Travel Information for Medical Spanish Conferences
- Hilton Spa Garden
Travel Information for Medical Spanish Conferences
Locations & Dates:
Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica
(click on Crocodile Bay name for full details about this conference date)
February 12-16, 2012
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
(click on Hilton Papagayo name for full details about these conference dates)
January 16-20, 2012
March 12-16, 2012
November 12-16, 2012
Getting There:
Crocodile Bay - there are daily flights to San Jose, Costa Rica (airport code: SJO). Once you arrive in San Jose, you will be greeted by uniformed Crocodile Bay employees who will transfer you to the Hotel Diria for an overnight stay in San Jose. The next morning, you will be transferred back to the airport for a NatureAir flight to Puerto Jimenez. Crocodile Bay staff will greet you at the airport and drive you the short distance to the resort. Once at Crocodile Bay, the staff will transport you to the many activities available in this unique and beautiful region of Costa Rica.
The Hilton Papagayo - there are also daily flights to Liberia, Costa Rica (airport code: LIR). The airport is approximately 20 minutes from the Hilton. You may arrange for ground transportation a week or so before your arrival by emailing the transportation desk at the Hilton Papagayo at hiltontransportation@costaricavision.net, you may rent a car at the airport, or you may take a taxi(the RED taxi's are recommended by the hotel). For daily rentals you may also rent a car at the hotel or there are drivers-for-hire that will take you anywhere you wish to go.
Lodging Reservations:
Hilton Papagayo Resort and Spa - For these reservations, the Hilton has created a seperate webpage for each conference date. Please click on the conference date below to view the webpage for the time you are interested in attending.
Crocodile Bay - Please contact them directly for reservations.
Dave Kanski
Reservation Director
Crocodile Bay Lodge
1250 Petaluma, CA 94954-1193
1(800)733-1115 xt107 direct
(707)559-7997 fax
Passports & Departure Tax:
A valid passport is required by all persons traveling to and from Costa Rica. It must be valid for 3 months past your departure date. So if you are attending the November conference, your passport should not expire before February. You will also need to have $26/person for a departure tax. You can buy your stamp when you first arrive or purchase it at the airport before you leave.
Travel FAQ’s For Costa Rica:
Do I need a Visa?
Not if you are a U.S. citizen and staying in the country less than 90 days.
Embassy Contact information www.sanjose.usembassy.gov
State Department website link www.travel.state.gov/passport
Is the water drinkable?
The water is potable in most parts of the country and certainly at The Hilton and at Crocodile Bay, but when you are off-property, it is recommended that you buy bottled water.
What number do I dial in case of emergency?
Dial 911 in case of emergency
Is tipping expected?
Most restaurants will include a 10% service charge on the bill. Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip. If you are satisfied with the service you receive, hotel maids, tour guides and drivers would appreciate a tip. Taxis: Ask the staff at the hotel to recommend a reputable taxi company.
What if I lose my passport?
Be proactive before your trip and make several copies of your passport and keep it in a seperate location such as a safe deposit box at the hotel. Also, scan a copy in advance of your trip, if possible, and send it to a personal yahoo, MSN or other email address that you can access in case of a misplaced passport, this will make it much easier for the consulate to help you in duplicating a lost passport.
What should I pack?
Sunscreen, bug repellant, swimsuit, light jacket for evening, waterproof shoes, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, first aid kit, including any medications you use often.
Are there ATMs available to make withdrawals in local currency?
Yes. However, please be sure to only use machines located in public and well illuminated places. Be careful of any offer of help or of strangers when using the ATM. Withdraw the cash, count it, and out it away before going outside.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Colon, however, the US Dollar is readily accepted for most transactions in most touristy areas.
For more tips:
Visit www.visitcostarica.com
