Information on Monteverde Costa Rica | Monteverde Travel Tips
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Information on Monteverde Costa Rica | Monteverde Travel Tips

Monteverde Costa Rica Information

Useful Telphone Numbers, Costa Rican Money and Random Facts
& Tips on Monteverde Costa Rica 
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• Costa Rican Money and Banks

• Random Facts of Costa Rica

  Useful Telephone Numbers (Embassies, Hospitals and Airlines) in Costa Rica

• What to bring to Costa Rica

• Activities for Children in Monteverde Costa Rica
  

Costa Rica Money and Banking

Costa Rica's money is called Colones.  Singular is a Colon.

Slang terms for money:

Cinco "Tejas" = Five Hundred (1 teja is = 100)
Un Tucan = One 5000 colones bill. (5000 colon bills have a toucan on them)
Un Rojo = One Thousand. (1000 colon bill is red)

Costa Rican Banks and Credit Cards

In Costa Rica the most commonly accepted credit cards are VISA and Mastercard. American Express is rarely accepted outside the biggest resorts. Traveler's cheques and US dollars are easily exchanged in any tourist area such as Monteverde. Everyone accepts US dollars!

There are three banks in Monteverde: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, Banco Popular, Banco de Costa Rica. They can make cash advances on Visa cards and Master cards. Take your passport and be prepared to wait in line. There are several ATM's in Monteverde. The banks are open weekdays 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.  In La Fortuna / Arenal Costa Rica there are several more banks and ATM machines can be found. There ares also Western Union offices in La Fortuna and Monteverde.

Random Facts of Costa Rica

- A "Tico" is a Costa Rican because of our habit of adding the diminutive "tico" to the ends of words.  As in "Chiquitico". Tico for a man and Tica for a woman. These are affectionate terms and nobody will be insulted!

- Weather: Rainy Season - The Atlantic side receives most rain between December and January. Rest of country (Pacific) May to Nov.

- High temperatures in Monteverde typically range between 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit and lows between 53-57. Approx. Average annual rainfall is 242 cm (that's about 8 feet) falling mostly between June and November.

- Costa Rica land area 51,100 km2

- Population around 4 million people. Most living in the capital San Jose. Population of the Monteverde Zone is about 5,000

Approximate Conversions to Metric Measures

To Convert            Multiply by            Results in     

inches                   2.5                         centimeters 
feet                        30                          centimeters 
yards                     0.9                         meters 
miles                     1.6                         kilometers
pounds                  0.45                      kilograms

52 cards = 1 decacards
1012 microphones = 1 megaphone
10 millipedes = 1 centipede

 Useful Telephone Numbers in Costa Rica:

Airlines:

Embassies in Costa Rica:

  (English Speaking) Private Hospitals Telephone Numbers:  

Moneverde now has:

An Emergency private clinic and 24 hour ambulance service (83919290).

Santa Elena Public Clinic: 2-645-5076

Vitosi Pharmacy: 2645-5004

What to Bring to Monteverde Costa Rica 

Clothes & Other Necessities

A combination of t-shirts and long sleeved tops which can be layered is ideal, as the weather can change quickly from hot and sunny to cold and wet. You may find hats very useful and a small folding umbrella.  Monteverde can get quite chilly at night (and wet!). Bring a waterproof jacket and a warm layer to wear underneath. Long pants are a good idea and hiking boots. Clothes which wash and dry easily are the best option as items such as jeans, for example, take a long time to dry.

In Fortuna it is much hotter so bring sandals, shorts, a hat and lots of t-shirts. It cools down in the evening so you might want to bring a light jacket. Bring clothes which wash and dry easily.

Medical Supplies

If you are taking any medication, ensure that you have sufficient supplies with you for your trip to Costa Rica. 
You should also consider bringing the following in your first-aid kit:
Antihistamine or another anti-itch cream for insect bites
Painkillers - aspirin
Lomotil / Imodium (or equivalent) for diarrhea
Eye drops (Monteverde can be very dusty)
Plasters/band aids
Antiseptic cream

Miscellaneous

Insect repellent 
Contraceptives
Sun block
Tampons (especially if you have a preferred brand - they can be expensive in Costa Rica)
A torch/flashlight is always useful
Camera - memory chips etc
Plastic bags to protect clothing and items such as cameras and film
Binoculars (even a small pair)
Photocopies of all important travel documents 

 Things to do with Children in Monteverde Costa Rica

• Hiking hiking hiking! There are so many hikes to do in the area and at the right speed, anyone can enjoy.

• Horseback Riding - KIds love their horsies!

• The Ranario (The Frog Pond) - This tour is good for any age and can be done no matter what the weather is

• Serpentario (snake hourse) - Another good indoor tour that is good for all ages

• Trapiche tour - ride on an ox cart, learn about plants, make own candy (better for older children).

• Bajo Del Tigre (Children's Eternal Rain Forest) - At the entrance to the trails, there is a little cabin full of great activities about the local rain forest that are perfect for young children. The trails are not too long and have great names like the "monkey trail" and the "bat trail".
  
  

• Monteverde Information, Random Facts and Tips. Costa Rica Information