The San Jose airport– aka ‘Juan Santamaria International Airport’ (SJO)
Good question! You certainly don’t need one, as we can help set up an airport shuttle, taxis are affordable, and there is public transportation between Quepos and the main beach / national park. If you’re here for a few days, however, it’s also nice to have the ability to explore the area—an hour drive will take you to Dominical, Uvita, Jaco or San Isidro. Also, our clientele gets a 10% discount with Adobe rentacar (please inquire).
Different chefs have different pricing, and it depends on the number of guests and number of meals contracted. Chefs charge a set rate for their service which does NOT include groceries, so the final cost also has a lot to do with what you order. In general, though, you can expect about $150 + groceries for a single lunch or dinner for up to 4 people, and about $10/pp after that. Ask your concierge for a quote! (Please note that we do not allow chefs or other services providers on the property unless they have been pre-authorized by Manuel Antonio Rental Properties.)
Not at the airport! You can get around fairly easily with US dollars here, and often at a decent exchange rate. However—you’ll get the best rate directly at the bank, or at an ATM machine. At the bank teller you’ll need to bring your passport to change money. If using an ATM, ask your bank before you leave what fees (if any) they charge for withdrawing money in a foreign country. You can find the national exchange rate here: https://www.bccr.fi.cr/
Yes—we’re in the rainforest! However they are not nearly as common or harmful as you may think. The mosquitoes aren’t bad here relatively, and mostly come out at dusk. In over 15 years of business we’ve never once had a guest with a spider or snakebite. Scorpion stings are similar to a wasp sting, and not deadly by any means. In summary—there is tons of wildlife here in Manuel Antonio, and the great majority completely benign.
Costa Rica has very little violent crime, and it tends to be in the city. There is petty theft at the beaches however, so we recommend caution while there—ie don’t leave your valuables in your car, or unattended at the beach.
Yes! The water is potable almost everywhere in Costa Rica, in fact.
The internet speed and quality are great—but as with anywhere in Costa Rica, occasionally the power or internet service goes out. This is almost always short-lived, however, and gets repaired within a couple of hours.
The ‘Taxis de Quepos’ have a Whatsapp number where you can order a taxi via text message: 011 (506) 8908-0842.
Lots! About halfway between San Jose is the Tarcoles river bridge—a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and gander at the crocodiles below. Shortly afterwards is Carara national park, which is not as nice as Manuel Antonio national park, but the only place to do a ‘crocodile boat tour’. Another 10 minutes and you’ll be in Herradura, where is there is a large supermarket called Auto Mercado, as well as Los Sueños (try lunch at the ‘Hook Up’ at the marina…). Finally, in another 10 minutes is Jaco—a lively if seedy beach town with lots of good restaurants. (Exercise caution leaving your car unattended with your luggage anywhere you stop along the way!)