Travel Information
Flight Information
We prefer to use Continental. They usually have the least expensive airfare. They have different times of arrival
into C.R. but the most common flight arrives at 8:30pm. You can sign up as a one-pass member at no charge and get
better luggage prices. Expect to have to re-claim your luggage and re-check it once you go through customs in the US.
Unless you want to see the countries very dangerous drivers and highways we suggest you fly into Liberia. The
airport code is LIR.
From Liberia it is only about 2-3 hours direct shot to the project whereas
San Jose is 6+ hours of dangerous grueling driving. To leave C.R. expect to pay about $26 for their exit tax.
Transportation/Taxi Information
Taxi's are available to pick you up at the airport. There is usually a whole slew of them waiting for a fair. If you
take a taxi and are coming in November you will probably want to pick one with 4x4. If it has been raining hard there may
be a few river crossings and muddy/unpaved roads. After November any kind should do. Expect to pay between $75-$145
for a ride from the airport to Playa Negra. Be sure you get your quote for the fair before you load any bags. And watch your
bags!!!! Theft is very very common in C.R. Never, ever let your bags out
of your site, it is good to have a buddy system just for this.
You can make arrangements if you would like to have a rental car, which is very
handy, with Dollar rental car. Feel free to make the arrangements with whom ever you like but if you tell Dollar (in Liberia)
specifically Roger, that you are working with Sea Turtles Forever out in Playa Negra, Los Pargos he will give you the best
deal possible. A small car doesn't usually work, but at a minimum their smallest 4x4 usually does the job. Getting a rental
car makes it much easier to go grocery shopping and to the bank, which are about 45 mins out of town, and just getting
around to see things. Do not leave anything valuable in the car, it will most likely get stolen! If you do get a rental car
it makes the patrol more capable of covering our nesting areas and is a big help! Of course we don't expect this though. It
is just an added bonus. If you want to get around town, which is small or to the beach you can buy a bike for about $130
new in Santa Cruz, which is also where the bank and grocery stores are.
Money situation
There is no bank in Los Pargos. The closest bank machine is about 45 mins away. Wait times in bank lines averages
45 mins. You will need a passport present to cash travelers checks. I think for most other banking as well.
If you will be staying for more
than a week or two then you will want to have a back up money plan. I suggest, from 10 years of experience, you have a bank/debit
card to take money out as you need it every week or so, about $500 in cash and about $800 in travelers checks for
emergencies. You will want to let your bank know you will be using it in C.R. otherwise they may think it is stolen
and shut it off. You can use American $ in Costa Rica but if you exchange it anywhere other than a bank you will
not get as good of an exchange rate, which fluctuates daily. It is hard for small stores to cash anything less than a $20
so bring mostly $20's just to make things easier. Don't use the money exchange places in the airport unless you don't
mind loosing about 25% off the top.
We have seen many people loose their
debit & credit cards with no back up money and that really is hard on them. Dealing with calling the bank from C.R. can
be a huge challenge in itself as the phones in Los Pargos work only about 75% of the time. Not to mention if it is stolen
the thieves are quick with their cell phones and can have your card maxed out 10 mins after it is stolen. It is also good
to not to have all your money in one spot just in case it does get stolen. A money belt is a good idea for going shopping
or spending the day away from Los Pargos.
Passport information
Yes you need a passport. Make a copy of your passport and once you get to C.R. it is a good idea to keep it put
away some place safe. When you travel around take the copy with you. US passports are worth about $5,000K in C.R. You
need to really be on top of your passport. It is common for whom ever the passport is given to, to forget to give it back
or for the police to confiscate it for no reason.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
