Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Puerto Viejo?

Puerto Viejo is located on the Southern Caribbean Coast approx 4.5 hours by bus or car from San Jose. For a map of location click here. Here is a map of local region of Puerto Viejo. For a photo tour of Puerto Viejo, click here or click here to see the video. 

How do I get there?

There are so many different cost effective and easy ways to get here that would take too much space here to list.  My friend and I made up a whole web page that gives very detailed information on the options (public bus, tourist shuttle, private driver, driving, river rafting trip transfer, etc!) and schedules.

Need airport pick up?

We have a company that has can pick you up at the international airport and bring you right to paradise...well, Banana Azul (as close to paradise as it gets)! The cost is $160-190 (depending on date) from San Jose and they also offer fixed rate trips from other popular Costa Rica spots such as Arenal or Monteverde which don't require you to transfer in San Jose like the bus would. They use a small van which can accomodate up to 8 people so it's also a great option if you have lots of luggage or pets (neither the public bus or Interbus will carry pets). Click here to browse rates and fill out a booking request.

If you'd like to take the door-to-door Interbus shuttle (shared van service) between a San Jose hotel or an Arenal Volcano area hotel to Banana Azul then click here to fill out an Interbus reservation request.

For a very detailed description on how to get here by public bus or car, please download the following PDF document.  It has also sorts of tips for traveling here; Download getting-here.pdf

For the truly adventurous

For a trip down to Puerto Viejo that is truly memorable, you might consider doing the rafting trip on the Pacure River.  This trip has consistently had the highest reviews from all our guests.  Trip includes pick up in San Jose or Arenal at your hotel, 4 hour, 18 mile rafting trip, eats and drop off at your hotel in Puerto Viejo.  You can also do trip on return from Puerto Viejo to San Jose or Arenal.  Single day river trips cost $95 per person.  They take care of all belongings and valuables.  If you'd like more information on the rafting trip options or to have us book one for you, click to:

Get More Information  |  Make a Rafting Reservation

You do not have to stay at our hotel for us to book this trip for you.

Why should we stay at Banana Azul?

We could give you plenty of reasons, but we would rather our previous guests speak for us.  Check out to see what they have to say about us on Trip Advisor.  It is our mission to not just rent you a room, but sell you an experience.  We were also one of only 4 accommodation places that were recommended in the 20th year anniversary edition of Conde Naste Traveler Magazine in the feature on the Caribbean  Coast entitled Coast of Utopia. 

What do we need to bring?

Not much. Keep clothes light and maybe a rain poncho just in case we get a shower, bug spray and sun screen.  A headlamp for night walking or bike riding would be advisable.  We have secure locked storage for cameras, passports, etc. If you feel moved, you can bring something for the local indigenous communities as I mention below.

We have been very moved by all the people who have brought items of need for local developing communities.  Just one the many... Ted, from California felt moved to buy and pack 72 umbrellas for school kids getting walking to school.

Inspirational Books.  We have tried to create a library here at the hotel for people might be inspired to make changes in their lives.  If you have books that you would like to donate for other guests to read, we would be very thankful. 

What is the weather like?

Contrary to common opinion that it rains all the time on the Caribbean, there are actually places such as Manuel Antonio that get more inches per year.  The difference is that on this side, it is more spread out over the year.  Also note that most rain comes at night and days clear by early-late morning. 

My neighbour Charlotte keeps a rain gage that shows trends in rain patterns.  You will note that while there is some trends, it's still a crap shoot.  And some times, when it rains, it may be short, but a dump an amount of water you most likely have never seen before.  It can be very magical.

For more information on weather here in Puerto Viejo (average temperatures and rainfall), you can check here.

Is Banana Azul Child-Family Friendly?

When Roberto and I first opened Banana Azul, we thought we would just open our doors and see who came.  We tried to offer a wide variety of services and facilities to be attractive to a large group of travelers as most hotels do.  But as time went on we learned that our most satisfied and returning guests were straight and gay singles and couples who enjoyed our small size, wide expanse of beach, uncrowded atmosphere and personal attention.

The guests who seemed to resonate best with our hotel were couples on romantic getaways, solo travelers exploring Costa Rica or looking for a quiet place to write/read/relax, friends traveling together, couples whose children were older and they no longer vacationed with their parents. We learned that trying to be everything to everyone was counterproductive and unsuccessful.  So…we decided to specialize as a hotel for adults and therefore limit guests to those 16 years of age and older.  We thank you for your understanding.

How can I help local in Indigenous Communities?

Nothing has touched me more in my move down here than the local Indigenous people. If you feel moved, you could bring things like sturdy shoes that you no longer wear for Indigenous Communities. There is an excellent organization here helping the native communities called "The Bridge". They have a "wish list" of small items such as rain ponchos, etc would help local poor indigenous families in need. You would be even welcome to deliver the items in person as The Bridge is not far from our house or we can make sure they are delivered. If all that seems too much to handle, you are also welcome to make a donation to The Bridge. Instructions are located on their website.

In addition to The Bridge, local environmental organization, ATEC has also been working with  indigenous communities way deep in the jungle of Talamanca region for years.  They too accept donations of items of these native communities.  You can view their wishlist here.  Items for ATEC or Bridge can be left with us or you can deliver them in person.

The Bridge also welcomes people to volunteer at the project. Contact them ahead of time and let them know you are coming and they will accommodate you. The Bridge can even arrange an overnight stay with an indigenous family in the mountains.  Click here for photo tour of local indigenous Bri-Bri native families.

How do we get around if we do not have a car?

Most people rent bicycles here.  Banana Azul rents bikes for customers at a rate of $4/ day, $20 wk and $60 month. It is perfect place for bikes, as the one road runs up and down beach areas with NO HILLS. You can also rent motor scooters. They can be a lot of fun for an expanded tours of surrounding area.  There is also local buses and taxis that work very well and run often.  There are bus schedules located here.

Many people still want a car for a few day trips.  We can arrange to have a car delivered to your hotel through a local car rental agency.  Cost with basic insurance is about $50 day for economy car. 

How far is Banana Azul from town?

We are approx 1.5 kilometer from Puerto Viejo. This is equal to about 1 mile. It is a gorgeous 20 minute walk along the sandy beach to town. And it is about 5-10 minutes by bike. Taxi rides are $4 each way. Click here for map.   You can also see where we are located via this satellite picture that was shot just prior to us building. Click the image to explore the Puerto Viejo area by satellite.

I have a dog(s). Is that a problem?

No, we love dogs. We have a few. There is nothing nicer than taking a mile long beach walk with your pups off their leash and not worrying about them.  And if you did not bring a dog, ours will be only to happy to accompany you on the beach and there are no additional  charges for this service.  The only requirement is that you throw sticks in the water for them to fetch.

We need air conditioning.

Actually it is very rare for houses or hotels here to have A/C. It does not get as hot as Pacific side and fans seem to always be sufficient. Your room is equipped with ceiling or wall fan. Siesta is also nice between 12-2 pm as that is the hottest time of the day (but never stifling).

What about Internet Service and Connection?

Banana Azul is proud to be among the first that will offer free wireless high speed Internet to it's rooms and for our guests that have lap tops.  Banana Azul also offers public internet terminals for those without their own computer for a small fee.

What about Mosquitoes and Bugs?

Houses on the beach do not have as many mosquitoes or bugs. They do not like salt air as much or breezes. However, there are still some. With ceiling fan you should not be bothered by them. Personally after rains, I will use what is called Placitas which is a small device that is plugged in the wall and emits a odor that keeps them away. They are supplied in your room should you desire. There is also organic bug spray sold here which is nice those of us who do not want to use "deet" products.  Mosquito nets are also supplied for your room upon request.

Is the room and area safe?

The rooms are very secure and have a lock box. In addition to a owners that live on site we also have night security.  For valuable items such as cameras, lap tops etc, We have a lock-up in your room for you.  As for area, petty theft is a problem throughout Costa Rica and especially beach towns. Puerto Viejo is no more affected than any other places and is in fact safer than places like Tamarindo, Quepos, Jaco and definitely San Jose. Violent crime against tourists very rarely happens.

Your rooms are booked. Can you recommend another place?

I represent a couple beach houses.  You can view info here. You are also welcome to email me at info@BananaAzul.com with your needs and I can send you some more info on other places you might check out. 

What is there to do in addition to just playing on beaches?

There are many places in town which offers a full range of tours in the surrounding area. Some are really great and some are not so great.  If you are interested in a tour, we can help make arrangements and try and help you get what you want to see.

I have created a photo album of the many things to do in the area. .  This album is by no means complete and I will be updating it with more activities as I come across the pictures.

What are good places to eat in town?

First of all if you are too tired to go into town and want to eat with other guests, Banana Azul kitchen offers one or two entrees nightly (except Sundays) .  All meals include salad, entree & dessert.  Menu posted daily.

One the charms about Puerto Viejo that many visitors comments on is the huge selection and variation of so many places to eat in Puerto Viejo. 

From street vendors, sushi to high end Italian, you could spend 2 weeks here just sampling all the many places to eat.  Mainly because there are so many foreigners from all different countries and backgrounds here and many of them operate local eating places trying to eek out a living. 

And the best part that to date there is no McDonald's, KFC, or Burger King. Here is a photo tour of some of the places we go.