Plan Your Visit
A lot of times its as easy as book, go, arrive and enjoy. When planning your visit to Costa Rica especially to Pura Vista Hotel, here are some planning tips to consider:
TRANSPORTATION: Book a car if you’re going to multi locations and prefer to take yourself to tours etc. At Pura Vista a golf cart or scooter will get you around between Coco and Ocotal with ease but a Car will take you on the highway to other beaches if you would like to go further and not rely on tour transfers, buses and taxis. We have a special discount for guests who book their car rentals HERE.
SEASONS: Research the time of year based on weather and preferred activities. In Playa Ocotal at Pura Vista we are in a micro climate that’s more dryer than most of the country. So during rainy season we see a lot less rain than most of the country. However storms will grace our days which can cut boat days in half but bring so much beauty to the landscape. It’s our favorite time of the year next to the dry season. :) Rainy season is also whale season, turtle season, bird watching heaven and the landscape is lush. It’s our favorite time of the year next to the dry season. :) When you plan to travel beyond Pura Vista Hotel - be prepared for wetter rainforest like climates as it is called rainy season for a reason. :)
PASSPORT: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. They like you to be super in the clear.
VISA? Check if you need a visa to enter Costa Rica based on your nationality.
INSURANCE: Consider getting travel insurance to cover medical emergencies and trip cancellations. There are really good medical facilities in town for minor needs.
Check out Coco Medical.
PACKING: Pack light, ***bring your reusable water bottle, travel towel, travel large brim hat, reusable grocery bag to avoid plastic waste, lightweight coverups to protect your skin inlacing a good rashguard, mini flashlights (better than walking around carrying your phone light), reef safe sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, swimsuits, personal mask and snorkel (there are rentals but recommend investing in personal quality masks as they last and elevates the experience 10x) AND comfortable walking shoes flip flops and lightweight tennis.
SPANISH: Learn some basic Spanish phrases as it can be helpful, although many Costa Ricans speak English. Hola, Gracias, Por Favor, Pura Vida…. Or as we like to say Pura Vista! :)
ITINERARY: Plan your activities in advance, book tours in advance (especially during high season Dec-March). BOOK your car for bigger travels and golf cart in advance as well. We will be adding some suggested itineraries to the blog soon. :) If you have one you’d like to share we’d love to hear from you! XOXO!!!
HEALTH & WATER: Pura Vista Hotel water is filtered. We drink from the tap. But you should always be cautious and take necessary health precautions, such as getting vaccinated if required and avoiding tap water in other areas of travel as we don’t know the extent of all water sources.
WILDLIFE: Be mindful of wildlife and nature conservation principles while exploring this biodiverse country. Reef Safe Sunscreen is key - especially at Pura Vista Hotel and other beaches. Don’t feed animals, don't touch animals. Take photos and treasure the environment.
CURRENCY: Familiarize yourself with the local currency (Costa Rican colón) and have some cash on hand for smaller purchases. They have a currency exchange booth at the airport and there are arm’s at the bank in Playa Coco. Most places will take credit cards but there is usually a credit card fee. Make note in most bills it includes tip except during tours and other services.
FOOD: is one of the highlights of travel. There are a wide array of restaurants to explore through Costa Rica. At Pura Vista Hotel we offer breakfast options locally and internationally inspired depending on season so make sure to check out our current menu. Also see the list of recommended restaurants by taxi, car, cart or scooter. The closest in walking distance and on the beach is the famous Father Rooster. We recommend stopping by Auto Mercado in Playa del Coco on your way to Playa Ocotal to pick up some cheese, snacks, your favorite drinks…. Pause for a local fruit vendor to buy some fresh fruit.
AIRPORT: Bring your reusable water bottle BUT make sure its empty when you go through security. Fill it up once you’re through and hydrate as much before you’re on the flight. *It’s not recommended to drink water from the planes and your body will so appreciate the extra hydration upon arrival. A lot of plans have chargers for your devices but best to be charged up. Make sure you have scheduled an airport transfer to your hotel or car rental but there are usually lots of taxi there at the airport ready for transfers. Cost should be @$50-60 for a small car. Check out the currency exchange booth at the airport to get some colones now. There is an atm in Playa del Coco but this will save you an extra trip.
Come back to see updates. Message us with any suggestions on what are your key planning tips to Pura Vista Hotel? We look forward to keeping this list fresh with planning ideas. :)