FAQ
Is Costa Rica Safe?
Costa Rica is a safe country to travel in. We suggest you leave jewelry, expensive watches etc back in your home country. Use common sense by not leaving your bags on the beach or in your vehicle while swimming or walking. Most beach bars, restaurants will gladly stow things for you safely behind their counter.
Within Pura Jungla, there is 24 hour, 7 days a week security. The operator of Pura Jungla, Ray Beise lives by The Visitor Centre which is in the middle of the property. He or one of his trusted staff like Humberto is always reachable for any questions or concerns.
Is the water good?
Yes, the water is delicious and indeed safe to drink. We drink it all the time. Pura Jungla has the good fortune of having a natural aquifer running through the property.
Where are the beaches in relation to PURA JUNGLA?
A quiet long beach to the south of Pura Jungla, on the other side of Paraiso, is Playa Junquillal. It is wonderful for walking and there is a lovely shallow tidal area at the south end.
Playa Negra — go left at the bend in the road in Playa Negra (Pargos) and follow the sign to close by Hotel Playa Negra. Awesome world class, “expert only� surfing is right in front of the large thatch restaurant hut. This is rated as one of five best surf locations in the world. It was in the film “The Endless Summer�. To the left of Playa Negra beach continues Sandy Beach which is good for swimming and the boogie boards (in a canvas case under the bed). The walk south along the beach is beautiful.
Further north up the coast road a bit past the Mono Congo Lodge is Playa Avellanas. Here you may meet Lola, the 750 pound surfing pig. The smoothies and tuna salad lunches here are highly recommended. The walk north up this beach to the estuary is fabulous.
Forty-five minutes north up the coast from Pura Jungla is Tamarindo, a busy, active touristy resort town with a long beach.
What about the restaurants?
We enjoy them all. Swiss, German, Italian, Peruvian, Costa Rican. Some are small with just a few tables so it is good to call them first (see phone list) to say when you are coming and how many. They are excellent.
La Serena in Junquillal has good food and a quaint balcony setting overlooking the ocean. La Hibiscus (German) (phone Rainer first to reserve), La Puesta del Sol (Italian, call to reserve), Mono Congo Lodge (a treehouse), Cafe Playa Negra (Peruvian food), Guacamaya Lodge (Swiss) and Hotel Playa Negra (fish dinner at sunset by the surf). The Oasis and Tanaka have good pizza. The two little beach villages close by are called Pargos (or Playa Negra) and Junquillal. Paraiso is the village in between them with the soccer field.
What is there in Costa Rica for children (and adults) to do?
Canopy tours, swimming, fishing, surfing and boogie boarding, Spanish lessons, birding, crocodile watching, hot springs, hiking, volcano watching, and horseback riding on the beach. There are two surf boogie boards in a canvas case under the bed.
Other suggestions: There is a teak gazebo just a 100 meter walk down the path to the south from the treehouse where a small bat is rumored to live.
You can write your name and date into the bird identification book when you spot one.
You can climb the water tower for a great 360 degree view of the area. Have a relaxing in-home massage in the treetops. Hiking trails (best in early morning while still cool).
A one day side trip down the coast in dry season to Samara, then loop back through Nicoya, Santa Cruz. A two day trip up to the Rincon National Park on the other side of Liberia is interesting (closed Monday). The trip up around Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano, if you have lots of time, is best a three day outing. Tamarindo is only 45 minutes each way.
What NATURE related cautions should be exercised in costa rica?
The sun is strong this close to the equator. Sun block and a hat are useful. We often keep off the beaches from 11:00 till 2:30PM to avoid the direct sun. Also, remember that it gets dark here like a curtain falling at 6:00PM sharp.
Also, understand rip currents. These are caused by tides, waves, water movement. Swim where others are around. For safety and courtesy, do not swim directly in front of surfers.
The Papagayo Winds sometimes can howl at night in January and February and can really rock and roll, but should be no problem as the house is very, very solidly anchored. If it does blow hard, please keep the rocking chairs back from the edges.
Car rentals?
A great way to explore Costa Rica. We usually rent a SUV. Prices vary by vehicle size and season. Their offices are close to (but not at) both airports. It is best to arrange a rental vehicle in advance — they will meet you at arrivals with your name on a plaque — Liberia Airport. Roads can be potholed, dusty in Dry Season and muddy in Green Season. Last few visitors that have come through Liberia we’ve happily recommended Hola Rent A car — Ruben Garcia Fajardo ruben.g@hola.net cell (506)-303-9595 Bus: 506-667-4040 www.hola.net