We want you to have a fabulous vacation.

To help you take full advantage of your adventure we have a terrific system and a great team of people ready to serve all our guests. You are free to avail yourself of their services, at no extra cost to you. These include:

• A U.S. contact (owner Lyn), easily reached by phone or e-mail, who answers your questions and concerns before your trip; sets you up in a San Jose hotel if needed (see below); and serves as an emergency liaison while you are traveling;
• Extensive information packet, including maps and grocery list, prior to your trip;
• San Jose accommodations: We can help arrange accommodations at well-priced, well-run, charming hotels.
• San Jose transportation: We can refer you to a reliable, well-priced, English speaking driver to meet your flight and take you where you need to go while in San Jose.
• Rental car: We can help you arrange a rental car from San Jose or with the local agent if you want a car while in Matapalo.
• Detailed driving directions, if you choose to drive;
• Local taxi: We arrange to have a reliable and comfortable taxi meet your flight in Puerto Jimenez, and take you to buy food and then out to the house (there is a taxi fee);
• Tour bookings: We will either book tours for you when applicable, or refer you to the best people.

In addition:

• Information about the house and area are posted in each house;
• Our staff, including our manager William, live next door. They will orient you and are on hand to help you with whatever you need. William, Leda and Vicki are not only helpful and competent, but a great example of the sweetness of the Costa Rican people and our guests love them.

Throughout your stay William will bring you whatever yard fruit is ripe. He is available for hire to take you on rainforest hikes and help you spot local wildlife, as well as serve as your guide to Corcovado Park. (See our Local Tours page for details). William will also help you with logistics and anything else you might need. He is most resourceful!

Cleaning & Laundry
The house is cleaned every three days, but if you would like more frequent maid service, it is available at a reasonable price. You can also arrange to have your laundry done for a minimal charge.

Food
There are many eating options.

• Hire Leda or Vicki to cook for you
  You can hire our wonderful staff to cook their delicious Costa Rican cuisine for you.

• Cook for yourself
  Our kitchen is fully equipped. We will send you a grocery list so you're prepared to shop when you land in Puerto Jimenez. We recommend you stock up when you arrive, as there are no stores out at Matapalo, where Casa Bambu is.

• Eat at local restaurants
  These range from gourmet (yes, gourmet food in the rainforest!) to homecooked. They include:

  
  • Lapa Rios, a world-class ecotourism resort with a restaurant, is a fifteen-minute hike up the hill. They serve three meals a day and have a beautiful deck in the treetops. We recommend breakfast or lunch, to take advantage of the view.
  • Bosque del Cabo is further, but just as beautiful and offers three tasty meals a day.
  • A fifteen-minute walk towards town takes you to Buena Esperanza (Martina’s Cantina), a charming open-air place and local hang-out that serves drinks and good food at reasonable prices.
  • Encanta la Vida Lodge, a ten-minute stroll down the road to Matapalo beach. It’s in a lovely setting and serves multi-course dinners.