Makaria & Dammon

No visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting Costa Rica for tourism (up to 90 days). Just bring a valid passport. Important: Your passport must be valid for the entire stay (Costa Rica requires it be valid at least until your departure date, and many recommend 6 months validity just to be safe). Also, you should have a return or onward ticket (your round-trip flight confirmation is fine) as Costa Rican immigration may ask for proof of your exit plans. Tip: Keep a printed copy of your flight itinerary handy for immigration. No visa, no shots, no COVID tests needed – it's fairly straightforward. Upon entry you'll get a tourist stamp in your passport (often 90 days), and a customs form on the plane to fill out. Keep your passport in a safe place throughout your stay.

Costa Rica is generally very safe for tourists, and the Arenal area in particular is a friendly, welcoming region with low violent crime rates. Petty crime (like theft) can happen, so use common sense: Keep an eye on your belongings and don't leave valuables in plain sight. The Villas are in a gated estate for added security. Stick to traveling in groups or via car/shuttle at night, and dial 911 in an emergency. Overall, if you lock your car and stay aware of surroundings, you should have no issues. "Pura Vida" is the motto for a reason—locals are warm and hospitable.

Private or Rental Car: Renting a car is popular for flexibility. Rates ~$40–$70/day, plus mandatory insurance. A 4x4 is recommended if exploring side roads, but main routes are paved. Avoid driving after dark, as roads can be winding and poorly lit.

Shuttle Services: Shared shuttles (~$50–$60 one-way) or private transfers (~$180+) can be booked from both SJO and LIR. Reputable companies include Interbus and Gray Line Costa Rica.

Public Transportation: Feasible but time-consuming (4–5 hours or more, sometimes with transfers). Buses are cheap (~$5–$8) but make local stops.

Local Transport at Arenal: Once at Arenal Springs Villas, having a rental car or pre-booked transport is useful as attractions are spread out, but we may have a van for group use.

Both routes (SJO or LIR) offer scenic views—SJO is 3.5–4.5 hrs with varied landscapes (coffee plantations, cloud forests, stops in La Fortuna), while LIR is 2.5–3 hrs and more direct. SJO route can include a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and more mountain driving; LIR route is flatter initially, passing wind farms near Tilarán before following Lake Arenal's shore. Choose based on flight prices, schedules, and desired scenery.

• Rain Jacket or Poncho: Sudden downpours happen in green season.
• Sturdy Umbrella: Helpful around the property.
• Footwear: Hiking shoes or trail runners for muddy trails; sandals that dry easily.
• Light Layers: Quick-dry fabrics (nylon/poly) vs. heavy cotton.
• Swimwear: For pool, hot springs, and waterfall swims.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be active, especially at dusk.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses—even on cloudy days.
• Daypack: Water-resistant backpack plus ziplock bags for electronics.

Options in Nuevo Arenal:
• Casa Italia – Authentic Italian cuisine with fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a serene garden setting.
• Platillos Voladores – Cozy Italian eatery known for delicious pizzas and friendly service.
• Moya's Place – A vibrant spot offering burgers, wraps, salads, and pizzas, often with live music.
• Tom's Pan German Bakery – A charming bakery with German pastries and great breakfast options.
• Cafe Con Amor – Cozy coffee shop for healthy dishes and coffee breaks.
• Restaurante La Casa De Doña Celina – American and Latin cuisine in a casual setting.
• Restaurante Mariposa – Local favorite for traditional Costa Rican dishes.

Options in La Fortuna:
• Soda Víquez – Classic "soda" for casados (rice, beans, plantains, meat).
• Travesía – Casual dining spot with local and international dishes (try the mixed grill platter).
• Organico Fortuna – Health-focused café with vegetarian and vegan options.
• Pollo Fortuneño – Rotisserie chicken specialty in a lively open-air setting.

Restaurant bills typically include a 10% service charge and 13% tax. Tipping extra is optional.

The local currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Keep some small bills in USD for tips and minor purchases, or withdraw colones from ATMs. Credit cards are widely accepted; just inform your bank you'll be abroad.

Costa Ricans (Ticos) are polite and friendly. A few Spanish phrases (hola, gracias, por favor) go a long way. "Pura Vida" is a common greeting/response meaning "all is good." Dress casually unless visiting formal venues; be mindful of the environment (eco-friendly practices), and embrace a more relaxed concept of time known as "Tico time."

Costa Rica is in Central Standard Time (CST) and does not observe daylight savings. In late June, that's GMT-6. For East Coast folks, Costa Rica time is typically 2 hours behind NY.

Most likely, yes. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a local SIM (Kolbi or Claro) or use your carrier's international plan. The Villas have Wi-Fi, as do most cafes/restaurants. WhatsApp is common for communication. No power adapters needed—Costa Rica uses the same plugs and voltage (120V) as the U.S.

• Arenal Volcano National Park: Hike trails, see old lava flow fields, enjoy volcano views.
• La Fortuna Waterfall: Descend ~500 steps to a 200-ft waterfall, swim in calmer pools downstream.
• Hot Springs: Resorts like Tabacón, EcoTermales, Baldi—soak in geothermal pools amid tropical gardens.
• Hanging Bridges: Mistico Park for a canopy-level stroll across suspended bridges.
• Zip-Lining: Sky Adventures for epic zips with panoramic volcano and lake views.
• Wildlife & Nature Tours: Sloth-spotting, birdwatching, or night hikes for frogs and nocturnal creatures.
• Lake Arenal: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or a boat tour.
• Waterfall Canyoning: Rappel down waterfalls with a guide—perfect for thrill-seekers.
• Chocolate Tours: Learn how cacao is grown, then make your own chocolate.

We will be in a rainforest region – expect to see bugs (spiders, beetles) and possibly small lizards or frogs. Don't be alarmed; they're generally harmless and help control insect populations. Keep doors closed to avoid unwanted visitors, use a flashlight at night, and pack repellent if you're sensitive.

We recommend booking your flights 2–6 months in advance (ideally by March 2025) to secure the best fares. June is the "green season," so prices can be lower than in peak winter months, but flights may fill up due to summer travel. Aim for earlier bookings if you have strict arrival/departure preferences.

June is the start of the rainy (green) season in Costa Rica. Expect warm daytime temperatures (mid-70s to mid-80s°F) with frequent afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Mornings are often sunny, and the rain helps keep everything lush and vibrant.