FAQ

I personally never recommend driving here due to time and money constraints. In reality, you don't need a 4x4 to get to most places in Costa Rica, so save some money and rent a small car. However, if you decide to risk it, driving from June until the end of November can be difficult due to the heavy rains during that time of year. You have to cross some rivers, and you wouldn't be able to get through with a car. From Palmar Norte, it's about a 3-4 hour drive.

Camera with extra batteries and charger, binoculars, alarm clock, power adapter, flashlight, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, first-aid kit, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, swimsuit, water sandals, sweater, rain jacket, lightweight long pants (to protect your legs from insects and also for night hikes), socks, and hiking boots. You might want to bring a dress for women; a button-down shirt for men. Also pack a large plastic bag for wet clothes and a small one to protect your camera from the rain.

In restaurants, a 10% service charge is generally included. Small soft drinks don't always include it, so just check your bill. Tour guides and assistants greatly appreciate a tip: it's not mandatory, and you won't receive lower service, but average wages aren't very high, and by adding a little extra to their income, you're helping families manage their living expenses.

The first bus leaves the Tracopa bus station (near Clínica Bíblica) at 5:00 a.m. The ticket counter opens at 4:30 a.m. You'll arrive in Palmar Norte around 11:00 a.m. and then need to take a taxi to Sierpe. We can help you with the taxi; they'll pick you up at the bus stop and assist you with your luggage. In Sierpe, you'll take the boat to Drake Bay at 11:30 a.m., and we'll meet you on the beach at Drake Bay at 1:00 p.m.

It usually costs around $10-12 and the coastal bus takes 5 hours, the bus through the mountains takes 6 hours

There are only two boats that depart daily: the 11:30 am boat costs $20 per person, and the 4:00 pm boat costs $25 per person. Reservations are not required.

Look for Hotel Oleaje Sereno, ask for Don Jorge, and he has secure parking ($6 per day). Boats also depart from the same restaurant.

It's best to book tours in advance, especially the Corcovado National Park tour, as spaces are very limited and sell out quickly.

We need to coordinate the boats, but yes, you can do it for the 2:30 pm boat to Sierpe.

There are no ATMs or banks in Drake Bay, so your last chance to withdraw cash would be Palmar Norte. We suggest bringing enough cash for your stay, as some restaurants don't accept cards. You can pay for everything at our place with a credit card, although there is a 13% Costa Rican tax added to the bill. You can also pay in cash in US dollars or Costa Rican colones.