When is the best time to visit
Costa Rica is a year-round destination! We have two distinct seasons; the dry season runs from December through April, and the green season runs from May through the end of November. Don't be afraid of the green season. You are visiting the rainforest, but it seldom rains all day every day during the majority of the season. There are 12 micro-climates in Costa Rica, so if visiting several regions during your vacation, you are likely going to experience a little rain, sunshine, clouds, humidity, etc regardless of the time of year.
 
Whale season is from mid July - October, and again in December - March.  

Arrival and Departure 
Our typical check in time is 3:00 p.m. and check out is 11:00 am.
However, if we do not have other guests coming or going the same day as you, then we are very happy to try and make arrangements that best suit your travel needs.

Which airport is closest to the property
SJO (Juan Santamaria International Airport) is the closet international airport approximately 3.5 hours from our property (without stops). The Perez Zeldon Domestic airport (currently closed) is located approximately 20 minutes from our property and the Quepos Domestic Airport is located approximately 1 hour from our property. Sansa and Green Airways are great options for Domestic flights in country to help cut out drive time.

Should we purchase travel protection
Absolutely! Most people choose to get travel protection in case they have to cancel their trip. Although this is one of the main reasons to get travel protection for any vacation, during travel coverage is equally or more important should the unforeseen occur during your vacation. The cost of a medical emergency can be catastrophic if you aren't protected. We understand this is the least fun thing to purchase, but ask us to send you the unfortunate situations we've experienced in our travel agency with many clients over the last couple of decades. For those unvaccinated, the Costa Rican Government requires mandatory insurance.

Do I need to rent a car
Yes! The main roadways from all surrounding airports to our area are all paved. You will only find 5 minutes of unpaved road leading to our house. It is a very simple drive and will be much more convenient and cheaper to rent a car as opposed to hiring a driver (although we can help you arrange transfers to/from anywhere in Costa Rica if you wish).  

In Costa Rica, we drive on the right side of the road (same as in the US and Canada). You will need your passport, your drivers license, and a credit card to rent a car. A full tank of gas in a 4X4 is approximately $65 (this can last you about 1 week).

We personally recommend and use Adobe Rent a Car as they are 100% Costa Rican, have the largest fleet, have over 15 offices and are completely transparent about prices and insurance. Adobe Rent a Car is also one of the most popular car rental companies in Costa Rica and since they have more offices in the country, it is easy to reach them in case you have an emergency.

Liability insurance is mandatory car rental insurance in Costa Rica. Mandatory insurance from Adobe that costs $13-25 USD a day depending on the type of vehicle.

Do I need a 4X4 to stay at this property
No, but 4x4 or AWD is highly recommended, especially if visiting Oct--Dec. You will only be on our rural road for approximately 5 minutes and it is relatively flat and well maintained. However, you will want to consider all of your activities and areas you'd like to visit before deciding on your car rental and determine if those areas require a 4X4 or not.  

Do I need an international drivers license to drive in Costa Rica
No! Your valid driver’s license from your home country allows you to rent a vehicle in Costa Rica. Always carry a copy of your passport with the entry stamp into Costa Rica in case you get pulled over.  

What is the electrical outlets in Costa Rica
Costa Rica uses the same electric standards as the rest of North America. Outlets are 120 volts and 60 hz. Visitors from Europe and other parts of the world will need adapters.
 
Is it safe
Yes! One of the charms of Costa Rica is how clean and safe the country is. As with anywhere, there is still petty crime such as car break-ins if valuables are left in cars. At our house, we are on a dead end road with very little traffic. Our property is surrounded by the dense jungle and accessible only through our locked gate. There are only 5 houses on our street; all owned by expats.

Each Casita has a safe for you to lock your valuables in.

Can we drink the water
Yes! The standards are very high in Costa Rica (same as you'd find in North America or Europe) so you can drink from the tap and eat the fresh fruit and vegetables. As an extra layer of precaution, we have installed a UV water filter system for extra peace of mind.

What is the currency in Costa Rica
The local currency is called the “Colone”. U.S. dollars are widely accepted here, but you will get your change in Colones. The airport in San Jose has plenty of money changing counters, but they usually give the very worst exchange rate. If you let your bank know of your travel dates to Costa Rica you can use your ATM card to take cash out of any ATM (either U.S. Dollars or Colones).  
 
If you do not exchange any money or get Colones in San Jose, please make sure to have about 6- $1 bills on you for 3 tolls that you'll go through.

What is the exchange rate
Please check www.xe.com for the most up to date exchange rate. In a pinch, I divide the Colones amount by 610 and that gives you the amount in U.S. Dollars (approximately).

Do I need to exchange any money
It's not necessary, as the US Dollar is widely accepted, but it is recommended to exchange money so that you can be certain that you are given the proper amount of change back when making purchases.  

Do any of your rooms have air conditioning 
No! In fact, we had air conditioning initially and took it out since it was never used and not necessary at this elevation (~2000 ft above sea level). We selected this elevation precisely for the amazing weather. You can sit outside during the heat of the day without the humidity or mosquitos and still feel very comfortable. We have ceiling fans in all of the living spaces and outdoor rancho.

Is there WiFi 
Yes! We have fiber-optic internet that works great in the main house and outside rancho. The WiFi does not have a strong signal in either of the detached casitas.

Is there a TV
No, there is often a live nature show going on somewhere on our property so a TV would be a waste.  

Is smoking promoted on property
We would like all guests to be able to enjoy the clean, fresh mountain air both during the day and at night with the cool breeze and sounds of nature. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside any structure including the outdoor rancho. There is a designated smoking area near the gate in the secure parking area. Please remember to leave the jungle as clean as you found it and properly discard your cigarette butts in the outside garbage.

Smoking outside of this policy will result in a $500 cleaning fee.

Can we bring our pet
No! Though we love all fur babies, we have proudly had all of our furnishings hand crafted in Costa Rica and would like to maintain as clean of an environment for all guests as possible.

How many guests can you host
6 couples ideally as we have 3 king sized beds. However, 2 of our couches are the size of a twin mattress so we can sleep an additional 2 making 8 total. We don't have an air mattress, but if bringing your own, there is extra space in the main house if needed

Are children allowed
Although we love children, the layout of this home is very private with the 2 detached casitas off of the main house making this a better fit for adults. Teens would likely feel comfortable with their own private space, but parents might not feel comfortable with little ones in a detached space.  We recommend 16+, but please talk to us about your children and ages so we can help you make an informed decision

How far are you from a beach 
30-minute drive down the mountain. If you need a quick dip, there are loads of waterfalls within walking distance.

Can Bali Baru Hideaway help me plan the rest of my trip in any other regions
Absolutely! We are certified travel agents in the US and have been planning trips to Costa Rica for clients decades before deciding to purchase this home. We've personally traveled to all regions of Costa Rica and are very involved with the tourism here. We are happy to help you plan your complete Costa Rican vacation. WorldWide Travel Team

Can we cook our own meals
Yes! For those staying in the main house, you have a full kitchen as well as the outdoor kitchen in the Rancho at your disposal. Our favorite local market to stock up is Elizabeth's just a short distance from the house on Route 234. On your way to the house, Elizabeth's is ~half mile from your first left turn (by the giant tapir sign). You are also welcome to hire one of the local chefs to prepare meals for you at our house.

Are there walking trails on the property
Yes!  We have a trail throughout the property leading down to a private waterfall. Additionally, you have the option to book a private tour down to the river from one of our neighbors at a nominal fee of $5 per person.

For the early-riser, walkers, or runners you have miles of village road with very few cars to enjoy your mountain exercise.

Do I have to know how to speak Spanish
No, but a few words will be helpful. In the day and age of Google Translate coupled with English being widely spoken in Costa Rica, and very helpful Ticos and Ticas, it is not necessary.