Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far are you from the beach?

A: Rooms are between 250 and 400 yards from the beach ("as the crow flies"), and over 300 feet above the ocean. Hotel rooms are between a 5 - 10 minute walk to the beach. Uphill, on the way back, can take a little longer of course!

Q: How far are you from Manuel Antonio National Park?

A: The backside of the National Park is adjacent to Costa Verde. The park entrance, however, is located ½ mile from the hotel.

Q: How do we get around if we do not have a car?

A: Public taxis and buses are readily available at the hotel reception. The town of Quepos is just a 10-minute taxi ride (3 miles) from the hotel. The public bus stops in front of the hotel about every 30 minutes.

Q: Do you have shopping facilities near the hotel?

A: The Buena Nota tourist shop is about 300 yards downhill from the hotel. Most shops are located in Quepos, where you can find arts & crafts, clothing, pharmacies and a supermarket. Several local-type mini-markets are located about 1 mile from the hotel.

Q: What health precautions do we need when traveling in Costa Rica?

A: By far the biggest risk in Costa Rica is related to the less-than-modern roads, and the less-than-careful Costa Rican drivers. This risk can be minimized by driving only during daylight hours until you become accustomed to the "exotic" driving conditions, wearing seatbelts, and trying to take your longer drives in the morning if traveling during the rainy season. Other possible health concerns may include

• ·  Water
  Water is safe to drink in most of Costa Rica. However, bottled water is recommended for new-comers.
• ·  Malaria
  Malaria is not a danger for travelers in Costa Rica. According to the Ministry of Health, there are only a few isolated areas of the country where cases have been reported.
• ·  Cholera
  Cholera has not been a serious problem in Costa Rica because of a concerted effort on the part of health officials  to identify and treat any cases imported from other countries.
• ·  Insects
  Mosquitoes are usually not a problem. Bug spray is often useful at sunrise or sunset during the rainy season, when  the "no-see-'ems" especially enjoy a nip of your feet and legs.

Q: What kind of health care is available in the area?

A: A hospital managed by the Costa Rican goverment is located 15 minutes from the hotel. In addition, bilingual doctors are available 24/7 for any kind of emergency.

Q: During which months does it rain most?

A: Costa Rica's Pacific coast enjoys a classic, predictable monsoon climate - i.e. there are only two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. Normally the rainy season runs from mid-April to mid-November. During this time, mornings are usually clear and it often rains in the early evenings. We recommend you check the links below to see a current forecast.

Q: Do you arrange weddings?

A: Check out our WEDDINGS page for images of our ocean-view pool-side weddings. We offer a selection of three restaurants to choose from for your wedding reception. For your weddings, tropical flower displays are provided by a true specialist living nearby: Mearle Walker, whose husband Alexander raises the antherium and heleconia which she uses in her rrangements. Please call or e-mail Miguel Lopez for further information: 011-506-777-0584 or miguel@costaverde.com

Q: How do we get from San José to Hotel Costa Verde?

A: You can get to Hotel Costa Verde from San José by air, rental car, bus or taxi.

Air

Rental Car

Costa Rica is one of the few countries in Latin America where the average American or European can be relatively safe and comfortable driving in the countryside. Be sure to get a map from the car rental agency and have them outline your route. From the San Jose International Airport take the Pan-American Highway north. Take the Atenas exit 6 miles from the airport. Follow the road left over the bridge that crosses the Pan-American Highway. Continue past Atenas' town center to the villages of San Mateo and Orotina. Four miles past Orotina take the Jaco & Quepos exit. This road is known as 'La Costanera.' It is 70 miles from Orotina to Quepos.* Follow the main road through Quepos to Manuel Antonio. Hotel Costa Verde is located 3 miles after Quepos. Look for the "Costa Verde" sign after you pass El Avion Restaurant . El Avion is hard to miss because it's centerpiece is a decommissioned C-123 airplane. (It will be on your right.) Hotel Costa Verde's reception is on the left-hand side of the road.

Recommended rental car with local office: Adobe Rent a Car

*After crossing the first wide river of your trip, known as the Rio Tarcoles, you are likely to see giant saltwater crocodiles lounging on the far sandbank. If you leave your car to walk to the middle of the bridge for the best view, make sure you lock it and don't leave ANY important items in your car.

Bus

The public bus from San Jose to Hotel Costa Verde is another option. The express bus to Manuel Antonio leaves the famous 'Coca Cola' bus station in the center of San Jose. The trip takes about 3½ hours and will drop you off in front of Hotel Costa Verde - if you ask the driver. The trip only costs about $7. Before opting for this means of transportation there are some things you should be aware of. First, the Coca Cola terminal is not the safest place in San Jose. Though there is little violent crime, petty crime is rampant. Be sure to keep an extremely careful eye on your belongings - both at the bus station and while on the bus. Baggage stored in the bus' baggage compartment is quite safe - but be sure to keep an eye on the items you bring on the bus - especially those you store above your head. Second, because these buses are likely to be sold out, it is best to buy your tickets at least one day in advance.

Bus Schedule

From San Jose to Quepos ~ tel: 506-223-5567 (Spanish only) Departures: 6:00am, 12:00 noon, 6:00pm & 7:30 pm From Quepos to San Jose ~ tel: 506-777-0263 (Spanish only) Departures: 6:00am, 9:30am, 12:00 noon, 5:00pm

Taxi

You can either reserve one yourself, or have us arrange for a driver to meet you wherever you are. The cost for a taxi from San Jose to Quepos is approximately $160.