Helpful Hints For A More Pleasant Stay
The following information was provided by Lent Eckhart Properties.
On the Pacific coast where Potrero resides, currents are swift and dangerous, and there are few lifeguards or signs warning of dangerous beaches. Beware of the ocean rip tides and undertows. Should you find yourself in trouble simply swim along the shoreline. Do not try to swim to shore.
For your personal safety, do not walk alone at night. It's always a good idea to walk with a companion, bearing in mind that criminal activity can occur - even in paradise.
Do not leave valuables, passports, airline tickets or suitcases in your rental car. Thieves love to pick on tourists. Guard your valuables in safe deposit boxes or secure locations.
At times the electricity will go off in the area. This also affects water pressure so please be patient. These amenities do come back on.
Although the water in Potrero is potable, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is recommended that you use bottled water for drinking.
Tipping! All restaurants charge 10% automatically on your bill when you dine for tips. It is Costa Rican law. This is no different than North America. If you have been pleased with your service it is customary to add an additional 5-10% tip. Regarding maids and gardeners or maintenance staff - the same rule applies; add 5-10% of your rental rate. Acknowledging the service industry of Costa Rica for exemplary service is greatly appreciated.
Visiting Costa Rica
The following information was provided by Mickey Tichner.
Potrero has a fairly stable climate but one that is extremely hot during the days and warm to very warm in the evenings. Dress accordingly. Shorts and skirts with light weight tops are comfortable. If you're not hiking or going off-road, sandals will help to keep your feet cool while walking. If you're into hiking wear long pants and shoes that cover your entire foot. You may even consider a long sleeve shirt and/or cap. Don't forget that insects, snakes and creatures of all kinds call Costa Rica, and Potrero in particular, their home. You don't need anything leaving its calling card on the skin of your body.
The sun rises and sets the same nearly every day but don't underestimate how fast it gets dark. Stay in a well-populated area and avoid the jungles or hilly regions as evening sets in. It is dangerous to be in the wild night in Costa Rica.
Avoid panhandlers that try and sell you a tour or an escort service. While there are legitimate business proprietors, it's much safer to coordinate this kind of thing with a local real estate professional - preferably one that has been around for a few years in the area.
Prositution is regulated by the country but is truly only legal in certain areas. Prostitutes have to be licensed and carry ID cards to prove it also. Don't be offended if you are approached by a prostitute - it's quite common for this to happen with tourists. You may politely walk away or ignore them and rest assured most will move on.
To make phone calls you should plan on buying a phone card at one of the many convenience stores or grocery stores. It is the best way to reach loved ones back home.
The Internet is everywhere - even in Costa Rica. There are a few 'Internet Cafes' but just be prepared for a service that is far below that of the United States and Canada and probably a lot of other places. Like the phone lines that go down on occasion here, so do the Internet service connections attached to the computers that are online. Don't feel you that have to stick around until the connection is re-established. This could be a long while.
Try very hard to understand the exchange rate. It may be new to you and you don't want to get taken advantage of. You should know, however, that the U.S. dollar is nearly twice as strong in Costa Rica and will buy more than you think at times. Change is often given in colones so make sure to know what the currency looks like to avoid getting short-changed or an embarrassing moment.
Potrero is on the Pacific side and is fortunate to be spared hurricanes and extremely high winds, but it does rain - especially in the rainy season (between mid-May and late November in Potrero). The good thing is that rain showers are usually short lived. But with this in mind, you may want to consider an umbrella or rain jacket just in case as you travel during that time.
When To Go To Costa Rica
The following information was provided by Lonely Planet Publications.
Mention Costa Rica and people think paradise. The country's Disney-like cast of creatures - ranging from howler monkeys to toucans - are prolific and relatively easy to spot. The waves are prime, the beauty is staggering and the sluggish pace seductive.
Costa Rica, despite being such a tiny nation, draws well over a million visitors every year - and you can see why. The incredibly varied topography means you can cruise a cloud forest one day, climb a volcano the next, and finish passed out on a hot sandy beach.
The early months of the rainy season (May to July) are a wonderful time to travel to Costa Rica with some towns experiencing a mini-high season. During this time, rivers start to swell and dirt roads get muddy, making travel more challenging. Remote roads may not be accessible to public transport, so always ask locally before setting out. Bring your umbrella and a little patience.
For surfers, the Pacific coast sees increased swells and bigger, faster waves during the rainy season, peaking in the worst rainy months of September and October. The Caribbean side has better waves from November through May.
Wildlife enthusiasts may wish to plan their trip around high visibility seasons. The best time to spot the resplendent quetzal is between November and April. The peak season for leatherback turtles from April to May; for green turtles it's during August and September.
Fishing is good year-round, but you might choose your season if you have your heart set on a specific fish. Anglers head to the Caribbean coast between January and May in search of tarpon, while autumn is the season for snook. On the Pacific coast and in the Golfo Dulce, the best time to snag that sailfish is between November and May.
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