Hotel Divisamar Resort provides tips for your best vacation in Costa Rica.

Below are answers to common questions we receive. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have a question we haven't answered here.

What about Costa Rica ?
Costa Rica is one of the most popular places to visit for there enchanted beaches, rain forest, volcanoes and there friendly people. PURA VIDA is one of must popular expression this days.

Where is Costa Rica ?
Only a couple hours on plane from must south cities of USA. Located in Central America with Nicaragua bordering to the North and Panama to the South. It is bordered on the East and West by water. The East coast is the Atlantic Ocean and the West coast is Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica is situated near the equator at just 8 degrees latitude.

What make Costa Rica special ?
There people, more than 60 years without army or military forces, the oldest democracy in Central and South America, 28 % of there territory is declare National Park or any other design protected Area.

How’s the weather ?
Costa Rica's year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and the mountains are warm by day and brisk at night, giving an "eternal spring" feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland. The rainy, or ‘green season’ lasts from approximately May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year

Is Manuel Antonio Park a nice beach?
One of CR’s most popular beaches for a reason,in fact there are 3 different beaches, two inside  the National Park rainforest and wild life, with one of the white sand beach is a must-see with blue Pacific waters and fantastic sunsets . Outside the park is Espadilla beach a wide, white sand, plenty of good restaurants in front of the water and great surf. Uncrowned during off season  

 

Still don't know what to do in Manuel Antonio Beach Area ? Let us help you ! 
No golfing in Manuel Antonio yet, but is comming soon !

When are High and Low Season ?
Many people ask what the general time periods of high and low season are.   While every hotel defines this slightly differently, it usually corresponds with the dry / Green Season months. The dry season usually begins in late November and continues through mid- March. The rains here begin in late April and grow heavy in August, September and October. While the months of August to September can be exceptionally wet (though some travelers do not mind at all), the beginning and end of the green season are, in our opinion, some of the best months to travel to CR. Prices are down, the foliage is green.

What is the geography of Costa Rica ?
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, they range from approximately 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 (Arenal, Irazu, Rincon de la Vieja ) 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 half the size of Kentucky.

How much money should I bring ?
That really depends on what you intend to do, see, buy, etc. But to give you a fair estimate on costs, a typical lunch costs around $ 7.00 to $ 10.00 at an affordable restaurant or “soda” or up to $ 15.00 at a nicer establishment. Beer or mixed drinks run about $ 2.00 to $ 4.00 depend the place per at a typical bar or restaurant, and up to twice as much at a nicer hotel or high-end eatery. Taxi fares are very affordable compared to U.S. cities. A short trip ( 2-3 km ) within San Jose or at a beach town where taxis are prevalent (such as Quepos) costs around $ 5.00 to $ 7.00 Costa Rica is seen by some as a very affordable destination by some and expensive by others

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. Here in Quepos is one of the big surf spot. 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 trophies or for eating) and prices vary greatly in price depending on the boat, outfitter and region. Several world record fish have been caught off the coasts of Costa Rica. On the Pacific Coast, Quepos Port is a fishing hot spot with various charter companies. Marlin, Roosterfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Tarpon and Snook (on the Caribbean) as well as Yellow fin Tuna are the prime targets.

Baggage on International and Domestic Flights:
In country flight baggage restrictions vary from carrier to carrier. However, most flights only allow a 25-pound baggage limit per person. In fact, before some flights, they will actually weigh you and your luggage to make sure. For International flights, 2 bags to check and 1 to carry is the standard (usually with a 75 pound limit for each bag).

What time is it there ?
Costa Rica is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, which is equivalent to Central Standard Time (CST) in North America. Costa Rica does not change clocks ahead for daylight savings time, so from April through December 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, Tipping is up to you.

What are normal business hours ?
Government offices are generally open from 8 am to 4 pm, while banks close anytime between 3:00 and 5:00 pm, according to the bank and its branch. Most shops are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, most grocery stores close at 8:00 pm.

What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find there ?
There are some really neat locally made products that make great souvenirs or gifts. Costa Rican coffee and coffee liquor is among the best in the world and makes a great, affordable gift. Other popular items are hot sauces, hand made wood and ceramic crafts, hammocks, leather rocking chairs and jewelry.

Does it cost more if I book my hotel through you dirrect ?
Absolutely not! In fact, when we offer special price breaks and discounts, you often pay LESS.

How long have you been in business ?
The actually owners started the hotel business since 1980 in Manuel Antonio beach, same place , many changes and improves on the rooms and the property in the last years.

How do your rates compare with other hotels in the area ?
Hotel Divisamar Resort does not try to compete with the expensive luxury hotels in the area. Our rates are considerably lower.  generally very sensible travelers looking for modest, clean and simple accommodations.

How far are the hotel located from the near International Airport ?
Hotel Divisamar in from the near Inter Airport SJO San Jose Inter Juan Santamaria (100 miles). Ground or Air transfer, private and public transportation available from and to the Resort.

How close are you to the beach ?
We are at the top of the hill of Manuel Antonio, just a 1.mile from the public Espadilla Beach and only a 2 minutes down by car to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Few hotels can offer this proximity.

What kinds of amenities do you offer ?
We offer a pool, a Mediterrabean Restaurant,  Cafeteria in the  lobby, rental cars, banking office with 24 hours ATM, air-conditioned rooms with and hot water, telephones on the rooms with inter access. Superior rooms with cable TV and with refrigerator A complete facility for nearly every type of vacationer.

What about money ?
You can pay for almost anything with US dollars or credit cards. It is a good idea to have some Colones for grocery stores, taxis, and smaller items you buy. There are a several banks in Quepos with ATM and where you can change money open Monday to Saturday midday.

How can I keep in touch with home ?
Hotel Divisamar Resort offer direct telephones lines from the rooms to USA, Canada and most of Europe, also several public phones are in front the hotel for prepay cards only Costa Rican telephones cards works for local and International service. Sorry there are no free calls inside Costa Rica. If needed you can send mail directly to the hotel in your name is okay , better use DHL service with local office next to the Hotel Divisamar Resort You can send and receive email in Manuel Antonio and Quepos at several local internet cafes that charge by the hour. sone take your laptop.

How will we get around when we are there ?
You can get around the area using taxis, buses or rent a car or a moppet. The buses to go between Quepos and the Park many times each day: Leaving the Quepos bus stop since 5:40 am, to 10.00 pm every 20 minutes. Cost is 110 Colones ( Apr. 2008) each way per person or about $ 0.22 cents. You can also catch buses leaving from the beach. Use the taxi system arranged by phone, or you can walk up to the main road and flag one down. Approximate taxi fares: Quepos to the Park: $5.00. to $ 8.00 u.s or in Colones. In Quepos there is a taxi stand directly in front of the market by the bus stop.

Where can we eat ?
Hotel Divisamar Resort has a full menu at the Cafe Gabre restaurant  and the choise of Barba Roja, Salsipuedes Bar, Blue Ocean Rest. obviously recommend, we believe that you'll enjoy the food. We'll be happy to recommend some other fine restaurants. Top

What is Quepos Town ?
Quepos is the small town just north of Manuel Antonio. The town gets it's name from the Quepoa Indian tribe. Because of disease brought over by the Europeans, warfare and slavery, there were no pure blooded Quepoa left by the turn of the 19th century. Quepos came to prominence as a banana exporting port. Due to the disease, African palm oil replaced bananas as the major local crop. By the mid 60s a road was built from San Jose. By 1970, a colony of Americans had built homes and begun businesses in Manuel Antonio. Today, Manuel Antonio is a mix of expatriates from around the world as well as a group of locals

What is Quepos like ?
Quepos and Manuel Antonio are two separate but interdependent central Pacific coast towns. Quepos has about 7,000 permanent residents, a large hospital, banks, stores, hotels, markets, bars, restaurants and a main bus terminal. Manuel Antonio to the south is smaller and extends along both sides of the road. 4- miles up the hill and then south to the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Quepos nightlife: Quepos has a thriving nightlife centered in the downtown area. However, it start up around 11.00 pm For dancing, Arco Iris disco is open seven nights a week and is popular with the younger people of Quepos. Others Alternatively Here are some of the favorite’s ones: El Gran Escape offers North American sports live via satellite. Dos Locos down from the bus station is fun, and ideal for people watching cause it has the whole corner and is all open, great place to take a margarita! El Quepoa Restaurant is a rendezvous place as much for Ticos or tourists, they have a great selection of good quality alcohol and the prices are very reasonable, a friendly place to stop.

What should I bring to Costa Rica ?
Sun protection, hat for the afternoon sun, a long sleeve shirt of light fabric. A camera , Swimsuit , Mosquito repellent , beach towel and Casual clothes Light weight long pants if you go horseback riding (Blue jeans can be hot.) Most of the locals in San Jose wear long pants in the Capital city. It's simply a custom. Feel free to wear shorts in the city, but you'll stand out as a tourist.

Rain gear - From April to December the rain showers are usually short, but a lot of water comes down. Mornings are usually clear. If it rains, it rains in the evening, sometimes in the afternoon. An umbrella is the most practical solution. A rain jacket tends to keep you too warm and humid, although a light weight rain jacket can be useful in the forest.

About the rooms ?
All are a/c rooms, hot water showers, private bathroom, one or two double beds, telephone with inter access, cable with more of 65 channels,  in English, French, Italian,  German and Spanish Remote control 21" color TV and refrigerators on Superior rooms type, located next to the swimming poll area & whirlpool.

Check in / out ? Check in after 2:00 PM Check out before 12:00 MD
Conditions The reservation must be pay in full before the entrances to the Resort. No Refund for cancellations is accepted. Visitors are no allow in the units of non-register guests.

On-site amenities & activities swimming pool, Whirlpool, Parking, Auto Rental, Bar, Restaurants, Library, Grocery Store (close), Laundry, Horseback Riding tours Internet Service, National Park & Beach, Boating, Sailing, Fishing, Snorkeling, white water rafting. Kayks tours, Bank & ATM, Shopping, Pharmacy( close), Information on Travel around Costa Rica on the hotel. Spanish Courses next to the Hotel in Immersion classes year round, Daily Adventure Tours and massages. Honeymoon package includes: wine bottle, fruit baskets and breakfast the first morning, tour to The National Park or horseback ride to de waterfalls and many more....