Information on Monteverde Costa Rica | Monteverde Travel Tips
Costa Rican Money and Banks, Useful Telephone Numbers, Random Facts & Tips on
Monteverde Costa Rica.
Useful Telephone Numbers (Embassies, Hospitals and Airlines) in 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:
American Airways, Sabana Norte Tel: 2257-1266
Avianca Colombia, San Jose 2233-3066
Aviones Taxis, Alajuela 2441-1626
Contiental Airlines, Sabana Sur 2296-4911
Cubana de Aviacio, San Jose 2221-5881
Delta Airlines, San Jose 2257-4141
Grupo Taca, Sabana Norte 2257-9444
Iberia, Paseo Colon 2257-8266
Mexicana, San Jose 2257-6334
Pitts Avation, San Jose 2296-3600
Singapore Airlines, San Pedro 2234-2233
Taxi Aereo, Pavas 2232-1317
United Airlines, Sabana Sur 2220-4844
Embassies in Costa Rica:
Canada 2296-4149
Denmark 2231-5956
France 2223-1156
Germany 2232-5533
Israel 2221-6011
Italy 2234-2326
Japan 2232-3787
Mexico 2257-0633
Netherlands 2296-1490
Spain 2296-1490
Swiss 2233-0052
UK 2258-2025
USA 2220-3939
(English Speaking) Private Hospitals Telephone Numbers:
CIMA (next to Price Smart, Escazu) 2208-1000
Clinica Biblica (Avda.14 at C.1, San Jose) 2221-3922
Clinica Catolica (San Antonio Guadalupe) 2283-6616
Moneverde now has:
An Emergency private clinic and 24 hour ambulance service (83919290).
Santa Elena Public Clinic: 2645-5076
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 horses!
The Ranario (The Frog Pond) - This tour is good for any age and can be done no matter what the weather is.
Serpentario (snake house) - 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".
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