Costa Rica FAQ's- stuff you should know.
On arrival to Las Ventanas the attendant at the front entry will have an envelope for you with your keys, important information for your condo, a map of the local area and the daily tide tables for your stay.
Please share your arrival and departure time so we can have attendants available to assist you with your luggage.
Traveling with a mobile phone can make all the difference. Inexpensive SIM cards may be purchased on arrival and installed into an unlocked phone. Popular apps are WAZE and WhatsApp.
From the Las Ventanas beach gate, Playa Junquillal is an easy 3 minute walk down a quiet shaded lane. Frequently, monkeys will curiously watch you pass.
Did you know that the Howlers distinctive call can be heard for over 4 kms thru the jungle?
Link a document here
Many people ask about the general time periods of the high and low season, which typically corresponds to the dry/green season months. The dry season usually begins in November and continues through mid-April. The rainy season here starts in May, afternoon showers bring the country side back to life and keep it lush and green. August, September, and October may have the most rainfall of the . August and September can be pretty rainy. But you should also note that the green season brings with it the most lush and beautiful nature! - Answer by CostaRica org
YES! You can plug any normal electric-powered device (hairdryers, shaver, laptop computer, etc.) into an electrical wall outlet in Costa Rica.
Junquillal has an impressive selection of amazing restaurants. Whatever you have a taste for, you can likely find it in our community. Most establishments are just a short walk away and others a quick 10-15 drive.
Junquillal / Playa Negra Restaurant Map
There are several options for purchasing foods and the fresh produce of Costa Rica:
- The Junquillal grocery store is only a 10-minute walk away. The owner does a tremendous job at stocking his store with almost anything you’ll need, including a good selection of liquor
- 27 de Abril is a short 15 minute drive with a supermarket that has a good selection of produce and a good meat counter... this is where I do most of my shopping
- Santa Cruz the largest town in the area is only 35 minutes away, and offers larger grocery chains including pharmacies, health clinics, clothing stores and restaurants. Rub shoulders with the locals and experience the friendly atmosphere of the Saturday farmer’s market. Here you’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. The prices are affordable and remember, bartering is not a part of the culture here.
- Tamarindo, the closest tourist hub is 40 minutes to the north of us, has a large modern Auto Mercado featuring a full range of imported and local products. While there enjoy some souvenir shopping and lunch or dinner at a beach side restaurant.
- Delivered to our door on Tuesday and Friday. the fish truck has offerings of fresh fish and seafood
- The German Bakery truck from Liberia arrives on Monday and Thursday with whole grain breads, baguettes and a delicious selection of desserts.
ATMs can be found in Santa Cruz and Tamarindo.
Check with your bank to confirm your bank cards will work in Costa Rica.
Anywhere in the world the sea and the beaches provide an abundant source of pleasure and enjoyment. However, using caution while in the ocean is vital as it can be a dangerous adversary.
One danger lurking along shorelines is the elusive ‘rip currents’; powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that gives little warning on the surface. They exist all over the world and are not peculiar to Costa Rican beaches.
There are many safe places to enjoy the ocean depending on the tides, using common sense is important to ensure you and your family are safe while in the ocean.
Your information package includes tide times for your stay so you can plan for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and boogie boarding.
Junquillal is fortunate to have access to a very reliable source of potable water. For those with sensitive stomachs, it is still recommended to consume bottled water. Please remember that dehydration is a concern in the tropics so hydrate often.
Despite the perception of Latin American countries being dangerous, Costa Rica remains a very safe, stable country. The most common crimes against tourists are pickpocketing and breaking into rental cars. You can certainly avoid being the victim of such crimes by not putting yourself in high-risk situations.
US & Canadian nationals do not require an entry visa to Costa Rica. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. Passports expiry date must be more than 90 days from date of arrival.
You may travel within Costa Rica with a good photo copy of your passport and must include both the photo and id pages as well as the visa page showing the entry stamp that immigration added when you arrived. Officially it must be a paper copy. Our office will be happy to make a copy for you. Banks and Rental car agencies do not accept copies so bring your original.
An Airport transfer is proven to reduce arrival stress and keep you smiling. If you choose, rental cars can be delivered to you the day after arrival.
We have the following reliable options for your airport transfer. If you would like to make a grocery stop on the way here, please mention that when booking. They also offer an awesome inventory of tours, just ask and they will be happy to share that information with you during the drive.
Our office may book this for you or you may contact them directly:
TPV tours Doug & Sherry
http://www.tpvcostarica.com/tours
Tel: +1 506 8981-6161
Kike's tours Enrique Leiva (kike)
kikestour@gmail.com
Tel: +1 506 8981-6161
The use of a rental car while vacationing in Costa Rica, allows you the freedom to roam and experience the local flavor at your own pace.
A mandatory third-party insurance must be carried with all rentals. If your homeowner’s policy or credit card includes rental car insurance, you will need to present a letter from that provider as proof of coverage and they will waive the need for extra insurance.
PLEASE confirm the total rental price via email and bring a copy of that correspondence as some costs may have been left out when quoting prices.
Many guests stay without renting a car as the area is very walkable, with amenities and restaurants a short distance away.
The local public transportation is reliable and modern and is an option when wanting to explore Santa Cruz or Tamarindo. As well, local tour companies can be hired for shopping or special trips to see the sites.