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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Puerto Viejo?
Puerto Viejo is located on the Southern Caribbean Coast approx 4.5 hours by bus or car from San Jose. Here is a map of local region of Puerto Viejo. For a photo tour of Puerto Viejo, click here or click here to see the video.
How do I get there?
There are so many different cost effective and easy ways to get here that would take too much space here to list. My friend made up a whole web page that gives very detailed information on the options (public bus, tourist shuttle, private driver, driving, river rafting trip transfer, etc!) and schedules.
If driving, you can call 800-transito, option #1, option #4 for updated road information (info is in Spanish and the number works from within Costa Rica only).
Need airport pick up?
We have a company that has can pick you up at the international airport and bring you right to paradise...well, Banana Azul (as close to paradise as it gets)! The cost is $190 from San Jose and they also offer fixed rate trips from other popular Costa Rica spots such as Arenal or Monteverde which don't require you to transfer in San Jose like the bus would. They use a small van which can accommodate up to 8 people so it's also a great option if you have lots of luggage or pets (neither the public bus or Interbus will carry pets). Check for rates for many routes across Costa Rica here or click here to browse rates and fill out a booking request.
There is also a service where a driver picks up public bus tickets for you then comes and meets you at the airport and brings you directly to the Caribe Bus Station for your bus. You're guaranteed a ticket on the bus you want that way and there's no stress. Click here to see rates and fill out a booking request.
If you'd like to take the door-to-door Interbus shuttle (shared van service) between a San Jose hotel or an Arenal Volcano area hotel to Banana Azul then click here to fill out an Interbus reservation request or browse this page which lists the full national schedules and prices of Interbus and the other shuttle companies.
For a very detailed description on how to get here by public bus or car, please download the following PDF document. It has also sorts of tips for traveling here; Download getting-here.pdf
For the truly adventurous
For a trip down to Puerto Viejo that is truly memorable, you might
consider doing the rafting trip on the Pacure River. This trip has consistently
had the highest reviews from all our guests. Trip includes pick up in San Jose
or Arenal at your hotel, 4 hour, 18 mile rafting trip, eats and drop off at your
hotel in Puerto Viejo. You can also do trip on return from Puerto Viejo to San Jose
or Arenal. Single day river trips cost $95 per person. They take care of all
belongings and valuables. If you'd like more information on the rafting trip
options or to have us book one for you, click to:
Get More Information | Make a Rafting Reservation
You do not have to stay at our hotel for us to book this trip for you.
Why should we stay at Banana Azul?
We could give you plenty of reasons, but we would rather our previous guests speak for us.
Check out
to see what they have to
say about us on Trip Advisor.
It is our mission to not just rent you a room, but sell you an experience. We were also one
of only 4 accommodation places that were recommended in the
20th year anniversary edition of
Conde
Naste Traveler Magazine in the feature on the Caribbean Coast entitled
Coast of Utopia.
What do we need to bring?
Not much. Keep clothes light and maybe a rain poncho just in case we get a shower, bug spray and sun screen. A headlamp for night walking or bike riding would be advisable. Sandals and another pair of comfortable walking shoes that you are not afraid to get dirty. Hiking boots are overkill here and usually too hot. We have secure locked storage for cameras, passports, etc. If you feel moved, you can bring something for the local indigenous communities as I mention below.
What is the weather like?
Contrary to common opinion that it rains all the time on the Caribbean, there are actually places such as Manuel Antonio that get more inches per year. The difference is that on this side, it is more spread out over the year. Also note that most rain comes at night and days clear by early-late morning.
My neighbour Charlotte keeps a rain gauge that shows trends in rain patterns. You will note that while there is some trends,
it's still a crap shoot. And some times, when it rains, it may be short, but a dump an amount of water you most likely have
never seen before. It can be very magical.
For more information on weather here in Puerto Viejo (average temperatures and rainfall), you can check here.
Is Banana Azul Child-Family Friendly?
When Roberto and I first opened Banana Azul, we thought we would just open our doors and see who came. We tried to offer a wide variety of services and facilities to be attractive to a large group of travelers as most hotels do. But as time went on we learned that our most satisfied and returning guests were straight and gay singles and couples who enjoyed our small size, wide expanse of beach, un-crowded atmosphere and personal attention.
The guests who seemed to resonate best with our hotel were couples on romantic getaways, solo travelers exploring Costa Rica or looking for a quiet place to write/read/relax, friends traveling together, couples whose children were older and they no longer vacationed with their parents. We learned that trying to be everything to everyone was counterproductive and unsuccessful. So…we decided to specialize as a hotel for adults and therefore limit guests to those 16 years of age and older. We thank you for your understanding.
How can I help local Indigenous Communities?
Nothing has touched me more in my move down here than the local Indigenous people. If you feel moved and have
room in your luggage, you could bring things like sturdy shoes that you no longer wear, school supplies, clothing
etc. We work directly with a few local grass roots organizations and we will make sure all materials are distributed.
These organizations have a "wish list" of small items that would seriously help local poor indigenous families in
need.
We have been very moved by all the people who have brought items of need for local developing communities. Just one the hundreds... Ted, from California felt moved to buy and pack 72 umbrellas for school kids getting walking to school.
Books. We have tried to create a lending library here at the hotel. If you have books that you would like to donate for other guests and local residents to read, we would all be very thankful.
Click here for photo tour of local indigenous Bri-Bri native families.
If you're driving, check car rental rates here:
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How do we get around if we do not have a car?
Most people rent bicycles here. Banana Azul rents bikes for customers at a rate of $6/ day or $30/ week. It is
perfect place for bikes, as the one road runs up and down beach areas with NO HILLS. You can also rent motor scooters. They
can be a lot of fun for an expanded tours of surrounding area. There is also local buses and taxis that work very well
and run often. There are bus schedules located
here.
Many people still want a car for a few day trips. Use the form on the right to check for rental rates out of San Jose. There is also one local agency but unfortunately we have had service problems with them.
How far is Banana Azul from town?
We are approx 1.5 kilometre from Puerto Viejo. This is equal to about 1 mile. It is a gorgeous 20 minute walk along the sandy beach
to town. And it is about 5-10 minutes by bike. Taxi rides are $4 each way.
Click here for map. You
can also
see where we are located via this satellite picture that was
shot just prior to us building. Click the image to explore the Puerto Viejo area by satellite.
I have a dog(s). Is that a problem?
Yes,
unfortunately it is. We have 3 dogs and a couple of cats. We used to allow
dogs in the past but have run into a few compatibility issues. Please feel free
to enjoy one our dogs as a surrogate during your stay. if you did not
bring a dog, ours will be only to happy to accompany you on the beach.
We need air conditioning.
Actually it is very rare for houses or hotels here to have A/C. It does not get as hot as Pacific side and fans seem to always be sufficient. Your room is equipped with ceiling or wall fan. Siesta is also nice between 12-2 pm as that is the hottest time of the day (but never stifling). Our garden bath suites are our only 2 rooms with AC.
What about Internet Service and Connection?
Banana Azul offers free wireless to it's rooms and common areas for our guests that have lap tops or PDA's. Banana Azul also offers Netbooks (small lap tops) and iPads for hourly rental at reception.
What about Mosquitoes and Bugs?
Houses on the beach do not have as many mosquitoes or bugs. They do not like salt air as much or breezes. However, there are still some. With ceiling fan you should not be bothered by them. Personally after rains, I will use what is called Placitas which is a small device that is plugged in the wall and emits a odor that keeps them away. They are supplied in your room should you desire. There is also organic bug spray sold here which is nice those of us who do not want to use "deet" products. Mosquito nets are also supplied for your room upon request.
Is the room and area safe?
For your security and comfort Hotel Banana Azul has someone at reception 24 hours a day. The rooms are very secure
and have a lock box. In addition to a owners that live on site we also have night security. For valuable items such
as cameras, lap tops etc, We have a lock-up in your room for you. Reception can also make a photo copy of your
passport so you don't have to carry that around as well.
As for area, petty theft is a problem throughout Costa Rica and especially beach towns. Puerto Viejo is no more affected than any other places and is in fact safer than places like Tamarindo, Quepos, Jaco and definitely San Jose. Violent crime against tourists very rarely happens.
What kind of money do we bring? Are their ATMs? Are credit cards accepted in the area?
All
good questions! There's a great page on
money issues here which has answers to all those questions and more.
At Banana Azul we accept Visa, Mastercard, US$ cash and Costa Rican colones. Other forms of payment (travelers checks, other currencies) you'll have to exchange in town first.
Can you recommend places to stay in other parts of Costa Rica?
Yes, our tour agency partner (located on site) maintains a list of recommended hotels in many parts of Costa Rica, you can see the list on our hotels in other areas of Costa Rica page
What is there to do in addition to just playing on beaches?
There is a tour agency, Gecko Trail Adventures, onsite and there are many places in town which offers a full range of
tours in the surrounding area. Some are really great and some are not so great. If you
are interested in a tour, we can help
make arrangements and try and help you get what you want to see.
I have created a photo album of the many things to do in the area. . This album is by no means complete and I will be updating it with more activities as I come across the pictures.
Surfing is popular for the Puerto Viejo area. For local Surf information, please see our friends at CR Surf.
What are good places to eat in town?
First of all if you are too tired to go into town and want to dine with
other guests, Banana Azul kitchen offers lunch & dinner Dinner includes one
or two entrees nightly at the 
Banana Azul
Beachfront Bar & Grill. All dinners include salad, entree & dessert. Menu
posted daily.
You can also enjoy Banana Azul's fully licensed beach side bar.
One the charms about Puerto Viejo that many visitors comments on is the huge selection and variation of so many places to eat in Puerto Viejo.
From street vendors, sushi to high end Italian, you could spend 2 weeks here just sampling all the many places to eat. Mainly because there are so many foreigners from all different countries and backgrounds here and many of them operate local eating places trying to eek out a living.
And the best part that to date there is no McDonald's, KFC, or Burger King. Check out the full list of area restaurants here.
I am possibly interested in looking at real estate while I am in the area. Do you recommend anyone?
If you are looking for websites with local listings of houses, businesses and lots for sale, please check out here.
For a Realtor that specializes in the area from Banana Azul Hotel north up to Cauhita and South to Manzanillo. we suggest Telys Marti a local professional. She is fluent in English and Spanish and can be contacted at Telys Marti Smith [email protected]. In Costa Rica 506 8932-8930 From US or Canada 305-381-1593 Caribe Sur Real Estate.
She is also very experienced in Commercial Properties.
Please also feel free to check out some lots that friends of ours are selling nearby.
Banana Azul Hotel, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limon, Costa Rica