Amenities
Location
Things to Do
Beaches

Why Choose Us
What Our Guests Say

Interior
Exterior
Views
Wildlife

Frequently Asked Questions

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. A less advisable option is flying into San Jose and then catching a domestic flight down to Quepos, 45 minutes north of us. If you have a flexible schedule and can pack very lightly, that might work. But otherwise it’s difficult to coordinate the international flight with the domestic one and any travel delays can seriously interrupt your trip.

How do we get to Flying Toucans? 95% of our guests 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. A few of our guests prefer private transport via shuttle or taxi from the airport to Flying Toucans. These arrangements are made by the traveler. We recommend contacting www.uvita.info for assistance in booking private transport to/from Flying Toucans.

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. On the way out, place all of your luggage (including carry-on) on the conveyor belt and follow any instructions from the Customs Agent and exit. 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 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 airport employees who will ask where you are going, then assist you and your luggage to the appropriate taxi. 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.

MoneyDon’t worry about getting Colones in the U.S. and bypass the lousy exchange rates at the airport. Instead bring small denomination US bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) in good condition with no tears or markings. 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, there are ATMs close to Flying Toucans. Another great way to get local currency is at the grocery stores (which also accept larger denomination bills). Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica. Note: All indoor banking transactions require your passport so make sure you have it with you.

Cell Phones Most guests use their cell phones here. Check with your provider BEFORE departure to understand how your particular coverage plan works. WhatsApp app is the most common way to communicate in Costa Rica or your home country. It allows you to call and text for no charge. The preferred means of communication with us is through Whatsapp.

Can we drink the water? 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. You are not sharing the house, pool or property with anyone else!

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!

What’s the reservation process? It’s very simple. Email us with the dates you are interested in and any other questions you might have. (We love talking to future guests!) Once we have confirmed availability for your dates, we’ll email you a rental agreement. From the date of the agreement, a deposit is due within 7 days (or the full amount if the arrival date is less than 90 days away). For reservations made further in advance, the balance is due 90 days prior to your arrival. We will email you the Driving Directions and Important Information (such as check-in procedure, etc.) before your trip to Flying Toucans.

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! Flashlights are helpful, too. Also, always be prepared with adequate sun protection and prescription info, if necessary. 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 might come in handy. If coming in the green season, shoes that can get wet and a light rain jacket will make things more enjoyable. Long pants and closed toe shoes if you’re planning on horseback riding. 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.

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.

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.

What about maid and yard 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. Because we live in a rural area, it makes it difficult to offer daily service. It can be done, but that would be by special arrangement and at additional cost. 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. Occasionally we may ask our maintenance person to service the pool and clean up the yard after a heavy rain or water the lawn/plants during a dry spell. In that case, you will be notified.

Cooks, Private chefs and Pre-arrival Shopping We occasionally get requests for cooks and private chefs. It can be done, but, if there is even a chef in the area, it will be about 4-5 times the cost of going out to a wonderful meal. If money is no object, and you don’t mind spending $400-500, www.uvita.info might be able to connect you with a chef closer to your arrival. Some guests ask for the kitchen to be stocked with food upon their arrival. Because shopping for someone else in a place that doesn’t offer the same brands or choices as the States is a recipe for disaster, we do not offer this service. Most guests simply stop at the store on their way to check in and grab the necessities then follow up with a more thorough trip later.

How are the roads? Very good. The main routes between the airport and Dominical are in excellent condition. The main street through the village of Dominical has finally been paved. 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.

Where can we eat? Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal offer a variety of restaurants ranging from family-run sodas to excellent international cuisine. The fresh fish stands along the road are also very popular with our guests. 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!) A three-minute walk from the villa, Cuna del Angel offers gourmet dining in a lovely setting. Besides asking us, lots of info about dining options can be easily found online at Trip Advisor and other websites. Trust us, you won’t go hungry!

Are there Tourist Information Centers? Most activities can, and should, be booked after you arrive. This is advisable because of weather conditions, 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. We recommend visiting the Uvita Information Center online at www.uvita.info or in person once you’ve arrived. They’ve been around a long time, speak English and are current on any and all activities. There is also a tourist office in Dominical. Trip Advisor and other websites provide recommendations and reviews about activities and dining. We’re available too if you are seeking suggestions.

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.

Is there a spa nearby? Can we get massages at the house? Yes and yes! About a three-minute walk from Flying Toucans, the boutique Hotel Cuna del Angel, offers a spa featuring a variety of treatments and packages. If you are interested in a massage at the house, we will be able to arrange for you to get pampered in front of the gorgeous view.

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, 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 us.

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.

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. And as usual, Trip Advisor and other websites might help you out.

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 some drugs are cheaper than the States. 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. 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.

How many guests are allowed? Flying Toucans is a two-bedroom home to be used only by the registered guests. It is perfect for one or two couples or a family or group up to six. We will be glad to review the specifics with you to make sure that the bedding situation works. Groups of more than six guests might not be accepted.

Can we book directly with Flying Toucans? Absolutely! Contact us directly via this website’s contact link, flyingtoucans@hotmail.com, to get a faster response time and avoid booking fees. You may choose to book through vacation rental marketing websites but you will be subject to their booking fees.

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. You get the idea. 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.

How do we check-in to Flying Toucans? With the detailed driving directions we email you, you will find Flying Toucans. Check-in is 4 pm. Our staff will have prepared everything for your arrival. Flying Toucans will be open with the keys on the kitchen table. We will ask you to call us via WHATSAPP as soon as you arrive (as we are waiting to hear from you). Together we will set up a convenient time to interact via WHATSAPP to 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 us via phone, WHATSAPP or email so we 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. We 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 5:00 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.

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 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?