Welcome

Getting there and Arrival

It is easiest to make arrangements for transportation before you arrive. There are several options getting to and from Casa Henhouse Langosta including private van service set up by our concierge, rental cars or Tamarindo Shuttle which operates regular shuttles as a more economical alternative. You are staying at the Peninsula Condominium in the Playa Langosta neighborhood of Tamarindo in the Guanacaste Province. Our concierge can easily set up a private shuttle for a reasonable rate. Once you get through customs, all of the rental car companies, taxis, buses and vans are in the same spot with signs/placards. If you have a shuttle reservation, look for the driver with your name.

If you are renting a car, you can use these Driving Directions in google maps. You may find it helpful to download Offline Google maps for any area you will be driving. We have had success with Sixt and Alamo car rental and have covered garage parking. If you will be renting a car, please let us know so that we can make arrangements for your vehicle.

Start heading south on 21 towards Belen. Turn right on 156 West after the bridge in town towards Huacas. In Huacas turn left at the main intersection to stay on 156 to towards Villareal. Turn right in Villareal on Av. de las Palmas towards Tamarindo. Drive through the center of town and vere left at the major 3 way intersection. In one block stay right at the next 3 way intersection. Continue 1 km to the entrance of Peninsula Condo. The road will split, stay to the right and the entrance is on the left after the shops.

Upon arrival the guards will ask who you are. Tell them you are staying in #66 Henry; they do not speak english and are very friendly. Tip #1: download and learn how to use Google Translate before you go, it can be a life saver for the simple things.

Inside the gates there are 2 buildings, you are in #66 in the “First Building” which is on the right as you enter. Take the elevator to the 6th floor, turn left and the unit is on the right. You will be given a unique entry code before your arrival to use during your stay

Your Concierge

Marcela Goodell is your Concierge and is conveniently located next door at Waterman’s. She is the proprietor and can arrange for anything you want during your stay from surfboards, rental bikes and cart rentals to beachwear, art, and local tours. Feel free to contact here on WhatsApp at +506 8647 5942

Staying Connected

There is no phone at Casa Henhouse Langosta. In case of Emergency use your Mobile Phone to dial 911. Most people and businesses utilize WhatsApp Messenger or FB Messenger which can be downloaded to your smartphone. We have T-Mobile and our US plan includes international texting and unlimited slow data. This is a great combination for staying in touch or navigation using your smartphone as there are cell phone towers everywhere. Check your carrier for details on coverage in Costa Rica. Most restaurants and bars have wifi available.

WiFi and Technology

There are 2 WiFi routers at la casa.

Network ARRIS-B54D – 5G password Henhouse66

There is also VPN Router – This VPN router can be used to connect with any device to allow streaming services to have access to content outside of the US (see below for VPN settings).

Network: Surflangosta – 5G password Henhouse66

There is also wifi in the common areas:

Network: Peninsula password: peninsulawifi2015

Entertainment

The SmartTV is available with some streaming services. There is no local TV and you can use the TV remote to sign in to any available streaming apps for your accounts on the Samsung TV. Feel free to bring your streaming device if you have one and want to connect.

Google ChromeCast – Our ChromeCast works well and there are a few things you need to know to get it to work properly. It needs to connected to the Surflangosta Wifi VPN router to spoof an IP address in the location of your choice which allow you to access international streaming services. If there is no internet available through Surflangosta (such as after a power outage);

• disconnect the cable between the black and the white router
• unplug the black router to reset it
• reconnect the cable between the 2 routers
• wait 2 minutes
• reconnect devices to Surflangosta Wifi

VPN admin – If you encounter an error message from your streaming service, it almost always means that the IP address has been flagged as a VPN and blocked from their servers. If this happens, simply do the following:

• Make sure your phone or device is connected to Surflangosta Wifi
• Open a web browser on your mobile phone or other device and goto
• expressvpnrouter.com
• Admin password – langosta
• Disconnect the VPN and reconnect; or connect to a different location
• Our home location for the ChromeCast is Atlanta

There is a Bluetooth speaker.

La Cocina (kitchen)

There are several options to purchase food. There is a Vindi grocery store in the center of town that has good food. Prepared beans and rice, marinated chicken breasts and some import favorites make this a convenient place to shop. Auto Mercado is on the other side of town and is a full service grocery store. Local fruits, veggies and meats, etc are delicious and plentiful at various roadside stands and markets. In Langosta there is a convenience market which is great for a quick grab.

The water is OK to drink from the tap. There is a Brita filter which works well to filter out some of the abundant minerals that are in the local water. There is no garbage disposal and please be diligent about using the wastebasket for food scraps instead of the drain. There are recycle containers for many materials on the first floor so please use at your discretion. Garbage should be emptied into the container in the middle of the parking garage. There is a dishwasher and no garbage disposal. Do not put any food or cooking grease down the sink.

Other

Climate control – There are 4 A/C units and a dehumidifier in the condo to keep you comfortable and keeping the interior doors open during the day helps with air flow.

The dehumidifier works well to remove moisture and keep the condo comfortable and can easily be emptied in the shower.

Electricity is expensive and it helps immensely if you can turn the temperature up during the day when you are not there. It still feels great when you get back, the condo cools down quickly and it keeps the humidity low.

Laundry – There are a washer and dryer in the condo.

No Smoking in the condo or in any of the common areas. Please go outside of the gates to smoke.

HOA rules prohibit anything, including towels, to be hung on the balcony railings.

110V power is the same receptacle as US electric service.

Groceries

• Vindi – grab and go grocery in downtown Tamarindo
• AutoMercado- best selection of wine, produce, protein. On the right as you are leaving Tamarindo (near Pangas restaurant), park underground
• Megasuper – food and produce outside in Villareal
• MaxiPali – like Walmart in Villareal
• Langosta Mercado – around the corner in Langosta with a good selection. Nice quick option.
• Many fruit and vegetable vendors are around as a fresh option for produce

Restaurants

There is dining for everyone in Tamarindo, from fancy to grab and go. Here are a few in no particular order with WhatsApp numbers. Remember, when using WhatsApp you need to add +506 before all local numbers.

• Cala Luna – Located across the street on the grounds of a boutique hotel, Cala Luna is a unique organic restaurant with great food and ambiance. Not cheap but one of the best restaurants in town.
• El Mercadito (Food Court downtown) – This food court can be tricky to find and worth the effort. Tucked away down a side street across from the Diria there are many vendor with everything from Poké Bowls to smoothies and burgers.
• Bamboo Sushi (+506 2653-4519)- Legit sushi joint with great asian options
• Waffle Monkey – Delicious waffles and coffee on the beach are good any time of day.
• Breakfast Grinds – Look out over your coffee cup to get the surf report. Great breakfast joint across from the main beach break in Tamarindo.
• Tamarindo FoodTruck Park – Located near the beach with a variety of good options and sometimes there is live music.
• Surf Club Langosta (+506 2653-1886)- Our neighbor to the south, this is a great expat and local hangout. It has a few TVs with sporting events, nice bar, and good food. Play ping pong, sometimes live music with reasonable prices; it is a nice takeout option also.
• Langosta Beach Club – Great beachside lunch
• Falafel Bar Tamarindo – Casual persian food
• Dragonfly (+506 2653-1506) – Off the beaten path a bit and one of the nicer restaurants in town with a great and somewhat limited menu.
• Pangas (+506 2653-0024)
• Wok ‘n Roll (+506 2653-2736)
• L’Esquina – Located in town they have great pizza to eat in house or take out. Not near the beach but a good food option.
• Downtown Beach Dining – Many option on the beach, great view and drinks, usually good food. Pick one and make a reservation on night for an amazing sunset. This is why you came here in the first place…the sunset

Surf

This is the reason Tamarindo is on the map. There are many surf shops in town and they all have boards and lessons. I prefer to use either Surf Culture (next to Sharky’s) or Witch’s Rock near the river mouth on the other side of town.

Lessons – Send Elias Tobia an email at surfaslifetherapy@gmail.com to set up the ride of your life. By yourself or with a group, lessons include everything you need to ride the waves including boards, rash guard and valet pick-up at your door. Elias is the best option for lessons if he is available. Beginner lessons and custom surf trips are all options and be sure to take advantage of all the breaks the area has to offer. If he is not available, all of the shops in town can facilitate a 2 hour individual or group lesson. It is worth taking some time to learn the various spots while you are here. Even if it is slow in Tamarindo, something within an hour is always pumping.

• Tamarindo Beach Break – Something for all abilities any time of the day
• Cap’t Suizo – Gentle high tide break close to home
• Playa Langosta – Intermediate to advanced surf
• Playa Grande – 40 minute drive and worth the time
• Avellana – A short drive south around the point with intermediate waves and Lola’s beachside dining. Great beach for spectators and non-surfers alike
• Many others…

Explore

We have 2 garage parking spaces which currently have our toys in them. They are #66 on both the first and basement garage floors near the elevator. There is a commercial ice machine in the common area near the pool that is great to use with the YETI cooler for lunch and beverages. There are beach chairs in our lower level parking spot #66 across from the elevator.

Beware, although Tamarindo is a very “safe” place, crimes of convenience and property crime are a real thing. Keep a close eye on your belongings and lock your car. Do NOT leave your belongings unattended.

Parking is a delicate art. There are a couple of places that are “pay parking” including a strip in the center of town and beach access. Expect to pay a couple dollars to park. There is plenty of free parking if you look for a space and are willing to walk a few blocks depending on the season.

Beaches

Some of the most spectacular beaches on the planet are steps away from Casa Henhouse. One of the great things about Costa Rica is that all of the beaches are public, there is access everywhere and they all have a little different character. Be sure to look at the tide charts online and plan your beach adventures with them in mind.

• Langota beach and south (view from the balcony). Walk 2 blocks towards the ocean and take the public path next to The Sands condo.
• Langosta Beach Club – Pamper yourself with private club amenities for a reasonable daily fee; pool, cabanas, water toys, bar and food service, music, restrooms. Also a great place to have lunch beachside with no daily fee. Remember that all of the beaches are public and you can go anywhere along the beach with chairs and a cooler.
• Capitan Suizo – This is a close walk and is the south end of Tamarindo bay. At high tide, the sea can be at the breakwall, otherwise it is a nice, relatively secluded option. The hotel bar serves drinks with a nice view.
• Downtown Tamarindo – Good option for high tide as there is plenty of beach, busiest option with food and drinks within walking distance and beach vendors. Bring some chairs and rent and umbrella to get some relief from the sun.
• Playa Grande – Take a panga boat across the estuary for a couple bucks and easily get to a more secluded part of the bay with great surfing. Bring anything you need as there are not many convenient food and drink option once you cross. If you drive, it takes about 30 minutes and there is great surfing with a few good dining and parking options.

Sunset

Sunsets are spectacular and you should see one every day you are here from a new spot. Plan on heading out between 5:00 and 5:30 and the options are many:

• Grab a drink and head to the rooftop terrace of our sister building. There is a spectacular 360° view of Tamarindo, the mountains and the sea.
• Get a sunset reservation at one of the beachfront restaurants that look good to you including Diria. Expect great drinks and views, and most of the food is pretty good. After the sun sets there is usually a fire show of some sort moving about the beach.
• Pack a cooler, grab some drinks and head to one of the beaches; either crowded or secluded.  A great option is Langosta Beach – take the road across from Peninsula and follow around the bend past Crystal Sands hotel. There will be a walkway on the right w a small bridge and empties out onto the beach. People gather and monkeys are often nearby; bring a blanket and a drink.
• Sunset Cruise – There are a few options for boat trips, we have been on a few and have enjoyed Antares among others. All have music food and drinks of different varieties.
• SIt on the balcony and enjoy the view.

Day Trips

The options are almost endless for group charters or self guided options. Marcela can facilitate tours or you can pack a vehicle and head out on your own adventure.

• Visit Rincón de la Vieja National Park – National park with hiking, waterfalls and lots of nice private outdoor excursions located 90 minutes away. Take a car and spend the day or talk to our concierge and arrange a group tour.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest – More than a day trip with diverse plant and animal species.

• Estuary Tour – This Panga tour takes about 2 hours and and explores the river ecology and wildlife of the region. Monkeys and crocs await you.
• Golf – There are several options with varying price points including;
  • Hacienda Panilla
  • Marriott?
• Fishing – There are several local fishing charters available and the fishing is generally good!
• Mountain Biking – There are several options, be sure to pack your bike shoes and helmet if you want some serious riding in the area. I would not recommend road biking for safety reasons. I have cycled many miles and any paved road is dangerous in my opinion.
• Visit some of the other beaches and surf towns within an hour or two if you have a car and an adventurous spirit.
• Llanos de Cortez Waterfall – 90 min drive from Tamarindo. $1 to park and $7 to enter per person. Waterfall, swim area and beach. Can hike up to top. Drive south on Rt 1 from Liberia for about 15 min. Will see 5KM sign to Bagaces and then a pedestrian bridge. Turn right just after bridge. https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/llanos-de-cortez-waterfall/

Wellness

• Chiropractic – If you need or want Chiropractic care you are in luck. Ali is certified in Canada in Chiropractic and has been in Tamarindo for years. Her rates are reasonable and she is great. WhattsApp +506 8611-2221‬
• Massage – Didi is wonderful and she does not speak any English. You can use Google Translate and message her on WhattsApp and she will come to the condo. +506 8529-1798
• Vegan Cooking – Matteo, one of our neighbors is a well known Vegan Chef. Check out his website for his latest offerings of delivery and cook in home options https://www.elaguacatevegan.com/home

Vehicles

• If you have arranged to rent our vehicles, the the keys are in the Owner’s Closet and you will be provided with the combination code for the lock.
• Golf Cart – Located on the Lower Parking level in spot #66.
  • There is a 110v outlet on the post for charging. Leave the charger in the parking space
  • There are 2 kill switches on the battery. A toggle switch on the top of the battery and a button on the side. You must press and hold the button on the right side of the battery in for 5 seconds to turn it on and off.
  • One key on each set if for the glove box and one for the ignition.
  • If you wash the cart DO NOT SCRUB THE WINDSHIELD. Gently use a hose to rinse only.
• Montero –
  • The Montero is DIESEL ONLY. The closest place to get fuel is between Villareal and Huacas.
  • The Roadside Assistance: Now would be a good time to save these Quálitas numbers on your phone in case of accident or roadside assistance: 800-7825-4827 / +506-2504-6661.
  • Includes:
    • Gasoline
    • Change of tire
    • Charge of battery
    • Lock Smith
    • Taxi to the Airport
    • Tow Truck Less than 75km, limit amount of CRC 50,000.
    • Tow Truck More than 75km, limit amount of CRC150,000
    • Taxi Service in case your car breaks down
    • Pay of Hotel in case of collision
    • Orientation in case of Collision and total theft.
    • 2 Events per service per year. Restrictions applied.
  • Lock doors at all time when you park. There is no alarm, however, the power door locks work.
  • If there is a problem with the truck, our mechanic’s name is Minor and his shop is on the way out of town
  • Autoservicio Tamarindo +506 8993 8255

Check-Out

Checkout is 11 AM. Please,

• Strip beds and leave used linens on the floor.
• Put dishes in the dishwasher and run
• Empty garbage into garage container
• Have a safe trip