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Wondering where to go for your next vacation?
Far away from the hurried world, an enchanting paradise in the middle of a tropical rainforest awaits you. Costa Rica, the natural destination offers a peaceful atmosphere for the vacation of a lifetime. In fact, in 2003, three prestigious, world-class tourism industry publications, selected Costa Rica as Best Honeymoon Destination (Modern Bride), Best Adventure Tourism Destination, (Travel Weekly) and Best Destination (Recommend). Add to this our experience, professionalism and personalized services for your unique vacation. For a one of a kind honeymoon, see our “ Honeymoon Deluxe Special” including 2 nights a the exclusive beach resort, Punta Caracol in Bocas del Toro Island, Panamá
Tour operator crosses border to offer the ultimate Caribbean Experience
“If you want to do business in tourism in Costa Rica, the way to go forward is to find new ideas,, which often means new destinations, says Sonia Rojas, owner of a new travel agency, Costa Rican Treasures.
Washington Times, USA
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Sonia:
Thank you for everything! Our vacation was spectacular! I really appreciate your flexibility and your effort to provide the best vacation at a reasonable cost.
Your have a lovely country filled with wonderful people. Thank you for helping us visit it.
All of the Resorts & Hotels were excellent, as was the food. The dinner at the Heliconia was particularly good.
The tours were superb! The guides made them even more special with their knowledge and humour.
The jungle boat & hikes far exceeded our expectations. The turtle laying tour was a once in a life time experience, the canopy ride was really a thrill and the horse back ride gave us a chance to relax and see the beautiful scenery. Seeing the Arenal volcano was also very special.
I can't believe all the wildlife we saw including 3 species of monkeys, sloth, iguanas, alligators, lizards, many special birds, bats, and huge insects . I felt like I was in a National Geographic article
The transportation from one place to another was amazing. The coordination of the various vans and busses is a great skill. The drivers were always on time and courteous.
If you ever want to use us as references or contacts, feel free.
Once again Thank You very much!
Frank & Kris Young
frankris@afweb.com
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To make your stay in Costa Rica the most enjoyable experience, take into account these personal travelling tips.
Passport
It
must be valid. You need to have an airplane ticket good
to go back. To exit the country around $26.00 tax must
be paid. Your passport should have a validity from 1 to
3 months.
Entry requirements
Citizens holding valid passports from a wide range of countries are permitted to stay in Costa Rica from 30 to 90 days without a visa. Once in the country, it is possible in some cases to apply for an extension. Other nationalities require a visa before arrival. Make sure to contact a Costa Rican embassy or consulate while making your travel plans.
Special Recommendations
- Take along a photocopy of your passport. Make sure a photograph of you is easily seen, your personal data and the date you entered the country have to be in it too.
- Deposit your valuable belongings (money, passport, plane
tickets and travellers checks) in your hotel´s safety
box
- Keep a list of all the numbers and serial numbers of your personal documents
- It is better not to carry jewellery with you.
- Avoid changing money on the street. Use banks or well known money exchange offices. Check in your hotel for recommendations on the subject. Try to take only the amount of money you are going to use during the day.
- Don´t leave unattended objects such as cameras and
video cameras. Keep your wallet in a an inconspicuous
place.
- Make sure you know the address where you are going. Tell the people at your hotel about your destination.
- Use cabs whose identifications are exhibited on the door. The license plates must have red numbers and the cars must be too
- When driving, do not give rides to people you don´t
know. Try not to park in dark or deserted spots.
Use parking lots. These places are legally responsible
for your car and anything left in it. Tell the administrator
about anything you want to leave in you car.
- The emergency number is 911. They speak English.
 Electricity
There is 110 or 220 volts power all over the country. Check with the people in your place before connecting any electrical devices on the line.
 Currency
The colon is the official money. The exchange rate varies from day to day.
 Credit cards
Major international credit or debit cards are widely accepted
Tips and taxes
Always find out whether the 13% sales tax is included in the goods´s price you are purchasing. In restaurants and bars an additional 10% is charged. Tipping is optional there.
Renting a car
A
current driver´s license is necessary, along with a credit
card. The drivers must be over 21 years old and a deposit
should be paid. You drive on the right side lane and the
international traffic signs are used on streets and roads.
Cabs
 Every
city has a taxi fleet, they´re usually red. You
can get one at any hour. Phone the cab company for one
or just stop one on the street.
Legal cabs have a meter that shows the service price.
As boarding a cab, see that the meter shows zeros, or negotiate
with the cabby the price of your trip prior to start it.
Those cabs that have a license to wait at hotel´s doors
charge twice as much for long distance services.
 Time
Costa Rica is within the central standard time, but the time does not change during the year.
What to wear
Lig ht
clothes are recommended, but it may be wise to carry a sweater
or jacket since nights tend to be cool. At sea level,
shorts are good enough. If you plan to walk in the forest,
long sleeve shirts, jeans, boots and a hat are more appropriate.
Be sure your clothes are made of cotton. Don´t forget
a mosquito repellent, sunglasses and suntan lotion or cream.
During the rainy season (May through November) a jacket and
an umbrella re a must.
 Telecommunications
Telephones, faxes, cellular phones, Internet, as well as audiovisual equipment are always at hand.
 Phone calls to Costa Rica
Dial the access number from your country, then 506 and the number you need to reach.
Health
No vaccinations are required to enter the country.
It´s wise to keep in mind that some dengue cases on the
coastal area have been reported. There is drinking water
across the country from the tap. There may be a few exceptions
to this. Be sure to ask about it.
Holidays
 On holidays all government and most public offices are closed. These are the official holidays New Year Day, Good Thrusday and Good Friday, April 11th. (National Hero Juan Santamaria´s Day) May 1st. (Labor Day), July25th. (Anexion of the Nicoya Party to Costa Rica), August 2nd. (Los Angeles Virgin Day), August 15th. (Mother´s Day), September 15th. (Independence Day) and Christmas Day.
Office and business schedules
Most establishments work from Monday to Sunday and are open from 8:00 am. To 5:00 p.m. Some private business close at noon. Bars and other recreation business are open still late at night. Government offices open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. From Monday to Friday. Banks open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some banks have offices that remain open until 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.
Spanish tips
If you don´t speak Spanish and are planning a trip to
Costa Rica, here are some of the most common phrases you may
need:
| Good Morning: Buenos Días |
| Good Afternoon: Buenas tardes |
| Do you speak English: Habla ingles |
| I don´t speak Spanish: No hablo español |
| I am lost: Estoy perdido |
| What time is it: Que hora es? |
| The bill please: La cuenta por favor |
| How much is it: Cuanto cuesta? |
| Right: Derecha |
| Left: Izquierda |
| Could you help me: Podría ayudarme? |
| Nice to meet you: Mucho gusto |
| Thanks: Gracias |
| You are welcome: Con mucho gusto |
| I want a beer : Una cerveza por favor |
| Can I smoke: Puedo fumar? |
Embassies in Costa Rica
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Embassy
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Address
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Tel.
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| U.S.A. |
Pavas, frente Centro Comercial del Oeste |
234-4167 |
| Germany |
Rohrmoser, 200 N, 75 E. Casa de Oscar Arias |
232-5532 |
| Canada |
Oficentro La Sabana, Edif.. 5 Ofic. 3 |
296-4149 |
| Spain |
Paseo Colon, 50 S. de Pollos Kentucky |
222-1933 |
| Japan |
Oficentro Sabana, Edificio No. 7 |
232-1255 |
| France |
Curridabat |
234-4167 |
| Mexico |
75 E. de Casa Amarilla |
257-0633 |
| Panama |
BarrioLa Granja, |
281-2442 |
| Italy |
Los Yoses, 25 O. Restaurante Rio |
224-9415 |
| Holand |
Oficentro Sabana, Edif.. 3 Piso 3 |
296-1490 |
| Russia |
100 N. 150 E. Iglesia Santa Toresita |
221-2054 |
| Dominican Rep. |
Curridabat, 450 S Mc. Donadls |
283-8103 |
| China |
B Escalante, 300 N 150E Santa Teresita |
224-8180 |
| Belgium |
Los Yoses,25 S. Subazú |
225-6255 |
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