Visit Longo Mai

Food and Housing

Most guests that come to Longo Mai live with a host family and stay in a spare room in their home, often constructed especially for guests. Depending on how many people you are traveling with, you will likely have a roommate and your group could be spread out across multiple houses. Houses here are equipped with 3-4 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area, and a bathroom. All houses have showers, running water (with safe to drink tap water), and flush toilets. When using the bathroom, however, you must make sure not to flush toilet paper, as the plumbing is not made for it. This is true throughout Costa Rica.

Most houses are located within a few minutes of each other, and all are walking distance from major stores/buildings in the community. Longo Mai has two stores where you can purchase some types of foods and other goods, but most meals will be provided be your host family. Common dishes in Longo Mai include rice and beans, pupusas, meats, and locally grown vegetables and fruit such as bananas, lemons or oranges. Most beverages are natural and come from fruits. Dietary restrictions and specific recommendations can be accommodated, but it is best to make this known in advance before your arrival or at the moment when you look for a room upon arrival. 

Things to Know

–      Most houses of Longo Mai sit at a lower elevation  (650 to 750 meters above sea level) than San Jose does, and the region is located close to the equator so expect hot (particularly around midday) and humid temperatures regardless of what time of year you choose to come. However, temperatures generally are agreeably cool from 4 or 5pm till 8 to 10am the next morning. Homestay beds offer blankets for comfort.

–      People in Longo Mai speak Spanish, and a few also speak English and/or German as well. They are patient with visitors who use phone apps or dictionaries to help while they learn to communicate. 

–      You likely will not have access to hot water or air conditioning, though it does cool off well at night, even in the hottest months.

–      Longo Mai has two major seasons- the dry season and wet season. The wet season usually lasts from the beginning of May to the end of November and the dry season usually lasts from December to April.

–      You may not have consistent Wifi or cell service while in Longo Mai, though local SIM cards work in some places in town for phone and data. Residents do have access and will gladly help in emergency situations. 

Pricing

As of 2023, prices for overnight stay with food included are: 15,000 colones/day ($30/day, updated: 04/27/2024) and for stays longer than 15 days the price drops to 12,000 colones/day ($24/day, updated: 04/27/2024). Costa Rica uses colones as their currency. Travelers coming in from abroad can withdraw colones from an ATM (see FAQ’s) or exchange currency from any bank in San Jose. For easy transaction the citizens of Longo Mai ask you pay only in colones.

Frequently Asked Questions