What to bring to Costa Rica?
Valid passport and drivers license (minimum 6 months valid)
Well functioning ATM and credit card of which you know the PIN#’s
Some U.S. dollars for when you arrive
A basic first aid kit (containing some anti-diarrhea pills, Aspirin, and anti-mosquito spray (Deet))
Sunscreen/block with various protection factors
Spanish dictionary
A pair of good sunglasses and a hat
A good flashlight or headlamp (important!)
A mosquito net to sleep under
Good shoes and a pair of flipflops
Long pants and a long sleeve shirt
A rain coat
(also check our Travel Guide link)
Do I need vaccinations?
That’s a personal choice. Check with your doctor to see what vaccination(s) you might want to consider.
What best to do on arrival in Costa Rica?
To start your trip in a good way, make a hotel reservation for at least the first night. Depending on how you’ll travel further, you have two options: 1.) If you take a national flight the next day, you’ll do best by staying close to the airport. Try the Dos Palmas Airport Hotel or Dos Palmas La Garita Hotel. 2.) If you want to go to San José, or leave from there by bus or rental car, take a taxi into town (about 45 minutes from the airport). Again, check out the Dos Palmas Airport Hotel or Dos Palmas La Garita Hotel.
How do I pay in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica you pay in colones, but many places accept US dollars also - mostly for the larger amounts. You can pay with a credit card in most hotels, but at the local pulperia (small store that sells the basics – usually out of someone’s home) it’s all cash - in colones. Also at Rancho Burica, where we don’t have a credit card machine, and only accept cash - both colones and US dollars.
Does Costa Rica have ATMs?
Most cities have ATMs of all major banks. But take care, not all have the cirrus logo (used by most European/US banks – and Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard). At the airport in San Jose, close to the farthest luggage belt, there is a good ATM accepting most cards. Get some cash there. Do the math well with all the zeros for the colones. Get some US dollars for reserve as well. Most ATMs in Costa Rica let you choose between colones and US dollars.
Where can I be reached?
For the people at home, you can be reached here:
PO box: Rancho Burica, Apartado 131, CP 8201 Golfito, Costa Rica
Fax: (+506) 27750573, put the postal address on the fax and it will be put in our PO box.
E-mail: info@ranchoburica.com
Phone: (+506) 27762223
Can I travel with young kids to the Rancho?
We have people with young kids visiting the Rancho regularly. But just like other places in Costa Rica, take care with the heat, the different food and a lot of the animals in the jungle.
Can I learn how to surf on the Rancho?
Yes, there is that opportunity! We have various beaches with waves for all types of surfers, also starters. There is always somebody at the Rancho who can give you some good tips on how to surf. Using one of our rental boards, you can start right away.
What type of boards can I rent at the Rancho?
We have ‘Malibus’ for rent for beginners. If you are looking for short boards, you’d best bring your own or buy one in a local surf shop. The surf shop in Pavones has a pretty good selection of (second hand) boards.
Can I go scuba diving near the Rancho?
In the area around Punta Banco and Pavones there are no diving operators. The two nearest options are Drake Bay (northern edge of Peninsula de Osa) and Bocas del Toro (Panama). Most diving in Costa Rica takes place around Playa del Coco in the north of the country.
