa Ana, 300 m south of Shang Hai Restaurant, 2203-4411, 8381-5147, www.unitycostarica.org.

Zen Buddhism: Casa Zen, Santo Domingo, Heredia, 2244-3532, www.casazen.org.

TAKE A CLASS

Acting: Carpe Diem Theater, Alajuela, 8810-3892; Fundación Skené, Barrio González Lahman, basic acting, 2258-7236, 2256-6978, www.fundaskene.org; Giratablas Theater, Los Yoses, theater for kids, teens and adults, 2253-6001.

Agility: For dogs and owners, weekends, Pets’ Paradise, La Guácima, Alajuela, 8381-8285, 8393-4904.

Agro-ecotourism: Also tropical ecology, Costa Rican natural history, organoponics, labyrinths and mazes, Barrio Francisco Peralta, 8819-3173, grupoloscongos@gmail.com.

Art: Casa del Artista, Guadalupe, all ages, 2234-1233, 2281-0693, escuelacasadelartista@ice.co.cr; Fundación Skené, Barrio González Lahman, 2258-7236, 2256-6978, www.fundaskene.org; Galería Valanti, Barrio Escalante, painting, drawing, art appreciation, 2253-1659, www.galeriavalanti.com.

Arts: Art, literature, music and theater courses, talks and workshops at CCCN, Barrio Dent and La Sabana, by the Institute for Study of the Arts (INESA), 2290-5113, www.inesacr.org.

Baby Massage: For parents with babies older than 2 months, Mon.-Tues., Desarrollando Mentes, Escazú, 2289-4586, www.desarrollandomentes.com.

Badminton: Academia de Bádminton Costa Rica, San Pedro, classes for all ages, group play for experienced players, 8897-5313, 8990-9295, sharon@badmintoncr.com, www.badmintoncr.com.

Belly Dancing: Led by Jerusa Alvarado, basics, 8876-6184, jerusaalvarado@gmail.com.

Biocourses: Trips with the Organization for Tropical Studies, 2524-0607, www.ots.ac.cr/biocursos.

Classes: Art, tai chi, qigong, opera, food, Florencia Culture Center, Plaza Florencia, 200 m north of BAC San José, road to Guachipelín, Escazú, 2289-3557, www.culturaflorenciacr.com.

Classes at Terapiarte: Portuguese, English, drawing, painting, cartoon, graphic design, clay modeling, yoga, belly dancing, popular dance, guitar, violin, Alajuela, 50 m north of Palí, Cristo Rey, 2441-0290, 8970-5026.

Cooking: Boc Art Gourmet Shop and Cooking School, Escazú, Plaza Itskatzú, 2228-0804, and Guadalupe, 300 m south of La Católica Hospital, 2225-1013; Brunetti, Santo Domingo de Heredia, 2268-9423; Culinary Trainer School, San José, Av. 4, across from Sala Garbo, 2222-0361, www.ctscostarica.com; Estudio Gastronómico Mucho Gusto, Los Yoses, 2234-0840, www.revistamuchogusto.com; Radha’s Kitchen, Escazú, gourmet vegetarian and vegan cooking, 2288-3294, www.radhaskitchen.org.

Dance: 29/4, ballet, jazz, tap, flamenco, hip-hop, break dancing, cardio dance, yoga, Sabanilla, Montes de Oca, veintinueve.cuatro@gmail.com; Academia Danza O, Middle Eastern, yoga, ballet, tap for girls, La Uruca, 2296-2022; Al Andalus, flamenco, tango, Sabanilla, 2225-2793, 8342-4083; Baila SAP, traditional, hip-hop, jazz, rumba, tango, yoga, theater, aerobics, Guadalupe, Moravia, Desamparados, Rohrmoser, San Ramón, Grecia, Palmares, Liberia, 2224-0834, 2224-6364; Dance Force Center, ballet, flamenco, tango, jazz, ballroom, Pavas, 2290-2271; Danza Abend, Calle Blancos, 2236-0700; Escuela de Ballet Piruetas Dance Studio, ballet, Jewish dance, flamenco, contemporary, all ages, Heredia, 2260-1549; Estudio Danza Libre, ballet, contemporary, jazz, Latin, hip-hop, fitness, all levels and ages, Guadalupe, 2253-8770, 8994-1124; Signos Teatro Danza, aerial dance, contemporary ballet, dance theater, yoga, break dancing, hip-hop, Lourdes de Montes de Oca, 2234-5584, 8714-5128, signosteatrodanza@gmail.com; Taller Nacional de Danza, ballet, belly dancing, flamenco, contemporary, jazz, tango, Indian, Afro-Caribbean, break dancing, hip-hop, all ages, Barrio Escalante, 2223-3319, 8776-1244, infoaatnd@gmail.com; Zíngari, flamenco, Santa Ana, 2282-1127, 8833-4260, www.flamencozingari.com.

Feng Shui: With Iside Sarmiento, Moravia, 8851-8899, www.vivafengshui.com.

Gardening: Centro Nacional de Jardinería Corazón Verde, Pinares de Curridabat, 2271-0303, 2271-1919, www.corazonverdecr.com.

Holistic Classes: Creciendo en Grande Institute, Zapote, 600 m west, 200 m north of Casa Presidencial, 2283-3736, www.creciendoengrande.com; Kasasana, Barrio Escalante, 2253-8322, www.kasasana.com. 

Karate: Kids, daily, 5-6 p.m.; adults, Mon., Wed., Fri., 6:30-8 p.m., and Tues., Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m., Heredia, opposite Mercedes Norte cemetery, 8816-8387.

Mandarin Chinese: Liu-Yi Centro de Idioma Chino-Mandarín, Heredia, San Joaquín de Flores, San José, 8878-9875, www.liuyicr.com.

Martial Arts: Pavas, Rohrmoser, Parque La Amistad, 8873-3859, 8873-4265, 2232-9801, www.bushido-jo.com.

Meditation: Inner Balance, Escazú, Mediplaza, 500 m south of Multiplaza, 2201-7201, ext. 2, natalie@innerbalance.co.cr.

Music: Café Liberia, Guanacaste, singing, piano, electric and acoustic guitar, 2665-1660, 8339-0492; Centro Artístico Omar Arroyo, Moravia, 2297-2559; Editus Arts Academy, Barrio Escalante, 2253-5135, 2234-0491, www.edituscr.com; Escazú Music Academy, 2228-9327, www.escazumusic.com; Estudio Arte Heredia, singing, guitar, clarinet, sax, flute, piano, music theory, Barrio María Auxiliadora, Heredia, 2263-4184, 8704-9775; School of Rock, Sabana Sur, info@clandestina.cr, 8840-7204.

Paragliding: Escuela Parapente Costa Rica, 8849-0777, www.parapentecr.com.

Photography: Escazú, basic to intermediate, www.melwells.com.

Pilates: Classes at your home given by certified instructor Michael Miller, all levels, contact Hernán Sain, 8861-9336, hersain@gmail.com, www.casapilates.com.
Qigong and Tai Chi: San Pedro, Sabanilla, 2234-2680, 8715-0573, chiralu@gmail.com.

Robotics: Ages 6-12, Abacus Institute, Edificio Colón, Paseo Colón, 2222-1446, www.abacusinstitute.net/robotica; Laboratorio de Robótica, Escazú and Pinares de Curridabat, 8880-2424, pattyct@racsa.co.cr.

Satsangs: Sat Yoga Institute, Escazú, 2288-3294.

Synchronized Swimming: Girls, Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m., La Salle School, Sabana Sur, 2291-0147, 8373-4005.

Tai Chi: Bambú Dorado, Escazú, San Pedro, adults and seniors, 2225-4411, 8829-0237, www.muevete.co.cr; Heredia, adults and seniors, International Taoist Tai Chi Society methods, 2263-5075, costarica@taoist.org.

Wine Seminars: Bodega05, HA&COM Bebidas del Mundo, Llorente de Tibás, 2297-1005.

Yoga: Bamboo YogaPlay, Dominical, 2787-0229, www.bambooyogaplay.com; Café Liberia, Liberia, Guanacaste, Mon. and Thurs., 7 p.m., Sat., 6 p.m., 2665-1660; Desarrollando Mentes, Escazú, for kids ages 3-5, Tues.-Wed., 3:30-5:30 p.m., 2289-4586, info@desarrollandomentes.com; Fit Yogis, Escazú, yoga for kids, 2228-9141, www.fityogis.net; Gayatree Yoga Center, Sabanilla, yin and Nidra yoga, 8848-2347, sofiyoga@yahoo.com; Jardín de Yoga Kapoli, San Rafael, Escazú, 2228-1350, 8325-2397; Rincón Natura Spa, Sabana Sur, 2291-4505; Sat Yoga Institute, San Rafael, Escazú, 2288-3294, www.satyogainstitute.org; Turya Yoga Studio, Escazú, 2289-7524, 8887-8835, janine@turya.info.