Casa de Delfines

(Updated January 13, 2008)

I hope everyone finds this little fact sheet informative and helpful. Let me discover what pleasures and treasures you find during your stay and I will try to add them! Also, let me know if you have problems, questions, or concerns during your stay. We love our home and want everyone to have a fabulous time!

Pura Vida!

Robin Rouch & Joel Riedesel

Casa de Delfines Location:

200 meters south of Kaya’s Place

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Atlantic Coast)

Costa Rica

There is a large, carved wooden gate depicting dolphins at the entrance of the property with Casa de Delfines painted on it along with our names (thanks to Delbert, our wonderful friend and contractor). Most taxi drivers know where it is by name, but those that don’t will know Kaya’s Place, the hotel, bar, and restaurant on Playa Negra.

Local Caretaker Phone (Susana Schik): 011-506-2750-0519

Caretaker Email: suschik@racsa.co.cr

Owner (US) Phone (Robin Rouch & Joel Riedesel):

001-303-805-8275 (Home) or 001-720-253-5786 (Joel’s Cell)

Owner Emails: joel@ourstillwaters.org or robin@ourstillwaters.org

Website: www.casadedelfines.com

Google Earth Coordinates: Latitude=9°39'8.41"N, Longitude=82°45'29.59"W

Approximate Travel Times (by bus or taxi):

San Jose to Limon: 88 miles/141 km (3.5 hours)

San Jose to Puerto Viejo: 256 miles/410 km (4.5 hours)

Limon to Puerto Viejo: 34 miles (1 hour)

Cahuita to Puerto Viejo: 10.2 miles (15 mins)

Puerto Viejo to Cocles: 1.88 miles/3 km (5 mins)

Puerto Viejo to Punta Uva: 3.75 miles/6 km (10 mins)

Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo: 9.23 miles/12 km (15 mins)

Costa Rica Websites:

www.puertoviejosatellite.com

n Our link on the satellite map is http://PuertoViejoSatellite.com/index.php?open=147

n This is an amazing website with tons of good local information! I encourage you to check out the forums. Feel free to post questions.

http://tropicaltales.co.cr/index.html?frame=tt_main.html

n This is our local newspaper it always has tons of local information and flavor! Very fun to peruse.

n The following issue (#5 of 10) talks about many things I discuss in this packet: http://www.tropicaltales.co.cr/issues/pdf/issue05.pdf.

n This is a PDF, so save and virus-check before opening!

www.costaricaguide.info

www.govisitcostarica.com

www.1-costaricalink.com

San Jose Hotels:

I’m sure there are many fine hotels in San Jose, but these are the ones where we have stayed. If you stay at a great hotel in San Jose, let us know!

Hotel Dunn Inn

Apdo. 11681-1000

Barrio Amón – Calle 5, Avenida 11

San José, Costa Rica

011-506-2257-9532

www.hoteldunninn.com

n Affordable, clean hotel with friendly, English-speaking staff, and decent restaurant. Located a few blocks from the Mepe bus station.

n Rates: $59-$99 double occupancy (subject to change).

Hotel Aranjuez

Barrio Aranjuez

Calle 19, between Avenida 12 & 13

San Jose, Costa Rica

011-506-2256-1825

http://hotelaranjuez.com

n Very affordable and ecologically-minded hotel

n Rates $40-$47 with private bath ($26 for shared bath) double occupancy (subject to change)

n Close to the bus station (about 35 minutes from the airport).

n Charming rooms that wander through an interior courtyard.

n Fantastic breakfast buffet in a grotto-like setting.

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose

700 metros Oeste de La Firestone (700 meters west of Firestone)

San Jose, Costa Rica

011-506-2298-0000

Toll Free from US/Canada: 1-800-228-9290 or 1-888-236-2427

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjocr-costa-rica-marriott-hotel-san-jose/

n Luxurious hotel with gorgeous rooms, fabulous service, and fantastic food and entertainment. Expensive and worth it. Located close to airport.

n Rates: $149 - $249 double occupancy (subject to change)

Cell Phones:

Telephones are regulated by the ICE government monopoly, so US cell phones will NOT work in Costa Rica. You may rent one there, though most people buy a prepaid phone card for use at public telephones (pay phones), located in front of ATEC.

The phone at Casa de Delfines will work only for local calls. Long-distance calls must be made from a pay phone in town. It may be possible to call the phone, but I haven’t tested that.

Internet:

There is no Internet access from Casa de Delfines. There are several Internet Cafes in and around the area.

Rental Cars:

I absolutely do NOT recommend renting a car for your travel to Costa Rica. Renting a car is very expensive and unsafe. Costa Rica does not have US street names or addresses, so even finding your way out of San Jose can be traumatic (it took me 2 hours the first time!). The roads after Limon are HORRIBLE. Tourists are targeted on this road while changing tires. It is dangerous in many ways. Travel around Puerto Viejo can be done via foot, taxi, bike or scooter. You can rent the three latter options in Puerto Viejo.

Buses:

Though the buses are not air conditioned, most buildings in Costa Rica are not air conditioned and it is best to acclimate to the humid climate ASAP. Buses are reasonably comfortable, safe, and able to handle the poor roads. Try to sit in the front of the bus (less bumpy) and carefully watch your valuables. I recommend you get your suitcases in first and be there when they are disgorged!! Be the first in line at the bathrooms (located on the far right of the café) when you stop in Limon. You will have 15 minutes.

Terminal del Caribe

Avenida 11-13 y Calle Central

Autotransportes MEPE

San Jose: 011 (506) 2257-8129

Puerto Viejo: 011 (506) 2750-0023

Taxis:

Sometimes Susana’s husband Renee drives a taxi, so she is a good resource. I also found several taxis listed in the current issue of Tropical Tales. Warning: I do not personally know these people, so use your best judgment. Feedback is always appreciated.

n Luis Bermudez (8844-9913 or 2756-8209): 6am-9pm

n Roberto Wescatta (8860-3107)

n Charlie Bull (8836-8219): 24 hours

Bank:

Banco de Costa Rica:

n Located just inside the main town. Has an ATM and money exchange. Check with your bank to determine ATM fees. They can be high.

n I have never exchanged money in Costa Rica because dollars are readily accepted (credit card may not be accepted).

n Only Visa is accepted in Costa Rica. Leave behind your Mastercard, etc.

Things to Do by Town

Information and Reservations for tours and activities in the Puerto Viejo area.

Puerto Viejo:

Toucans: There are two varieties of toucans in Costa Rica. Some have yellow and some have lime green beaks. The tree right outside our office (3^rd bedroom) window produces one of the toucan’s favorite foods. The fruits of this tree are poisonous when closed but delicious cooked when open. You will know that toucans are near when you hear a frog-like croaking high in the trees! Spy carefully, they are very shy.

Sloths: We have both two and three-toed sloths in Costa Rica. These odd animals hang around in trees but cannot walk. Many are killed crawling across the road. If you see one of these quiet beasts, watch from a distance, they are not friendly.

Iguana: I have seen two large iguanas during my visits. The largest was about 3 feet long. These mega-lizards are fast, so please be cautious around them.

Morpho Didius Butterfly: You have probably seen specimens of this iridescent blue butterfly, but nothing compares to seeing it in flight! These beautiful creatures are huge and lightning fast. Be quick if you want a picture! I have only seen one type (the solid blue didius), but there are others. Let me know if you spy any!

Playa Negra: The great swimming beach 200 meters from the Casa. Some snorkeling around the grounded boat when the waters are very calm. The only black sand I have seen in Costa Rica. Most beaches are white or pink.

Pharmacia Amiga (2750-0698): pharmacy. If you become ill, the pharmacist, who speaks English can prescribe medications. No doctor is necessary.

Botanical Garden Tours (2750-0046): located a short walk away. American expat owner Peter gives informative tours of his amazing finca.

Old Harbour Supermercado (2750-1908): supermarket, drugstore, meat market, bottled water, household goods.

Carniceria Italiana La Piemontesa (2366-0490): Located in the town center near the Pharmacy. Great meat and cheeses as well as prepared Italian dishes.

Reef Runner Divers (2750-0480): Snorkeling, diving, swimming with dolphins.

Jungle Internet (8835-9928): High speed internet café

ATEC (2750-0398): Internet access, faxes, copies, phone cards, tour reservations

Lulu Berlu: Charming shop of local arts and crafts, furniture, jewelry, clothing, even musical instruments. A must-visit!

Kèköldi Waterfall Tour: A challenging 8 hour hike to one the areas highest points and great view then onto the waterfall for cooling down. Lunch is included.

Yoga Lessons offered at various hotels and private homes.

Puerto Viejo Restaurants:

($=under $10 per person with drinks, $$=$10-$15, $$$=$15-$25, $$$$=over $25)

Reservations are appreciated, but not always required. There is no dress code.

There are many, many fantastic restaurants in Puerto Viejo, so don’t fear venturing into a tiny “Soda” (small café) or restaurant not mentioned here.

$$ Trattoria da Cesare (Northern Italian)

n Located about 30 seconds walk down the street, this is one of the best and most romantic restaurants in Puerto Viejo (or Denver)! Your hosts, Genny and Jason, speak English and are very friendly. Genny’s Italian father built Casa de Delfines. A great friend with amazing food that will rival anything in the states!

$$ Chile Rojo (Thai)

n Located on the south side of Puerto Viejo, this small restaurant, which will soon be moving to a larger location, specializes in amazing Thai curries and is owned by a genial Brit and his Thai wife. Don’t miss this!

$$ El Loco Naturale (Thai and Caribbean)

n Bar and restaurant located just on the south side of Puerto Viejo. Great Thai and Caribbean food and local music typifies the funky vibe of this wonderful local restaurant, perfect for celebrations. Don’t miss the side salad, which is varied, beautiful, and absolutely delicious!

$$$ EZ Times (Pizza, Vegetarian)

n Location, location, location commends this fun al fresco dining spot and bar near the beach. A great place to grab a mojito (the best anywhere in the world!) and guacamole and watch the waves. A hot spot at night with local music. Very relaxed ambience with couches, board games, and guitars to lend. Rather pricey for the area, but good for an occasional appetizer or dinner. Specializes in wood fire pizza and vegetarian cuisine.

$ Café Rico (Breakfast & Lunch Only)

n A great place to hang with expatriots. Great coffee and sandwiches. Located a little off the main road, but worth the diversion. He sells great natural laundry soap!

$ Bread and Chocolate (Breakfast & Lunch Only)

n Incredible bread, pastries, ice cream and everything chocolate. Also a great place for sandwiches.

Cahuita:

Cahuita National Park

n Make tour reservations through ATEC or Susana (for an extra fee).

Fabulous Butterfly Garden

n 1100 square feet of amazing butterflies. Much better than the Butterfly Garden in Cocles. Worth a taxi ride!

Cocles:

Surfing and Surf Lessons at Salsa Brava

Massage and Yoga with Kristy (8841-4007): I highly recommend Kristy for both of these. She often teaches classes in Puerto Viejo.

Pulperia: Great supermarket with fabulous croissants, wine, and groceries. Take a taxi and stock up!

Used Book Store: I’ve heard good things about this store. If you are a book lover, you may want to check it out. She may have gems, but beware: books don’t hold up well in Costa Rica!

Punta Uva:

Howler Monkeys: Just look up when you hear a sound like a convention of gorillas! These little guys congregate in the large trees near the bus stop near Aricefe. They are entertaining to watch and have a bark worse than their bite (though you shouldn’t test that!)

Aricefe Beach: a beautiful, clean, and secluded beach with relatively calm waters appropriate for snorkeling among the reef skirting the shore. Don’t forget that the last bus back to Puerto Viejo leaves at 5:00 pm and leaves from the main road.

Manzanillo:

Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge Jungle Walk: This 4 hour guided tour will give you the opportunity to see Toucans, Hummingbirds, Tanagers, Owls, Sloths, Howler and White-Faced Monkeys, iguanas, snakes, and poisonous (though beautiful) frogs.

Zip Line Tours: This 4 hour tour will have you zipping 285 meters above the rainforest canopy, landing at platforms along the way to note the scenery. The zip line will carry you to the heart of the forest for a guided nature walk. You will then return to the zip lines to complete the journey, taking a break at the highest platform in order to enjoy fruit and drink.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling near Punta Mona: I’ve never snorkeled this far down, but hope to try it soon! Let me know if you do!