The Rancho Burica Travel Guide

Where the bad road ends and the good life begins... if well prepared!

 

First it is important to know what to expect, preventing surprises in spite of a good preparation…

We start at the end of that bad road… in the south of Costa Rica at the Pacific Ocean. At about 2 hours driving (3 hours by bus) from the inhabited world (Golfito) lies the not too complex Rancho Burica complex. What can you expect here and what not? First, there is no phone, tv, fax, computer, airco, bath, swimming pool, room service, disco or golf court! So if you are really attached to these unnecessities we have to disappoint you, at the Rancho Burica you are at the wrong address. What do we offer? One of the most beautiful places in the world, rest, nature, adventure, good food, good sleeps, sports and good company (that's us). Sounds good? So you think you can enjoy yourself with a nice siesta in one of the hang mats, a hike through the jungle, a good book from the Rancho library, a horse ride to the indians, a snorkel session over the reef, a day of fishing at sea, a firm sun roasting on the beach or a soccer match with the locals? Okay, then the Rancho Burica is the place to be!

For the ones who are used to pick their vacations from a brochure and proudly showing it to family and friends, this is somewhat different! We are not in any brochure. No, there are no scary animals (at least not during the day). So, throw away your doubts and go to paradise.

First, let's have a look at when to go. In Costa Rica we know 2 seasons. The first (Ticos call it summer) runs from November till May and has an average weather pattern of sun, about 30 °C (85 °F) with now and then a cloud (with which you are really happy at that moment). The second season runs from … till … and has an average weather pattern of (partly) clouded skies, about 27 °C (80 °F) with now and then some refreshing rain. The most daily sun hours (8) are from January until April. Anyway, it doesn't really matter when you go, as long as you go and take your time, because something we are not waiting for is stressed tourists who want to see the entire country in one week and also visit us! Quickly find a cabina, "where are all the animals?", no time to enjoy nature and relax… Well, get back in your 4x4 and hit the gas, this 'fast, fast, fast' does not fit the Tico culture. Here everything goes tranquilo!

Okay, the Rancho Burica is somewhat different than other tourist attractions. Here you are our guest and we like to live with our guests, so you will have to live with us. You want to explore everything by yourself? No problema! Some people are more adventurous than others. We are open for everything and are, as a figure of speech, more flexible than the legs of Foxy Foxtrot! For questions you can e-mail us at info@ranchoburica.com.

 

What to bring?

        · Valid passport and driving-licence (valid for 6 months)

        · Some dollars for when you arrive

        · A first aid kit

        · Anti mosquito spray

        · Sun lotion (different degrees of protection)

        · Spanish dictionary

        · A pair of sunglasses and a cap

        · A well functioning flashlight (important!)

        · A mosquito net to sleep under

        · Some solid walking boots and slippers

        · Long trousers and a long sleeved shirt (or sweater)

        · A poncho

        · Soap to wash your clothes with

        Optional:

        · Snorkel gear

        · Reef shoes

        · Survival knife (for jungle hikes)

        · Binoculars

 

Where can you be reached?

Through our mailbox in Golfito (checked weekly): Rancho Burica, Apartado 131, CP 8201 Golfito, Costa Rica. Fax at the post office: +506-775.05.73, mention the above address (will be placed in our mailbox). And of course e-mail: info@ranchoburica.com (The Netherlands, checked every couple of days).

 

Arrival

To be assured of a good night sleep on your first night in Costa Rica, we recommend reserving a hotel before you leave. A good and affordable hotel in San José is Hotel Aranjuez (+506-256.18.25 or info@hotelaranjuez.com). How to get there from the airport? Just jump in a taxi, negotiate a good price and tell the driver to go to Hotel Aranjuez located near the hospital Calderon. Because San José is not the safest city, a taxi is a good choice, especially at night, if you want to go about the city. Although you can pay with dollars almost everywhere in San José, you will need colones for the rest of your trip. Outside of San José ATMs are rare, so be prepared and load up some cash.

 

Rent-a-car

If you want to rent a car be prepared to pay between US$ 300 and US$ 450 a week for a good 4x4 car. Telephone numbers are listed in the 'paginas amarillos' (yellow pages) in the Hotel and at the front desk they can even arrange a car for you. Car in front of the hotel? Okay, get in and go!

 

The End