One of the many small streams the course their way through the rainforest around Rancho Mastatal photo by Desa

Bring a good hat to shade your eyes and forehead and to keep your head dry. If you are light skinned or very heat sensitive, bring a wide brimmed hat. We tend to use umbrellas more than rainjackets during the rainy season though some people prefer to have a light jacket on hand. Bring shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy.  If you bring hiking boots, you'll find that lighter, faster drying models will serve you best in this region. Many people bring hiking boots and never end up wearing them though they do offer protection when in the forest. Make sure that you have comfortable shoes to get around in for when you are not in the forest or working. Many travelers opt for Chacos, Tevas or broken in sneakers. It's nice to have shoes that are easy to get on and off as you will find yourself constantly having to put on and take off your shoes (no shoes in the houses). Leather does not generally do well in humid environments. Light, long sleeved shirts and pants are nice for sun and insect protection. Shorts, t-shirts and skirts are popular too and will serve you well if you head to the beach at any time.  A light, quick drying, absorbent towel works best out of the shower or at the swimming holes.    

If you'll need to make a phone call while in Mastatal, you should consider bringing a phone card or two as they are often times not avaliable in the area. You should also bring enough cash with you as the closest place to get money is in Puriscal and to get there and back using public transportation signifies an 11-hour day.

Here is a list of smaller items that you may find useful:

• high quality flashlight with spare bulb and batteries (rechargeable if possible as there are no battery recycling programs in country)
• travel alarm clock or watch
• Swiss Army-style pocket knife
• a section of cord or line (to use as a clothesline or for a thousand other purposes)
• sewing kit
• sunglasses (good ones as the sun is very strong)
• toiletries (use shampoos and toothpastes that are biodegradable)
• sunblock (use biodegradable type if possible)
• books that you have been meaning to read for a while
• water bottles (we recommend taking at least two 1-liter bottles when hiking, Nalgene style bottles are popular and work well)
• first-aid kit (SEE HEALTH SECTION)
• prescription medicines (many are available at cheaper prices in Costa Rica, but don’t take your chances)
  

Here is a list of optional items that you want to consider:

• camera (digital camera's seem to be best)
• binoculars and field guides
• Spanish-English dictionary
• large-brimmed hat
• sleeping sheet

Consider carrying your gear in an internal frame backpack. It's less tiresome to carry your load on your back, although you have to be aware when in crowded places. Suitcases are also fine if you do not plan on walking much with your gear in country. In addition to your main luggage, a smaller backpack will be useful when walking between houses, in the rainforest, and on the beach.

Books
This wonderful list of the books that we have in our library was put together by Phoebe Hazzard in November of 2006. We’re posting it so that you know what books we have here in Mastatal so that you can better prepare when packing for your trip to Costa Rica. We don’t do book trades nor do we allow folks to take the Ranch’s books with them when leaving from the Ranch, so please keep that in mind. Our library is precious to us and to those that visit. It’s hard for us to find books in Costa Rica so we’re pretty vigilant about those that we have. With all of this said, we do love when people leave us the books that they don’t need anymore or don’t want to carry around after departing Mastatal. And if you have any books in Spanish, bring them down for the community library. We’ll do our best to keep this list current but no promises.

Tigre at the rodeo

Visas and Documents
You will need a passport to enter Costa Rica. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. You will most likely receive a 90 day visa upon entering the country. During your stay, the law requires that you carry your passport at all times, although a copy usually suffices.

Travel Insurance
Get it! This should cover you for medical expenses, luggage theft, and costs incurred due to unavoidable changes in your travel itinerary. It should also cover you in the case that you have an accident and have to be flown home. Ticket loss is also covered by travel insurance. Check with your insurance agent to get additional information about the coverage that they offer; it can differ depending on the agent.

Money
The Costa Rican currency is the colón. The exchange rate changes frequently and can be found online. Carry your passport when changing money. Only change money in banks or at good hotels. DO NOT CHANGE MONEY ON THE STREET. Make sure that your US bills are in good shape, as it sometimes difficult to change worm or torn money. Make sure you change all of your colones back to dollars before exiting the country (or as many as possible), as it is difficult to change larger amounts back in the States.

Major brands of traveler’s checks in US dollars can be exchanged into colones at banks in many cities but the rate is usually 1% to 2% lower than cash. Don't expect to be able to use traveler's checks when "off the beaten past". We recommend that you always carry some US cash for those times when you are far from all banks or when banks are closed. You generally cannot use traveler’s checks as cash as you can in many places in the U.S. Please note that the closest bank to Rancho Mastatal is more than an hour away. Cash advances are possible at many banks with your credit card. VISA is the card most readily accepted. There are also an abundance of ATM machines in most larger towns and cities. Check with your bank to see whether your card will be accepted and where in Costa Rica.

Pickpockets do exist in Costa Rica, especially in some of the busier and poorer areas of San José. Carry money in inside pockets, money belts, or pouches beneath your clothes. Don’t carry a wallet in your trousers, backpack or jacket pockets, as this is the first thing pickpockets look for. Divide your money among several places so that if someone pickpockets you, you won’t lose all your cash.

Telephone
Generally, the telephone system in Costa Rica is quite good though perhaps not as reliable as you are accustomed to. We can help you when you need to make a call. The Ranch phone number is 2200-0920 (dial 011-506 before this number if calling from abroad). There is also a public phone in the center of Mastatal.  You cannot receive international calls from this phone but can make outgoing international calls.  The number for the public phone in town is 2410-6085. This phone is close to the main house.  We ask guests to use the public phone for outgoing calls.  We recommend that you buy an ICE phone card prior to arriving to the Ranch if you plan on making any international calls.   

Internet
There is now a small Internet cafe in Mastatal that is generally open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.  The Internet cafe is closed on Sundays.  Internet cafes are generally found in most medium-sized towns and large cities. There is no Internet access at Rancho Mastatal.

Another spectacular Costa Rican sunset photo by Desa

Lodging in Costa Rica ranges from relatively cheap to quite expensive. We have updated the below information to the best of our ability, but would strongly recommend that you double check all information with the hotel before booking, as prices and other information can and does change frequently. A few recommendations for Alajuela, San José and Escazú are found below. They do not appear in any particular order. Phone numbers are written as if calling from the United States, with (506) being the country code. There are no area codes in Costa Rica, so disregard the 011 (506) if calling from within Costa Rica.

ALAJUELA

Hostel Mi Tierra, 011 (506) 2441-1974, 011 (506) 8830-3718, hotelmitierracr@hotmail.com , Av. 2, between Calle 3 and Calle 5 (350 meters east of the the north side of the Juan Santamaria Park). An excellent, moderately priced choice and a favorite of Rancho Mastatal guests.

Los Volcanes Hotel, 011 (506) 2441-0525, fax 011 (506) 2440-8006, hotellosvolcanes@hotmail.com , Av. 3, Calles Central and 2, in front of the Juan Santamaría Museum. One of the best, moderately priced hotels in the area. The old renovated house has a lot charm. $45 for a double. Transportation to and from airport and breakfast included. Nice folks. Downtown Alajuela.

Hotal Casa Tago, 011 (506) 2443-5323, reservas@hotelcasatago.com, 75 meters east from the former Seguro Social .  This hotel comes recommended by past Ranch guests. 

Maleku Hostel, 011 (506) 2430-4304, 011 (506) 8880-5720, malekuhostel@gmail.com, 50 meters west of the new hospital.  Wi-Fi.  Free airport shuttle.  Private and dorm rooms.  Recommended by Ranch guests.  

Hostel 5ta Avenida, 011 (506) 2441-1563, hostel5taavenida@yahoo.com, 200 meters north and 50 meters east from the Central Park and Cathedral Boulevard, across from the Post office. Run by a nice man named Carlos. Great prices. Situated in the heart of Alajuela, 5 minutes from the international airport. Free Internet.

Hotel La Rosa de America, tel/fax 011 (506) 2433-2741, info@larosadeamerica.com, www.larosadeamerica.com 100 meters south and 75 meters east of the Bar y Super La Mandarina. Very comfortable. Restaurants close by. Quiet area. Nice owner. A bit away from the airport and city.

Hotel Mango, 011 (506) 2443-1200, fax 011 (506) 2440-0808, mango@racsa.co.cr , ½ kilometer east of the airport terminal on the old road to San Jose. Nice place. Clean with all of the amenities. Great swimming pool. Pleasant people. $75-85 for a double. Transportation to and from airport and breakfast included.

Mango Verde, 011 (506) 2441-7116, telfax 011 (506) 2443-5074, cell 011 (506) 8391-2177, mirafloresbb@hotmail.com , 50 meters west from the Juan Santa Maria Museum. Decent budget choice. OK rooms. $10-12 for a single. $20-25 for a double.

SAN JOSÉ

Mi Casa Hostel, 011 (506) 2231-4700, fax 011 (506) 2232-3928, reservations@micasahostel.com, http://www.micasahostel.com/, in the Sabana Norte neighborhood, 50 meters west and 150 meters north from the ICE building.  Spacious, secure, clean bedrooms.  Sheets, linens, blankets and pillows included.  Clean bathrooms and warm showers.  Coffee, tea and broadband Internet.  $12 for shared bunkroom and $26 for private accommodations.  

Hostel Pangea, 011 (506) 2221-1992, 011 (506) 8396-0364, hostel@email.com, www.hostelpangea.com, 6 blocks north from Plaza de la Cultura, Central Avenue. Free calls to USA and Canada. Breakfast included in price. Free Internet. Free storeroom. Hot showers. Full kitchen. TV Cable. Great budget choice. $9 per person.

Costa Rica Backpackers Hostel, 011 (506) 2221-6191, fax 011 (506) 2222-0588, info@costaricabackpackers.com , www.costaricabackpackers.com , Avenida 6, Calle 21 and 23, ½ block east from the northeast corner of the Supreme Court building. Good bang for the buck. Free Internet. Kitchen facilities. Swimming pool. Free tea and coffee. Hot showers. $8 for bed in dorm. Doubles $19.

Tranquilo Backpackers, 011 (506) 2223-3189, 011 (506) 8355-5103, www.tranquilobackpackers.com . From the Holiday Inn, ¼ block north on Calle 7. Hot showers, laundry service, mixed dorms, live music, Internet access. Dorms $7. Single $11. Double $17.

Hotel Aranjuez, 011 (506) 2256-1825, reservas@aranjuezhotel.com Calle 19, Avenida 11 y 13, 25 metros sur de Iglesia Santa Teresita. Has gotten excellent recommendations and is said to be an excellent value.

Hotel Don Carlos, 011 (506) 2221-6707, fax 011 (506) 2255-0828, reservations@doncarloshotel.com , www.doncarloshotel.com. Simple but clean and recommended.

Hotel Talamanca, 011 (506) 2223-5033, fax 011 (506) 2233-5420, hoteltalamanca@racsa.co.cr. Avenida 2 between Calles 8 and 10. For those looking for a reasonably priced hotel right downtown. Breakfast included in price of room.

ESCAZÚ

Casa de las Tías, 011 (506) 2289-5517, fax 011 (506) 2289-7353, casatias@kitcom.net, www.hotels.co.cr/casatias.html, San Rafael de Escazú. If you want to be close to San José, but not necessarily in the city, and want to treat yourself, then this is the place that we would most recommend. Five rooms share three bathrooms. Close to restaurants and nightlife in Escazú, though far enough away to be quiet. $60 for a single, and $70/85 to $85/100 for a double/triple.

Costa Verde Inn, 011 (506) 2228-4080 or 2289-9509, fax 011 (506) 2289-8591, inn@costaverde.com, www.costaverdeinn.com. Escazú. This is a bed and breakfast with all of the amenities and a great value with friendly service. They have 18 rooms (6 apartments and 12 regular rooms), swimming pool, private parking, free wireless and great rates. This is one of our favorite places to stay in the Central Valley. See their website for rates and more information.

Posada El Quijote, 011 (506) 2289-8401, fax 011 (506) 2289-8729, Apdo. 1127-1250, Bello Horizonte Escazú, www.quijote.co.cr . Hot water, cable TV, and fan or A/C. Some rooms have spectacular view of the mountain valley. Full north-American style breakfast included. Rates for a double are $65-85, plus taxes (16.39%). Rates are 10% lower during the green season. Additional $20 for each additional person per night.

PURISCAL

Ama Tierra Hotel & Retreat, 011 (506) 2419-0110, Toll-free from USA 1-866-659-3805, fax 011 (506) 2419-0094, info@amatierra.com, www.amatierra.com, San Pablo de Turrubares. 10-private suites, yoga classes, massage therapy. Please contact the owners for pricing information.

Cabanas Ensuenos, 011 (506) 2416-8860, cabanas_ensueno@hotmail.com, http://www.facebook.com/cabanasensuenos.puriscal, Puriscal.  

Casa Once B&B, (011) 506) 8478-8991, USA (828) 225-2558, alexander.bannister@yahoo.com, www.casa11costarica.com, on the way to Mastatal.  $40 per night. 

Recommended Accommodations in Manuel Antonio, Esterillos Este and Esterillos Oeste
The Central Pacific Coast is one of the more popular destinations for Ranch visitors either before arriving or after leaving Mastatal. Therefore we're including below some of our favorite lodging options in this area.

MANUEL ANTONIO

Costa Verde Hotel, 011 (506) 2777-0584, 011(506) 2777-0187, fax 011 (506) 2777-0560, costaver@racsa.co.cr, www.costaverde.com. Rooms and apartments $80-180. Three pools and three good restaurants. Free Wifi. Good value. Some rooms have absolutely splendid views. Well run. Great choice. A Ranch favorite.

Wide Mouth Frog Hostel, 011 (506) 2777-2798, fax 011 (506) 2777-9105, info@widemouthfrog.org, http://www.widemouthfrog.org/index.html.  International backpackers' hostel.  Pool, kitchen, dining room, TV, free high speed WIFI, free luggage storage, free DVDs, free guarded overnight parking, no curfew, 10 minutes to Manuel Antonio National Park, free board games, book exchange, free breakfast, laundry service, surf board rentals, security guard and more.  We've had many guests recommend this place over the years.   

Hostel Vista Serena, 011 (506) 2777-5162, US/Canada: 909-440-8283, vistaserena23@gmail.com, http://www.vistaserena.com/Vista_Serena_Hostel/Welcome.html.  Dorm, private rooms and bungalows.  Free international phone calls, free breakfast, free WIFI, safe parking, towels, lockers, communal kitchen, restaurant, hammocks, TV, beautiful views and more.  Short bus ride to the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Hostel Costa Linda, 011 (506) 2777-0304, costalindamicha@yahoo.de, http://www.costalinda-backpackers.com/national_park.1.html#/1.  Free wireless, great breakfast, laundry service, book exchange, restaurant, free coffee and tea, a short walk to the Manuel Antonio National Park, and dorm and private rooms.  

Hotel Karahe, 011 (506) 2777-0170, fax 011 (506) 2777-1075, reservations@karahe.com, Manuel Antonio. Swimming pool and jacuzzi, as well as restaurant, close to the ocean. Rooms and villas. Great price for the area.

ESTERILLOS ESTE

Encantada Ocean Cottages, 011 (506) 2778-7048, encantadacostarica@yahoo.com, www.encantadacostarica.com. Great value. Nice pool looking out to the ocean. Cabins that sleep four run between $55 and $75 depending on the season. Prices included breakfast. A Ranch favorite.

ESTERILLOS OESTE

Cabinas Cecilia, 011 (506) 2778-8485. This is a Ranch favorite. Owned by a tica. Pool looking out to the Pacific Ocean. Great rates. Cecilia's mom runs a nice little soda just around the corner of the hotel. 
 

Spectacular view to the interior highlands of central Costa Rica photo by Claudio Pinzauti

1. Waste Disposal – Don’t litter. The water in Mastatal is potable. Bring a water bottle to avoid having to buy bottled water. Plastic bottles are a real problem in Costa Rica. Carry out what you bring in. Minimize the amount of garbage that you generate. There is no garbage collection service in Costa Rica. Locally, garbage is generally burned or buried. Please don't add to this problem.
2. Wildlife – Don’t disturb animals or damage plants. Stay on trails. Observe wildlife from a distance with binoculars. Follow the instructions of your guides. Never feed wild animals. Do not collect or buy endangered animals or plants.
3. Local Communities – Allow the small communities at your destination to benefit from tourism. Buy locally made crafts and souvenirs.
4. Cultural Sensitivity – Interact with local people. Speak as much Spanish as you can, even if it’s very little. The locals will appreciate your intentions, and you will help to dissipate the reputation of the "ugly American". Appreciate and learn from the different cultural traditions of the areas you visit. Remember that you are the visitor. Be courteous, smile, and say "sí" a lot.
5. Education – Learn about wildlife and local conservation, environmental, and cultural issues both before your trip and during your visit. Ask questions. Practice your Spanish.
6. Sustainability – Avoid overcrowded areas unless you really want to see them. Support tourism companies with conservation initiatives and long-term management plans.
   

Please let us know what other questions or concerns you have regarding your visit to Rancho Mastatal.