FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How do we get from the airport to Puerto Viejo/Cahuita?
• The public bus leaves from the Terminal Caribe 5 times a day 06:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00. You can take one of the many taxis from the airport arrivals to the Caribbean station. The taxi fare should be approximately $20 it is always best to make sure the driver has turned on the meter, in Spanish this is called ‘the Maria’ The Terminal Caribe is approximately 30 minutes away from the airport, traffic depending.
• Private Transportation can work well for bigger groups or those who would like the luxury of being picked up from the airport arrivals and chauffered directly to their hotel on the Caribbean coast, The charge for private transportation with a 12-15 seater mini van costs approx $200 depending on your destination.
• Car Rental is another option. We can arrange for a car rental company to meet you at the airport. They will supply you with all the information you need to make your way to the Caribbean coast.

How do we get from our hotel in San Jose to Puerto Viejo/ Cahuita?
• Their is a public bus that leaves from the Terminal Caribe 5 times a day 06:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00. Your hotel will be able to call a taxi for you at reception.
• A Shuttle service leaves from San Jose every morning at 07:30 picking you up at your hotel in San Jose taking you to your hotel on the Caribbean coast. Price $35pp
• A great way to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo/Cahuita is Rafting the Rio Pacure: 06:30am You will get picked up from your hotel and taken to Siqqueres which is located halfway between San Jose and Puerto Viejo. On arrival to the base breakfast will be served. After breakfast you head up to the top of the Rio Pacure which is in the top 5 rivers in the world for it’s beauty. You spend a total of 4 hours on the river with a lunch break. Their will also be a photographer catching you in all the action spots. When you arrive back to the base you can use their showers and changing rooms before heading down to Puerto Viejo/Cahuita where the Rafting company will take you to your hotel.

What identification do I need whilst traveling in Costa Rica?
• You will need your passport on you at all times whilst traveling around Costa Rica or a photocopy of your passport will be sufficient. When Photocopying your passport you must have a copy of your entry stamp into the Country as well as your personal details.

Is the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica dangerous?
• This is a myth!! The Caribbean coast is no more dangerous than other parts of Costa Rica in fact some argue the crime is higher on the Paciffic coast. Like many other parts of the world it is important to stay vigilant, petty crime is a frequent occurrence when leaving your belongings out of sight or flashing expensive jewelry. Don’t keep all of your credit cards and cash in the same place and try to just withdraw the cash you will need for a few days rather than carrying around your entire holiday budget.

How long can I stay in Costa Rica with my tourist Visa?
• Please check with your embassy but the majority of tourists are given a 90 day visa, then you have to leave the country for 72 hours. If you wish to come back to Costa Rica after the 72 hours your visa will be renewed for another 90 days.

Will my driving license work in Costa Rica?
• Yes, as long as you can show your passport or copy with your entry stamp that is within the 90 tourist visa. along with your driving license.

Is the water drinkable in Costa Rica ?
The water is drinkable throughout Costa Rica. We recommend you drink only bottled water as a precaution as the water here in Costa Rica may have different bacteria to what you are used to.

Is it safe to swim in the South Caribbean?
It depends on the conditions sometimes the Caribbean sea looks like a giant puddle with very little swell. Other times it gets very angry. On the majority of the South Caribbean their are no lifeguards so you should take even more precaution. Don’t swim alone, if you do make sure someone on the beach is keeping their eye on you. If you find yourself caught in a rip tide do not panic or try and swim head on against it. Keep your composure and try swimming diagonally until you make your way out of the rip tide.
Cocles surf beach just south of Puerto Viejo boasts the only lifeguard tower in the area. The lifeguards will put green flags out where it is safe to swim. The red flag means do not swim in the area due to strong currents.

Is it safe to walk around at night ?
Just like other parts of the world if you find yourself walking around late at night on your own try to keep to well lit areas or find a taxi. If you are having trouble finding a taxi speak to a local business and they should be able to call one for you or at least point you in the right direction. We recommend that when walking late at night try to stay in big groups or again take a taxi.

What are the prices like in the South Caribbean ?
Like many other beach towns the prices are a little more expensive compared to Central Costa Rica. Imported items can be quite costly and you will be surprised how much you can save just buying local products. A can of beer in a supermarket costs approx $1 or in a bar $1.50-$2. Due to a wide choice of restaurants in the area you can eat on a budget or splash out in a fancy restaurant. A Casado which is a typical plate of Costa Rica includes rice, salad, beans, plantain, chicken or fish sells in the region of $3-$6. A pizza big enough for 2 people goes for around $12 and In the majority of restaurants you can get a main course for around $5 –$10.

Are their any Gas stations in the South Caribbean ?
Their are many Gas stations on your way down from San Jose to Limon. The closest to Cahuita is located in Penshurt. The other Gas station is located in Margarita which is on your way to the Panama border. A few of the Locals in Puerto Viejo and the surrounding area sell gas out of old bleach bottles that can come in handy when you need a gallon or two to get to the station.

What are the road conditions like in the South Caribbean ?
The main road from San Jose to the Caribbean is in good condition and in recent years is worked on regularly. The main entrance of Cahuita is also in good condition until you get into the main town where the road turns into a dirt road. The dirt road in Cahuita tends to stay in good condition until we get a few days of heavy rain fall.
The road between Hone Creek and Puerto Viejo can be a very bumpy ride at times. The main potholes of the area are between Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva. We have grown to love the potholes as they act as natural speed bumps keeping the speed of Vehicles down keeping the road safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

What do I do if I lose my Credit card or it gets stolen ?
On the back of every credit card you will find a 24h customer service number we recommend you keep a copy of this number in a different location, you will also be able to find the number on-line through your banks website. Call them immediately and cancel the card.

What do I do if I lose my passport or it gets stolen ?
If your passport gets stolen you will have to go to a police station and file a denuncia (complaint) and explain the situation of how your passport was stolen. Then you have to make your way to your Embassy (**** link in list of Embassies*******) The Embassy will either issue you an Emergency passport or a replacement passport depending on your flight departure date.

Do I have to pay departure tax when leaving Costa Rica ?
When leaving Costa Rica via the International airport you must pay a $26 Departure tax before checking in. When leaving the country at the border (Panama or Nicaragua) their is no Departure tax.

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