There are three ways to get to Manuel Antonio from either the San José airport or a San José hotel.
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1. Car rental
Many guests rent a car in San José, and we can assist you with that. Rates vary depending on the type of car and the season, but a 4×4 or SUV is recommended. Once your reservation with us is confirmed, be sure and tell us you need a car, what type you want and we will make the arrangements for you. It is a scenic 3 and 1/2 hour drive to Manuel Antonio from San José. Driving directions to Villa Capuchin will be provided, be sure to bring those along with you
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2. Private van service
We can arrange for a private van or Coaster pickup either at the airport or at your San José hotel. The private van accommodates up to 8 guests. Coasters accommodate up to 22 people. Return transportation to the airport is also available.
The price for San José airport transportation in an 8 person van is $180. A Coaster that holds up to 22 people, from the San José airport is $300.
For transportation from your San José hotel, the cost is $175 for up to 6 passengers and $20 for each additional passenger.
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3. Domestic flight
There are two local airlines servicing the Quepos/San José route. The fare is approximately $72 or $75 (depending on airline) per passenger and the last flight time is around 2 PM, so make your plans accordingly. Let us take care of the details and we will see that you get to your villa to begin your Costa Rican vacation smoothly.
Will my US cell phone work in Costa Rica?
Your cell phone from your home country will not work unless you have an international plan. Make sure you turn your US phone off in Costa Rica. Most US companies may charge a fee per minute for roaming charges so every minute your phone is on you are being charged.
Can I buy a local phone?
There are now several cell phone providers offering pre-paid services. You can buy a basic local phone (less than $100), or bring an unlocked 3G or 4G phone with you, to use with a Costa Rica SIM card that can be purchased for approximately $5. The main telecommunications companies are Kolbi ICE, MoviStar and Claro and they have branches throughout the country; you can find offices in nearby downtown Quepos. Kolbi ICE is located at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose.
What is the best way to reach family and friends while I'm away?
We recommend communicating with friends and relatives back home via Skype, Viber, Whatsapp or Costa Rica calling card. Skype and other apps can be accessed from your Smartphone, iPad or computer via free Wifi which is provided – making keeping connected easy. Pre-paid calling cards with toll-free numbers from other countries usually don’t work in Costa Rica, but you can buy local calling cards at most grocery stores and pharmacies in town at very affordable prices.
Is there an additional charge for laundry and maid service?
There is a washer and dryer located in the condo for to use for no extra charge. Yes, daily maid service is included in the rental costs unless otherwise indicated. Please note that maid service is not available on Sundays.
What time of year can I get the best rates?
September, October and November are considered off-season and rates are adjusted accordingly.
Do you have any good restaurants there?
Manuel Antoniohas a wide variety of restaurants to choose from due to the international community. You can find everything from Sushi, continental cuisine, American-style food, Mexican, Italian food and of course the freshest fish is served in many fine restaurants.
Can I hire a private chef?
Private chef services are one of the most popular services that we offer. Based on your menu choices, Jose can assist you with choosing a talented chef to come and create an unforgettable meal. A chef can be arranged for your entire stay, to cook for a full day or for one or two special meals. The cost of the food is extra.
What's the surfing like in Manuel Antonio?
For beginners, Quepos and Manuel Antonio offer great opportunities to improve their skills. More experienced surfers will probably want a bigger challenge, as there is a bay here that partially blocks the waves. Beginners and intermediate surfers can take advantage of the surfing schools that operate in Manuel Antonio.
For surfers looking for a bigger challenge, we recommend Playa Hermosa, just one hour North of Manuel Antonio. Playa Hermosa is a very popular surfing spot in Costa Rica. Also nearby are Playa Esterillos and Playa Bejuco, just 30 minutes away. An hour and a half south of Manuel Antonio are good conditions at Playa Dominical. For the best waves, a 4 1/2 drive south will take you to Pavones with great surfing year-round.
Do you have handicapped access in your homes?
Let us know if you have any special needs and we can make accommodations for you.
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Do you have any restrictions on bringing children?
Children are always welcome, but keep in mind there are balconies, a pool, creeks, and a river nearby so you should keep a close eye on toddlers and infants at all times.
Our houses are smoke-free.
For the comfort of all our guests and future guests, we do not allow pets.
While there are unfortunate incidents involving tourists in any country, Costa Rica can be called “the safest country in Central America”. Costa Rica is a very safe, stable travel destination. One of the reasons that Costa Rica continues to grow as a top destination is because it is one of the few places where travelers can feel safe exploring almost any part of the country.
As with any location, there is always a risk for petty theft so please keep an eye on your belongings when out and about and utilize the alarm system in the homes as outlined by your Concierge upon check in. Additionally, our villas offer safes for your valuables.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to make copies of the following items and email to yourself:
– Passport
– Number of your credit cards
– Airline tickets
– Emergency phone numbers..
Are taxes included in the prices quoted?
Prices are exclusive of Costa Rica’s 13% sales tax or VAT.
What is your cancellation policy?
We strive for customer satisfaction and understand that events sometimes occur that result in a reservation cancellation. To that end, we provide a clear description of our cancellation policy in our contracts to ensure clarity.
REFUNDS If the Client wants to cancel this agreement, he/she must notify the owner/agent in writing via e-mail and you will receive confirmation from the owner’s agent. If the owner receives the written cancellation request at least 60 days before the arrival date shown in this agreement, the reservation deposit will be refunded in full, minus transfer fees. If the cancellation request is made between 59 and 30 days before arrival (or less), the Client will receive a refund of 50% of the reservation deposit, minus fees.
If the cancellation request is made 30 days before arrival (or less), the Client will not receive a refund of the reservation deposit. If the owner/agent is able to lease the property during the same period, a refund will be granted minus a 20% cancellation fee & any applicable transfer fees. Under this last scenario, the cancellation fee may be deducted from the payment of a future completed visit of the same time period or longer within one year of the date of the cancellation.
In the event of a catastrophic system failure that prevents the property from being occupied, a refund amount will be calculated based on occupancy. The owner or owner’s agent will not provide compensation or provide an alternative rental property because of the dissatisfaction with the property, because some minor equipment in the property is not working to your satisfaction, or because of inclement weather.
The Client’s comfort and satisfaction is very important for the Owner and its agent, who will make every effort to address the situation, however, no refunds or rebates can be guaranteed. The property owners are not responsible for inability to occupy the premises due to acts of God, such as earthquakes, floods, etc. and the owner has the choice to provide a full refund to the Client.
Do you offer assistance in trip planning?
We’re proud to offer complimentary pre-arrival vacation planning services to assist you in setting up a seamless trip from start to finish. Upon securing a reservation, our you will be introduced to your Concierge who will be your point of contact for anything you may need, including transportation, car rentals, chef services, tours and activities and more.
Do I need a car while staying at the villa?
Most of our guests choose to rent a vehicle during their stay. While taxi’s are plentiful and available, having a rental car is often a more economical and practical approach to exploring the local area. We recommend utilizing a 4×4 vehicle to explore the off the beaten paths and bumpy Costa Rican roads. Your Concierge can assist in setting up any car rental services and can have the car delivered to you.
What beaches does Manuel Antonio have to offer?
Internationally recognized as being home to one of the top 25 beaches in the world, Manuel Antonio offers 4 pristine beaches: Manuel Antonio National Park beach, Playa Espadilla, Playa Biesanz, and Playitas.
National Park Beach: The pristine white sand beaches and clear clean ocean attract tourists year round for swimming, snorkeling and dolphin / whale watching. While it costs tourists around $10 to enter the National Park beach, many consider the beach to be better due to the decreased crowds.
Playa Espadilla is the largest and busiest of all the beaches. It is located in front of the Manuel Antonio main street and is the first beach you will see as you journey down the road. The beach fills up with sunbathers, surfers, volleyball players, strand strollers, locals playing football and tourist families. You’ll easily find vendors with hand crafted items and waiters eager to bring you a cold drink. A full-day rental of a beach umbrella and two lounge chairs costs around $10.
Playa Biesanz is more off the beaten path and secluded as it takes a short hike through the jungle to find and offers calm waters perfect for families. When Manuel Antonio beach gets overwhelming with buzzing tourists, head to Playa Biesanz. Enjoy a break from the crowd and bask in the picturesque views and photograph the monkey troops that pass through daily. Visitors can rent snorkeling equipment, kayaks or stand up paddle boards to check out the different coves. Parking is available alongside the road.
Playitas is located at the opposite end of the main beach and is toted as the hot spot for surfing. Big waves and quiet beaches offer more tranquility and space perfect for hanging a hammock and watching the swell.
Is it safe to swim at the beach?
Absolutely! However, we always remind guests of the power of the ocean and its rip currents. Try to avoid entering the ocean where there is an absence of swimmers and be aware of the area. The local Costa Ricans are very familiar with these areas, therefore it is always wise to swim where you see others doing the same.
What is the currency in Costa Rica and what is the exchange rate?
The colorful Costa Rican currency is called the “Colon”. Most restaurants and stores in this area accept dollars, even though the exchange rate they give you is much lower than at the bank.
The local exchange rate of the Costa Rica colon to the Dollar typically floats between 490 – 520 colones to the Dollar. For example:
2,000 colones = $4 (average)
5,000 colones = $10 (average)
Where can I change my money?
You can change your money in local colones at one of the various banks in Manuel Antonio but please remember to bring your passport. Normal opening times are between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. We recommend avoiding changing money at the San Jose airport as you’ll likely end up with a poor exchange rate.
Where can I change my Are ATM’s available?
Yes, ATM’s are available throughout Manuel Antonio and Quepos and offer a choice of US Dollars or Costa Rican colones.Yes, ATM’s are available throughout Manuel Antonio and Quepos and offer a choice of US Dollars or Costa Rican colones.
What is the time zone in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is the same as U.S. central standard time, but does not observe daylight savings time.
What about electricity? Do I need an adapter?
Costa Rica uses 110 volt system and we have the same wiring as North America. Your hairdryer, curling iron and all other appliances will work fine.
What is the weather like in Manuel Antonio?
The nation’s climate is classically divided into two major seasons: Rainy (Green) and Dry. The dry season runs from December through May and the rainy/green season from May to November. During the rainy season, the rainfall typically occurs mostly in the early morning and afternoon, creating a warmer, more humid environment during the day. This time of year also encourages more natural wildlife to emerge throughout the National Park and Jungle areas. During the dry season you will experience very little to no rain whatsoever.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, the water system in Manuel Antonio offers safe and potable drinking water.