Costa Rica has only two seasons: dry and green! The dry season with very little rain is generally between late December and April and the green or wet season lasts the rest of the year – May through November.

The green season lasts from May through November, but still offers an average of about 3 to 5 hours of daily sunshine. There is even a mini “dry season” in July. It is the time of year when, for most of the country, you may get some rain during your travels. And, it’s also the less crowded, off-peak season. Many people actually prefer to vacation during the green season, as the pace is slower, the rates are less, and, of course, it’s greener! You could be here for a week and see no rain, or you might see afternoon or night time showers, or perhaps several days of clouds, drizzle and rain.

Costa Rica Standard Time is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-6), same as Chicago and St. Louis. Costa Rica does not operate Daylight-Saving Time, so the time difference is an additional hour April through October.

Electric Voltage in Costa Rica is 110 V, the same as the United States.

American Dollars and Costa Rican Colones are accepted everywhere – the closest ATM is in La Cruz, a 15-minute drive from Recreo.

Credit cards are accepted at Recreo for all purchases onsite. Most offsite tour locations accept credit cards, but not all. The Day Tour inside Nicaragua is one example and for this tour, dollars are preferred.

Most travelers do not need vaccinations or special medications when visiting Costa Rica. Pharmacies are located in most towns and cities, including La Cruz, the closest town to recreo.

A local clinic is just minutes from recreo and can handle any basic needs. There is also a hospital in Liberia which is about 1 hour away and life flight services are available.

There is a pharmacy in La Cruz, a 15 minute drive from Recreo.

We are in a remote and very private location surrounded by beaches, national parks and rain forest with few hotels and very small towns in the nearby vicinity. This remoteness affords our guests the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings. There are a few local restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican cuisine and are a nice option if you would like to get a taste for the local atmosphere. Recreo’s beach is not heavily touristed and there is not a lot of “nightlife” nearby.

Playa Rajada is 5 minutes by car or a 10 minute walk from most villas.

Costa Rica is a very family and child friendly country in general and at Recreo, we do our utmost to accommodate the needs of families with children. Baby cribs, pack –n- plays, car seats, beach and pool toys and high-chairs are available upon request.

As of August 1st, 2009, car seats and or booster seats are required for children under the age of 12 years old and should be reserved in advance. If you will be using Recreo transportation please let us know ahead of time if you will be requiring a car seat. If you are renting a car, they will have seats available for an additional fee. Here are the guidelines for choosing which option is best for your child:
Booster: 30 lbs, 57″ tall
Car Seats: 20-50lbs
Infant car seats 5lbs +

Beach towels are provided in each villa.

Each of the villas includes a washer and dryer. Laundry service is included for guests choosing the all inclusive option.

Recreo promotes a casual, relaxed atmosphere. This relaxed environment eliminates the need for dress clothes or jewelry. Lightweight, drip-dry cotton separates (shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, skirts or sarongs) sandals, bathing suits, and a hat. If you are planning on hiking, you may want to throw in a pair of sneakers, and many people bring water socks if they’re going to be snorkeling or tubing on a day trip to the Volcano. Also, bring a darker colored bathing suit that would hide any possible discolorations from a trip to the volcanic mudbaths!

Please check with your provider prior to leaving your departure country to see if they provide service in Costa Rica, but more importantly what the cost is. Not many US cell phones work in Costa Rica and when they do, the per minute rates are around $4.00. In addition, Recreo is located in a remote area and even if your provider does offer service, it may not work in our area.

Most tours and excursions can be arranged onsite. Overnight excursions and golf should be scheduled prior to your arrival to ensure availability. For a complete list of tours and activities, see our digital brochure or request a transportation and tours price sheet.

Although you may pick up the WiFi signal in your villa, because of our remote location and local weather patterns, it is not a reliable connection and cannot be guaranteed.  There is, however a more reliable connection available in the welcome center.