Find us on Waze or Google Maps. Just punch in “Casa Amanecer Bed and Breakfast, Chaparral”. Double check that the destination is located in San Ramon, Alajuela.

Our GPS coordinates: N 10 06.708  W 84 27.246

Driving directions:

1. From San José airport (SJO), drive north on the Panamerican Hwy (#1) to San Ramon.
2. In roughly 45 minutes you will see signs for the San Ramón turn-off. Turn RIGHT at Plaza Occidente.
3. Continue straight to a traffic light (gas station on the right) drive straight though town, passing behind the big, gray cathedral on the left. Be careful to stop at any “alto” signs.
4. , When you come to a “T”, turn LEFT, then RIGHT at the traffic light.
5. Continue on this road, the route to Arenal. You will pass another traffic light with a gas station on the left, then another gas station on the right before you begin to ascend a hill with a couple of speed bumps. At the top, you’ll see a BEIGE AND BROWN CHURCH (Iglesia de San Juan).
6. At the church, you will make a RIGHT at the “Y”, then descend to another speed bump.
7. Proceed until you reach an intersection with a stop sign. There will be “Bar Oriente” on the far left and a soccer field just beyond.
8. Continue straight. The road will curve about 90 degrees to the left soon, then descend and curve left fairly abruptly, then it will curve to the right and ascend again.
9. When you reach the top of the hill, you will see our sign on the right indicating our entrance just beyond on the LEFT, just as you begin descending. It is an asphalt road, about 60 meters long with a concrete retaining wall to the left of the road. Be careful because the entrance is in a curve in the road.
10. Go all the way to the end to the big wooden gate and ring the bell on the right. You won’t miss us. We have a big stone retaining wall and a sign on the gate.

Upon request.

Please phone or email us to schedule an airport pickup:

• Include the carrier, flight number, arrival time and departing city of your flight.
• Also include how many are traveling.
• Make a payment*  though Paypal, using info@casa-amanecer as the recipient.
• We will send you a confirmation email.

*Cost is $90 for up to four people, $180 for five to 12 people.

Once you exit the airport, just look for a Casa Amanecer representative holding a sign with your name on it.

If you do not see anyone holding your sign, use the public phones to the right as you exit the building. You can call us collect (see Call Us Collect tab).

It’s about a one hour trip to Casa Amanenecer.

Using any cell phone, public pay phone or land line, simply:

• Lift the receiver (do not insert coins or cards)
• Dial 1110 and listen to instructions (in Spanish)
• Dial the phone number: 2445-2100 (Cell: 8306-3159)
• Listen again to instructions (in Spanish)
• Say your name after the beep

We will take your call and assist you.

For up-to-date passport and visa requirements, look at the Costa Rica Embassy Website. It’s a good idea to make a copy of your passport to use as you travel within Costa Rica. You can keep the original in a secure location, and show the copy to anyone requesting to see it. This just minimizes the risk of losing it or having it stolen.

This is a list of suggested items to pack for your trip to Costa Rica. 

• Lightweight clothing
• Swimsuits
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle
• Hiking shoes
• Rain jacket
• Binoculars
• Charger for electronics (120v)
• Essentials like passport, travel insurance, and any necessary medications

You can use dollars at most places, but you don’t get the best exchange rate. Another option is to exchange dollars for colones at a bank. Be sure to have your passport with you.

You may also withdraw money in the form of colones from your home-country bank account using your debit card. There are ATMs in town where you may do this. You may also use your debit card or credit card at gas stations, supermarkets, larger hotels and many tourist attractions.

If you use Paypal, be sure to visit your Profile before you travel at www.paypal.com. Go to Travel Plans, and give them your travel itinerary. It’s also a good idea to advise your bank of your travel plans.

The currency in Costa Rica is called colones. The exchange rate these days is roughly 502 colones per dollar. ($1 = 502 colones, $10 = 5,020 colones, etc). Avoid exchanging money at the airport. While it may be convenient, you get quite a low exchange rate. We highly recommend going to a bank here in town, or in any town. Do remember to have your passport with you.

Be sure any bills that you bring are not damaged or torn, as they may not be accepted, not even by banks. Most businesses do not accept bills over $20. Larger hotels normally do however, as do we at Casa Amanecer.

Upon leaving Costa Rica, you will need to pay a departure tax of $29 per person at the airport before checking luggage. Check and see if your airline has included this tax in your airfare. If it has not, as you enter the airport, turn right, go all the way to the end and go to the counter on the right. They accept dollars, colones and credit cards.