Helpful Info
From Arrival to Departure
Mango Grove is in La Garita, Alajuela — about 20 minutes from the airport. Here’s what you need to know to get here and explore the country comfortably.
From the Airport (SJO)
Juan Santamaría International Airport is your gateway. From there, you have three main options to reach us:
Private shuttle ($25-40): book in advance, driver waits with a sign. Easiest with luggage. Uber/taxi ($15-25): readily available outside arrivals, 20-min ride. Rental car: pickup at the airport, ~20 min drive to our property.
Renting a Car vs. Shuttles
Rent a car if: you plan to do multiple day trips, want flexibility, or are comfortable with mountain driving. Skip the car if: you’re here mostly to relax at the property, only doing one or two activities (shuttles + Uber cover most needs).
Note: Costa Rican roads can be narrow, pot-holed in places, and lack road signs. A 4WD is recommended outside the Central Valley.
Currency & Payments
The local currency is the Costa Rican colón (₡). USD is widely accepted at hotels, tours, and many restaurants. Credit cards work in cities and tourist areas, but bring cash for small sodas, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are easy to find in Alajuela.
Language
Spanish is the official language. English is common in tourist areas and at our property. Knowing basic phrases (hola, gracias, por favor, ¿cuánto cuesta?) goes a long way.
Safety & Tap Water
Costa Rica is one of the safer countries in Latin America. Use the same caution you would in any city. Tap water in the Central Valley is safe to drink. Don’t leave valuables in parked cars.
Phones & WiFi
WiFi at the property is fast and free. If you want a local SIM, Kolbi has airport kiosks and 30-day tourist plans for around $15-20. Otherwise most US carriers have international day passes.