Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are a number of
cabinas
in the village, though this is the best option, with 28 simple
and clean, tiled rooms. The quality restaurant (dishes US$3 to US$6) turns out tasty sea-
food in tiled
palapa
environs if you need a bite to eat before getting on the ferry.
COSTA RICAN WILDCAT CONSERVATIONISTS
Since 1992 Programa para la Conservación de Felinos (Profelis; Feline Conservation Pro-
gram) has taken care of confiscated felines that were given to the center by the Ministerio
del Ambiente y Energía (Minae; Ministry of Environment and Energy). The project con-
centrates on smaller felines, including the margay, ocelot and jaguarundi, and aims to re-
habilitate and, when possible, reintroduce animals into the wild. In addition, a large com-
ponent of the program involves the environmental education of the public.
Profelis
( 2641-0646, 2641-0644;
www.grafischer.com/profelis
) is headquartered in Ha-
cienda Matambú, a private wildlife reserve in San Rafael de Paquera, about 5km west of
Paquera. Volunteers are sought after, especially those who have experience either in
veterinary science or in keeping animals.
Information
Banco Popular
( 8:15am-4pm)
, on the side street, can change US dollars and traveler's
checks. On the main road, across from the gas station, you'll find
Turismo Curú
(
2641-0004;
www.curutourism.com
; 8am-9pm)
, operated by the knowledgeable Luis Schutt
of the Curú refuge. Luis offers a tour that combines a visit to Curú and a snorkeling trip to
Isla Tortuga for US$30 per person (a great deal!). They also run dive trips (two tanks
US$100) to Isla Tortuga, and offer internet access in their Paquera office.
Getting There & Away
All transportation is geared to the arrival and departure of the Puntarenas ferry. If either is
running late, the other will wait.
BOAT
Ferry Naviera Tambor
( 2661-2084;
www.navieratambor.com
; adult/child/bicycle/motor-
cycle/car US$1.65/1/4.50/7/23)
leaves daily at 5:30am, 9am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 8pm. The
trip to Puntarenas takes about an hour. Buy a ticket at the window, reboard your car and
