36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 367

Index

adventure itinerary, 39–40 • A • aerial tram tours, 145, 218 AAA, 51, 68, 74 Agua Luna (Puerto Jiménez), 305 AAA Travel Agency, 64 Agujitas River, 296 AARP, 51, 68, 74, 79 air travel accessibility issues, 80 booking online, 59–60 accommodations within , 47, 66–67 air-conditioning and, 73, 74, 107 cost-cutting tips, 58–59 babysitting service, 78 departure tax, 55, 123, 362 bed-and-breakfast, 73 Dominical area, 228 best, 9–12 to Drake Bay, 296 best room, reserving, 76 fares, 46–47, 58–59 booking online, 50, 75–76 and Golfo Dulce, 313 boutique hotels, 73 La Fortuna, 253 cabinas, 74, 78 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 288 Cahuita, 325–327 Manuel Antonio, 186 chain hotels, 73 Montezuma, 278 children and, 50, 77–78 Puerto Jiménez, 303–304 choosing, 71 Punta Islita, 287 cost of, 46, 47, 72, 74 Tortuguero, 342–343 cost-cutting tips, 49–50, 74 air-conditioning, 73, 74, 107 Dominical, 223–225 airlines Drake Bay, 297–300 carryon luggage, 93 ecolodges, 11–12, 73–74, 295 contact information, 57–58, 363–364 elderhostel, 80 package tours and, 63–64 familyhostel, 78 security measures, 92–93 Golfito and Golfo Dulce, 12, 315–318 senior discounts, 78 Guanacaste, 158, 160–167 airports home rentals, 225 Daniel Olduber International Airport hotels, 9–10, 73, 83, 364 (Liberia), 57, 152 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 209–213 Internet kiosks at, 90 with kitchenettes, 50, 78 Juan Santamaria International Airport La Fortuna, 255–260 (San José), 57, 98 Lake Arenal, 267–270 Tobís Bolaños International Airport luxury resorts,COPYRIGHTED 9–10, 72–73 MATERIAL(Pavas), 67 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 290–292 transportation from, 98–99 Manuel Antonio, 189–194 Alby Lodge (Cahuita), 325 , 238–241 alcoholic beverages, 361 Montezuma, 11, 279–282 Allegro Papagayo Resort (Papagayo price range for, 2 Peninsula), 158, 160 Puerto Jiménez, 305–308 all-terrain vehicle (ATV), 177, 200, 218, Puerto Viejo, 333–336 238, 288, 290 rack rate, 49, 74 Almonds & Corals Tent Camp romantic, 83 (Manzanillo), 333 taxes, 47, 123, 362 American Express, 120, 359 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 368

368 Costa Rica For Dummies, 1st Edition

American Express Travel Service, 64 Amor de Mar (Montezuma), 11, 279–280 • B • Annexation of Guanacaste Day, 33 babysitting service, 78 appetizers (bocas), 23, 142 Bahía Culebra (Guanacaste), 153 Apuy, Otto (artist), 177 Bahia Marine National Park, 229 Araya, Johnny (mayor of San José), 97 Bakea (San José), 12, 115 archaeological sites, 146 Baldi Termae, 262 architecture, local, 22 Ballena Marine National Park, 226–227 Arco Iris Lodge (Santa Elena), 238 Bar & Restaurant La Cubana Arenal Botanical Gardens and Butterfly (Golfito), 318 Sanctuary, 271 beaches. See also Jacó and Playa Arenal Lodge (near Lake Arenal), 255–256 Herradura; Malpaís and Santa Arenal National Park, 261 Teresa Arenal Observatory Lodge (on the flanks Ballena Marine National Park, 226 of ), 11, 256 best, 13–14 Arenal Pacifico (Jacó), 209–210 Caño Island, 302 Arenal volcano Chauita, 323 climate around, 260 Dominical, 221, 228–229 described, 29, 260–261 Drake Bay, 302 eruptions, 252–253, 261, 358 Guanacaste, 152, 153, 155–157, 176–177 map of, 257 International Beach Clean-Up Day, 34 safety issues, 261 Manuel Antonio, 198, 199–200 art galleries, 136, 249–250 Montezuma, 14, 283, 284–285 Aserri, 119, 357 Puerto Viejo, 331 Atlántida Lodge (Playa Negra), 326 riptides and, 217 ATMs, 52, 53–54, 359 San Josesito, 302 attractions south of Puerto Viejo, 337–338 best, 14–15 Tortuguero, 349 Cahuita, 329–330 bed-and-breakfast accommodations, 73 cost of, 48 Berlitz Latin American Spanish Dominical, 226–228 Phrasebook and Dictionary, 361 Drake Bay, 300–303 Biesanz, Barry (woodworker), 137 family spots, best, 15–16 Bijagual Waterfalls, 215 Golfito and Golfo Dulce, 318–320 biking. See also mountain biking Guanacaste, 173–181 Jacó, 208 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 215–219 to Manzanillo, 338 La Fortuna, 260–264 Puerto Viejo, 333 Lake Arenal, 270–272 Bilge Bar, Restaurant & Grill (Golfito), 318 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 292–293 Blue Lake (Guanacaste), 173 Manuel Antonio, 197–202 blue-plate special (casado), 22 Monteverde, 244–249 boat tours, 201–202, 349 Montezuma, 283–285 boat travel Puerto Viejo, 337–341 to Drake Bay, 297 San José, 126–133 Golfito, 314 ten ideas for, 356–358 between Monteverde and ATV (all-terrain vehicle), 177, 200, 218, La Fortuna, 235 238, 288, 290 outside of San José, 145–146 Avenida Central (San José), 134 to Punta Coral, 146 Aviarios del Caribe and the Buttercup to Tortuga Island, 145–146 Sloth Rescue Center, 329 to Tortuguero, 343–344 Azania Bungalows (Playa Cocles), 11, 334 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 369

Index 369

bocas (appetizers), 23, 142 to Monteverde, 235–236, 238 boogie-boards, renting, 217 to Montezuma, 278–279 booking online to Puerto Jiménez, 304 accommodations, 50, 75–76 to Puerto Viejo, 331 air travel, 59–60 in San José, 106 rental car, 50, 68–69 to San José, 100 books. See also publications by title thieves and, 362 on Costa Rica, 24–25, 331 to Tortuguero, 344 for gay or lesbian travelers, 82 business hours, 120 San José bookstore, 136 Buttercup Sloth Rescue Center, 329 for senior travelers, 80 Butterfly Farm (Alajuela), 130–131 for travelers with disabilities, 81 butterfly gardens Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge Fincas Naturales, 198 ( Peninsula), 12, 306 Monteverde, 246 boutique hotels, 73 Punta Uva, 341 Braulio Carrillo National Park, 323 Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, 128–129 Bribri Indians’ Kéköldi Reserve, 340 Butterfly Sanctuary (Lake Arenal), 271 Britannia Hotel (San José), 108 bucket shops (consolidators), 58–59 budget for trip. See also money issues • C • accommodations, 47 cabinas, 74, 78 attractions, 48 Cabinas Casa Verde (Puerto Viejo), 334 cost of things in Costa Rica, 46 Cabinas Jinetes de Osa (Drake Bay), cost-cutting tips, 49–51 297–298 gas for rental car, 47 Cabinas Los Cocos (Playa Zancudo), 315 nightlife, 48 Cabinas San Clemente (Dominical), 223 restaurants, 48 Cabinas Sol y Mar (Playa Zancudo), 315 shopping, 48 Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve sightseeing, 48 (Montezuma), 283–284 taxes, 55 Cabuya, 284–285 tipping, 98, 106 Café Britt Farm (Heredia), 131 transportation, 46–47 Café del Teatro Nacional (San José), 115 “The Bug Lady” (Stice), 303 Café Milagro (Manuel Antonio), 197 bugs, 353 Café Mundo (San José), 116 bungee jumping, 145 Cafeteria 1830 (San José), 116 bus travel Cahuita to Cahuita, 323–324 accommodations, 325–327 in Costa Rica, 70, 100 attractions, 329–330 Dominical, 222 described, 30, 323 to Drake Bay, 297 fast facts, 350 to Golfito and Golfo Dulce, 314 guided tours, 324 in Guanacaste, 158 map of, 325 to Guanacaste, 152–153 nightlife, 331 to Jacó and Playa Herradura, 207–208 orientation, 324 from Juan Santamaria International restaurants, 327–329 Airport, 99 safety issues, 354 to La Fortuna, 254 shopping, 330–331 to Lake Arenal, 267 transportation, 324 to and from Limón, 343 traveling to, 323–324 to Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 288 visitor information, 324 to Manuel Antonio, 187–188 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 370

370 Costa Rica For Dummies, 1st Edition

Cahuita National Park, 323, 329, 330 car rental. See rental car calendar of events, 33–34 Carara National Park, 205, 207, 216 Caliche’s Wishbone (Jacó), 213 Caribbean coast, 32, 322, 350 Camarón Dorado (Playa Brasilito), Caribbean Conservation Corporation’s 13, 167–168 Visitors’ Center and Museum camping (Tortuguero), 348 Almonds & Corals Tent Camp, 333 Cariblue Bungalows (Playa Cocles), Ballena Marine National Park, 226–227 334–335 Cahuita National Park, 330 Carnaval or Día de la Raza, 34 Corcovado National Park, 311 Carnival, 34 Malpaís Surf Camp & Resort, 290–291 Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge Cañas, 177 (Osa Peninsula), 298 Caño Island Biological Reserve, 302 Casa Creole (Playa Negra), 327 Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, 261 Casa Marbella (Tortuguero Village), canoeing, 329, 349 345–346 canopy tours Casa Orquideas (Golfito), 319 Drake Bay, 302–303 casado (blue-plate special), 22 Guanacaste, 180 cash, carrying, 53–54 Hacienda Guachipelin, 174 casinos, 143–144, 182, 203 Jacó and Playa Herradura area, 218 Cassafont, Miguel (Costa Rican Malpaís, 293 artist), 116 Manuel Antonio, 200–201 Catholic Church (Cañas), 177 Monteverde, 246–248 CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), 69 Montezuma, 284 cellphone, 89–90 outside of San José, 145 central pacific coast, 28, 205 overview, 15, 357 Central Valley, 4, 27 Tabacón Hot Springs Resort and Centro Nacional de Arte y Cultura Spa, 263 (National Arts and Culture Center) canyoning, 201, 248, 263 (San José), 126 car, driving. See also rental car ceramics, 181 to Cahuita, 323 Cerro de la Muerte (Mountain of on Cerro de la Muerte (Mountain of Death), 221 Death), 221 Cha Cha Cha (Cahuita), 328 in Costa Rica, 360 chain hotels, 73 in Dominical, 221–222 Chalet Nicholas (Nuevo Arenal), 267–268 driver’s license for, 360 Chef Bob’s Louisiana Bar & Grill to Golfito and Golfo Dulce, 313 (Playa del Coco), 168 in Guanacaste, 157–158 children to Guanacaste, 153–154 accommodations for, 50, 77–78 to Jacó and Playa Herradura, 206–207 attractions for, 353 to La Fortuna, 253 babysitting services, 78 to Lake Arenal, 266–267 best family attractions, 15–16 to Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 288 hotel discounts for, 77 to Manuel Antonio, 186–187 one-week itinerary for, 38–39 to Monteverde, 234–235 passport for, 78 to Puerto Jiménez, 304 traveling with, 77–78 to Puerto Viejo, 331 Children’s Museum (San José), 127 rainy season and, 32 Clarion Amón Plaza (San José), 108 in San José, 106–107 climate to San José, 100 around Arenal volcano, 260 central pacific coast, 205 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 371

Index 371

dry season, 32 crocodiles, 207 rain forests and, 354 cuisine rainy season, 31–32 Costa Rican coffee, 23–24, 243, 355 southern Costa Rica, 295 gallo pinto (rice and beans), 22, 356 temperature, average, 32 overview, 22–24 cloud forests “rundown” soup or stew, 329 Los Angeles Reserve, 259 Salsa Lizano, 356 Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, currency exchange 28–29, 234, 241, 244–245 locations for, 120–121, 359 Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, overview, 51–53 238, 245 Web site, 2, 365 Club del Mar Condominiums & Resort customs, 359–360 (Jacó), 210 cybercafes, 90, 361 coffee, 23–24, 243, 355 Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), 69 colón (unit of currency), 2, 51–52 • D • Columbus, Christopher (explorer), 18, 20 Damas Island estuary, 200 Complejo Turistico Samoa del Sur dance, modern, 140 (Golfito), 315–316 Daniel Olduber International Airport consolidators (bucket shops), 58–59 (Liberia), 57, 152 Copa del Café (Coffee Cup) (tennis day trips, 133, 144–148 matches), 33 dengue fever, 88 coral reef, Cahuita National Park, 329 dentist, 121 Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp (Osa dentist, finding, 121 Peninsula), 12, 306–307 departure tax, 55, 123, 362 Corcovado National Park (Osa diners (sodas), 22 Peninsula), 30, 301–302, 310–311 disability, traveler with, 80–81 Costa Rica Hotel Marriott (San José), doctor, finding, 121 9, 108–109 dolphin-watching, 201, 202, 339 Costa Rican Tourism Institute, Dominical 105, 121–122 accommodations, 223–225 Costa Rican Tourist Board, 33 attractions, 226–228 Costa Rica’s Independence Day, 33–34 beaches, 221, 228–229 Costanera Highway, 207 fast facts, 229–230 country code and city code, 170 nightlife, 229 Courtyard by Marriott San José, 113 orientation, 222–223 crafts, 137, 139, 181 restaurants, 225–226 credit cards, 54, 359 shopping, 229 credit-reporting agencies, 56 transportation, 223 crime traveling to, 221–222 car break-ins, 70, 207 visitor information, 222–223 exchanging money and, 359 Dominicalito, 228 identity theft and fraud, 56 Drake Bay Manuel Antonio, 189 accommodations, 12, 297–300 overview, 362 attractions, 300–303 pickpockets, 70, 106, 122–123, 362 described, 296 purse slashers, 122–123 nightlife, 303 San José, 107 orientation, 297 scams, 123, 344 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 372

372 Costa Rica For Dummies, 1st Edition

Drake Bay (continued) restaurants, 300 • F • stone spheres, 301, 302 family. See children traveling to, 296–297 familyhostel, 78 Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, 298–299 fast facts driver’s license, 360 Cahuita, 350 driving. See car, driving Caribbean coast, 350 duty-free zone, 313 Dominical, 229–230 general, 359–365 Golfito and Golfo Dulce, 320–321 • E • Guanacaste, 170–171 Eco Termales (La Fortuna), 262 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 220 ecolodge, 11–12, 73–74, 295 La Fortuna, 265–266 El Avion (Manuel Antonio), 195 Lake Arenal, 272–273 El Balcon de Uvita (Uvita), 225 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 293–294 El Bambú (Puerto Viejo), 357 Manuel Antonio, 203–204 El Chorro waterfall (near Monteverde, 251 Montezuma), 285 Montezuma, 286 El Encanto Bed and Breakfast Puerto Viejo, 350 (Cahuita), 326 , 203–204 El Gran Escape (Quepos), 195 San José, 120–124 El Hicaco (Jacó), 214 southern Costa Rica, 320–321 El Loco Natural (Puerto Viejo), 336 Tortuguero, 350 El Mundo de la Tortuga Sea Turtle female travelers, tips for, 82 Nesting (Playa Grande), 175–176 Ferguson, Walter “Gavitt” (musician), 331 El Novillo (La Fortuna area), 260 ferry travel, 278–279, 288 El Nuevo Latino (Playa Herradura), 214 Festejos Populares (Popular Fiestas), 34 El Patio Bistro Latino (Quepos), festivals and special events, 33–34 195–196 Fiesta of the Virgin of Los Angeles, 33 El Rincón de los Monos (Montezuma), 284 Figueres, Cecilia “Pefi” (artist), 137 El Sano Banano Village Bed & Breakfast Finca La Isla Botanical Gardens (Montezuma), 280 (Caribbean coast), 338–339 El Sano Banano Village Café Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn (Montezuma), 282 (San José), 109 El Sapo Dorado (Santa Elena area), 242 Finca Valverde (Santa Elena area), 239 El Tope, 34 Fincas Naturales (The Nature Farm El Velero Hotel (Playa Hermosa), 160 Reserve) (Manuel Antonio), 198 elderhostel, 80 fishing. See sportfishing electricity, 360 Flor Blanca Resort (Playa Santa Teresa), e-mail, checking, 90–91 10, 13, 290, 292 embassies and consulates, 121, 360 Flor de Vida (Monteverde area), 243 emergencies, 121, 360 A Folk-History of Costa Rica’s Talamanca endangered species products, 135 Coast (Palmer), 331 English language, 24, 354–355, 361 Four Seasons Resort (Papagayo escorted tours, 60–62 Peninsula), 10, 160–161, 169, 180 events calendar, 33–34 frequent-flier programs, 51, 68, 74 exchange rate, 2, 51, 52–53 Frog Pond of Monteverde, 246 Exotica (Ojochal), 225 Frommer’s Web site, 59 fruits, 23 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 373

Index 373

nightlife, 181–182 • G • one-week itinerary, 40–41 gallo pinto (rice and beans), 22, 356 restaurants, 167–170 gambling, 143–144 shopping, 181 gardens surfing, 14–15, 178–179 Arenal Botanical Gardens and Butterfly transportation, 157–158 Sanctuary, 271 traveling to, 152–154 Casa Orquideas, 319 visitor information, 157 Finca La Isla Botanical Gardens, Guápiles Highway, 323 338–339 Guayabo National Monument, 146 La Paz Waterfall Gardens, 15, 132–133 guided tours. See also canopy tours; Lankester Gardens, 132 mountain biking; rafting trips Orchid Garden, 246 aerial tram, 145, 218 Punta Uva Butterfly Garden, 341 Bribri Indians’ Kéköldi Reserve, 340 Pura Vida Botanical Gardens, 215 Cahuita, 324 Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, 128–129 canyoning, 201, 248, 263 Wilson Botanical Gardens, 318, 319 cost of, 48 gasoline, 47 crocodile, 207 gay or lesbian traveler, 81–82 Damas Island estuary, 200 Ginger (Playa Hermosa), 13, 168 dolphin-watching, 201–202, 339 Global System for Mobiles (GSM), 89 escorted, 60–62 Gold Coast. See Guanacaste (“Gold Guanacaste, 172–173 Coast”) Hacienda Barú, 227 , 244 Irazú volcano, 146–147 golf, Guanacaste, 180 Manuel Antonio, 199, 200–202 Golfito and Golfo Dulce Manzanillo, 340 accommodations, 12, 315–318 outside San José, 144–148 attractions, 318–320 package, 62–65 described, 30, 312–313 San José, 125 fast facts, 320–321 Tortuguero National Park, 349 orientation, 314 for travelers with disabilities, 80 restaurants, 318 tree-climbing, 227 shopping, 312–313 turtle nesting, 175–176, 349 transportation, 314–315 traveling to, 313–314 Grano de Oro Restaurant (San José), • H • 12–13, 116–117 Hacienda Barú, 227 green season, 31–32 Hacienda Guachipelin (Guanacaste), 174 GSM (Global System for Mobiles), 89 Hampton Inn & Suites (San José), 113 Guaitil pottery, 181 hanging bridges, 263 Guanacaste (“Gold Coast”). See also health issues, 87–88 Papagayo Peninsula hiking accommodations, 158, 160–167 Bijagual Waterfalls, 215 attractions, 173–181 Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature beaches, 152, 153, 155–157, 176–177 Reserve, 283 described, 27, 151, 154 Corcovado National Park, 310, 311 fast facts, 170–171 Guanacaste, 173, 175 guided tours, 172–173 Hacienda Barú, 227 map of, 159 La Cangrejo Waterfall, 173 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 374

374 Costa Rica For Dummies, 1st Edition

hiking (continued) Hotel Fonda Vela (Monteverde), 240 Lake Arenal, 263 Hotel Fuego del Sol (Playa Hermosa), 210 Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, 259 Hotel Grano de Oro (San José), 11, 110 Manuel Antonio National Park, 198–199 Hotel La Aurora (Montezuma), 280 Monteverde area, 244–245, 248–249 Hotel Le Bergerac (San José), 11, 100–111 Nauyaca Waterfall, 227 Hotel Los Mangos (Montezuma), 280–281 night tours, 17, 245, 250 Hotel Lucy (Montezuma), 281–282 rain forests and, 340 Hotel Malinche (Quepos), 190 tips for, 216, 245 Hotel Mar de Luz (Jacó), 210–211 history of Costa Rica, 18–22 Hotel Pasatiempo (Tamarindo), 162–163 Holy Week, 33 Hotel Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar horseback riding (Playa Hermosa), 163–164 Bijagual Waterfalls, 215 Hotel Plinio (Manuel Antonio), 190, 192 Cahuita, 330 Hotel Presidente (San José), 111 Drake Bay, 302 Hotel Punta Islita (Nicoya Peninsula), Guanacaste, 181 10, 30, 287 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 218 Hotel Roca Verde (Dominical), 224 La Fortuna, 264 Hotel Rosa del Paseo (San José), 114 Lake Arenal, 272 Hotel San Bosco (La Fortuna), 257 Los Inocentes Lodge, 175 Hotel Santo Tomás (San José), 111 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 293 Hotel Si Como No (Quepos), 16, 192 Manuel Antonio, 201 Hotel Sugar Beach (Playa Pan de Monteverde, 249 Azúcar), 164 between Monteverde and Hotel Tilawa (Lake Arenal), 268 La Fortuna, 235 Hotel Verde Mar (Manuel Antonio), Montezuma, 285 192–193 Nauyaca Waterfall, 227 Hotel Villa Casa Blanca (Playa hospitals, 121 Ocotal), 164 hot springs hotels, 9–10, 73, 83, 364 Hotel Borinquen Thermal Baths, 175 house, renting, 225 Las Fuentes Termales, 262, 263 howler monkey, 283, 329–330, 356 Tabacón Hot Springs Resort and Spa, hummingbirds, 249–250 258–259, 262, 358 Hotel Alta (San José), 113 Hotel and Villas Cala Luna (Tamarindo), • I • 161–162 identity theft and fraud, 56 Hotel Aranjuez (San José), 109 illness, avoiding, 87–88 Hotel Belmar (Monteverde area), 239 INBio Park (Heredia), 131–132 Hotel Borinquen Thermal Baths insect repellent, 216 (Guanacaste), 175 insects, 353 Hotel Cacts (San José), 113 Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), Hotel Capitán Suizo (Tamarindo), 105, 121–122, 365 15–16, 162 insurance, 61, 69, 86–87 hotel chains, 364 Interamerican Highway, 221, 314 Hotel Costa Verde (Manuel Antonio), 190 International Beach Clean-Up Day, 34 Hotel Diuwak (Dominical), 223 Internet access Hotel Don Carlos (San José), 110 Caribbean coast, 350 Hotel El Establo (Monteverde area), 239 Dominical, 230 Hotel El Sapo Dorado (Monteverde), Guanacaste, 170 11, 240 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 220 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 375

Index 375

La Fortuna, 265 kayaking Manuel Antonio, 204 Drake Bay, 296, 302 overview, 90–92, 361 Golfo Dulce, 15 San José, 122 Manzanillo, 340 Internet kiosks, 90 Osa Peninsula, 312 Irazú volcano, 146–147 outside of San José, 148 itineraries Playa Jacó and Playa Herradura, one-day, 133 217–218 one-week adventure, 39–40 Tortuguero National Park, 349 one-week at the Gold Coast, 40–41 kiteboarding, 271 one-week, highlights of Costa Rica, 35–36 one-week with children, 38–39 • L • San José, 133–134 La Cangrejo Waterfall (Guanacaste), three-day, 134 173, 357 two-day, 134 La Cava Grill (San José), 117, 119 two-week, 36–38 La Choza del Manglar (Puerto Jiménez), 308 La Cocina de Leña (San José), 117 • J • La Colina Lodge (Monteverde), 240–241 Jacó and Playa Herradura La Colina (Manuel Antonio), 193 accommodations, 209–213 La Costa De Papito (Playa Cocles), 335 attractions, 215–219 La Cusinga Lodge (Bahia Ballena), 224 beach safety issues, 217 La Fortuna described, 28, 206 accommodations, 255–260 fast facts, 220 attractions, 260–264 map of, 209, 211 described, 29, 252–253 nightlife, 219 fast facts, 265–266 orientation, 208 map of, 257 restaurants, 213–215 nightlife, 265 shopping, 219 orientation, 255 transportation, 208 restaurants, 260–264 traveling to, 206–208 shopping, 265 visitor information, 208 transportation, 255 Jade Museum (San José), 126–127 traveling to, 253–254 jet-ski tours, 202 visitor information, 255 jewelry, shopping for, 138 La Fortuna Falls, 262–263 Juan Santamaria International Airport La Laguna del Cocodrillo Bistro (San José), 57, 98 (Tamarindo), 13, 168–169 Juanitas Mexican Bar & Grill (Puerto La Luz (San José), 117–118 Jiménez), 310 La Mariposa (Manuel Antonio), 193–194 Jungla y Senderos Los Lagos (near La Paloma Lodge (Drake Bay), La Fortuna), 263 12, 299–300 La Parcela (Dominical), 226 La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Heredia), • K • 15, 132–133 Kaltak Arts and Craft Market La Pecora Nera (Playa Cocles), 13, 336 (Guanacaste), 181 Laguna Lodge (Tortuguero), 346 Karola’s (Manuel Antonio), 196 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 376

376 Costa Rica For Dummies, 1st Edition

Lake Arenal. See also Arenal volcano described, 14, 30, 286–287 accommodations, 267–270 fast facts, 293–294 attractions, 270–272 map of, 289 described, 29, 266 nightlife, 293 fast facts, 272–273 restaurants, 292 map of, 269 transportation, 288, 290 shopping, 272 traveling to, 287–288 transportation, 267 Malpaís Surf Camp & Resort, 290–291 traveling to, 266–267 mangoes, 280–281 visitor information, 267 Manuel Antonio National Park and language environs best phrase book, 361 accommodations, 189–194 English, 24, 354–355, 361 attractions, 197–202 learning Spanish, 79, 228, 249 beaches, 14, 198, 199–200 Lankester, Charles (English climate in, 190 naturalist), 132 described, 16, 27–28, 185 Lankester Gardens (Cartago), 132 fast facts, 203–204 Lapa Rios (Osa Peninsula), 12, 308 guided tours, 200–202 Las Fuentes Termales, 262, 263 map of, 191 Las Tortugas Hotel (Playa Grande), nightlife, 17, 202–203 164–165 orientation, 188 Latin America Network Information restaurants, 195–197 Center (Web site), 365 shopping, 202 Le Monastère (Escazú), 119 transportation, 188–189 leather goods, shopping for, 138 traveling to, 186–188 leptospirosis (tropical fever), 88–89 visitor information, 188 Liberia, 57, 152, 154 Manzanillo (Caribbean coast), 14, 338 Limón, 323, 342, 343 Manzanillo-Gandoca Wildlife Refuge liquor laws, 138, 361 (Caribbean coast), 339–340 Lola’s on the Beach (Playa maps Avellanas), 177 Arenal volcano, 257 Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, 259 Cahuita, 325 Los Inocentes Lodge Horseback Riding Central Pacific Playas, 209 (Guanacaste), 175 La Fortuna, 257 Los Lagos (La Fortuna), 263 Lake Arenal, 269 Lost Iguana Resort (La Fortuna area), 258 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 289 luggage, 86–87, 93 Manuel Antonio, 191 luxury resorts, 9–10, 72–73 Monteverde, 237 Montezuma, 281 obtaining, 122, 361 • M • Playa del Coco, 163 macaws, scarlet, 205, 216 Playa Hermosa, 165 Machu Picchu (San José), 118 Playa Jacó, 211 Magellan Inn (Playa Negra), 326 Puerto Jiménez, 307 Makanda-by-the Sea (Manuel Antonio), Puerto Viejo, 339 10, 194 Quepos, 191 malaria, 88 San José, 102–103 Malpaís and Santa Teresa southern Costa Rica, 309 accommodations, 290–292 Tamarindo, 161 attractions, 292–293 Tortuguero, 345 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 377

Index 377

Maptak (Web site), 365 Monteverde Lodge (Santa Elena area), 241 markets (San José), 135 Monteverde Music Festival, 248 Marriott Los Sueños Ocean & Gold Resort Monteverde Serpentarium, 246 (Playa Herradura), 211–212 Montezuma masks, carved, 137 accommodations, 11, 279–282 massage, 202, 341 attractions, 283–285 Mawamba Lodge (Tortuguero), 346–347 beaches, 14, 283, 284–285 Mena, Lil (artist), 137 described, 29, 277 Milarepa (Playa Santa Teresa), 291 fast facts, 286 Mirador Ram Luna (Aserri), 119, 357 map of, 281 Mirador Tiquicia (above Escazú), 119, 357 nightlife, 285 miradores, 119, 357 restaurants, 282–283 Miss Junie’s Restaurant (Tortuguero shopping, 285 Village), 347 transportation, 279 money issues. See also budget for trip; traveling to, 278 currency exchange visitor information, 279 ATMs and carrying cash, 52, 53–54, Montezuma Waterfall, 284, 357 120, 359 Morpho’s Café (Santa Elena), 242 colón (unit of currency), 2, 51–52 mosquitoes, 88 credit cards, 54 mountain biking. See also biking traveler’s checks, 54–55 Drake Bay, 302 wallet, lost or stolen, 55–56 La Fortuna, 264 monkeys Lake Arenal, 272 feeding, 354 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 293 howlers, 283, 329–330, 356 Manuel Antonio, 201 Manuel Antonio, 16 outside of San José, 147–148 squirrel monkey, 14 overview, 15 Montaña de Fuego Inn (on the road to Mountain of Death (Cerro de la Tabacón), 258 Muerte), 221 Monteverde movies, recommended, 25 accommodations, 238–241 museums attractions, 244–249 admission cost, 48 described, 28–29, 233–234, 236 Caribbean Conservation Corporation’s fast facts, 251 Visitors’ Center and Museum, 348 map of, 237 Centro Nacional de Arte y Cultura, 126 nightlife, 250 Museo de Arte Costarricense, 126 orientation, 236 Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristán restaurants, 13, 242–244 (Jade Museum), 126–127 shopping, 249–250 Museo de los Niños (Children’s transportation, 235, 236, 237 Museum), 127 traveling to, 234–238 Museo de Oro Banco Central visitor information, 236 (Gold Museum), 127–128 Monteverde Amphitheater, 250 Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, 128, 301 Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest music Reserve, 241 Costa Rican, 138–139 Monteverde Cheese Factory, 246 festival, 341 Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, 28–29, jazz, 213 234, 241, 244–245 Monteverde Music Festival, 248 Monteverde Institute, 248 symphony, 140 Monteverde Jubilee Family Album, 238 Mystica (Lake Arenal), 268, 270 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 378

378 Costa Rica For Dummies, 1st Edition

opaque fare service, 59 • N • orchids, 33, 132, 246 National Arts and Culture Center (Centro Orquideas Inn (San José), 114 Nacional de Arte y Cultura), 126 Osa Peninsula, 30, 299 National Orchid Show (San José), 33 oxcarts, miniature, 139 National Symphony Orchestra (San José), 140 Nature Air (airline), 67, 152 • P • Nature Farm Reserve (Fincas Naturales) Pacheco, Abel (president of (Manuel Antonio), 198 Costa Rica), 21 Nauyaca Waterfall, 227 Pacific Bistro (Jacó), 214 Nectar (at Flor Blanca Resort), 13, 292 Pacific Edge (Dominical), 224 newspapers, 251 package tours, 62–65, 69 Nicoya peninsula, 29, 277 Pacuare River, 14, 148 night hiking, 17, 245, 250 Palmer, Paula (A Folk-History of Costa nightlife Rica’s Talamanca Coast), 331 best, 16–17 Papagayo Peninsula Cahuita, 331 Allegro Papagayo Resort, 158, 160 cost of, 48 beaches, 14, 155, 177 Dominical, 229 Four Seasons Resort, 10, 160–161, Drake Bay, 303 169, 180 Guanacaste, 181–182 Paradisus Playa Conchal, 10, 166 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 219 parks and nature reserves. See also La Fortuna, 265 Manuel Antonio National Park and Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 293 environs Manuel Antonio, 17, 202–203 Arenal National Park, 261 Monteverde, 250 Bahia Marine National Park, 229 Montezuma, 285 Ballena Marine National Park, 226–227 Puerto Viejo, 17, 341–342 Braulio Carrillo National Park, 323 San José, 16, 139–144 Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, Tamarindo, 16–17, 182 283–284 Nuevo Arenal, 266, 267 Cahuita National Park, 323, 329, 330 Caño Island Biological Reserve, 302 Carara National Park, 205, 207, 216 • O • Corcovado National Park, 30, 301–302, Oasis on the Beach (Playa Zancudo), 316 310–311 Obregón, Manuel (jazz pianist), 139 Fincas Naturales (The Nature Farm Olio (San José), 118 Reserve) (Manuel Antonio), 198 one-day itinerary, 133 INBio Park, 131–132 one-week itinerary Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, 259 adventure tour, 39–40 Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, with children, 38–39 28–29, 234, 241, 244–245 Costa Rica’s highlights, 35–36 Piedras Blancas National Park, 30, 313 Gold Coast, 40–41 Punta Coral, 146 online Rincón de la Vieja National Park, booking accommodations, 50, 75–76 157, 173 booking air travel, 59–60 San José, 129–130 booking rental car, 50, 68–69 Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, 238, 245 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 379

Index 379

Selvatura Park, 247 Playa Grande (Guanacaste) Tortuguero National Park, 30, 348–349 described, 156 Parque Reptilandia, 227–228 Las Tortugas Hotel, 164–165 passport, 78, 84–85, 122 traveling to, 153 Pavones (Osa Peninsula), 312, 313–314, turtle nesting, 153, 175–176 317–318, 320 Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste) Peace Lodge (north of Varablanca), accommodations, 11, 160, 163–164, 10, 111–112 167, 210 Picante (Playa Ocotal), 169 described, 16, 155, 205, 228 pickpockets, 70, 106, 122–123, 362 map of, 165 Piedras Blancas National Park restaurants, 13, 168 (Golfo Dulce), 30, 313 surfing, 217 Pizzeria de Johnny (Santa Elena area), 242 traveling to, 153, 154 planning trip. See also budget for trip; Playa Herradura, 28, 217 itineraries; money issues Playa Junquillal (Guanacaste), 177 avoiding the crowds, 32–33 Playa La Penca (Guanacaste), 156, 177 calendar of events and, 33–34 Playa Langosta (Guanacaste), 156–157, choosing a destination, 26–30, 31 166, 167 Frommer’s Web site for, 60 Playa Manuel Antonio, 198 scheduling your time, 30–31 Playa Nacascolo (Papagayo Peninsula), seasons and, 31–33 14, 155, 177 travel agents and, 64 Playa Negra (Guanacaste), 177 wedding and, 82–83 Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge Playa Avellanas (Guanacaste), 177 (Golfo Dulce), 12, 316–317 Playa Ballena, 229 Playa Ocotal (Guanacaste), 153, 155, Playa Brasilito (Guanacaste), 153, 154, 164, 169 156, 167–168 Playa Pan de Azúcar (Guanacaste), Playa Carmen (Malpaís), 293 156, 164, 177 Playa Chiquita (Caribbean coast), Playa Panamá (Guanacaste), 153, 154, 335–336, 338, 344 155, 177 Playa Chiquita Lodge, 335, 344 Playa Piñuela, 229 Playa Cocles (Caribbean coast), Playa Potrero (Guanacaste), 153, 156 11, 334–335, 336, 337–338 Playa Prieta (Guanacaste), 177 Playa Conchal (Guanacaste), 10, 156, 166 Playa Real (Guanacaste), 177 Playa de Jacó. See Jacó and Playa Playa Santa Teresa, 30, 293. See also Herradura Malpaís and Santa Teresa Playa de los Artistas (Montezuma), Playa Uvita, 226, 229 282–283 Playa Zancudo (Osa Peninsula), 313–314, Playa del Coco (Guanacaste) 315, 316 described, 155 Plinio Restaurant (Manuel Antonio), 196 map of, 163 Poás volcano, 147 nightlife, 182 Pochote Grande (Jacó), 212 restaurants, 168, 169 pochote tree, 292 traveling to, 153 Point Break Hotel (Playa Santa Playa Espadilla (Manuel Antonio), Teresa), 291 198, 199–200 police, 361 Playa Esterillos, 217 Popular Fiestas (Festejos Populares), 34 Playa Flamingo (Guanacaste), post office, 122, 361 153, 154, 156 Priceline.com For Dummies (Segan), 76 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 380

380 Costa Rica For Dummies, 1st Edition

Puerto Escondido (Manuel Antonio), 198 Puerto Jiménez • R • accommodations, 305–308 rack rate, 49, 74 described, 303 Radisson Europa Hotel (San José), 114 map of, 307 rafting trips orientation, 304 La Fortuna, 264 restaurants, 310–312 Manuel Antonio, 201 transportation, 304–305 Pacuare River, 14, 148 traveling to, 303–304 Rio Corobicí, 114, 174 Puerto Vargus (Cahuita National Park), Rain Forest Aerial Tram Caribbean, 145 329, 330 Rain Forest Café (Santa Elena), 243 Puerto Viejo rain forests, 30. See also parks and nature accommodations, 333–336 reserves attractions, 337–341 Rainbow Adventures (Golfo Dulce), 317 beaches, 331, 337–338 rainy season, 31–32 described, 30, 331 Real InterContinental San José, 114 fast facts, 350 rental car map of, 339 agencies, 67–68 nightlife, 17, 341–342 booking online, 50, 68–69 orientation, 332–333 Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), 69 restaurants, 13, 336–337 contact information, 364 shopping, 341–342 cost of, 47, 68 transportation, 333 crime and, 362 traveling to, 332 Guanacaste, 157–158 visitor information, 333 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 208 Punta Catedral (Manuel Antonio), from Juan Santamaria International 198–199 Airport, 99 Punta Coral nature reserve, 146 La Fortuna, 255 Punta Islita (Nicoya Peninsula), Manuel Antonio, 189 10, 30, 287 package tours and, 69 Punta Uva Butterfly Garden (Caribbean rentals. See also rental car coast), 341 ATV (all-terrain vehicle), 177, 238, Punta Uva (Caribbean coast), 14, 338 288, 290 Pura Vida Botanical Gardens, 215 bicycle, 208 cellphone, 89–90 house, 225 • Q • scooter, 255 Quepos surfboard, 217 accommodations, 190, 192 reservations described, 188 accommodations, 50, 74–76 fast facts, 203–204 air travel, 59–60 map of, 191 Corcovado National Park, 311 nightlife, 203 rental car, 50, 68–69 restaurants, 195–196 Restaurant Edith (Cahuita), 328 shopping, 202 Restaurant Marlin (Manuel Antonio), 196 sportfishing, 200 Restaurante Tipico Neolatino (La Fortuna transportation, 188–189 area), 260 visitor information, 188 restaurants quetzal (beautiful rare bird), 234, 244, best, 12–13 357–358 Cahuita, 327–329 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 381

Index 381

cost of, 2, 48 San José cuisine, 22–24 accommodations, 107–114 Dominical, 225–226 attractions, 126–133 Drake Bay, 300 day trips from, 144–148 Golfito and Golfo Dulce, 318 described, 26–27, 97 Guanacaste, 167–170 fast facts, 120–124 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 213–215 finding an address in, 104 La Fortuna, 260–264 guided tours, 125 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 292 itineraries, 133–134 Manuel Antonio, 195–197 map of, 102–103 miradores, 119, 357 neighborhoods, 100–105 Monteverde, 13, 242–244 nightlife, 16, 139–144 Montezuma, 282–283 restaurants, 114–120 Puerto Jiménez, 310–312 shopping, 134–139 Puerto Viejo, 13, 336–337 transportation, 105–107 San José, 114–120 traveling to, 98–100 sodas (diners), 22 visitor information, 105, 121–122 taxes, 123, 362 San Pedro (“Street of Bitterness”), 143 with views, 119 Sansa (airline), 67, 152 restrooms (San José), 122 Santa Elena rice and beans (gallo pinto), 22, 356 accommodations, 238, 243 Rincón de la Vieja National Park described, 28–29, 236 (Guanacaste), 157, 173 driving to, 234 Río Barú, 228 restaurants, 242, 243 Rio Corobicí, 114, 174 transportation, 236, 238 Rioasis (Jacó), 215 Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, riptides, 217 238, 245 Roca Verde, 228 Santa Teresa. See Malpaís and Rock River Lodge (Lake Arenal), 268–269 Santa Teresa romantic hotels, 83 Sarapiquí River, 148 ruins, pre-Columbian, 146–147 Sarchí (artisan town), 139 “rundown” soup or stew, 329 scams, 123, 344 scarlet macaws, 205, 216 scooter, renting, 255 • S • scuba diving safety issues. See also crime Caño Island, 302 airline security, 92–93 Caribbean coast, 340 beaches, 217, 284 Dominical area, 228 crocodiles and, 207 Drake Bay, 302 drinking water, 354, 363 Guanacaste, 177–178 riptides and, 217 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 293 San José, 120 Manzanillo, 340 sailing tours, 178, 319 seafood, 22–23 Salsa Brava, 340 seasons, 31–33 Salsa Brava (restaurant in Puerto Segan, Sascha (Priceline.com For Viejo), 337 Dummies), 76 Salsa Lizano, 356 Selva Bananito Lodge (inland from San Clemente Bar & Grill (Dominical), 226 Caribbean coast), 12, 327 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 382

382 Costa Rica For Dummies, 1st Edition

Selvatura Park (Monteverde), 247 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 217 senior traveler, 78–80 Lake Arenal, 263, 271 Shawandha Lodge (Playa Chiquita), Osa Peninsula, 312 335–336 Quepos, 200 shopping squirrel monkey, 14 Cahuita, 330–331 Stice, Tracie (“The Bug Lady”), 303 cost of, 48 stone spheres, 301, 302 Dominical, 229 “Street of Bitterness” (San Pedro), 143 duty-free zone, 313 Sueño del Mar (Playa Langosta), 166 endangered species products and, 135 Sugar Beach, 154 Golfito, 312–313 summer, 32 Guanacaste, 181 sunset at Villa Caletas, 216, 357 Jacó and Playa Herradura, 219 Sunspot Bar & Grill (Manuel Antonio), La Fortuna, 265 13, 197 Lake Arenal, 272 surfboards, renting, 217 Manuel Antonio, 202 surfing Monteverde, 249–250 Caribbean coast, 340 Montezuma, 285 Dominical area, 228 Puerto Viejo, 341–342 Guanacaste, 14–15, 178–179 San José, 134–139 learning, 228 shuttle from airport, 99 Malpaís, 293 sightseeing. See attractions Pavones, 312, 320 sloths, two- and three-toed, 329 Playa de Jacó, 217 Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica Playa Espadilla, 199–200 (Web site), 73 Playa Grande, 156 smoking, 362 Playa Hermosa, 217 snorkeling, 302, 330, 340 Playa Jacó, 206 Sobre Las Olas (Cahuita), 328 Salsa Brava, 340 Soda Piedra Mar (Malpaís), 292 swimming Soda Tamara (Puerto Viejo), 337 Bijagual Waterfalls, 215 Soda Tapia (San José), 118–119 Dominical area, 228 sodas (diners), 22 Drake Bay, 296 Sophia (Monteverde), 13, 243 El Chorro waterfall, 285 southern Costa Rica, 30, 295, 309, Montezuma beaches, 284 320–321 symphony (San José), 140 souvenirs, 51 Spanish Berlitz phrase book, 361 • T • language schools, 79 Tabacón Hot Springs Resort and Spa learning, 79, 228, 249 (La Fortuna area), 258–259, 262, 358 Spanish For Dummies (Wiley), 24 Talamanca Dolphin Foundation, 339 spas, 219, 259 Tamarindo Spirogyra Butterfly Garden (San José), accommodations, 161–163 128–129 described, 13–14, 15–16, 156 sportfishing map of, 161 best areas for, 15 nightlife, 16–17, 182 Drake Bay, 302 restaurants, 168–169, 170 Golfito, 312, 320 traveling to, 153, 154 Guanacaste, 179 Tárcoles River, 207 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 383

Index 383

taxes Tortuga Lodge (Tortuguero), 347 accommodations, 47, 123 Tortuguero departure, 55, 123, 362 accommodations, 345–347 overview, 55, 362 attractions, 348–349 restaurants, 123 described, 342, 344 San José, 124 fast facts, 350 taxis map of, 345 Cahuita, 324, 350 restaurants, 347 Caribbean coast, 350 transportation, 344–345 cost of, 46 traveling to, 342–344 Dominical, 223, 230 visitor information, 344 Drake Bay, 297 Tortuguero National Park, 30, 348–349 Golfito, 314–315 tourist information. See fast facts Guanacaste, 157, 171 tours. See guided tours Jacó and Playa Herradura, 208, 220 Transportation Security Administration from Juan Santamaria International (Web site), 93 Airport, 98–99 travel agents, 64 La Fortuna, 255, 266 Travel Guard Alerts (Web site), 86 Lake Arenal, 273 travel insurance, 61, 86–87 Limón, 343 traveler’s checks, 54–55 Malpaís and Santa Teresa, 288, 294 tree-climbing tours, 227 Manuel Antonio, 189, 204 trip-cancellation insurance, 86 Monteverde, 235–236, 238, 251 tropical fever (leptospirosis), 88–89 Montezuma, 279, 286 Trópico Latino Lodge (Playa Santa Puerto Jiménez, 304–305 Teresa), 291–292 Puerto Viejo, 333, 350 Tryp Corobici (San José), 114 San José, 105–106, 123 turtle nesting tipping and, 106 Playa Grande, 153, 175–176 telephone Tortuguero, 342, 348, 349 country code and city code, 170 two-day itinerary, 134 overview, 123–124, 362–363 two-week itinerary, 36–38 temperature, average, 32 tennis tournament, 33 Tequila Bar & Grill (Playa del Coco), 169 • V • theater, San José, 140 Villa Alegre (Playa Langosta), 167 three-day itinerary, 134 Villa Caletas (north of Jacó), 10, 212–213, The Tico Times (Web site), 365 216, 357 Tilarán, 266, 267 Villa Decary (Nuevo Arenal), 269–270 Tilawa Windsurfing Center, 271 Villa del Sueño Hotel (Playa Hermosa), time zone, 363 11, 167 Tin Jo (San José), 119–120 Villa Lapas (Tarcoles), 213 tipping, 98, 106 Villablanca Hotel, 259 Tiskita Jungle Lodge (Pavones), 317–318 Villas Nicolás (Manuel Antonio), 11, 194 toad, golden, 244 Vista del Valle Plantation Inn Toad Hall, 36 (San José), 112 Tobís Bolaños International Airport Volcano Lodge (La Fortuna area), (Pavas), 67 259–260 Tortuga Island, 145–146 36_584413 bindex.qxd 9/26/05 9:14 PM Page 384

384 Costa Rica For Dummies, 1st Edition

volcanoes. See also Arenal volcano Whappin’ (San José), 120 Irazú, 146–147 Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), 91 Poás, 147 Wiley Publishing (Spanish For Rincón de la Vieja, 157, 173 Dummies), 24 Willy’s Caballo Negro (Nuevo Arenal), 270 Wilson Botanical Gardens (near • W • ), 318, 319 wakeboarding, 264 windsurfing, 271 Walker, William (mercenary), 20 winter, 32 walking, 107, 158 women’s travel tips, 82 wallet, lost or stolen, 55–56 World of Insects (Monteverde), 246 water, drinking leptospirosis and, 88–89 safety issues, 354, 363 • X • San José, 124 Xandari Resort & Spa (San José), 112–113 tips for, 87 waterfalls Bijagual, 215 • Y • El Chorro, 285 Ylang-Ylang Beach Resort La Cangrejo, 173, 357 (Montezuma), 282 La Fortuna, 262–263 Ylang-Ylang (Montezuma), 283 Montezuma, 284, 357 yoga class, 341 Nauyaca, 227 water-skiing, La Fortuna, 264 weather. See climate • Z • weddings, 82–83 Western Union, 56 Zoo Ave (Alajuela), 133 whales, 226 Zully Mar (Tamarindo), 170