Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Costa Rica Luxury 4 Bedroom Vacation Home with Pacific Ocean View
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica Information
Arrival and Departure Information
Activities
House Information
Dining Out & Tipping
Safety and Health
General information about Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica is located in Central America, between Nicaragua on
the north and Panama on the south. It's capital city is San
José.
- Time is -6 hours from GMT. (Same as Central Standard Time in the US.) - No
Daylight Savings time. The sun rises at 5:45 AM and sets at 5:45 PM +/- 15 minutes
year round.
- Over 32% of Costa Rica's land is protected, compared to 0.1%
of the land in the U.S.
- Population is 4 million with nearly 1.5 million living in the Central Valley
around the capital of San José.
- The majority of Costa Ricans are descendants of Spanish
immigrants.
- Costa Rica's government is a democracy similar to the U.S.
with 3 branches of government.
- The literacy rate (96%) and life expectancy (75m 80f) are similar to the
United States and Canada and much higher than most Latin American countries.
- Agricultural exports include coffee and bananas, but tourism
continues to grow as a contributor to economy.
Do I need a passport or visa?
- It is now a requirement that all persons entering Costa Rica carry a valid
passport (expiration date must be 30 days to 6 months after your entry date)
to enter the country. A birth-certificate and photo id are no longer accepted
by the government due to 11-September security requirements.
- You also need a pre-paid airline ticket to exit Costa Rica
- Citizens with valid passports of the U.S., Canada and most Western European
countries are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without
a visa.
- US Citizens check here
for document requirements .
- Citizens of other countries check here
for Visa Requirements . Back to top.
Why travel to Costa Rica?
- Only .03% of planet surface but 6% of world's bio-diversity.
The country provides a huge opportunity to view fauna and flora
that you will never see again in a lifetime. The landscape of
Costa Rica remains unspoiled by humans.
- Polite and well-educated people are the standard in Costa
Rica. Its people are very friendly and helpful. Back
to top.
Is Costa Rica a good place to vacation with children?
- There are plenty of exciting activities and educational opportunities for
all ages. Experiencing the fauna and flora of the Manuel Antonio area will be
an experience your children will not soon forget. Activities include canopy
zip lines, rafting, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, sailing or enjoying
the beach. Back to top.
When should I visit Costa Rica?
- The country is relatively unspoiled by tourism and foreign greed. Now is
a great time to visit.
- The dry season is December through April. A mini-summer also exists July
and August. September and October average the heaviest rainfalls (see
chart).
- During the “green” season, for the most part, you will experience sunny mornings
and afternoon rains.
- Temperatures are consistent year round but vary by elevation within the country.
Back to top.
Why choose the Manuel Antonio area of Costa Rica?
- The Central Pacific Coast offers many activities for you, your family and
your friends.
- Manuel Antonio remains green in the dry or high season and doesn't experience
the strong "Papagayo" winds of the north Pacific area.
- Temperatures are consistently in the mid- 80's Fahrenheit throughout the
year.
- Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest parks, but offers the
most variety of wildlife.
- The beaches of Manuel Antonio are the most popular in Costa Rica. Locals
from San José travel to the area for the weekend.
- Sport fishing is extremely popular in the Quepos area.
- All activity stops around 5:45 PM to experience the most beautiful sunsets
you will ever see.
- Despite
its small size and great popularity, Manuel Antonio has managed to remain one
of the premiere nature spots in the country. The rain forest and mountains literally
meet the sea here and the ecosystem is teeming with land, sea and air species.
If there is one place to visit in this country and be assured of seeing animals
in the wild, this is it. Just a couple of hours walking the park's trails are
likely to present various colorful and majestic birds, white-faced monkeys,
two and three-toed sloth, coatis, pacas, brilliantly colored land crabs, a variety
of multi-hued butterflies, and interesting insects. In all, over 100 species
of animals and nearly 200 species of birds have been identified in this park.
- The
squirrel monkeys, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, and many other
animals are also frequently seen from and sometimes on our terrace. Back
to top.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
- The official language is Spanish. Most people in San
José and Manuel Antonio/Quepos speak English too. You can
also find people who speak German, French and Italian.
- Knowledge of the basics hello (Hola) and thanks (gracias) goes
a long way. Try to learn a few phrases and numbers before you
come.
- English is spoken in most areas where tourism exists.
Back to top.
How can I retire / live in Costa Rica?
Where can I study Spanish?
- There are several Spanish schools in the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area. They
are all highly qualified schools and you may even receive college credit by
studying at these schools.
Can I use my Cell Phone in Costa Rica?
- The following link shows which carrier and which country can roam in Costa
Rica. http://www.grupoice.com
If the above link does not work, please type in your browser http://www.grupoice.com
and follow the links for Roaming
- GSM phone users for AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, Cingular & Cincinnati
Bell Wireless at 1900 MHz may use the roaming service (but you must first make
arrangements with your carrier two weeks before your travel dates). Please check
with your carrier and the Grupo ICE website for updates.
How do I get to Costa Rica?
- Most major airlines fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) from their hubs
in the U.S. and Canada. Some European flights are direct, but most connect through
the U.S.
- We highly recommend flying to SJO. LIR currently has no domestic flights
to Quepos and is a 5.5 hour drive from LIR to Quepos vs. a 3 hour drive from
SJO to Quepos. Back to top.
How do I get from San José to the Manuel Antonio area?
- You may rent a car, we can hire a van to pick you up, or fly to Quepos from San José. From Liberia, you may rent a car
or fly through San Jose to Quepos.
- Travel by car from San José to Manuel Antonio will take from 3 to
4 hours, depending upon you driving skills and speed. See our directions
page. Plan to drive 5+ hours from Liberia.
- We can hire a van driver to pick you up at the airport and deliver you direct to the house. You can ask our manager about pricing.
- Several daily flights leave San José International Airport to Quepos. You
may book these flights online. Sansa flies out of a small hanger just 100 yards/meters to the west of the international Airport SJO. Nature Air flies from closer to downtown San José: it takes a minimum 20 minutes to take a taxi from SJO to the Nature Air airport; but, if you spend a night downtown before coming to the house, it may be more convenient . Back to top.
What is the street address? or Directions for the Taxi
- Costa
Rica has no street names except in the downtown areas of cities. Even then,
there are few street signs giving the street numbers. So, how do you tell a
taxi to take you to an address when there is no address?
- Taxi
drivers get directions by landmarks. Even landmarks that no longer exist. The
most famous being 300 meters west of the Coca Cola plant in San José. That plant
moved over 20 years ago, yet everyone uses those directions. Same thing in smaller
towns. In Quepos, directions can be given using the bull ring as a reference,
but that was torn down 15 years ago.
- Directions
to give your taxi driver in Quepos to get you back home:
- Tome
el primer calle en la mano derecha después del Hotel Villas el Parque. (Calle
está abajo del Hotel Villas el Parque.) Maneje 350 metros al oeste. Baje el
primer camino en la mano izquierda. Géminis del Pacifico es la casa azul más
baja y Casa Mono Congo es la casa morada en el fondo de este calle.
- We suggest
you print these directions out.
If I rent a vehicle, what should I expect?
- An
International Drivers License is a great thing to have, but it is not necessary.
- Subcompacts
to Luxury 4x4s are available to rent but we recommend renting a 4x4, especially
if you plan to travel the back roads where high clearance is necessary.
- 4x4s
rent from $65 to $120 per day (includes Basic Insurance that may not be waived).
Add $10 per day for full coverage no deductible insurance.There is a wide variation in prices
among the rental agencies, so shop around. (we can get you the best rate in
Quepos)
- If
you're going to drive from San José, make sure the agent reserves a car for
you in San José, COSTA RICA (SJO). We know of two cases where the reservation
and/or agency didn't exist because the reservation was made for San Jose, CA.
- Seat
belts are the law in Costa Rica.
- There
are several speed traps along the coastal highway from San Jose to Quepos.If it says 60 don’t go over 70 kph.If a police officer is on the side of the road and waves you down, you
are expected to pull over. Don't give them your driver’s license to keep and
don't pay them. Take the ticket to your rental agency and pay it there.
- Maximum
speed is 100 kph, but there are very few places where this is possible. Speed
limits are posted on signs or painted on the road itself. Be aware of school
speed zones that are 25 kph. Most roads are 60-80 kph and you'll be lucky to
go 40 kph on dirt roads. Take your time on the drive, relax and enjoy the beautiful
scenery.
- Bridges
are everywhere and some bridges are one lane. At these bridges, there is a yield
sign (ceda el paso) on one side of the bridge. Traffic from one direction must
yield to the traffic from the other side. On busy days it can take some time
to go over a well-traveled bridge.
- Costa
Ricans (or Ticos) are like everyone else behind the wheel of a vehicle. They
may be the most polite people we know, but in control of a car, they can be
aggressive. The mountains and hills make most roads necessarily curvy with many
blind corners. Passing in a blind corner is a common trait for drivers. Be safe.
- Branches
in the road are an indication that there is an accident ahead or a car is stalled
in the middle of the road. Use caution.
- Many
roads have no shoulders, so stopping in the middle of the road to fix a flat
or pour water in a radiator is common. Back to top.
Where is the vacation home located relative to other activities?
- The vacation home is located on a quiet side road but right in the middle
of the Manuel Antonio area. You can walk to 10 restaurants, a couple spas, a
butterfly farm, and a casino. We are located 2 miles from Quepos and 2 miles
from Manuel Antonio National Park. Both are a 10-minute taxi ride that will
cost $4 or $5. The bus costs about 25 cents and runs frequently. The 4 mile
stretch between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park has many restaurants
and activities. The beach can be accessed at the National Park or by taking
a 20-minute hike on an access road near the home. Back
to top.
I just want to relax: is there a spa close by?
- Yes, just 100 meters from the house is a full service spa. The
Spa Uno
has many different kinds of therapies available. They will help you unwind from the
rigors of your hectic life and speed up the process of letting you slow down to the
Costa Rican pace of life. They also have a line of wonderful organic skin care products, Raw Botanicals, made right here in Quepos.
How do we gain access to the vacation home once we arrive?
- Once your itinerary is set, simply notify us of you expected arrival time.
If you are flying to Quepos, our house manager will meet you at the airport.
If you are driving from San José, he will meet you at the home. Upon arrival,
he will give you a tour of the home and all of its amenities. You will be provided
with his home and cell phone numbers. He is available to serve your needs upon
request. Back to top.
Is the home air conditioned?
- Yes, the 4 bedrooms each have air conditioners. The vacation
home experiences a great Pacific Ocean breeze and the ceiling fans
provide additional air circulation. Most people prefer not to have
the a/c on so they can hear the roar of the Ocean and the sounds
of the nighttime jungle. Back to
top.
Do I need an electrical adapter?
- Costa Rica follows the U.S. standards of 110/220V AC 60Hz. The vacation home is equipped with standard U.S. flat-prong type
outlets and will accommodate your electrical needs.
- However, if you stay in some remote area, you may need a round prong adapter
for your flat prong device; the voltage is still the same. Back
to top.
What type of weather can I expect?
- View Table of Weather Statistics
- Average high temperatures are 85-90°F (26-32°C) on the Pacific Coast during dry season (December-May).
Low temperatures range 65-70°F (18-21°C)
- During the green season (June-November), mornings are sunny with clouds coming in during the afternoon. It might rain during
the afternoon, but most likely will rain during the night. Back to top.
What activities are available during the day?
| °Sunning |
°Diving |
°Hiking |
°Surfing |
| °Sunset sailing |
°Sea kayaking |
°Jungle canopy tours |
°White water rafting |
| °Snorkeling |
°Bird watching |
°Horseback riding |
°Sport fishing |
Our house manager will schedule any tours that may interest you.
Our recommendation: schedule tours for the morning, siesta during the early afternoon
and relax by the pool or beach as you wait for sunset. Back
to top.
Is it safe to swim in the Pacific Ocean?
- There are very few lifeguards at the beaches. Most beaches are fine for swimming,
but there are also many places that can have strong undertows. Always be cautious.
- Flotation devices are not a substitution for swimming ability. Strong breezes
and tide changes can cause dangerous drifting.
- Inexperienced swimmers should stay in wading deep water.
- Be careful around surfers.
- Keep an eye on your children at ALL times!
- Don't swim alone.
- Be aware of rip currents in the area you are swimming. Rip currents have
a noticeable difference in water color, a gap in the breaking waves and foam
or other objects moving steadily out to sea.
- If caught in a rip current, DON'T PANIC! Swim parallel to the shore until
you are clear of the current. If you can't break free of the rip current, let
it take you out beyond the breakers. Then swim diagonally toward shore. Never
try to swim against the current. Back to top.
How do I book a tour?
- Our house manager will handle all of your tour questions. Just ask! We want
your stay in our home to be enjoyable, so leave all of the details to us.Back
to top.
What activities are available at night?
- Star gazing
- Open-air restaurants
- Discos
- Casinos
- Relaxing by the pool
- Listening to the wildlife
- Movie Theatre (in English)
- Renewing old friendships and making new friends. Back to top.
What restaurants are nearby? What is the price range?
- There
are a dozen restaurants within a short walk of the vacation home. The price
range is from expensive to moderate.
- For
lower priced traditional food, take a taxi to Quepos and dine with the locals.
You will be provided with detailed restaurant reviews upon arrival. Back
to top.
What do I tip? -or- Is service included?
- Service
of 10% is included in the restaurant check. Some restaurants include service
& tax in the menu prices.Others do not.
- If you
receive excellent service, consider adding another 5-10% for your waiter.
- Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
- Tips for the house staff (maid and gardener) are recommended
and depend upon how many bedrooms you use and if you ask for laundry service.
- Tip for the house manager is also recommended depending upon how often you
utilize his services.
Is the area safe for tourists?
- Most
crime in Costa Rica is limited to theft and this occurs much more often in San
José. Fortunately, random acts of violence have not made their way to Costa
Rica.
- Never
leave your valuables unattended on the beach or visible in your vehicle. Lock
your valuables in our house safes.
- Extremely
valuable jewelry has no place in Costa Rica. Leave it at home.
- At
night, take a taxi if you are alone or a long distance from the vacation home.
- The
U.S. State Department has a web site listing travel advisories for foreign countries.
The statement on Costa Rica has basic travel safety information: U.S. citizens
are encouraged to use the same level of caution that they would exercise in
major cities or tourist areas throughout the world. Back
to top.
Do I need to worry about bugs and insects?
- Generally no. It is the rain forest, so bugs do exist.
However, during the dry season, they usually aren't a problem.
- If you are annoyed by bugs where you live, bring bug repellent with DEET just in case.
Back to top.
What currency is used?
- Official currency is the Colón. The exchange rate on 15 October 2007
was 517 Colónes (and has remained the same for the past year 2006-7) to $1 US. You can find out the current rate by going to - or
- Banco de Costa Rica Exchange
-or- BCCR Economic Indicators
- Bills
exist in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 denominations. Coins are 5, 10, 20, 25,
50, 100, and 500.
- US Dollars
are accepted in most tourist areas if the bills are new and not torn. Don't
bring US bills larger than $20.
- Major
credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas. Smaller local restaurants accept
local currency only.
- ATMs
are available at Banca Promerica in Manuel Antonio (walking distance from the
home) and several locations in downtown Quepos. Back
to top.
Is the water safe to drink?
- Unlike Mexico, Costa Rican tap water is safe to drink.However, if you would prefer bottled water it is available
in all groceries and restaurants. Back to top.
What if I become ill during my vacation?
- According to the World Health Organization, Costa Rica ranks 36th in the
world's health systems. The United States ranks 37th! Many of the doctors in
Costa Rica have been trained in the United States. There are a number of doctors
in the Manuel Antonio area who speak English.
- A new, modern hospital is located near the Quepos airport.
- A 24 hour emergency facility is available in Quepos.Emergencias 2000 is located downtown
across from the Canopy Safari office.
- Dial 911 for Fire, Ambulance, and Police. Back
to top.
What immunizations are required before I travel to Costa Rica?
- No immunizations are required or recommended, but consult your general physician before you travel.
- As with any travel, check to make sure your inoculations are up-to-date.
When was your last Tetnas shot? Back to top.
What should I pack (clothing and other items)?
|
Airline Tickets & Itinerary
|
Binoculars
|
EarPlanes (for flights)
|
| Passports & photocopies of passports |
Camera , Film and Batteries
|
Medications
|
|
Driver's license
|
Video Camera
|
Prescription glasses
|
|
Rental car confirmation number
|
Guide Books
|
Suntan Lotion
|
|
Emergency number list
|
Language Translator
|
Snacks
|
|
Phone access codes (to dial your home country)
|
Palm Pilot and Extra Batteries
|
Sunglasses
|
|
Light weight clothes that protect you from the sun
|
Caps and Hats
|
Swimsuits
|
- Good hiking shoes or boots. Sandals or flip-flops for the beach.
- A hat with a brim is a must. (If you don't bring one from home, buy one in Quepos when you arrive.)
- Minimum SPF 15 suntan lotion is also a must at our latitude (9 North). Don't
burn yourself the first day and ruin your vacation.
- Leave the formal clothes at home with the expensive jewelry. Dinner attire can be casual slacks or shorts.
- We suggest you look at the Costa
Rican Embassy list of items you may bring in Duty Free. Back
to top.
- These are available at the home but you might want to bring your own:
|
Alarm Clocks
|
Beach Towels & Wraps
|
Candles and matches
|
|
Flashlights
|
Playing Cards
|
Umbrellas
|
I want to keep in touch by email. Is internet access available?
- Yes, the home has a computer and internet access. Make sure you bring down your access code and password for
any POP e-mail you want to retrieve.
- As an alternative, there are several internet businesses in downtown Quepos.
Back to top.
How can people contact me while I'm there?
- There is a phone and a computer at the home. From the US, Géminis del Pacifico call 011 (506) 777-5029 | Casa Mono Congo 011 (506) 777-5145.
- International Dialing code is: 506 local phone number Géminis del Pacífico 777-5029 Casa Mono Congo 777-5145.
What are national holidays of Costa Rica?
| Fixed Holidays |
1 January |
New Years Day |
19 March |
St. Josephs Day (San José only) |
11 April |
Heroe Day (Battle of Rivas) |
1 May |
Labor Day |
29 June |
Sts. Peter and Paul |
25 July |
Guanacaste Annexion Day |
2 August |
Virgin of Los Angeles Day |
15 August |
Mothers Day (Assumption) |
15 September |
Independence Day |
12 October |
Columbus Day |
8 December |
Immaculate Conception |
24 December |
Christmas Eve |
25 December |
Christmas Day |
28-31 December |
Christmas Holiday |
| Floating Holidays |
10-16 April 2006
2-8 April 2007 |
Semana Santa (Easter Week) |
15 June 2006
7 June 2007 |
Corpus Christi (Thrs after 8th Sun after Easter) |
Isn't Departure Tax Included in my Airfare?
- No. Everyone must pay $26 US (or the equivalent in Colónes) before you leave the
country by plane. The fee you may see on your airline ticket receipt is for runway fees the airline must pay.
- We suggest you pay by CASH (US$ or Colónes). You
can pay by your credit card but please note that it will appear as a CASH
ADVANCE and your visa provider will charge you interest and your normal
minimum cash advance fee. When you enter the departure terminal, walk through the passage and turn right or left - there are two counters to pay your exit fee.
There's a row of people at computers to process exit visas. If you don't have
a credit card you'll need cash in dollars or colónes. The personel at the computers will type in information
from your passports and give you your paper visa. You'll need to fill out the
back of the paper form by hand before you go to your airline for check
in.
- There now are ATM machines outside of the departure lounge where you can
obtain cash to pay this tax.
Do you accept credit cards?
- Yes, we currently accept Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express,
and Discover Card. We also accept money orders, travelers checks,
and business and personal checks (in $US)
-
Back to top.
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Mono Congo
Updated 17-Oct-2007• Gemini
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