 | Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Travel |
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- Where do you suggest flying in to, San Jose or Liberia?
Liberia to Nosara is a shorter drive (2.5hr) while it is just over 4 hours from San Jose.
If this is your first trip, we might suggest that you stay at the Hampton Inn which is just outside of the airport property. The Hampton Inn is a major international chain of quality hotels.
Liberia is the the much smaller airport. Now Continental, Delta, and American Airlines have schedualed service to this airport. If you choose to rent a car, you can take a taxi to the Hotel El Sitio for about $10.00 US and stay overnight
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- Are there rental cars available in both places?
You can rent a car from any of the major car rental agencies (Budget, National, Avis, Thrifty, etc.), as part of your travel preparations and it will be ready for you when you arrive. If you choose to go by taxi, and decide at a later date that you want to rent a car for some local touring, you can have the rental car delivered to Condo Canuk for a nominal drop fee.
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- How do I contact a car rental company, or airline in Costa Rica?
Major companies may be best contacted via their website. All companies can be contacted via telephone.
CR Area Code= 506
Alamo 668-8190
Thrifty= 257-3434
TriColor= 666-5412*Recomended(Usually Best Price)
Toyota= 666-8190
Budget= 668-1024
Poas= 667-0537
Dollar= 668-1061
National= 666-5595
Economy= 666-2816 *Located 3 Blocks from Condo
Canuk
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- Are there taxis in Nosara?
Yes, there are two or three local taxis available for hire. These are all based in the village of Nosara (about 5 miles away) and accessible by phone. English may be limited.
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- How safe is road travel in Costa Rica?
The Canadian Travel Advisory website talks of car jacking etc., which they don't even mention for Jamaica (go figure!). We have never had a problem with this however we have noticed that some of the car rental agencies have put an alert in most of the agreement packages. They suggest that if you have a flat tire, just keep driving until you reach a service station (apparently, the bad guys will flatten your tire and then come to your "rescue"). Our guess is that situations like this might occur in San Jose or on the East coast near Limon, which has a bad reputation, but we have never heard of such a thing out our way. The road is heavily travelled all the way to the turnoff past Nicoya - lots of holiday and commercial traffic and lots of police traffic and radar. On the gravel road portion (the last portion), there is still lots of traffic - mostly to and from our area.
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- Can we fly from San Jose to Nosara?
Nosara has a small airport that is used for commuter flights from San Jose. The cost for one person one way is about $75 US. You can make these short hop arrangements by contacting Nature Air ( www.natureair.com) or Sansa Airlines (www.flysansa.com).
Flying time is 45min either way and allows you to skip the 5 or more hours of driving from San Jose even if the scenery is delightful and interesting. Luggage weight is limited and if you have too much, there is a surcharge and sometimes your bags might have to follow you via a different route. Some of the car agencies (for example, Alamo) will have a car waiting for you at the airport in Nosara for a small (about 20$ drop charge)
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- Do I need to speak Spanish in Nosara?
Many tourists get by just fine without a word of Spanish, but a little knowledge of the language will definitely help. Many restaurant and hotel employees, as well as quite a few locals, speak excellent English. Lots of others know at least enough to communicate the basics with you.
If you do know some Spanish, use it whenever possible. When ordering at a restaurant, try to ask for your meal with the Spanish pronunciation. At the very least, be polite, and don't assume that everyone will understand you when you speak English.
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| Food |
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- How much do you recommend for food & drink budget?
Food and drink is really, really reasonable. Beer is a buck a can at the grocery store the last time I checked. Great rum (Ron Centenario) is about $10 a bottle. Wine is a bit unpredictable as all is imported. I seem to recall a good Chilean, Conca Y Toro Sunrise Merlot at around $8 a bottle. Food is variable. In the Nosara Project, there are many fine restaurants to choose and the more expensive meals will range around $20 per person. Vista Del Paraiso or LaGarta would likely be the most expensive but the food is wonderful and really not that costly. If you choose any of the close-by "typical" (i.e., local fare) places, a meal will cost $5 per person or less. With the grocery stores in the area, you can make your own meals, breakfasts for sure. There is lots of great fruit with a real taste we do not get in North America after it has been picked green, painted, irradiated and lord knows what else. Fish is readily plentiful (the truck will come by regularly with fresh fish or you can drive to the fish markets in Garza or San Juanillo to pick some up).
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- And are the restaurants expensive?
Restaurants are extremely reasonable. All of the restaurants in the Nosara Project are excellent and reasonable - a real mix of continental dining However, the most expensive meal would be around $30US here - liquor extra. Beer is really cheap (about one dollar a bottle) and rum is even cheaper than the Coca Cola. A large bottle of rum at the store is about $12.
If you drive into the town of Nosara and eat at the local restaurants, the food is even cheaper - probably up to $5. Costa Rica is about the only place in the world besides Turkey where I have come home with money left over in my jeans.
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- What sort of restaurants/amenities is in the nearby area?
Groceries - three blocks (Ricardo's Mini Super)
Groceries - four blocks (Harbour Reef - also has some clothing)
Bakery - two blocks (Cafe de Paris)
Casa Romantika restaurant - one block
Casa Tucan restaurant - two blocks
Harbour Reef restaurant - four blocks
Cafe de Paris restaurant - two blocks
Gilded Iguana restaurant - two blocks
Marlin Bill's restaurant - two blocks
Blew Dogs restaurant - two blocks
Guiardino Tropicale - Pizza &Pasta - 100m
Quad Rentals - three blocks
A bit further afield but still within walking distance (walk down the beach and around the
point (North).
La Luna restaurant - Playa Pelada - 2 kilometres (beach, blow holes)
Pedro's restaurant & grocery store - 2 kilometres
Rancho Suizo restaurant - 2 kilometres
Road Walking (mind the dust in the dry season)
La Garta restaurant - 3 kilometres (overlooks the Nosara River)
La Dolce Vita restaurant - 3 kilometres (south near Esperanza)
Further yet - lots more restaurants (typical), library, Red Cross, post office, our airport, a
couple of bigger grocery stores and several bars in Nosara village about 4 miles.
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- Are there grocery stores nearby?
Yes. Lots!
1. Driving to Nosara, there are two large grocery stores if you pass through the town of Nicoya. The Pali (right across from the hospital and in front of the only flashing red traffic light in the town) or the Co-op (about three or four more blocks south on the same side of the road).
2. In the village of Nosara, there are two large grocery stores. The first is called the Super Nosara and the second is called La Paloma. Both are near the Nosara airport.
3. In our subdivision, there are two small grocery stores. The closest is called Ricardo's Super Mini. It is clean, air conditioned and well stocked with almost anything you would need including fresh fruit and vegetables. The store is about 2 blocks away. New for 2003 is another grocery store near Playa Pelada (about one mile) called Pancho's.
4. Fresh fish is available from a truck that comes by irregularly or the fish markets in the nearby villages of Garza (three miles) or San Juanillo (a bit further). Check with our manager for details.
5. Fresh pastries are available from a truck known locally as the German Baker. Check with Ricardo at the supermarket or Frog Pad.
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- What is the tipping situation ?
You are not expected to leave a tip beyond the included 10% service charge, but most people leave extra change or small bills (as much as another 10%) if their service was good . A few local restaurants will tell you that tip is not included in the bill, hoping that tourists will leave more than the usual 10%. Use your best judgment in these situations and leave what you feel is appropriate.
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- What should i expect on the resturant bill ?
Legally, when you get your bill in Costa Rica it is supposed to include both 10% service(tip) and 13% tax. Some restaurants include these costs in the price of the meal, but most add it on when they total your bill. If you aren't sure, expect that your bill will be 23% more than the prices you see on the menu.
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| Facilities & Services |
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- We hope to pack light, are there laundry facilities on site? Do we bring towels or are they provided?
Pack light for sure. We provide towels and bedding and towels for the pool. If you want a big beach towel, we would suggest you bring one or buy one along the way.
Condo Canuk is proud to offer all our guests a free to use washer/dryer, for your convenience.
- What are the sleeping arrangements?
Condo Canuk has a Queen Sized bed in the master, and alot of closet space. The other bedroom has a double bed also with closet space and linens.
- Is the phone available for us to use with at any time?
Phone Service is limited. You can make long distance calls from the Frogpad for the cheapest rate. 10cents per minute for Canada and the United States, still cheaper than most calling cards.
Also internet is availible their for 10cent per minute, minimum of 10 minutes. The computers are new and well kept, and surprsingly fast. WiFi is also availible. They are PC & Mac Friendly People.
- Is there Internet service available?
There is two popular places for internet access.
Frogpad - Two Blocks from Condo Canuk. DVD Rental is also availible, alot of new and classic movies are availible. As well as phone calls. 10 Cents per minute to Canada & US. The frogpad does pay as you go internet usage.
Cafe De Paris- Less internet cafe style. Pre-Paid cards, computers not as new. Phone service is also availible, but you must use your calling card and stand outside. An assortment of baked goods is also availible. If you are bringing a WiFi capable laptop, they charge half price ($3.00 and hour).
- Do you have a television?
Yes we do! Also DVD Player is availible, so you can bring or rent a variety of DVD's from the Frog Pad.
Most of the bars, restaurants in the area have TV in the lounge areas. For example, the Gilded Iguana, Cafe de Paris, Casa Romantika (inside) are all within 2 blocks. Most of these places are reasonably casual and I am sure they would be willing to let a client flog around the channels a bit. Usually, there is some soccer game on if one of the locals has the controls. We never see hockey! CNN UK is a constant - it seems to be available just about everywhere.
- Is there parking available at Condo Canuk ?
Parking is availible in the secured complex, which is monitored 24 hour. You will have your own private stall, coresponding with our unit number 7.
- What do you think we should bring with us ?
Clothing - Shorts, skirts, tee-shirts, tank tops, bathing suits and flip-flops are about
all you need. Bring a pair of long pants if you plan to spend any time at higher
elevations, and a rash guard if you plan to do much surfing.
Other - Sunglasses, sun hat, camera, binoculars, walking shoes or strap sandals,
beach towel, Spanish dictionary, flashlight or headlamp, small umbrella (rainy season).
Documents - Make copies of your passport to carry with you (leave the original in you hotel).
Print out and bring any other travel documents you have, or useful travel info you think you might need. We highly recommend binging copies of our FAQ & Directions if you are driving.
Extras - Some things, like sunscreen and aloe vera lotion, are very expensive here.
If you have a brand you like and can get it before you come, do it. You will DEFINITELY
need lots of sun protection here. If you have room in you suitcase or board bag, bring
a sun umbrella too.
Money- We highly recommend bringing US cash for your trip as with travelers cheques
you may be spending a much longer time at the bank as you would like.
Credit Cards - Most hotels will accept credit cards, but many restaurants will not.
Those that do often charge and additional fee, or will tell you that they have to add
13% sales tax to the bill. Plan on paying for meals with cash whenever possible.
The Mini Super in Guiones, Ponchos's Market in Pelada, and the Nosara Super will all
accept credit cards for grocery purchases. There is an ATM located at the bank on
the main street of Guiones. This machine ONLY accepts cards with a VISA symbol,
and will not work with a MasterCard.
| Activities |
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- Is there deep sea fishing?
Lots of spectacular deep sea fishing opportunities are available close by. The fishing pictures on our website are real. Trips are usually available for ½ day or a full day. Skippers will provide a full service - you just have to show up at the designated beach. Larger groups can also be accommodated and some of the boats are truly first class (air conditioned, hot meals, etc.). The fish are pretty much biting any time. Check at the Gilded Iguana or Harbor Reef to book.
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- What sort of activities are there to do?
Of course, Condo Canuk is located in the centre of many activites. The Gilded Iguana can help arrange horseback tours, kayak trips (ocean or river), white water rafting trips, jungle tours, midnight crawler expeditions, turtle tours, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, volcano expeditions, etc. At certain times of the year, you can drive a short distance to rodeo and dance events. Also, some of the local bars feature karaoke. Visit our activites page for a list of detailed and recomended tours and activites. www.condocanuk.com/activites
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- Are there waterfalls in the area?
There are several in the area. One of the best is located just on the far side of the Town of Nosara. You can walk yourself or take a horseback tour. Entrance fee is $1 to the folks who own the land. Most Locals can provide directions. Lots of other waterfalls located across the country - some are really spectacular - for example the hot falls at Tabacon near the Arenal volcano. More falls are located in the Rincon volcano area many can be found in the central part of the country falling down the mountain spine that goes from north to south.
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- Is there snorkelling gear there, or should we bring our own
Snorkel equipment can be rented locally. Check any surf shop or resturant for phone numbers or directions. Snorkelling is available in the tidal pools of Playa Guiones (our bay) or the little village of San Juanillo just up the coast. It is recomended if you are planning to go snorkeling, bring your own if you prefer.
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| Safety |
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- How safe is road travel in Costa Rica?
The Canadian Travel Advisory website talks of car jacking etc., which they don't even mention for Jamaica (go figure!). We have never had a problem with this however we have noticed that some of the car rental agencies have put an alert in most of the agreement packages. They suggest that if you have a flat tire, just keep driving until you reach a service station (apparently, the bad guys will flatten your tire and then come to your "rescue"). Our guess is that situations like this might occur in San Jose or on the East coast near Limon, which has a bad reputation, but we have never heard of such a thing out our way. The road is heavily travelled all the way to the turnoff past Nicoya - lots of holiday and commercial traffic and lots of police traffic and radar. On the gravel road portion (the last portion), there is still lots of traffic - mostly to and from our area.
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- How safe is the area?
Condo Canuk and the property has 24/hr solid security. Our trained security + groundskeeper is on site each day. The Property is protected with a solid iron gate. You will be given a key or pass code to enter at night.Condo Canuk has a thick, solid wooden door, which you can lock. Also the glass sliding door & screen which you may lock. You will be provided with keys to these doors for the unit. Our entire property is fenced.Finally, Condo Canuk is equipped with a small safe where you can store any small valuables, and documents.
We are located in a well-populated area of the project. The nearby town of Nosara has its own police force of five officers and two fully equipped ambulances. The Nosara Police Chief is a highly respected member of the community. The town doctor has a clinic office in Nosara and lives in our subdivision. She was trained in the United States, speaks fluent English and takes emergency calls when needed. More recently, a full 911 service has been implemented in the Nicoya district. They will dispatch fire, police or ambulance service 24 hours per day with one simple phone call. In addition, Lester will be availible at anytime.
The nearby town of Nicoya has a full-fledged acute care hospital, complete with emergency service and a pharmacy. Most residents can report good service from this facility. The capital city of San Jose boasts several hospitals and also has a reputation for high quality dentistry, medical and plastic surgery services. Closer to home, we maintain a full First Aid kit available in the office.
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- How safe is the water for activities?
The waters of Playa Guiones are safe for swimming and surfing. The ocean floor slopes gently out so you can wade out a fair distance before the water is over your head. There are no significant riptides in the bay. When traveling to other areas to swim or surf, please check with the local experts to get an idea of the local conditions. The beaches at Ostional are more dangerous. Experts advise that if you are ever caught in a riptide, do not attempt to swim against it but rather "go with flow" and you will soon find yourself in calmer waters and you can readily get back to shore
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| Miscellaneous |
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- What is the weather like in Nosara?
Nosara is only 10 degrees above the equator but it does have seasons.
December through April is considered to be the "dry season". This period is typified by consistently beautiful hot, dry days and balmy evenings. There is literally no rain in Nosara during this time. The temperature is in the mid 80's, sometimes higher, and it is quite balmy at night. However, the gravel roads get a bit dusty at this time and many of the big trees lose their leaves (retaining blossoms in most cases).
May through August is still mostly dry. This period is typified by consistently hot, dry days and balmy evenings. There will be an occasional rain in Nosara during this time but the rain is warm and of short duration. The temperature is in the mid 80's, sometimes higher, and it is quite balmy at night. That means it will get pretty hot during the day (try to stop any strenuous physical activity by 11:00 am unless you are conditioned to the heat) and cools down nicely in the evening - say in the mid-70's - nice to walk around - no jacket or long sleeves required. We have been getting more and more reservations throughout the summer (June, July and August), as North Americans seem to be figuring out that Costa Rica is a great summer destination with the kids.
September through October is considered the "rainy season" in Costa Rica. The rain is so warm and freshens everything up. Everything is green and in full bloom - the flowers are so beautiful and fragrant. Temperature in is usually in the 80's during the day, and quite balmy at night. Some of the rains are amazing deluges that seem to come down in sheets. Rain will appear typically only twice per day and will last for about ½ hour. The first will arrive around 1:00 pm in the afternoon and the second one will appear around midnight (a beautiful sound on the roof). This is also the pothole season for the gravel roads so be patient on the roads.
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- What is the bug and/or mosquito situation there that time of year?
There really aren't a lot of mosquitoes in general in Nosara except in the rainy season near the Nosara River area. Sometimes certain people get bites from those little tiny bugs you can't see - we call them "no-see-ums", but they only seem to pick on certain people and are not a major nuisance.
As for bugs, you may want to pack some insect spray just in case. Mostly you never see or feel the bugs, but some people (only the juicy ones!) are prone to little bites from the "no-see-ums". An antihistamine cream is sometimes helpful to reduce the itch.
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- Will there be someone to greet us, show us which unit is ours etc.?
If you are arriving in the evening, Lester or his wife will be availible to greet you. Your name & confirmation code should be on their list. They can direct you to unit # 7. It is the first stairwell, and to your left.
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- When is check out/in time?
Check in is by 3:00 pm. Check out is no later than 12:00 am. Please bring your keys to the office the morning of check out.
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- Can we use the pool anytime?
Regular pool hours are 7:00am - 10:00pm. From 10:00pm - 7:00am (our Quiet Hours) the pool should not be accessed. Please try to minimize noise during these hours.
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- What does Pura Vida mean ?
Pura Vida literally means "pure life". You'll often hear Ticos say this as a greeting, or in response to the question Como Esta? (How are you?). If someone says pura vida to you, flash a big smile and say it back.
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