WELCOME TO COSTA RICA AND SAN JOSÉ!
This booklet contains all the essential information to help you prepare for the Championship, including accommodation, transportation, meals, the tournament schedule, side events, and other useful guidance for your stay.
We wish you an enjoyable stay in Costa Rica, a successful tournament, and an unforgettable Championship experience.
Average temperature
- Daytime: 24–28°C
- Nighttime: 18–20°C
We recommend bringing:
- Light summer clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A rain jacket or umbrella
- A light sweater for air-conditioned venues
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Power adapter
Playing Hall
Cococri halls
Conference Hall
Cariari Country Club, Heredia
Activity/ Entertainment area
Curime hall
Master Classes area
Burica 2
ARRIVAL, TRANSFER & ACCREDITATION
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), participants will be welcomed by members of the Organizing Committee holding FIDE ISCF Championship signs and an official event roll-up banner.
Our team will assist participants and guide them to the official hotel shuttle buses, which operate between the airport and the official hotels according to the schedule below.
Electricity
Costa Rica uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets.
Voltage: 120V
Health & Safety
* Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen.
* Carry a light rain jacket during excursions.
* Keep your valuables with you at all times.
Emergency Number: 911
Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available in both official hotels and the tournament venue.
ACCOMMODATION
Click below to view full accommodation information.
All participants will be accommodated in one of the two official hotels:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose – San Antonio de Belen, San Jose, San José, Cariari
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Cariari San José – 1, San José, Heredia, Cariari
The hotels are located just 50 metres apart, directly opposite each other, ensuring convenient access to all championship activities.
Participants will have breakfast at their respective hotel, while lunch and dinner will be served at the DoubleTree Restaurant.
Standard check-in: 3:00 PM on 11 August
Standard check-out: 12:00 PM on 16 August
- We kindly ask all participants to keep noise to a minimum after 9:00 PM and to respect the comfort and privacy of other guests.
- Please use hotel facilities responsibly and observe the maximum capacity of the elevators.
- Children may use the swimming pool only when accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult.
- We kindly ask participants to enjoy meals only in the designated dining and event areas.
- Please present a valid passport upon check-in. Costa Rican minors may present an official identification document.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
MEALS SCHEDULE
Participants with special dietary requirements should inform the Organizing Committee in advance.
ISCF CCA Conference – Smart Moves Americas: Governments That Think Ahead
Date: 12 August
Format: Full-day Conference
Location: Cariari Country Club
A flagship event of the Year of Chess in Education 2026, officially declared by FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), this ministerial conference brings together ministers, education authorities, curriculum leaders, teacher-training specialists, government representatives, and international partners from across the Americas.
The conference focuses on practical implementation of Chess in Education through:
- National case studies and successful government initiatives
- Curriculum integration and teacher development
- Exchange of proven educational practices
- Regional cooperation and policy dialogue
- Building sustainable partnerships for Chess in Education
Aug 13
4:45 PM - 6:00 PM
Mask Workshop
Aug 15
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Dance Workshop
Aug 15
17:30-19:30
Kahoot Chess Quiz
9 APRIL
10:00-19:00
Quantum Chess Corner
No registration required
Location: Altyn Emel Hall, Kazakhstan Hotel
9 APRIL
11:30-13:00
Share the Joy of Chess in Your City
(Master Class by ChessBase)
9 APRIL
15:30-17:00
Master Class
“Raising Champions: from talent to title” with
GM Artur Jussupow
&
GM Darmen Sadvakassov
9 APRIL
17:20 - 20:30
FootLab
Football activities
9 APRIL
17:20 - 20:00
Activities & Entertainment at the Palace of Schoolchildren
- Cosmic Journey: Birth of the Universe
- FlyTech Lab: Drone Experience
- Felt Craft Workshop
10 APRIL
16:30 - 18:00
Hands-on Culinary Workshop
VENUE MAP
TOURNAMENT MAP
HEALTH & HYGIENE TIPS
To help ensure a safe and healthy tournament experience, participants are encouraged to follow these simple precautions:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Drink bottled or filtered water if preferred.
- Avoid sharing water bottles, cups, or personal hygiene items.
- Avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids.
- Do not touch animals.
If you develop a fever or experience any symptoms of illness, please notify your Team Captain or a member of the organizing team as soon as possible.
*Medical fitness to participate. Any participant who shows signs of a fever or an infectious/communicable illness must immediately notify their Team Captain or a member of the organizing team. For the health and safety of all participants, the organizers reserve the right to require a medical assessment and, where necessary, to temporarily isolate the participant and/or to refuse or suspend their participation in the tournament and/or accommodation at Metanoia Residence until cleared. This decision rests with the organizers in consultation with the on-site medical team.
Link to the WhatsApp chat for Captains:
All important announcements regarding the tournament, transportation, schedules, and organizational matters will be published in the official Captains’ WhatsApp group.
GENERAL PARTNERS
PARTNERS
