How far is the beach from the villa?
Villa Cielo Rosa overlooks Playa Panama. Panama beach(playa) is a short 10 minute drive from the house.

What type of restaurants and how far from Villa?
There are many different types of restaurants within 1-5 miles of the villa. Of course, seafood is dominant in the area but anything from Italian, German, and plain old hamburgers are available for your enjoyment.

What activities are availble and how far from villa?
Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Wave runner rental, Sunset cruises, fishing, 4 wheeler rental, canopy tours, horse back riding on the beach, and many more are just a short trip from the villa.

What services are included with villa rental?
Daily pool and landscape service is included to keep pool and garden clean for your stay.

Do I need a Passport?
YES! A valid Passport is required to enter the country. It is no longer mandatory that you carry your "original" passport on you at all times. It is legal to carry a COPY instead of your original. Although, you must carry a COPY with you at all times. 

When is the "Rainy" season?
The "rainy" season is somewhat misleading. Costa Rica has areas that have rain every day. We like to refer to the seasons as "dry" and "green". In the upper Guanacaste area where Villa Cielo Rosa is located, we have a definite "dry" and "green" season. the "dry" season begins in late November and continues thru April. The "green" season begins in May/June and continues into November. The "green" season is the most beautiful time of the year to visit Costa Rica. During the "green" season at Villa Cielo Rosa you will "possibly"  experience rain in the afternoon but the mornings are full with bright sunlight, nature at it's best, and full "green" foliage that completely surrounds you.

What wildlife can be seen at Villa Cielo Rosa?
Costa Rica has long been known for it's abundance of wildlife and plants. We suggest buying a Costa Rican wildlife book before visiting to familiarize yourself with certain species that can be seen in different parts of the country. All of the National Parks around the country offer many types of wildlife tours and adventures.

There are many types of birds, iguanas, and even a family or two of howler monkeys that can be viewed and heard right from our back patio. There is so much to see by just sitting by the pool, you will not believe it. The early mornings are like watching National Geographic when it comes to "bird watching".

Can I get married in Costa Rica? What documents do i need?
Foreigners can get married in Costa Rica. The documents needed are: original birth certificate, affadavit of single status, police record, valid passport, divorce decree(if applicable). These documents need to follow the authentication procedure before being taken to Costa Rica.

What Medical facilities are available near Villa?
There are several Doctor's offices nearby for less than major needs(cuts, bruises, stomachache, etc.). Costa Rica has some of the finest medical hospitals in Latin America and most of the doctors were trained in the states, therefore having someone to speak english is not a problem.
Costa Rican Pharmacies are completely different that North America. You can actually receive medical attention at a pharmacy for minor problems like stomache ache, head ache, etc. I went to the pharmacy in Coco with a stomache ache and asked for an injection. They gave me a choice of medicine and gave me a shot and i was good as new in 12 hours. All of this for $12.00.

***in Case of Emergency Dial 911*** 

Who do I call in case of emergencies?
If the emergency occurs at the villa, call our management group immediately. If the emergency occurs away from our villa,
                            ****call 911****.

Are Bugs or Mosquitoes bad?
We have found that some days we're bothered by mosquitoes/"no-seeums" and some days we're not bothered at all. It is a good idea to have a can of insect repellant with "deet". Don't worry if you forget to bring it, as it is sold in the local stores.

Do I need any vaccinations to enter Costa Rica?
No vaccines are required to enter Costa Rica.

Is the water OK to drink?
The water at Villa Cielo Rosa is perfectly OK to drink. We have our own private community well. Although we suggest to drink bottled water when in rural areas of the country. Tap water is OK to drink in all populated areas of the country.

Is there a limit on the time I can stay in Costa Rica?
When a US citizen enters the country with a valid passport, you are allowed 90 days on a tourist visa. If you leave the country for 72 hours, you can return for another 90 days.

What should I pack in my suitcase?
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Light raincoat and/or umbrella
- Long Pants: evenings can be chilly
- Clothing comfortable for hiking, touring, etc. (70-94 degree weather)
- Hiking shoes - Day pack (fanny or backpack)
- Your Passport and 3 copies of passport.
- Driver's license
- Credit card or traveler's checks
- English/Spanish dictionary
- A Costa Rican guidebook (Fodor's, Lonely Planet, etc.)
- Drugstore items (toothpaste, soap, lotion, razor, etc.)
- Sandals
- Camera and film

Rental cars and driving hints?
A full variety of rental cars/SUV's are available. If you are planning to explore the country, we recommend renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The roads in the local vicinity of Villa Cielo Rosa and all the activities around our villa are perfect for any vehicle. Driving at night is not recommended due to some large pot holes that might flatten your tire. PLEASE remember that if you have any car trouble while traveling, try to limp to the nearest establishment for help. REMEMBER to not leave anything in the car at ANY time. Violent crime is seldom heard but petty theft is the dominant crime. All frustrations can be avoided by simply removing everything from your car when leaving it unattended.
Always allow yourself plenty of time when driving to your destination. There is plenty to see while driving, so relax and drive slow to be able to absorb all the natural beauty.

Can I fly instead of drive to other parts of the country?
Most definetly!! The local airlines in Costa Rica are SANSA and NATURE AIR. You can make arrangements at Liberia airport(25 minutes from villa) to fly to many popular destinations within the country. You can contact SANSA at www.flysansa.com (506-221-9414) or NATURE AIR at www.natureair.net (506-220-3054).

Where's The Best Surf?
Surfers were among the first travelers to frequent Costa Rica. While there are no mythical Hawaii-size breaks, Costa Rica is a popular surfing destination for its warm water and year-round waves. Pavones, Jaco, Quepos, Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo are all big surf spots. Some surfers bring their own surfboards; others rent or buy and sell boards while here

Where and when is the best fishing in Costa Rica?
Sport fishing in Costa Rica is excellent on both coasts and there are game fish to be caught during all months of the year. Fishing is of the ‘catch and release' variety (although a small number are kept for eating) and prices vary greatly depending on the boat, outfitter and region. Several world record fish have been caught off the coasts of Costa Rica. On the Pacific Coast, Ocotal/Coco, Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos and the Osa Peninsula are all fishing hot spots with various charter companies. On the Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero and Barra Colorado are popular. The slowest fishing months are September through November on the Pacific and June and July on the Caribbean, though this varies from region to region. Marlin, Roosterfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Tarpon and Snook (on the Caribbean) as well as Yellowfin Tuna are the prime targets.

Is there good golfing in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is not yet a world-class golf destination, but this is changing rapidly. The Melia hotel chain offers two courses, one near the San Jose airport at the Melia Cariari ($40 greens fees), the other on the beach at the Melia Playa Conchal ($100, includes cart). You have to be a member or a guest of their hotel to play the Cariari course. Royal Pacific Golf & Country Club, a Ron Garl designed course, is a short drive from the Melia Conchal is an 18-hole course. Hacienda Pinilla, located on Costa Rica's North Pacific Coast is just a short drive from Melia Playa Conchal's Garra de León Golf Course. This newly created 18-hole championship links style layout was completed in February of 2001. Mike Young designed the course on what used to be a working cattle ranch and is now part of a 5,000 acre mega-development. The entire project is still in the early stages of development, but the course already boasts the finest greens in Costa Rica.
Hacienda Pinilla hosts a tournament every Saturday morning. Many Americans participate in this local "Fun for All". The cost is approx. $135.00, which includes Green fees/cart, lunch, and a chance to win many nice prizes. This golf outing usually continues on into the day or night with friends or new aquaintances.

What is the time difference?
Costa Rica time is  equivalent to Central Standard Time (CST) in North America.
Costa Rica does not change clocks ahead for daylight savings time, therefore from April-December Costa Rica local time is one hour ahead of CST.

Is the electricity standard North American voltage?
YES! You can plug any normal electric-powered device (hair dryers, shaver, laptop computer, etc.) into an electrical wall outlet in Costa Rica.

How much do I tip waiters and other hired help?
Although tipping is not very common in Costa Rica (because it's usually included), a general rule of thumb is to tip like you would in your own country. In most restaurants a 10% service charge is already added to your bill. If you receive exceptional service, we recommend leaving an additional 10%. For porters, 150 colones (about 50 cents) per bag is a fair gratuity. Tipping taxi drivers is almost unheard of but if you feel the urge, it will be well received! For tour guides, follow the guidelines for each company or again, tip like you would in your own country for similar services.

Is Costa Rica a good place to vacation with children?
Absolutely!! There are plenty of exciting activities and educational opportunities for all ages. Experiencing the fauna , flora and the wild life of the Costa Rica will be an experience your children will not soon forget. Horseback riding, hiking, swimming, sailing or enjoying the beach and much much more.

When should I visit Costa Rica?
The country is relatively unspoiled by tourism and foreign greed. Now is a great time to visit. The dry season is December through April. A mini-summer also exists July and August. Green Season is the rest of the time. You will experience sunny mornings and "possible" afternoon rains during the green season.

Temperatures are consistent year round but vary by elevation within the country.

Do I need to speak Spanish?
The official language is Spanish. Most people speak English . You can also find people who speak German, French and Italian. Knowledge of the basics hello (Hola) and thanks (gracias) goes a long way. Try to learn a few phrases and numbers before you come .English is spoken in most areas where tourism exist.

How do I get to Costa Rica?
Several major airlines are flying into Liberia International Airport. Only 20 minutes from the Villa Cielo Rosa. Delta airlines flies into Liberia 7 days a week. Most major airlines fly into San José from their hubs in the U.S. and Canada. Most European flights connect through the U.S.

How do I get from San José to the to the westcoast?
You may rent a car, take a bus or fly to Liberia International airport.

Travel by car from San José to villa will take from 3 to 4 hours, depending upon you driving skills and speed. Travel by bus generally takes 6 hours and cost around $5 US. If you travel by bus, make sure you take the express bus. The local bus takes 7.5 hours and should be avoided.

Several daily flights leave San José International Airport to Liberia. You may book these flights through our management.

What is the street address or directions for the Taxi?
Costa Rica has no street names except in the downtown areas of cities. Even then, there are no street signs giving the street numbers. So, how do you tell a taxi to take you to an address when there is no address? Taxi drivers get directions by landmarks. Tell him Vistas Del Pacifico at Playa Panama to the top of the development.

If I rent a vehicle, what should I expect?
An International Drivers License is a great thing to have, but it is not necessary. Insurance of $15 to $20 US per day is MANDATED by LAW. Don't bother trying to convince them that you have credit card insurance. It doesn't matter to them. The insurance company is owned by the government.

Subcompacts are available but most tourists rent a 4x4, especially if you plan to travel the back roads where high clearance is necessary. Expect to spend at least $70 per day for a 4x4. There is a wide variation in prices among the rental agencies, so shop around.

If you're going to drive from San José, make sure the agent reserves a car for you in San José, COSTA RICA (SJO).Wear your seat belts. (It's the law.)

If a police officer is on the side of the road and waves you down, you are expected to pull over. Don't give them your drivers license to keep, don't pay them, take the ticket to your rental agency and pay it there. Maximum speed is 100 kph, but there are very few places where this is possible. Speed limits are posted on signs or painted on the road itself. Be aware of school speed zones that are 25 kph. Most roads are 60-80 kph and you'll be lucky to go 40 kph on dirt roads. Take your time on the drive; just relax and enjoy the scenery, it'sbeautiful.

Bridges are everywhere and most bridges are one lane. At these bridges, there is a yield sign on one side of the bridge. Traffic from one direction must yield to the traffic from the other side. On busy days it can take some time to go over a well-travelled bridge. Costa Ricans (or Ticos) are like everyone else behind the wheel of a vehicle. They may be the most polite people we know, but in control of a car, they can be aggressive. The mountains and hills make most roads necessarily curvy with many blind corners. Passing in a blind corner is a common trait for drivers. Be safe. If you come across a bunch of branches in the road, it's likely that just ahead there is an accident or a car is stalled in the middle of the road. Use caution. Most roads have no shoulders, so stopping in the middle of the road to fix a flat or pour water in a radiator is common.

How do we gain access to the vacation home once we arrive?
Once your itinerary is set, simply provide us with your expected arrival time. If you are driving from San José, the concierge will meet you at the home. Upon arrival, he will provide you with keys, give you a tour of the home, and all of its amenities.

Is the home air conditioned?
Yes, our villa has central A/C. The vacation home experiences a great Pacific Ocean breeze and the ceiling fans provide additional air circulation. Most people prefer not to have the a/c on so they can hear the sounds of the night time.

Do I need an electrical adapter?
Costa Rica follows the U.S. standards of 110/220V AC 60Hz. The villa is equipped with standard U.S. flat-prong type outlets and will accommodate all your electrical needs.

What type of weather can I expect?
Average high temperatures are 85-90°F (26-32°C) on the Pacific Coast during dry season (December-May). Low temperatures range65-70°F (18-21°C)

During the green season (June-November), mornings are sunny with clouds coming in during the afternoon. It might rain during the afternoon, but most likely will rain during the night.

What activities are available during the day?
Sunning-Scuba Diving-Hiking-Surfing-Sunset sailing-Sea kayaking-Jungle canopy tours-White water rafting-Snorkeling-Bird watching-Horseback riding-Sport fishing-Sightseeing- and much, much more.

Our management team will suggest and help with  any tours you may be interested in. Our recommendation: schedule tours for the morning, siesta during the early afternoon and relax by the pool or beach as you wait for sunset.

Is it safe to swim in the Pacific Ocean?
There are no life guards at most beaches. Most beaches are fine for swimming, but there are also many places that can have strong undertows. Always be cautious.

Flotation devices are not a substitution for swimming ability. Strong breezes and tide changes can cause dangerous drifting.

Be careful around surfers.

Keep an eye on your children at ALL times!

Don't swim alone.

How do I book a tour?
Our management team will handle all of your tour questions. Just ask! We want your stay in our home to be enjoyable, so leave all of the details to us.

What activities are available at night?
*Star gazing
*Open-air restaurants
*Discos
*Casino
*Relaxing by the pool listening to the wildlife.
*Movie Theatre (in English) Located in Liberia
-30 minutes from Villa.
*Romantic night with your companion.

What restaurants are nearby? What is the price range?
There are at least ten good restaurants within a short drive of the vacation home. Most of these restaurants are reasonably priced.

What do I tip?
Service/Tips is usually included in the bill of restaurants. Menus will specifically say if the service is NOT included. If you are unsure, ask.

If service is not included in the bill,10% is the usual tip. Even if service is included, a few coins or change is frequently left on the table. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but appreciate a tip. We tip around 5%of the bill.

Tip for the house staff (maid and gardener) is suggested at 450-800 Colónes ($1-2) per day per room.

Is the area safe for tourists?
Most crime in Costa Rica is limited to petty theft, such as pick-pocketing and this occurs much more often in San José. Fortunately, random acts of violence have not made their way to Costa Rica. NEVER leave your valuables unattended on the beach or visible in your vehicle. Lock your valuables in the house safe.

Extremely valuable jewelry has no place in Costa Rica. Leave it at home.

At night, take a taxi if you are alone or a long distance from the vacation home.

The U.S. Department of State has a web site listing travel advisories for foreign countries. The statement on Costa Rica has basic travel safety information: U.S. citizens are encouraged to use the same level of caution that they would exercise in major cities or tourist areas throughout the world.

Do I need to worry about bugs and insects?
Generally no. It is the rain forest, so bugs do exist. However, during the dry season, they usually aren't a problem.

If you are annoyed by bugs where you live, bring bug repellent with DEET just in case.

Costa Rican currency and what credit cards are accepted?
The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon. the exchange rate as of June 09' is 575 Colones to 1 US dollar.
Most all credit cards are accepted. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards.
It is better to use smaller bills(less than $100.00) because receiving change is sometimes an ordeal. There is not a problem using large bills at larger restaurants and grocery stores. Make sure all U.S. bills that you bring are in good condition. Any bills with small tears or missing corners, etc. will not be accepted.

How can people contact me while I'm there?
You can rent a cellular phone from the rental car company. No outgoing international calls can be made with the rental phone but you can receive calls from the USA. All calls within the country are local calls. 
In case of Emergency, our management company can be contacted from the US. All phone numbers are listed on the rental agreement.

What is the geography of Costa Rica?
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, they range from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level). The Cordillera de Guanacaste, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera de Talamanca are the principal mountain ranges extending the length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Volcán Arenal, Volcán Irazú, Volcán Rincón de la Vieja and Volcán Turrialba) and the country's highest mountain (Cerro Chirripó), which reaches a height of 3,819m (12,530 ft.)The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract expert kayakers and rafters. Costa Rica's land mass is 51,100 square kilometers, making it about the size of West Virginia or two thirds the size of Scotland.

How is the local economy?
You don't have to drive very far in Costa Rica, past the coffee fields, banana farms, sugar cane fields, and other crops, to realize that agriculture is the basis of its economy. Coffee has historically been the country's most important crop, and Costa Rica continues to produce some of the finest coffee in the world. Bananas are the second most important export crop, with vast plantations covering parts of the Caribbean lowlands, there is also significant land dedicated to the cultivation of pineapples, sugar, oranges, rice, hardwoods and ornamental plants, as well as raising cattle for beef and dairy products.

Is the government stable?
If you have read any of the many guidebooks on Costa Rica, then you are probably aware that Costa Rica is a diplomatic, peaceful country with NO standing military. Costa Rica has been fortunate to have never had a single war or major political turmoil. It is considered by many political experts to be the most stable country in Central America and among the elite of Latin America. An impressive public healthcare system and strong emphasis on education (CR is the most literate of all Latino countries) have resulted in a happy, affluent culture. Like in most developing nations, there is a degree of unrest with the political corruption and shortage of strict law enforcement, but by and large Costa Rica is a country whose people seem quite content with their political leadership.