FAQs: Pura Vida House and Costa Rica
Electrical Outlets:
Same as the US.
Money/Currency:
Local currency is Colones. Most places in our area accept US Dollars and credit
cards. We recommend bringing a bit of cash in Dollars, and then relying on
ATMs if you need more (you can take Dollars or Colones). They are very safe
here. Traveler’s checks are fine, but you may not have daily access to a bank to
cash them and will have to plan ahead.
All Inclusive:
Our pricing includes the following: Accommodations, laundry service, free
international calls and meals at Pura Vida House (though we are often out for
lunch and those are not included); some alcoholic beverages (we start the week
with Costa Rican beers, Chilean white/red wines and rum and Costa Rican guaro
– we are happy to take you to the grocery store if you want to supplement our
supply); car(s) with drivers; 2 full-time guides (Jorge and Stephanie).
Tours/activities that are included unlimited: Beach time; bird watching and
hiking around Pura Vida House; Horseback riding at Pura Vida House; tennis
lessons; hand pottery lessons; Costa Rican cooking lesson; snorkeling at Conchal
beach, cattle herding; ox-cart ride.
Tours/activities that are included, select up to 2 per week: Yoga in Tamarindo;
surf lessons; ATV rides; zip lines; kayaking; nature walk or horseback ride at El
Roble; nature tour in a boat at Las Baulas National Park; night giant turtle tour
at Las Baulas National Park.
Safety:
Guanacaste is the safest part of Costa Rica (most Expats live here). Costa Rica
has very little serious crime, but as anywhere you go, be mindful that pick
pockets do occur. However, to date, we have never had any issues with this.
Wildlife:
Encounters are rate, but dangerous insects, reptiles and other critters do live
around Pura Vida House (we are deep in nature, after all!). Expect to see lots of
wildlife - many types of birds, iguanas, monkeys, coyotes, wild cats, etc.
Flora:
Pura Vida House is the central part of a 6-acre property. It boasts over 150
types of trees carefully planted by professionals.
House Location:
Pura Vida House is located in the town of Paso Hondo, easiest way to find the
exact location is www.google.com, and type in the search box “Paso Hondo, 27
de Abril”, a map will appear with the exact location of the house.
What to Pack:
Some suggested items to pack for staying at Pura Vida House are:
CLOTHING:
Note that we have laundry service available; we recommend you pack for 4-5
days’ worth of clothes
 T-shirts or other short sleeved shirts
 1 light weight long sleeve shirt
 Shorts
 Underclothes and socks
 Sleeping attire
 Bathing suit
 Hiking shoe and/or waterproof boots if you’re interested in serious hiking
and/or bird watching in creeks.
OTHER ITEMS:
 Sunglasses and sunscreen
 Travelers’ medicine for diarrhea, heart burn, indigestion, etc.
 Personal medications or prescriptions
 Camera
 Insect repellent
 Extra pair prescription glasses
 Contacts: bring ample cleaning supplies & wetting solutions
 Lotion, wet wipes, Kleenex, lip balm, eye drops
 Personal cosmetics, toiletries
 Tennis racquet
 Hat or baseball cap
 Binoculars if interested in bird watching
 Tennis and/or golf gear if playing
Food:
Meals served at Pura Vida House are 100% organic and made by local cooks.
Typical breakfast will include fresh fruits, rice and beans, plantains, natural
juices, cereal, yogurt, eggs, tortillas. Lunch and dinners will include rice and
beans, vegetables, salads, meat (chicken, steak, fish), plantains, natural juices,
pasta, etc. Snacks, bottled water, natural juices and hydrating beverages
available throughout the day.
Internet:
Pura Vida House offers free unlimited WiFi.
Cable:
Time Warner cable package with over 300 channels in English.
International Phone:
Pura Vida House phone # to give to your family/friends in case they need to
contact you: 614-600-1904 (it’s free for anyone to call you from the US, and you
can make free unlimited calls to the US as well).
Travel Advice:
Photocopy the personal-information pages of your passport; leave one copy at
home with a friend or family member, and pack another separately from the
passport itself. Check with your insurance carrier regarding the terms of your
coverage. Valuable items are best left at home.
On the Web:
www.PuraVidaHouse.com