Located in Playa Panama, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, the villa is only 20 minutes from LIR international airport (or 3 hrs by car from SJO). What is there to do in the area? There are any number of things to do, from active excursions such as canopy tours and horseback riding to sailing and sightseeing trips throughout Costa Rica. In addition, the villa's close proximity to Playa Hermosa and Playa Coco allow plenty of opportunities to explore these areas at your leisure. When you arrive at the villa, our concierge will help get you settled and offer a wide area of activities that suit your interests. Some examples of these activities can be found by clicking here. Which airport should I fly into? Costa Rica has two airports - San Jose and Liberia. There are quite a few domestic routes to each but Liberia is a only a short taxi ride from the airport to the villa. If you fly into San Jose, you will likely arrive later in the day and have to stay overnight in San Jose before flights become available the next day to Liberia. The Costa Rican airline Sansa charges around $50 for this frequent flight but has a 22lb weight limit per person for luggage. Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a $4 bus ride to Liberia. However, that route is approximately 200km and is not a quick transit. Can I rent a car? Vehicles are available to rent through well-known companies such as Hertz and Budget. There are quite a few additional places worth seeing that are not in the immediate area of the villa that would require a sense of adventure and a rugged vehicle such as a Jeep or the popular Diahatsu Terios. Is the water safe to drink? Yes! Water is potable in all parts of the country. We recommend, that you travel with a bottle of water (whether purchased or your own) at all times to prevent dehydration. Are the beaches in the area safe for swimming? Yes. Because Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal and Playa Panama beaches are located in Bahia Culebra (Snake Bay, named after its shape) the surf is very calm and there are no rip currents that are associated with the beaches to the south. Nevertheless, the ocean should always be respected by those who intend to enjoy it. Are there any travel safety tips you can offer? Unfortunately, petty theft in Costa Rica is common. While enjoying a swim, please always keep an eye on your belongings on the beach, or have a member of your party watch them for you. Keep your money on your person or in a safe place, and never leave anything of value in your car! It is also a good idea to keep a copy your passport with you. Leave your passport at your hotel in a safe place. You don’t want to loose it!! Are credit cards and US dollars accepted in local businesses? Yes, in general, although it is better to verify Credit Card acceptance prior to payment for goods or services (VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover). U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, though it is better to bring small denominations ($20) for ease of payment and exchange to Costa Rican colones. Paying for goods or services with $100 bills can be problematic. They are generally accepted only at large business establishments. What should I pack? Costa Rica is very laid back and casual so there isn't any need for formal attire. Feel free to go light on luggage as even the nicer restaurants have relaxed standards of dress. Also be sure to pack walking shoes or amphibious hiking shoes to visit some areas you may want to see. These areas are forested and feature hot springs, various wildlife, waterfalls, and volcanos. You may also want to ride the zip lines in the canopy tour which require closed-toed shoes. Does the villa have a laundry? In addition to a full laundry, the villa has four bedrooms and a full kitchen. Do I need a passport? As of December 31, 2005, US visitors to Costa Rica are required to have a passport. More information is available from the State Department at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html. What precautions should I take? Costa Rica has some of the more accessible health care than other Central American countries. While the Centers for Disease Control offers recommendations (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm) for certain vaccinations (such as tetanus), there are no health requirements for visiting the country.