Is the snorkeling good? And do you rent snorkeling equipment?

Depending on the time of the year the snorkeling is fantastic. Most recommended for snorkelling are April/ may and September/October. But also during many other months when the tied is low and the ocean calm you will enjoy snorkelling a lot. I do not rent snorkelling equipment, but there are other places around which do.

Is there electricity?

Congo Bongo has electricity. In Costa Rica the voltage is 110 Volt.

Is there security to prevent theft of our personal belongings?

All of the houses are equipped with a safety box. All the doors and windows are provided with locks.

How far of a drive is it from San Jose?

Under normal conditions you drive it probably in about 4-5 hours. However faster is possible. The road from San Jose to Congo Bongo is paved all the way. At night it will probably takes a little more.

However, we really not recommend you to drive after dark in Costa Rica. People sit on the sites of the roads, there are pot holes every where and signs are very poor.

We really recommend you to do the drive from San Jose to Congo Bongo by day time. Or use Inter Bus service. The driver will pick you up from the airport or your hotel and drive you all the way down to Congo Bongo.

Taxis are very cheap locally and it is not really a must to have your own vehicle while being at Congo Bongo. Most people always realize it was not necessary to have a rent a car. Unless you decide to travel trough the country independent.

How close/accessible are Gandoca-Manzanillo and Cahuita National Park?

Congo Bongo is actually built within the boundaries of the Gandoca- Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. For hiking in the refuge we recommend to go to Manzanillo, from where nature guides can take you on their tours. If you want you can enter the refuge also by your own, however you can get lost if you walk in to far.

The trails are narrow and sometimes difficult to find.

The vegetation is very thick and walking off the trails in the rainforest is not recommended. The Cahuita National Park is 15 km North from Puerto Viejo.

What kind of activities is there to do around?

About activities you won't have to worry. There is a lot to do. Jungle hikes in the Manzanillo wildlife refuge are most recommended. Also Butterfly farm, horse back riding, snorkeling/ diving, kayaks for rent, dolphin tours, visit to chocolate farm and help making chocolate, bikes and tours to the indigenous reserve in Bri Bri, canopy and wild water rafting and much more actually.

Check our activities section to get a better idea of what we have to offer. Click here

I am very interested in the jungle houses on your property, but I am concerned that if we are visiting at a very wet or "buggy" time that the open design of the house may be uncomfortably wet, or too open to insects?

It is very difficult to prognosticate the weather here. The wet season is normally around July/ August. Also December to February chances it rains are higher. Mosquitoes are really not to bad. The ocean breeze keeps them away. Besides, all rooms of the houses are well screened in and the beds have mosquito nets. It is very rare we hear complaints from people about mosquitoes. Usually its the other way around. People came with the idea to be eaten alive, and its such a relieve its nothing like that, they hardly did not notice the mosquitoes.

Do you provide towels and sheets when we stay at Congo Bongo?

As in any other jungle house rental towels and sheets are included in the price of the rent. They will be changed once a week. If you prefer we can clean your house every day, but please let us know at arrival, we will charge you extra for this service. Off course you can always ask us for dry towels.

Can we swim in front of Congo Bongo?

Right in front of the property the beach is very beautiful and good to take a swim. Only during the raining season the rip tide can be stronger.

Do you rent bikes?

In Manzanillo you can rent a bike. The price for one day is about $6. But on a week rent the mostly give you a little discount. In Puerto Viejo you might even get a better deal, but it's a longer trip so a little inconvenient on your last day when you have to bring your bike back. The road all the way from Puerto Viejo is recently paved and in a great condition for biking. You can also go off road and explore the area towards Paradiso, on the other side of the mountains.

Can we see Dolphins?

Dolphins you can find in Manzanillo. There are 3 kinds of dolphins reported, including the very rare and recently discovered Amazon species Tucuci. The people from the dolphin foundation in Manzanillo, Aquamore, can take you on trips and almost guaranteed you will see Dolphins. However, they wont allow you to swim with them.

Where is the nearest airport to get to you?

The nearest airport is in Puerto Limon. Both Sansa and Nature Air fly on this airport a few times a week. For more information on fly schedules we recommend to visit their websites. www.flysansa.com and www.natureair.com

Is there any internet access?

We now offer internet access, by the Data Card of the ICE (Costa Rica's National and only internet provider). You can receive 7.2MB, in any of the houses of Congo Bongo. All you need to do is bring your laptop and we'll connect you! It is free but with a deposit.

NEW!!

Wi-Fi by the office of Congo-Bongo for Ipad's and Iphones.

Is Malaria a problem where you are? Will I have to be vaccinated?

Fortunately malaria is not a problem around Puerto Viejo. Around Bataan, 40 km west from Limon Malaria was reported in October 2008. However, this is almost 100 km from our area. In the areas around Puntarenas, at the pacific site, several cases are reported. It is very rare that I hear of people who get a malaria infection around Puerto Viejo. But if you feel saver, or you travel trough different areas where malaria is reported, I would recommend you to keep taking your prophylaxis tablets. If your doctor describes you Lariam, that is really to much!! Watch out with that stuff!! More alarming is a Dengue infection. This mosquito only bites during the day. They are sometimes reported, but if you take proper precautions the change to get infected is very small.

How far is the bus from Congo Bongo?

From Manzanillo buses leave at 5:00, 8:15, 12:45 and 17:00 hours. They pass at Congo Bongo about 5 minutes later, but can be earlier. This bus gets about 2 hours later in limon. In Puerto Viejo many more buses stop. To San Jose buses leave at: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 and 16:00 hours. From San Jose to Puerto Viejo buses leave at the Terminal de buses de San Carlos or also know as Autotransportes Mepe. They leave at: 6:00, 10:00, 13:30 and 15:30 hours. From Puerto Viejo to Congo Bongo you will have to take a taxi. The bus fare from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is about $8.

Can I get a taxi around?

In Puerto Viejo it is easy to find a taxi. The fare to Congo Bongo is about $10. At night up to $12. We can always call you a taxi from Congo Bongo. Its a about a 30 minutes drive from Congo Bongo into Puerto Viejo.

Are the shower and kitchen shared with other costumers?

No, you never have to share any of the houses with any other customers. All houses offer their own facilities and are completely private.

What size bed is inside the accommodations?

The Houses have good orthopedic mattresses and measurements. The double bed size is 140x195 cm. The single bed size is 100x195cm. The King size bed is 200x195cm.

Is there a Grocery store close from your hotel?

At less than a 10 minute walk from Congo Bongo are two small Pulperias, little grocery stores in Spanish and English.

Is Congo Bongo offering you food and drinks?

Unfortunately we can not offer you this service. All the houses are supplied with a fully equipped kitchen and a big tank with fresh drinking water. The nearest restaurants are located in Manzanillo and along the way to and in Puerto Viejo you will find lots of restaurants who will offer you food and drinks all day.