Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Rica is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, especially compared to many other countries in the region. Additionally Manuel Antonio is one of the safest beach towns we have.

Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Petty Theft Awareness: The most common crime is petty theft, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your belongings. Use hotel safes for valuables and avoid leaving items unattended in public spaces.
2. Leave Valuables Behind: It’s advisable to leave expensive items, such as jewelry and luxury watches, at home to avoid attracting attention.
3. Rental Car Precautions: If using a rental car, secure your belongings out of sight, keep the doors locked, and park in secure areas if possible.
4. Passport Safety: Carrying a photocopy of your passport’s picture page can be useful in case it gets lost or stolen.
5. General Vigilance: While you can relax and enjoy the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, maintaining a baseline level of awareness about your surroundings is important to ensure a safe experience.

By following these precautions, you can enjoy your travels in Costa Rica with peace of mind.

When packing for a trip to Costa Rica, consider the following items:

Clothing:

1. Casual Attire: Light and breathable clothing is ideal. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and sandals are common.
2. Special Occasion Outfit: For nicer dinners, a polo or button-down shirt for men and a nice top or sundress for women is recommended. You don’t need to dress too fancy.
3. Light Waterproof Jacket or Poncho: If you’re traveling during the transition or green season (May to October), a light waterproof windbreaker or poncho is advisable. If you don’t have one, don’t worry—many accommodations provide umbrellas.

Footwear:

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Suitable for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Aquatic Shoes or Sandals: Useful if you plan to visit beaches or wet areas.

Extras:

• Swimwear: Essential if you’re visiting beaches or hot springs.
• Insect Repellent: Particularly important if you’re going to rural areas or nature reserves.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the tropical sun.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.

By packing these essentials, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience during your stay with us

Costa Rica is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Here are some key highlights:

Mammals:

• Monkeys: Including howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and spider monkeys, often seen in trees.
• Sloths: Both two-toed and three-toed sloths can be found hanging in the trees.
• Coatis: These raccoon-like animals are often spotted foraging in groups.
• Tapirs: Elusive and usually found in more remote areas.

Birds:

• Resplendent Quetzal: Known for its vibrant colors and long tail feathers.
• Scarlet Macaw: A striking bird often seen flying over head throughout Manuel Antonio.
• Toucan: Recognizable by its large, colorful bill.
• Hummingbirds: Numerous species can be found on your walks around town.

Reptiles and Amphibians:

• Iguanas: Common sightings, especially around our villas!
• Frogs: Including the famous red-eyed tree frog, known for its vivid colors.
• Snakes: Various species, including non-venomous and venomous types, can be observed in the wild.

Marine Life:

• Turtles: Costa Rica is a nesting ground for several sea turtle species, including the Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles.
• Dolphins and Whales: Commonly seen in the Pacific waters, particularly during migration seasons.

Insects and Other Creatures:

• Butterflies: Costa Rica has a rich variety of butterflies, including the iconic Blue Morpho.
• Leafcutter Ants: An interesting sight, as they carry leaves in a long line to their nests.

Conservation:

Costa Rica is committed to conservation, with numerous national parks and reserves dedicated to protecting its wildlife and habitats. Eco-tourism plays a significant role in preserving this biodiversity while allowing visitors to experience its beauty. When exploring Costa Rica’s wildlife, consider guided tours to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the natural surroundings while practicing responsible wildlife viewing.

Driving in Costa Rica can be an adventure, and it’s helpful to understand the general driving times between popular destinations and the road conditions. Here’s a summary: Driving Times Between Destinations:

• Alajuela (SJO Airport) to Manuel Antonio: Approximately 3 hours
• Alajuela (SJO Airport) to Arenal: Approximately 3 hours
• Alajuela (SJO Airport) to Monteverde: Approximately 4 hours
• Arenal to Manuel Antonio: Approximately 5.5 hours

Road Conditions:

• General Overview: Most main roads are two-lane and paved, winding through mountainous terrain.
• Driving Speed: The general speed limit is around 50 km/h, so travel times can be longer due to road conditions and truck traffic.
• Caution Required: Be alert and drive defensively. Some roads can be narrow, and many bridges are single-lane with right-of-way rules.
• Night Driving: It’s advisable to avoid driving at night due to poorly lit roads and changing weather conditions.
• Dirt Roads: Most areas in Manuel Antonio have asphalt or concrete road leading to the villas.
• GPS Navigation: Limited signage can make navigation tricky, so using a GPS device is highly recommended.

Recommendations:

• Private Transportation: For first-time visitors, using private transport can help acclimate you to driving conditions. This is an affordable and stress free way to travel.
• Future Driving: Gaining experience with private transfers may help you feel more comfortable renting a car on future trips.

Approaching your travels in Costa Rica with patience and an appreciation for the beautiful scenery will enhance your experience on the road.

When it comes to tipping in Costa Rica, it is always very appreciated, but the amount can vary based on the level of service provided and the specific services rendered.

Here are some guidelines:

1. Housekeeping:
   • A tip of $10-$15 per day for a group of 10 is customary and a nice gesture for housekeeping staff.
2. Personal Chef:
   1. If you have a chef preparing meals, consider tipping about 10-15% of the total food cost, depending on the quality and complexity of the meals.
3. Personal Chef:
   1. For exceptional service, a tip of $10-$30 per day per group for the duration of your stay is a gracious way to show appreciation.
4. Airport Transfers/Drivers:
   • If you are taking a private shuttle from the airport to your villa, tipping around $10-$30 for airport transfers is customary.
5. Maintenance Staff/Gardeners:
   • Tips are not typically expected for maintenance or gardening staff, but small gestures of appreciation can be made if you feel it’s warranted.

Restaurants:

• Standard Tip: If a service charge (usually around 10%) is not included in your bill, a tip of 20% is customary.
• When Service is Included: If the service charge is already included, a tip of an additional 10% is customary or you may leave a little extra if you feel the service was exceptional.

Bars: 

• Tip: It’s common to leave a small tip for bartenders, typically rounding up the bill or giving a dollar or two for good service.

Taxis:

• Rounding Up: It’s typical to round up the fare to the nearest whole number.
• For Longer Rides: For longer trips, consider adding a few extra colones as a tip.

Tour Guides:

• Standard Tip: For guided tours, tipping around $10-$20 per family is a good practice, depending on the quality of the experience.

General Advise:

• Group Pooling: If traveling with a group, consider pooling tips for staff to ensure fairness and that everyone can participate in showing gratitude.
• Cash Tips: It’s usually best to provide tips in cash, as this ensures that the staff members receive it directly.

Tipping is a way to recognize the hard work and service provided by the villa staff, so feel free to adjust the amounts based on your experience and satisfaction level.