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When is the best time to visit Mal Pais?
Any time of year is good in Costa Rica. Even in the rainy season
the days are warm, and the tropical showers roll in early evening,
plenty of time to relax in March House a little more. See the Locale
page for more info on climate and weather.
Is the water safe to drink?
In the local village of Mal Pais, the water is safe coming from
an underground aquifer deep beneath the Cabo Blanco Reserve. In
all our years in Mal Pais we have never suffered any ill effects
from the water supply. Generally, the water is safe to drink in
most of Costa Rica. However, if lurking in the jungle, you probably
want to boil any water you come across, but any reputable establishment
will have safe water. When in doubt, simply buy or request bottled
water, available everywhere.
Is there satellite TV, Internet, or DVD at March House?
No. March House is a place to escape news and information, and you
will find no want of that when you are here. There is a cd/stereo
for use, but all other entertainment is up to you. We do have a
small selection of books and magazines.
So if I don't want to go anywhere...?
Relax on the patio. Bring binoculars and start bird, lizard, or
monkey watching. Pick fresh oranges. Walk along the beach collecting
exotic shells. Cook fresh fish for dinner. Do yoga or tai chi under
the canopy of palm trees by the beach. Recline in a bath by candlelight.
Daydream of how to quit your job and move to Costa Rica permanently.
What currency should I bring?
The national currency is the Costa Rican Colone. The US dollar is
however freely exchangeable and accepted at just about all establishments.
Other currencies other than US dollars are not well understood and
you would have difficulty in exchanging them other than at the local
bank (Banco Nacional in Cobano). To find your current exchange rate
see the converter at right.
Where is the house situated?
When you book your stay we will send you complete directions of
how to reach the house. (Someone will meet you at the March House
at an appointed time to show you around upon your arrival.)
What is the shopping like?
You can get all basic supplies from two supermarkets in Santa Teresa,
just a short drive. There is a good liquor store next to Frank's
Place, at the beginning of town. Cobano, the main town in the area,
is 20 minutes away by car, where you should get most things that
otherwise can't be bought locally. There are an increasing number
of restaurants and several good quality tourist/trinket shops. Click
here for more on where to shop.
Are there other services available, like post or bank?
There is just about everything you need in Mal Pais. Look at this
website for all the particulars you may need.
What should we bring?
Bring a wide-brimmed hat, strong sun block, and good UV protected
sunglasses, as the sun is hot and bright. In the rainy season, an
umbrella is preferable to raingear, as it will be hot and humid.
Thonged sandals ("flip-flops") are best for use around
March House and the beach, and good ankle-supporting shoes for hiking.
Also, since many beaches are rocky, shoes or booties worn in water
are recommended.
What about valuables?
March House has small safes in every bedroom at your disposal, where
you should store anything that is difficult to replace.
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 First,
fly into San Jose International (SJO). Taca
Air flies Central America and major U.S. airports,
and many international airlines fly into San Jose. Iberia,
Martinair,
Continental
Airlines, to name a few, provide good links from continental
Europe and the United Kingdom.
From there, the most relaxing and convenient way is to fly
Sansa
Air or NatureAir,
from San Jose to Tambor (20 minute flight). Granted, the flight
can be sometimes choppy and cramped (see photos at top), but
it beats the5
1/2 hour drive from San Jose to Mal Pais. If you’d
rather not be tied down by schedules, take a look at Air
Charter Central America for charter services.
Have a hired car waiting at the Tambor airstrip to take you
to March House. Most
car hire companies offer collect/drop off service for
an additional cost (not exorbitant). The drive from Tambor
is about 50 minutes. A 4x4 is essential for these roads
as most are unpaved. If you don’t wish to hire a car,
taxis at Tambor airstrip will take you to Mal Pais for around
$30. In addition, quad bikes and motorcycles can be hired
in Mal Pais/Santa Teresa. Read more about transportation choices
here.
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Can you recommend a hotel
for stay in San Jose?
If coming into (or leaving) the country at an off time, stay at
the Hotel
Grano de Oro before continuing on to March House. Just a
block away from Paseo Colon (the main thoroughfare to downtown San
Jose), and 20 minutes by cab from SJO airport, is this calm oasis
of a hotel. Tastefully decorated, run by professional attentive
staff, this hotel immediately puts you into "relaxed" mode! As this
hotel is no longer a "well kept secret" its advisable to book well
in advance.
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