Visitors coming to the Central Pacific of Costa Rica... prior to visiting become familiar with Costa Rica by visiting online Costa Rica newspapers and buy a copy of the Lonely Planet (Costa Rica).
Online news:
www.ticotimes.net - www.amcostarica.com - www.insidecostarica.com
TACA Airlines, American and Continental fly to San Jose, Costa Rica. From San Jose to the central pacific coast is about a two hour PRIVATE van ride. When coming to Costa Rica, read all travel advisories. The roads are best traveled with Kevins Transfers. They KNOW the roads. We can call Kevin to arrange your pick up and they will be waiting for you at the airport.
When arriving at your destination on the central pacific coast it’s recommended to rent a car in Los Suenos or Jaco. You can get a BASIC car for about $300.00 USD per week depending on the season. USE CAUTION when driving, especially at night..... in and near towns we share the roads with trucks, scooters, motorcycles, bikes, ATV’s, horses, dogs, ox driven carts, farm machinery, & pedestrians.......... in the rural areas not much traffic.
Costa Rica currency is Colones. Approximately 500 Colones to 1 USD. Transfer USD to Colones at the local banks. Bring patience because everyone in Costa Rica pays all their bills at the bank. Leave bank debit cards at home, just bring a credit card and some cash will do. Costa Rica allows foreigners to copy their passport (with customs arrival stamp) and carry with them at all times. Keep passports in hotels safes and carry the copy is recommended. There are internet café’s about to check email. Phone costs can be expensive. If you’re on cell, get international roaming service and your cell should work.
Destinations on the central pacific coast...
Los Suenos Resort & Marina, Herradura - World class resort offering
sportfishing, golf, spa, fine dining and all the amenities.
Jaco - Surfer town south of Los Suenos.
Playa Hermosa - Another surf town south of Jaco.
Esterillos, Este, Centro, Oeste - Small beach communities with great surfing & surf fishing, just 20 minutes south of Jaco.
Parrita - A small rustic tico community, mainly a stop for gas, provisions and a flavor of the local culture. Just 15 minutes south of Esterillos.
Quepos - A quaint fishing community just 25 minutes south of Parrita. The town has a few streets with plenty of shops and restaurants. Several adventure and eco tours as well as sportfishing charters available.
Manuel Antonio - One of Costa Rica’s most visited beaches. The road from Quepos unwinds through the edges of the rainforest and ends up at the beach in Manuel Antonio National Park.