Car Rental Information

When renting a car in Costa Rica a security deposit will be required in addition to the rental price.  The prices are substantial.  They can range from $900-$1,700 depending on the make of the vehicle.  They will not tell you this when making your reservation.  Please ask the amount of the security deposit when reserving the vehicle.  The security deposit may be put on your credit card.  When the car is returned the deposit will be returned.  This process can take from 24-48 hours if it is returned on a weekday or longer if it is returned on a weekend.  If you use a debit card(not recommended) it can take up to 15 working days to refund your money.

Driving Directions to Orosi Valley Farm

Take Interamerican Hwy #2 from San Jose through San Pedro and follow the Cartago signs. As you approach Cartago the signs will direct you Right at the intersection. Continue to the Stop light and stay in the left lane pointing to Cartago. As you approach the next light there will be a cemetery on the Right. Make a Right at this intersection and immediately get into the Left lane. You will make a left at the second street. There will be a yield sign(Ceda el Paso) at this street and you must yield to any oncoming traffic. This is a one way street.  Continue through Cartago after leaving Cartago proper you will be back on a two way highway. Stay on this continuing to Paraiso. You will see another cemetery at a Y in the road, continue on the main highway keeping the cemetary on your Right. Past the cemetery you will continue uphill coming into Paraiso and this becomes one way in the direction you are travelling. There are three stop lights in Paraiso Central. At the second light make a Right, the central park with a yellow building will then be on your Left. You come to the last stop light and continue straight through there. You are now about 4 km from Orosi Valley Farm. As you enter Orosi Valley there will be stunning views of the valley. Continue down the mountain and you will cross to small one lane bridges, you must yield to oncoming traffic on these bridges. Just before the second bridge there is a rather nasty bump in the road, as you cross this bridge you will see a small blue house on your Left we are the next driveway on the Left. The house is orange with a red metal roof.

Money

The unit of currency here is the colon.  Contrary to what some tour books say, using traveller's checks in Costa Rica can be difficult.  Most smaller businesses will not accept them.  Therefore, you must find a bank to exchange them often waiting in long lines.  You may choose to bring cash with you.  There is a money exchange booth in the airport, but waiting until you can get to a bank will give you the best exchange rate.  ATM cards are the easiest option.  There are ATH's(same as ATM) in most every town and as long as you know your pin number you should have no problems.

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Orosi Valley Information                                                      Car Rentals-see Important Info Page