Costa Rica is a peaceful democracy with no military, and a low crime rate. Here you will find more school teachers than police. Literacy rate here is 93 percent, and is one of the highest in the world. Costa Rica is a small country, both in area and population. About three and a half million people live here, half of them concentrated on La Meseta Central, Costa Rica's high central plateau, the rest scattered in small towns and ranches throughout the provinces. Costa Rica is a comfortable, laid back atmosphere that welcomes visitors. Words they live by: Liberty, Fraternity, Equality.

Visitors are quick to note that the people of Costa Rica work very hard to develop the intellectual as well as the physical resources of their country. Books and newspapers are displayed everywhere, evidence that Costa Ricans have made of themselves one of the most highly literate nations on earth. No less than ninety-three percent of the people can read and write – meaning nine out of ten can feel partner to events taking place in their country and throughout the world, and can make intelligent, educated decisions regarding responsibilities to their nation and to Mother Earth.

As the world's primary eco tourist destination, Costa Rica combines world-renowned natural scenery, a stable democratic government, and educated, available workforce, a favorable business environment, and positive tourist trends. The North Pacific province of Guanacaste features some of the oldest landscape formation in the country, such as the caverns of Barra Honda National Park with their stalactites and stalagmites. The park also protects important expanses of tropical forest, most of which is in regeneration. The region is important worldwide for its protection of wildlife species: the Baula turtle in Playa Grander, the avi-fauna in the lagoons of Palo Verde National Park, and the Lora turtle that nests in the Nancite and Ostional beaches are rare species living in rare eco preserves. National parks such as Volcan Rincon de la Vieja have hot mud pools and fumaroles in constant activity. Mare currents that dredge nutrients from the ocean's depths nurture a bio diverse marine life, and the abundance of swordfish, marlin, and dorado have allowed Costa Rica to surpass Baja California as a sport fishing destination.

Costa Rica has mountains, and visitors will find the higher region climates similar to the temperate regions further north. At sea level, travelers will delight in the tropical world of the rain forest and balmy beaches running along both coasts. Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during day, producing an "eternal spring" feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland. The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year. Enjoy the sun, but carefully. The healthiest thing to do is to use a PABA-free suntan or UV sun blocking lotion.

Costa Rica is a small country, yet within these borders is no less than one twentieth of the world's total bio diversity. To protect these treasures, more than one fourth of total land area has been set a side as national trust, dedicating one acre in four to parklands and wildlife refuges.

Liberia International Airport is 20 minutes from our villas. The following airlines have flights into Liberia:

• Delta
• Continental
• American
• Northwest
• Vacation Express

San Jose International Airport is a four hour drive from our villas. The following airlines have flights into San Jose:

• Delta flies non-stop daily from Atlanta.
• American and Lacsa (A Central American airline) service San Jose through Miami.
• Continental and United fly through various United States hubs into San Jose.
• Sansa Air Lines provides daily commuter service from San Jose to Liberia and nearby Tamarindo.

Directions from the San Jose International Airport to the Villas:

1. Take Pan American Highway North (Highway 1) and follow signs to the city of Liberia and Nicaragua.
2. On your way to Liberia, you will pass through San Ramon, Esparaza, Canas and Bagaces.
3. At Liberia, take a left at the traffic light (NOTE: coming from the Liberia Airport, you would take a right out of the airport) and follow the highway until you see the signs to Playa Coco (Coco Beach) and El Ocotal.
4. Take a right (a Shell service station will be on your left) and proceed to Coco Beach, about 15 minutes.
5. As you approach Coco Beach, follow the signs to Ocotal and take a left just before you get to the Coco Verde Hotel which is on the right (there is a scuba dive shop on the left where you turn).
6. When you cross the first bridge, turn right.
7. You will cross over another bridge as you wind through a village for two miles before coming upon El Ocotal.
8. As you drive through the guarded gate in El Ocotal, take the immediate left up the grade.
9. Approximately 150 yards up the road and around one turn you will see the gate announcing your arrival.