Hello! This FAQ post is for anyone who is staying with us in Manuel Antonio! PURA VIDA 🙂
How`s the weather?
Costa Rica has 2 seasons: WET & DRY. In Manuel Antonio, the average temperature year round is 80 degrees and typical weather patterns are the following:
December- April: DRY SEASON. It`s super hot and sunny every day and almost never rains (if it rains, it might be just a few times during these 5 months and it is usually just overnight). Temperatures are consistently 80-90 degrees. February and March are the hottest months of the season!
May- November: WET SEASON. Even during wet season, it is normally hot and sunny during the day (or sometimes overcast) and then it usually rains in the afternoons or just overnight when you`re sleeping. Most people find the afternoon showers refreshing after a hot sunny day and you can still do all of the same activities as you would do during dry season. Temperatures are 70-80 degrees. The rainiest months are usually Sept-Nov, but overall, there is never a "bad time" to visit Manuel Antonio!
Do NOT waste your time looking at the weather forecast online. This will just cause you to panic unnecessarily. Since Manuel Antonio is a rainforest / jungle / beach town, the forecast always says chance of rain even during dry season but it simply is just not accurate. The info above is what the weather is REALLY like!
*We haven`t mastered the skill of being able to control the weather yet, so please do not be silly and ask us if it will rain. The best advice we can give you about the weather is the info you just read above 🙂
Do you provide beach towels?
Yes! We provide plenty of towels that you can use for both the shower and for the beach. No need to pack towels. Also, each of our vacation rentals has a washer / dryer, so you can always wash the towels if you find you`re going through them quickly.
In Manuel Antonio, how close are you located to the beach and national park?
All of our vacation rentals are in the HEART OF MANUEL ANTONIO- within just a 5 minute drive or bus ride to 3 different beaches and the national park (there are 4 more beaches inside the park!).
Can I walk to the beaches?
It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk to the public beaches, although we do not recommend it. Manuel Antonio is a beach town built on a mountain (the heart of MA is at the top of the hill), so the walk is along narrow, curvy and steep roads without sidewalks. In addition to the road conditions, it is so hot here you will not want to walk under the sun for that long (you sweat like crazy here without even moving). You can grab the bus (within a quick walk from our vacation rentals) to get down to the beach in 5 minutes- super simple!
Are there supermarkets and restaurants close by?
Yes! We are within walking distance to an abundance of supermarkets, restaurants, the pharmacy, gym, yoga studio, spa, souvenir shops, bars, nightlife, etc.
We cannot say it enough- we are in the HEART OF MANUEL ANTONIO and everything you need is within walking distance 🙂
Which restaurants do you recommend?
Our top 3 favorite restaurants are:
- Falafel Bar
- Emilio`s
- Cafe Milagro
There are over 200 restaurants in the area though, so we have an entire page in our welcome book (inside your vacation rental) with all of our favorites. There is detailed info including pizza delivery info, which restaurants have sunset views, which ones are vegan friendly, etc. Just wait until you get here to see what you feel like eating in the moment.
*You do not need reservations unless you are visiting during a holiday week (Christmas & New Years Eve are definitely days we recommend reservations).
My flight arrives late / departs early- should I stay in San Jose?
To make travel days easier and more comfortable, we always recommend staying the night in San Jose if your flight arrives late or departs super early. Our favorite hotel close to the airport is Adventure Inn.
Can I check in early / check out late?
Check in is 3:00pm / Check out is 10:00am.
Sorry, but NO, we cannot accommodate early checks ins or late check outs. Luckily, we are fully booked year round so we have people checking in and out everyday and we need time to clean the place in-between guests.
We DO NOT make exceptions to this rule, so please be respectful and do not ask or try to check in early.
What should I do while I wait to check in at 3:00pm? Can I drop off my luggage early?
Here`s some ideas of things you can do in the afternoon while you wait for check in at 3:00pm:
- Stop at the Tarcoles bridge to see the crocodiles.
- Explore Jaco (a big beach town)- go to the beach, have lunch (Taco Bar is awesome), shop for souvenirs, etc.
- Get lunch in town (Emilio`s, Cafe Milagro or Falafel Bar are our top 3 choices).
*We do NOT have a secure place to store your luggage, so please do not ask us for a luggage drop off. Again, we do not allow early check ins, and this includes your luggage.
How do I book tours?
First, check out Our Favorite Activities that we recommend in the area. To book tours and receive our guest discounts, contact us and provide the following info:
- your name
- vacation rental name
- preferred date
- tour
- number of people
- kids ages (if applicable)
You will receive an email confirmation from us with your tour details within 24 hours. No need to pay in advance.
Do I really need a guide for the Manuel Antonio National Park?
No, you do not need a tour guide to go hiking, see monkeys or enjoy the 4 beaches at the park.
However, if you want to see and learn about a variety of wildlife (and get to use a telescope to get great pictures), then a guided tour is definitely the way to go!
To learn all the advice we have to give about the park (both a guided tour and going on your own) read our full blog post: Manuel Antonio National Park- FAQ
I don`t like crowds. Is there another wildlife tour you recommend?
YES! If you are interested in a wildlife tour with 90% less people than at the MA National Park, we recommend Hacienda Baru.
Do I need a rental car?
If you are planning to spend your entire trip in Manuel Antonio, you do NOT need a car. As mentioned above, all of our vacation rentals are within walking distance of everything you need. Also, buses and taxis are readily available.
If you will be visiting multiple destinations in Costa Rica, or if you want to be able to explore places on your own in the surrounding areas, then we definitely recommend renting a car.
For all of our advice about getting around the country, read our full blog post: Transportation Options
What is your address? How do I get there?
All of our locations are super easy to find, just follow our Directions (includes detailed hand written instructions, maps, addresses, how to get off the bus or tell your taxi driver where to go, etc).
How does Self Check In work?
To provide you with the flexibility of arriving on your own schedule, we have set up super clear directions and self check in instructions. It is your responsibility to be prepared! We promise if you follow all instructions carefully, you will have no problem arriving by yourself, stress-free! We have had over 1,000 guests check themselves in, so we are confident you can do it too!
*The Self Check In link will be sent to you within 2 weeks before your arrival (no need to ask us for this, we won`t forget!). For security reasons, the link will not be visible until 4 days before your check in, but that is still plenty of time to review the info!
What if I don`t have wifi? Will I still be able to arrive and check myself in?
Yes you can! If you will not have wifi while driving here, you can print or screenshot all of the directions and self check in instructions.
Also, wifi is available all throughout Costa Rica, so all you have to do is stop at any restaurant or shop and ask if you can use their wifi. Everyone is always super friendly and happy to help you!
Sorry, but "not having wifi" is NOT an excuse to not be able to find your way here and check yourself in.
Will I get to meet you in person?
Yes, most likely! We visit all of our properties on a daily basis to meet our guests in person, check on their happiness and see how we can help! We meet 99% of our guests in person, the only reason we would not meet you is if you are already out exploring during our daily visits- then there`s a chance our paths will not cross. But no worries! We are always available via text message to help you out!
Can I pay in USD? Do I need to exchange money?
The national currency in Costa Rica is Colones, however both Colones and USD are accepted throughout the country! If you are traveling with USD, you do not need to exchange your money. If you want to exchange money just for the fun of it, either go to a bank or just pay a bill in USD and you will get Colones back in change. Do NOT exchange money at the airport- they have the worst exchange rate!
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes! The tap water around Costa Rica in general is super clean and safe to drink! All of our vacation rentals have safe, clean and drinkable water as well!
*Pack a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout your stay. Please be eco-conscious and avoid buying single use plastic water bottles at as much as possible 🙂
What should I pack for my trip?
Please check out our full blog post: What to Pack for Costa Rica
How can I be eco-friendly while traveling in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a SUPER ECO-CONCIOUS / ECO- FRIENDLY country, so please do your part to be a sustainable traveler and take part in eco-friendly efforts! Being eco-friendly is the way that Costa Rica is able to maintain it`s beautiful landscape, beaches and wildlife and it is the responsibility of everyone who visits here to do their part!
- Bring a reusable water bottle (and do not buy single use plastic water bottles). Remember, the tap water is potable!
- Take a reusable shopping bag to the supermarket, or simply decline a plastic bag if you can carry the few items you are purchasing (if you can carry the items around the store without a bag, then you should be able to carry them out of the store without a bag!).
- Pack snacks for the beach or park in reusable containers instead of plastic bags (we provide tupperware containers inside your vacation rental).
- Turn off the AC, lights and fans when not in use and every time you are not in the house.
- Reduce your water consumption (turn off water while lathering up in the shower, do not leave water running while brushing your teeth or doing dishes, only fill the washing machine with the amount of water you need to wash your clothes).
- Hang your clothes outside to dry when possible.
- Recycle (bins are provided).
- Do not flush anything down the toilet besides toilet paper from #2 (toilet paper from #1 and everything else should go in the trash).
- Do not waste food! If you have food left over on your check out day, please give it to someone else or leave it for our housekeepers to take home 🙂
- Choose souvenirs wisely (is it something you really want or need? or will it end up on a shelf collecting dust?)
- Buy eco-friendly / cruelty- free body care products: Bioland is an awesome Costa Rican brand that is all of those good things! You can find their products at most supermarkets in town (Super Joseth, Super Pura Vida & BM have them for sure).
- NEVER feed the monkeys or any other wildlife. The animals are to be observed only!
- Eat vegan meals as much as possible. Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, rainforest deforestation, ocean dead zones, and of course- animal cruelty. Choosing what we eat 3 times a day has a big impact not only on the sustainability of Costa Rica, but of the entire world! The restaurants page in our welcome book has vegan friendly restaurants noted, or if you are ordering a casado (typical Costa Rican dish), order it without the meat. Plant based milks (almond, soy, coconut, oat, etc) are available all over town. It is that simple 🙂 PS- if you have questions or would like resources to learn more, please contact us and we will be more than happy to share!
- Do not throw your shoes or clothes in the garbage when you pack to go home. I know this sounds ridiculous, but you would not believe the amount of these items we find in the trash upon guest check outs! If you have items you do not want to take home with you, just let us know and they can be gifted to our housekeepers and their families.
- Refuse a straw at restaurants (or bring your own reusable one).
Will I really get to see monkeys?
Yes! Monkeys are everywhere and pass through all of our properties at least once a day (sometimes multiple times a day!).
It is also very common to see toucans, scarlet macaws, guatusas, hummingbirds, and even sloths!
Manuel Antonio is famous for the abundance of wildlife it has, so you can see wildlife anywhere at anytime. Just keep your eyes open!
Thanks for taking the time to read this! We hope you have a great time in Costa Rica.
THANK YOU for being our guest!
PURA VIDA!
