Amenities
Location
Things to Do
Beaches

Why Choose Us
What Our Guests Say

Interior
Exterior
Views
Wildlife
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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica? Anytime! The general climate consists of a “dry” season (Dec.-Apr.) and a “green” season (May-Dec.) with shoulders of mixed weather. In our area, “green” usually means rain in the late afternoon and nighttime, with the daytime being warm and sunny. The benefit of the “green” over the “dry” is the profusion of waterfalls, the extra-lushness of the flora and a sense of having the country to yourself. The “dry” season, on the other hand, brings incredible sunsets, starry skies and an increased ability to travel to some of the more remote areas. Our part of the country is green year-round and does not have the dust and dryness found in the area of Guanacaste during the dry season. Of our guests who have visited in both seasons, they tell us they prefer the “green”. We agree. It’s even more beautiful and the rain isn’t a spoiler - if it rains at all.

Is Costa Rica a safe destination? Yes. We lived in Costa Rica full-time for 5 years and have been traveling there since 1998 and always feel safe everywhere we go with the exception of parts of San Jose at night. There are very few incidents of physical harm though, like most countries, there are people who will take advantage of possessions left in cars, etc.

Where do we fly into? There are two international airports. The main one, Juan Santamaria (SJO) is in the San Jose area and the one used most often by our guests as it’s about 3 hours away. The other one, in Liberia, is farther north and about 5 hours from Flying Toucans. Another good option, if your schedule works, is to fly into SJO and hop on a domestic flight on either Sansa or Nature Air to the small airport in Quepos. It’s about a 20 minute flight at a cost of around $60. This saves time driving between San Jose and the Dominical area as well as doubles as a sight-seeing tour! You can rent a car in Quepos and drive the 40 minutes to the villa. One warning: these flights are on smaller craft and limit the baggage allowance significantly. Sansa’s website is: www.flysansa.com. Nature Air: www.natureair.com

Does Costa Rica have departure taxes? Yes, but many airlines, such as American, United and Delta, Jet Blue and US Airways now include them in the ticket price. As of Feb. 2016, your ticket receipt should show one charge of $27.00 and another one of $2.00. Some airlines, such as Southwest and Spirit, do NOT (as of 12/2015) yet include this fee into the ticket price. Check this BEFORE you get to the airport to go home. The website for SJO lists the airlines who have already included the tax in their fees as well as those who have not. Just go to www.fly2sanjose.com and check the table on their main page. If you’ve already paid, just check in. If you haven’t, you must pay $29 per person PRIOR to getting in the check-in line. One person may take all of the passports in your group and make the payment at the tax collection desks across from the airline check-in counters. You may pay by Colones, US$ or credit card. Be aware that credit cards will be assessed a processing fee. NOTE: BTW, if you mistakenly pay them but they’ve already been included in your ticket price, there is no refund. The people at the tax counter can’t tell you if you need to or not. Also, if you get up to the check-in counter and find that you haven’t paid them, you will have to get out of line and take care of it at the tax desk. These fees go to the government, not the airlines.

Road Signs Most road signs are fairly obvious and use internationally recognized symbols. Distances are in Kilometers (km). Speed limits are in Kilometers per Hour (kph). Some theoretically faster roads (like the Toll Road) will give both a Maximum (80 kph MAXIMA) and a minimum speed (40kph MINIMA). Make sure the 40kph sign doesn’t have Minima below it or you will drive (no pun intended) everyone behind you loco. Converting kph to mph is a good thing to learn before you leave home. The math is simple. Multiply the kilometer rate or distance by 0.6 to get the mph. For example, 40 kms x .6 = 24 miles, 100 kph x .6 = 60 mph. If decimal points confuse you, simply multiply the kph or kms by 6, then drop the last zero in the result. For example, 80 kph x 6 = 480 = 48 mph. You’ll get the hang of it. Just don’t forget to convert back to mph and miles when you get home! As for general signs, Costa Rica has made great progress but comes nowhere close to the U.S. in terms of clearly identifying roads, etc. They do not use house addresses so most directions are in distances or landmarks (including the occasional horse in the field). We give you comprehensive directions to get from the airport to Flying Toucans.

Cell Phones Some guests use their cell phones here. Check with your provider BEFORE departure to understand how your particular coverage plan works. What we usually do is buy pre-paid SIM cards at the Kolbi counter in Baggage Claim and put one in each of our phones for use in Costa Rica. It’s super inexpensive and works well. Consult your carrier before leaving to see if they need to unlock your phone first. There are Kolbi stations all over the country and you can easily recharge it at places like the local grocery store. If you don’t want to mess with your phone, you can buy a cheap cell at Kolbi for about $30 already loaded with minutes and able to make both local and international calls. To minimize using your minutes, place your international call and have them call you back. Keep in mind that you can use these phones in any country by just buying the local SIM card upon arrival. Note: We also let our guests use the cell phone at the house to make local calls when they are out and about (though it might not always be available). The house has a land line, too.

Phone Calling Cards If you have a pre-paid calling card from your provider or a retailer like Costco or Sams Club, make sure you contact them BEFORE leaving home to get the correct “access” numbert for calling FROM Costa Rica to your home country. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use it here.

Can we drink the water in Costa Rica? Yes. Costa Rica prides itself on the quality of its water so you can feel safe pretty much everywhere. Flying Toucans is on a pristine well. We have never had a problem drinking the water at the house or anywhere else for that matter. Do the environment a favor and pass on buying a ton of throw away water bottles. However, if the water concerns you, bottled water is readily available at grocery stores and gas stations.

Where did the name Flying Toucans come from?

During our first trip to Costa Rica we went everywhere constantly on the look out for toucans and did not see them regularly until we came to this property. At times, it seems that everywhere you look a toucan is in flight. If you haven’t seen or heard one on the go, you’re in for a special treat!

How private is Flying Toucans? Well, let’s just say that you could run around in your birthday suit and only the toucans and the monkeys might blush (besides, they’ve already seen you in the shower…). We have a gate at the entrance to the 3 acre property and then another locking one between the carport and the villa. We keep both of them open the majority of the time, but you can close them for total privacy. There are a couple of villas in the jungle but far enough away or below you that they won’t be a concern. Having these views and total privacy, but still so accessible to restaurants, activities, etc. is a combination almost unheard of. Also, our managers and staff do not live on the property so there’s no one lurking about other than by arrangement with the guests.

How close am I to a beach? Close enough to walk! Well, it’s more of a hike down to the two private beaches with tide pools and a 35’ waterfall but well worth it at low tide. These beaches would be classified more as good for exploring, looking for wildlife, fishing, or checking out the tidepools rather than swimming. By car, there are numerous beaches north and south of the house within a 4-20 minute drive (and further) that allow for a wide range of beach-related activities. There’s something for everybody!

Do you have managers? We are privileged to have a wonderful couple managing Flying Toucans since 2008. Daryl and Donna, previously from Charlotte, are long-time residents of Costa Rica and live nearby. Daryl will come to meet you personally when you arrive (or when arranged) to go over the house and property. They’ll be delighted to help you at any time during your stay with questions about Flying Toucans, the area or to make activity/dining reservations, etc… They’ve been around a long time and are an excellent source of information on what to do (or what NOT to do), where to eat, etc. We’ve always had excellent feedback from our guests about this lovely couple. Their contact info will be provided in the driving directions.

What’s the bedding situation like? We have two suites. One has a king bed. The other has a queen bed and a double size futon couch that makes into a comfy bed (due to the 4” foam pad on top of the futon mattress). There is also a single cot with a 4” foam pad for an additional guest that can be placed in either bedroom or elsewhere in the house. If you have more than two adult couples or are a family traveling with several children and would like to know more about the setup, we will be glad to discuss the specifics to make sure the arrangements are suitable to you.

What should we bring? Numero uno: Binoculars! Also, always be prepared with adequate sun protection. Many products are available here but if you must have a certain brand or type, bring it along. If you have special vitamins, food items or snacks you (or more importantly your kids) can’t live without, pack them. A small phrase book or dictionary always comes in handy. Camera batteries and disposable cameras are available at fairly reasonable prices these days but if you need something special, bring it. If coming in the green season, shoes that can get wet and a light rain jacket will make things more enjoyable. Having said all that, PACK LIGHTLY! We have a washer and dryer and the dress code around here is super casual. See the “Dress Code” FAQ for more info.

What shouldn’t we bring? We provide an initial supply of such items as coffee, toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels, napkins, bath and hand soap, laundry detergent, liquid dish soap and dishwasher tablets, charcoal and BBQ starter. We have a full-size washer and dryer, so you don’t need a lot of clothes. Our area of Costa Rica is very casual, so keep that in mind.

Can we feed the animals? Unfortunately we have had raccoons and monkeys visit inside the villa in response to guests offering them food. Although this is entertaining, they get accustomed to this and come in when you aren’t there or after you’ve gone back home and cause damage to the furnishings and perhaps your personal items or those of future guests. They have been known to open the fridge and cabinets. We ask that you refrain from tempting them with food. We have had success and great pleasure feeding the toucans (and any other birds or wildlife) at the feeder on our deck. We put out small bits of papaya and banana for them. Lucky guests have even hand-fed the toucans. What a photo op! Our managers can often tell you where Tarzan, our sloth, “hangs out” and what wildlife is presently there.

No, I meant INSECTS… Oops, sorry. You mean mosquitos, spiders, roaches, etc… People don’t want creepy crawlers or bugs bothering them on their well- deserved vacation. Neither do we. We spent 5 years learning about our property so we would know what to expect when we built the house. Would armies of unwanted insects cause our open-air design be a colossal mistake? We even camped on the property for a season to make sure that the bug problem wouldn’t be a problem. We are delighted with the results and our guests often comment on how few insects they notice. You may see non-biting ants searching for crumbs and moths that are attracted to lights at night - sometimes none and sometimes more. Never has a guest commented when they left that bugs were an issue… although some scratch their heads wondering how that’s possible in the jungle.

What about snakes? As this is a nice house with good plumbing, we have found that plungers are sufficient. So far it has not been necessary to use snakes to eliminate plumbing issues. For snakes of the reptilian type, Costa Rica is known to have a number of both venemous and non-venemous snakes, but you will most likely never see one. We have a reptile book at the house so you can educate yourself on the different types of snakes found in Costa Rica or you can take an interesting trip to the local live snake exhibit to see them in person. We lived in Costa Rica full-time for 5 years and never saw a dangerous snake and haven’t heard of guests ever seeing one.

How are the roads? Very good. The main routes between the airport and Dominical are in excellent condition. The main road through the village of Dominical is still unpaved and usually rutted and bumpy. Since business owners and residents have debated the wisdom of paving it for years because they don’t want people driving fast, nothing has been done. The short access road off the main road to Flying Toucans, though most of it is unpaved, is in great shape year-round and never requires 4-wheel drive. For the adventurous, steep mountainous roads on the of side of the main highway require 4-wd, especially during and after rain. Please be aware of wildlife crossing the roads. With the improvement of the roads, cars are traveling faster and threatening the animals as they move from one location to another. Access roads to beaches are typically unpaved and may or may not require a vehicle with higher clearance.

Is there a tourist information center? Our managers are very knowledgable of what to do in the area and they will even make reservations for activities, dining, etc. In Uvita, there is the Uvita Information Center that our guests have found very helpful, too. We also provide activity information at the villa to get you started and our Guest Comment book gives you the scoop on what to do (or not to do). Most activities can be booked after you arrive. This is advisable because of weather conditions or jet lag or just wanting to laze by the pool. You’d be amazed at how many of our guests started off wanting to do an activity every day but wound up never leaving the pool and the wildlife at FT.

Where should we shop for groceries? You’ll find most things you need within 10 minutes north and south of the villa, with the exception of specialty items. Stores in Uvita carry the most American selections (which can be pricey) and also offer fresh meats. Dominical has some fruit stands as well as a mom-and-pop market. Our coastline offers a variety of fresh seafood options, so be sure to check out the small roadside stands. By the way, Alajuela (by the airport) now has a Super-Walmart and whule they may offer more selections than in our area, the pricing isn’t necessarily cheaper. If your schedule allows, a stop there might also be an option for you before heading down to Dominical. (FYI- this is not the same as an American-style Wal-Mart.)

Is there a spa nearby? Can we get massages at the house? Yes. About a three-minute walk from Flying Toucans, Cuna del Angel offers a full-service spa that does manicures, pedicures, hair cuts, massage and beauty treatments. They even have a dermatologist who comes in periodically. We have had positive feedback from guests who have taken the short stroll to the spa. If you are interested in a massage at the house, we have a lovely American gal who will spoil you in front of our gorgeous view. Guests seem to like her a lot! (She is not part of Cuna del Angel.)

How safe are the beaches? With such an abundance of beaches in the area, there is something for everyone, including excellent swimming beaches suitable for younger children. The beach at Marino Ballena National Park (just south of us by about 6 miles) is the best place to swim for all age groups and offers a beautiful location with the “Whale’s Tail” sand spit that can be walked on during low tide. It also has restrooms and showers (as well as a fee). On the other hand, the beach at Dominical, well-known for surfing, can have rip tides and swimmers are cautioned about this by signs and the lifeguard. Aways use caution when exploring new waters and never swim alone. As for safety regarding cars and personal belongings, use common sense like anywhere else in the world. Don’t leave valuables in the car or unattended on the beach. Bring as little as possible with you and find a away to enjoy the water or a stroll on the beach without leaving important items behind.

Is there any nightlife? We’ve heard that 75% of Costa Rica’s wildlife is active at night. If your version of nightlife is more traditional, check out the local establishments for various activities including live music. Nightlife is variable and can fluctuate with the season. Also, there is usually somewhere to watch major sporting events, so if you want to catch the Super Bowl or something else (especially soccer), you might be in luck. Check with our managers - they are usually clued in as to what’s going on.

Are there doctors and dentists nearby? Yes, in Uvita. Costa Rican pharmacies usually have a person on hand who is trained to assist in diagnosis, medications and injections (flu, antibiotics and vitamin shots). And many drugs are much cheaper than the States. We usually go there before going to a physician. Hospitals are found in San Isidro (45 minutes east) and Cortes (45 minutes south). We also have annual routine bloodwork done in San Isidro because of the cost and ease of getting it done. Did you know that Costa Rica has very good and inexpensive dental care? We have all of our check-ups, cleanings and major dental work (Root canals, crowns) done in San Isidro. We tried a dentist in Dominical but did not find the quality very good. For more involved medical procedures (such as dermatology, knee and eye surgery) we go to CIMA hospital in Escazu (close to San Jose). Excellent doctors and much better prices than at home. If you get bored (ha!) and want to try out medical options, just let us know…

Is there public transportation? While we highly recommend having a rental car, there are times when your group will want to go in different directions. Both Dominical and Uvita have taxis. The bus stop is an easy four-minute walk from Flying Toucans. For example, if you are traveling with young people who want to hang out in Dominical and do the surf thing, they can get a bus into town and take a taxi back if the bus schedule isn’t to their liking. However, because of the lack of regular bus runs, we do not think that public buses are advisable as your primary travel mode in our area.

Gas Stations The nice thing about gas stations In Costa Rica is that they all offer the same pricing and pump the gas. You are not allowed to pump your own. Fuel is more expensive than the U.S. and sold in liters rather than gallons. It’s 3.8 liters to a gallon (roughly 4 to 1). They will also check your tires and clean your windshield. You don’t have to, but if you have a good experience there, you can tip them a little. This is a good way to get rid of all your change when filling up your rental car on your way to the airport! Note: We have had some problems with credit card fraud after getting gas, so we always pay cash. (They take the card into the office instead of being able to swipe it at the pump.)

Unrefrigerated Eggs Eggs in Costa Rica are NOT refrigerated. Most Americans don’t know that you only have to refrigerate eggs once they have already been refrigerated. So when you’re shopping, don’t worry if you see eggs at room temp. Keep in mind that if you take room-temp eggs home and plop them in the fridge, they’ll have to stay that way until you cook them.

Is there a minimum rental period? Our regular rental period is for 7 nights and runs from Saturday to Saturday. We occasionally have guests stay for longer, leaving an opening of 3-6 nights. Those days are available upon request. Ability to accept Check-ins and Check-outs on days other than Saturday depend on the season and if there is a partial week open. We do not like to leave open days here and there. The weeks at Christmas and New Years are always 7 nights. Depending on when Christmas or New Years Day lands, the check-in and check-out dates might be a period other then Saturday to Saturday.

How many guests are allowed? Flying Toucans is a two-bedroom home to be used only by the registered guests. It is perfect for two couples or a family with 2-4 children that don’t mind sharing beds. We will be glad to review the specifics with potential future guests to make sure that the bedding situation works. Groups of more than six guests might not be accepted. The property is not suitable as a wedding venue or for large parties, even if guests are staying off-property.

Is it best to book directly with Flying Toucans? We prefer you contact us directly via our personal email (flyingtoucans@hotmail.com), also linked through this website’s “Contact Us” page. This alleviates communication hiccups we and our guests often experience going back and forth through third party booking sites. For you (the guest), it will also save you the 4-6% “reservation fee” that Homeaway/VRBO has added for making the booking for you. You are welcome to book through them, but we find it more personal and better communications booking directly with us. FYI: The reservation fee is in addition to the advertising fees we paid for you to find us on Homeaway/VRBO sites.

What’s the dress code? Casual is the key word. Pack lightly and bring only the necessities. We have a washer and dryer at the house so leave the huge suitcase at home and bring just a few things - you’ll be glad you did! Shorts, swimsuits, t-shirts or lightweight cotton shirts, a pair of long pants (for travel or horseback riding), flip flops, sandals, closed-toed shoes (for hiking or horseback), a casual summer dress or skirt. Beach attire (tank tops, shorts, beach dresses, sarongs, etc.) is to Dominical what a suit is to a board room. This “look” however, while suitable to a beach town, is not appropriate in San Jose or large towns that are not on the beach, such as San Isidro. Just about everybody in San Isidro wears jeans and casual attire, but in San Jose the look is much more professional. If you do not plan on going to higher-end places in San Jose or luxury resorts, don’t worry too much about it. And remember, you’ll probably want to pick up some things while you are here. Remember, LESS is more.

Car Rentals Definitely rent a car. While 2-wheel drive is always sufficient to get to Flying Toucans, you may want a 4-wd as Costa Rica is a fascinating country to explore. We recommend renting from major companies rather than small local operators because most large well-known companies have offices at the airport, are easy to book via the internet and have better cars and service if something goes wrong. If you are traveling in the high season (Christmas-April), reservations should be made in advance to ensure availability. In the low season (May-early Dec.) you can make a reservation or rent a car upon arrival from one of the rental counters near baggage claim. Daily rental rates are reasonable but please be aware that there is mandatory insurance ($15/day 2-wd or $20/day 4-wd) that adds significantly to the cost. They surprise you with this at the rental counter, NOT when you reserve the car! If you fly into Quepos, there is a Budget office at the airport with the other companies located in town. Veniam cillum esse eu, sed proident eu lorem minim fugiat proident amet adipisicing occaecat? Do id labore sed consectetur deserunt incididunt. Culpa sit amet anim nostrud in reprehenderit in id labore anim, adipisicing duis. Fugiat incididunt magna. Sint commodo consectetur est velit incididunt anim, consectetur laboris voluptate id adipisicing id dolor excepteur.

Arriving at SJO SJO is a relatively small and efficient airport. Upon deplaning just follow the crowd or signs to “Immigration”. You will go through painless passport formalities then on to Baggage Claim. (Note that surfboards and over-size bags/boxes arrive in the back left corner rather than with your regular bags.) Baggage Claim has a Kolbi desk (where you can buy a cheap chip for your cell phone or even a whole phone for about $30) as well as an ATM (high fees) and a currency exchange (terrible rates). Avoid getting your money there -see our section on Money. On the way out, place all of your luggage (including carry-on) on the conveyor belt, hand your customs declaration to the Customs Agent and exit. Note: they will confiscate fresh fruit. Most car rental agencies have counters in the short hallway outside of Baggage Claim. If your agency is there, check in with them and they will assist you to their shuttle. If yours is not there, continue to the nearby exit where you should be greeted by a representative with signage (agency and your name). You will be shuttled to their off-site rental office. This outdoor greeting is the same for a hotel pick-up. If you are taking a taxi, at the exit you will be greeted by airport employees who will ask where you are going, then assist you and your luggage to the appropriate taxi. (Please use the official taxis as they are the only ones allowed to serve the airport and charge the correct fares.) It might look like chaos, but it’s a very simple process. Have some US$1.00 bills on hand (no change) to tip these kind people who help out, even the shuttle driver to the rental agency. (These are hard-working people who make little money, are very helpful and usually want to speak some English to you. Have fun!) Taxis are usually metered and have reasonable rates. Sometimes fares can be negotiated at a predetermined rate, especially if it’s a long distance.

Money Our most common question. Don’t worry about getting Colones in the U.S. and forget the travelers checks. Also, avoid the rip-off exchange rates at the airport. Instead bring small denomination US bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) in good condition. These can be used at toll booths and most other places. It’s nice because you’ll get change back in Colones. Locals always seem to know the exchange rate and we never get ripped off. To refresh your wallet, use the Bank of Costa Rica (BCR) ATM in Uvita that’s close to Flying Toucans. We use a Bank of America ATM card and for only a $5.00 fee can get up to $800 in USD. Then we go in the bank and exchange for Colones. If you choose Colones out of the ATM, you can only get something like $200 for the same $5.00 fee. Checking your account balance ALSO runs $5.00. Check with your bank regarding fees before leaving home. Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica. However, we try to limit their use as much as possible due to card information theft. That’s why we work off of cash (US or local) most of the time. This includes gas stations as they don’t run the card at the pump but take it to their office. Note: All banking transactions require your passport so make sure you have it with you.

Does anybody speak English? There are many people in the country, especially in the tourist industry, who speak English. Dominical, a popular destination for its many attractions, brings in visitors from all over the world. As such, almost all of the restaurants serving non-Costa Rican food have at least one person who speaks English. The small groceries and gas stations might rely more on your ability to use hand gestures and point accurately if you do not speak Spanish. And if you get really stuck, you can usually find someone wandering around who can lend a hand with the language. These days, studying English is a very important objective for many Ticos, so don’t be afraid to ask if they speak English. And if they do, be sure to compliment and encourage them. Sooo… how’s your Spanish? If you want an even better experience in Costa Rica, at least learn some basic greetings, courtesy words and learn to count. This will make the local person you are trying to communicate with feel respected and liked.

What’s the reservation process? It’s very simple. First check our availability calendar (on this website) then let us know the dates you are interested in either by email or phone. We love talking to future guests! Once we have hashed out the details, we email you a rental agreement. Just print it out, fill in some info and fax it back to us at the US-based fax number we provide. Or you may scan and attach it as an email file. From the date of the agreement, you have 7 days to make the deposit or pay the full amount (if the arrival date is less than 90 days away). If there is a balance to be paid, it is due 90 days prior to your arrival. This is all spelled out in the agreement as well as the different payment options. Once paid, we send you comprehensive driving directions, check-in details and other useful information.

Can we contact previous guests? Of course! Our previous guests are thrilled to share their experiences with those who are interested in staying at Flying Toucans. We will be delighted to provide you with contact information. Also, please check out our numerous reviews on Trip Advisor, VRBO and other sites. We’ve also included a Guest Comment page on this website with a sampling of comments taken from our actual guest book located in the villa.

How do we check-in to Flying Toucans? With the driving directions we email you, you will easily find Flying Toucans. Just show up after 4 pm and make yourselves at home! Our staff will have everything prepared for your expected arrival. Knowing that our guests usually make various stops between the airport and Flying Toucans, we have learned that predicted arrival times are highly variable. As a result, the gate and home will be left open and the lights turned on (if arriving after dark). A welcome note from our managers will ask you to call them as soon as you arrive (as they are waiting to hear from you). Together you will set up a convenient time for them to come over and introduce you to the house and answer all of your questions. Should any reason arise that would delay your expected arrival at Flying Toucans (such as a canceled or delayed flight), we ask, please, that you contact them via phone or email so they can be prepared.

What are the guests’ responsibilities? The reason most people go on vacation is to leave many responsibilities behind. However, we depend on our guests to tell us when things aren’t right with the house or the property. Our managers should be informed immediately whenever something doesn’t function correctly or is developing some sort of problem. For example, if the pool starts clouding up or is dirty, the air conditioning units fail to operate or the fridge is making ugly noises. Even small things such as burnt out light bulbs are important because we won’t know unless a guest tells us. We want the house to be in perfect condition when you arrive, during your stay and when the guests AFTER you get there. Keep in mind that some problems take longer to resolve and that in Costa Rica it takes time to get service people out or parts ordered. We don’t want to intrude on your vacation, but we do want the house to be maintained to the highest standards possible.

When is the best time to view wildlife? When they are around! Animals can be seen at any time of the day but there are two times when they seem more active. The Howler and White-faced monkeys usually start on their wake-up antics about 5:04-5:30 in the morning with lots of howling and chattering. Around this time the toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, etc. are busy starting their days as well and can be seen eating, building nests and surveying their territories. (We have the Costa Rica Bird Guide and other wildlife books to help you identify the numerous species you will see.) Depending on the season, there can be a lot of bird activity around 2:00-4:00 in the afternoon. Howlers are often seen in the afternoon up until sunset lounging in the trees. We planted trees called “guarumos” (Cercropias) because the monkeys, sloths and toucans love eating their broad leaves and flowers. You can usually tell when the White-faced monkeys are around from the amount of racket crashing through the trees and chattering. Howlers will hang/sit for long periods of time casually watching you while the White-faced are more acrobatic and shy. You can tell when they’ve either been or currently are there by the number of half-eaten Guarumo leaves scattered on the lawn.

Are bugs a problem? No, regular sweeping of the house for small electronic devices and hidden microphones has reassured us that the Secret Service must not be interested in activities at Flying Toucans.

Sunscreen problems? While almost everyone uses sunscreen these days, they don’t always use it correctly. It should be applied then allowed to absorb for 20-30 minutes BEFORE going in the sun or in the swimming pool. Entering the pool before it has had time to absorb will simply wash it off and not only eliminate your sun protection resulting in sunburns (especially children) but will CLOUD the pool water and clog the filter. Resolving cloudy pool water takes time, sometimes days, and can wreck it for you as well as the guests coming after you. We ask our guests to be respectful of this request.

What about Maid Service? Daily maid service is not included. For stays longer than a week, we have the maid come in, freshen up and do a light cleaning. Seems our guests prefer their privacy. The villa, landscaping and pool will be perfect upon arrival. However, if needed, we can take care of things like emptying the outside trash cans. Our maintenance person will come in halfway through the week to service the pool and clean up the yard and water the lawn/plants. Because we live in a rural area and our cleaning people rely on an inconvenient public bus schedule, it makes it difficult to offer daily service. It can be done, but that would be by special arrangement and at additional cost.

Can we get a cook to come to the house? Private chef? Things down here work differently than in other parts of the country because we do not live in a highly populated area. Cooks, maids and other service people generally do not have cars and are tied to the local bus schedule, which makes only a couple of trips a day. Therefore, while we can assist in setting up these services, it might require transportation other than the bus such as a taxi or the guest giving her a ride home. We’ll be glad to discuss this with our guests. Meanwhile, the area has plenty of good eating options, both local and international. We occasionally have private chefs living in the area and have had several guests use their services. However, because they come and go, we don’t always know who is available or what service they offer. Our managers can help out with this question closer to an arrival date.

Early Check-ins and Late Check-outs Check-in time is after 4 pm and Check-out time is by 10 am. We usually don’t deviate from this schedule because we need all of the time possible inbetween guests to clean, do yard work and service the pool. On the rare occasion that the schedule permits, we may grant an early check-in, but this must be arranged beforehand with the owners, John and Mary. If you are in the area prior to 4pm, you may quickly drop off your luggage and return after 4:00.

Can we invite people we meet to the house? Guests are not allowed to invite people they meet, such as at the beach or a bar, back to Flying Toucans. We do not know who they are and we do not like strangers to know where the house is, etc. Unless they are part of your group (and perhaps staying at another location), please do not extend invitations to people you meet.

Where can we eat? Dominical and Uvita offer a variety of restaurants ranging from family-run sodas with 2 tables to excellent international cuisine. In our area, there are no fast food chains and no Starbucks either. But you’re in luck: Costa Rica is famous for its coffee! Restaurants come and go or change ownership and menus, so our managers can help point you in the right direction for Italian, pizza, Thai or burgers. Our guests are very good about writing down their recommendations in a book at the house. A three-minute walk from the villa is one of the most extravagant restaurants around offering upscale European dining in a lovely setting. If you need to eat at McDonalds, the closet one is in San Isidro, about 45 minutes up the mountain. Most of our guests shop at the fish stands between the house and Dominical. Trust us, you won’t go hungry!

What about Real Estate? We are not surprised that so many of our guests have asked us this question. It seems the Dominical/Uvita area is quite the place to be these days. We do recommend that if you are interested in real estate, be thorough and find a reputable realtor. If you would like, we can recommend someone who we have found to be knowledgable and trustworthy. Real estate agents in Costa Rica do not have to be licensed so it is best to seek recommendations from satisfied customers or those of us who know who’s who in the area.

What services are available in Dominical? At first glance, Dominical looks like it doesn’t have much in the way of services. Actually, at second glance, too. The gas station is just a mile or so north of town on the road to Quepos. The village has several real estate offices, internet cafes, tourist shops, surf board rental shops and enough international and local restaurants to keep you well-fed. There is also a full service bank with an ATM and English-speaking tellers. Services come and go, so if you’re looking for something in particular, ask the managers.

What services are in Uvita? Uvita (oo-VEE-ta) has been expanding and offers a broader range of services than Dominical. They have several banks and larger grocery stores as well as a pharmacy and the Uvita Information Center. The gas station is on the right just before entering Uvita (if coming from Flying Toucans). There are also souvenir shops, numerous local restaurants, bakeries and a few pizza places.

Where can I rent a surfboard or take lessons? Dominical is a well-known surf destination and offers surfboards for rent or purchase. The surf shops also offer lessons, clothing, wax, ding repair and information on when to go and where. Just cruise through town and find a place that appeals to you or check out recommendations in our guest book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveling in Costa Rica

About Flying Toucans Villa

About the Dominical and Uvita Areas

Where did the name Flying Toucans come from?