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 email: rafikisafari@gmail.com
GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE |
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Costa
Rica is located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama.
The government is politically very stable and has a high regard
for the country's tourism industry. The locals are refferred to
as Ticos and are always willing to share a smile.
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TRAVELING TO COSTA RICA
Travel to Costa Rica from the United States takes approximately 4 hours by airplane. USA passports do not need a visa and are allowed to visit for 90 days. Other countries may have restrictions. For a listing of Visa requirements, please see the Costa Rican National Chamber of Tourism website. |
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WHAT TO BRING
Having lifted my share of heavy luggage to people's tents, I can tell you that people bring WAY too much baggage to the tropics. |
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The weather is pleasant, so spare yourself the back pain of bringing dress shoes, coats, hair dryers, more than one pair of pants, and more than one long sleeve shirt. San Jose can get a bit chilly but besides that you will not even look at warm clothes. These are the important things that we recommend that you Do bring to Rafiki.
-Rafting Sandals (Keens seem to work well for general footwear )
-Flashlight (We provide you with one, but an extra is quite handy)
-Bug Spray (we have some, but always nice to have)
-Sunscreen (the tropical sun is very good at roasting pelts)
-Camera (if you are in the market, check this one out Pentax )
-Croakies for your Sunnies
-U joint for a Ford F-350 (just joking) |
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GETTING TO RAFIKI FROM SAN JOSE |
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There are several ways
to get to Rafiki. Quepos is the nearest City. From Quepos we can
arrange transportation (via taxi) or you can drive in alone(4X4). Although it is only about 160 km from San
Jose, getting to Quepos can take from 25 minutes to over 6 hours
depending on the mode of transportation. Here ia a basic map and some travel options.Costa Rica Map
| Mode of transport |
Cost |
Estimated travel time |
Remarks |
Helicopter |
$1330 for up to 4 people |
30 min |
Bar none, the best way to get to the lodge. The helicopter drops you off right at the lodge. (For those with a schedule to keep.) |
Sansa Airlines |
$52 per person
One way |
25 min |
Flying from San Jose to Quepos is a wonderful way to see Costa Rica.There are several flights a day, but the afternoon flight
is sometimes cancelled in the rainy season. Flights leave from
the international airport. From the airport it only takes about an hour in taxi. |
Nature Air |
$55 per person one way |
30 min |
This is a nice option if you are staying in San Jose, since the international Airport is about 25 minutes from down town. Nature Air flies out of Pavas which is near down
town San Jose. There are two daily flights. |
Interbus |
$29 per person one way |
3 to 4 hours |
The Interbus will pick you up from your hotel
in San Jose and drop you off anywhere you want in the Quepos-
Manuel Antonio area. There are two trips daily. |
Rental car |
Depends ??????? |
3 to 4 hours |
Rental cars are nice if you plan on traveling
throughout the country. A four wheel drive is recommended if you
are coming to Rafiki, but we do offer a shuttle if the conditions
require it for two wheel drives. We can help you get a car,
and give all pertinent information to you when you arrive. |
Bus |
$5 |
3 1/2 to 6 hours |
The bus leaves from the Coca Cola Bus Station
about six times a day. We highly recommend that you get a Directo
bus and NOT a Collectivo. Otherwise you will be making lots
of stops, and the trip will take quite a while. If you are not
in hurry, the bus can be an experience. |
Please contact us by
e-mail
at rafikisafari@gmail.com for more information. We will gladly do everything we can to
make your trip go smoothly. |
Weather |
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The
country's climate is usually very pleasant with average temperatures
ranging from 25° to 32° C (80° to 90° F) on the
coastal regions and 13° to 25° C (55° to 80° F)
in the high mountains and San Jose.
On the Pacific slope, the months of December
through April are dry. This is the peak tourism time of year due to the perfect sunny days.
From May to November, afternoon rains become more prevalent with
October and November being quite rainy. While this time of year
is wetter than the rest, it also brings cheaper travel fares, availility
at lodge, better wildlife viewing, and for those interested in
rafting, the river is at its prime!
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ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
(All of the following are within a 2 hour drive of Rafiki Safari Lodge) |
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While in Quepos you can choose from a
variety of tourist attractions ranging from deep sea fishing to
visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. The area also features
Mangrove tours, snorkeling trips, and hosts some of the areas
best night life opportunities.
There are many secluded beaches in the
area, with Matapalo being the most hospitable. This beach has
several small hotels and restaurants, and is home to some of the
most beautiful sunsets on the planet! Bahari Beach Bungalows is Rafiki's sister lodge on the beach. It offers four safari tents on the beach with a swimming pool and a European atmosphere. See their website at www.baharibeach.com for further information.
Contact
us at rafikisafari@gmail.com
for specific information and pricing. We would gladly get you information
on any other aspect of the country that you might be interetsed
in. Please feel free to ask!
List of reccomended and associated links to Rafiki Safari Lodge
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