Keep it Local. 

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Things to do before you arrive 

• Download whatsapp​ and message the Buddha Brothers Welcome Center for any questions 

• Take a vitamin b complex for mosquitoes 

• Take a screenshot of your return flight info and confirmation number. You'll need to present this to the customs agent.

• Non Narcotic medicines can be sold over the counter at our pharmacies here. You might be able to save money if this is a large expense for you. Bring your/friends/family list of medicines.

• Bring a toy for local children to be given out for Christmas. Age 6+ legos, K’nex sets, Art projects/supplies, bluetooth headphones(Skull Candy), Tablets, Sports equipment, cleats, futbol, volleyball, frisbees. All can be used in a new homemade box. Wrapped with a label. These can be dropped off at the Buddha Brothers Welcome Center. 

 

 

Unique Experience: A money saving trip (link) Somethings you just don't need a guide. Nauyaca Waterfall is our most profound in the area. If you are lucky enough to be here on a Friday, arrange a private driver with Buddha Brothers so you pay by the transport load instead of by the person.  This driver is not a guide so he just takes you place to place allowing you to roam free. After visiting the waterfall many guests decide to explore the very hippie, very yummy farmers market in Dominical. The trip is customizable, but our most selected option after the Waterfall and farmers market is going to El Fuego Brewery and or Alturas wildlife refuge. A tour guide would charge $130pp for a collective group tour  just for the waterfall. With this option you get a private experience, curiosity walks/exploration at a fraction of the cost. $400 split by 8 people is only $50 a person. $130x8= $1040. This trip is available all days, not just Friday, but Friday has the market. 

 

Best Chance to see a sloth close up: 

Alturas Wildlife Refuge or Kids Saving the Rainforest. That being said the sloths do not know where parks start and stop so like most animals here they are everywhere. 

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Hours of the Birds:  the first and last 2 hours of light in the day 

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Money - Exchange:

Never Exchange at the airport. for the tolls You can use dollars and once you break your first $20 you will have enough for all of them on your way here.  You can also use your Credit Card and get the Priority Rate. Ask for the charge to be in colones and not dollars.  The Exchange rate is terrible at the airport. It's a business for them.  It's about 30% to 35% less than what you will get in the banks in town.

 

Money - Exchange Home Country 

as Long as you are getting a rate within 30 colones of the national rate(Varies 500-560) you can exchange it early. Otherwise wait until you are here. We do have new bills 5Mil and 10Mil. I have been able to still use both old and new.  I still get the old ones from my banks here, but there will be an expiration date eventually. (updated Sept 2024) 

 

Money - With locals: 

Ticos love the American Dollar. Most of them will put up no fight to be paid with it because they will give you a fair rate of exchange, but when they go to the bank they will get a premium rate. 500:1 (updated Sept 2024)

 

Money - Businesses:  

You'll be able to use your credit card nearly everywhere and the best rate will automatically apply. If they give you an option of how to charge your card colones or dollars, always choose colones. Excursions will charge an extra 13% for having a registered sale. In Costa Rica cash is king and they try to do as many transactions "under the table" as necessary. Don't worry this will not affect the insurance, security or quality of experiences.  

 

Money - Which and When: Colones/Credit Card : Restaurants, Street Venders, Farmers Markets, Shops, TaxI, Bus (no CC), Dollar: Guides, Private Transportation, Excursions. 

 

What to pack: 

Clothes - Shoes - Supplies: 

You will need less than you think. It is summer everyday here even in the rainy season. Check out the weather section of this page to help guide you. You can not really be underdressed here. No shoes, no shirt  No service does not apply here.  Swimsuits are much more valuable to have than regular shorts. Definitely bring polarized sunglasses, but nothing expensive. The best all purpose shoes are the Keens with the rubber toe and straps.  This will allow you to walk down rough dirt paths to the beach, universal coverage for excursions or hikes and going out to dinner. You can bring sandals too if you'd like, but I wear this shoe all day everyday for years with no issues. Great supplies are insulated water bottles. It is important to stay hydrated. When you are here you should buy a beach blanket instead of using towels. they just aren't big enough to give you the best experience.

 

Children under 8: 

These kids seem to find every ant hill. I would suggest going to a closed seal shoe with tall-Med socks. I would even go as far as to buy two cheap pairs to swap around so you can get wet with no stress. At the beach sunburn is the leading cause of the rest of the vacation needing preventative action for the sun more than that's actually necessary because of the initial burn. Bring Beach/Ocean Shirts, hats, cool Big glasses with straps on them so they don't lose it.  A small water bottle they can carry maybe even a hip bag so they can pick up and carry there on rocks, shells, flowers. If you have kids with a sound sensitivity we have teenagers with motos here with a loud exhaust. Bring ear plugs. Also a reflective strip while walking at night will give you peace of mind, but our divers here though aggressive pay attention. 

 

Elderly: 

Check your medicines here if you can save a considerable amount of money on the same ones. They can often be purchased at the pharmacy with a Prescription.  It's humid here. Bring what you need to stay dry. Good Glasses and a hat to stay cool and protected from the sun. Costa Rica has tiny furniture and not always flat paths to walk. If you have a bad back or a tough time getting in and out of low seating, bring a walking stick to assist you. 

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What to expect at the airport:

 

It's very easy. Just like any other airport in the world. you will not be experiencing anything new. Don't let the fact it is in another country intimidate you. It's just the same as the ones you are used to and everyone speaks English to help.  After you exit the plane you will go into the airport terminal to reach the first security checkpoint to get your stamp. They will ask you some or all of the following questions. Can you take off your hat? Do you speak Spanish? How long are you staying? Do you work?  When is your flight home, Where are you staying? Where are you going? After you get your stamp you will walk through a small "Duty Free" area to baggage claim and money exchange. Do not exchange any money there. on $400 you'll lose $60 and their poor rate. One final checkpoint of a bag screening process. It hardly stops anyone, just a formality most of the time. All of the car rental kiosks are there.  The double doors lead outside to where you will have an option to go left towards Sansa Airlines or the bus. Turn right to a team of private drivers, shared shuttles, and taxi drivers. 

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Weather report says it rains 100% every hour of every day! :

 

You can set your watch to the weather here. DO not look at weather reports. It is a rainforest and it will always say 100% rain everyday. Here is a breakdown of this area. Nov15-Jan 1: A chance of rain every 3-4 days. Either in early hours of the morning clearing up by 9a or in the afternoon sometimes after sunset or a couple hours before. Jan 1 - April 1 : Once every 12 days, very light  in the afternoon or evening. Maybe last 1hr or less. April 15- July 1: A chance of rain every 3-4 days. Either in early hours of the morning clearing up by 9a or in the afternoon sometime after sunset or a couple hours before. July - Aug: Summer in July. Maybe it rains once a week. It's a secret summer month in our "winter." Aug 1 - Sept:15   A chance of thunderstorms every 2-3 days. Either in early hours of the morning clearing up by 8a or in the afternoon starting as early as 3p continuing into the night. Sept 15- Nov 1 : Chance of Rain or thunderstorms everyday. Sometimes in the morning or afternoon, sometimes both.  Great time of year for the extra white who get beat up by the sun. 

 

 Beach: (Link to MA Beaches)

With any size group you are going to want to bring a thin bed sheet(s).  We tend to be longer than the average towel and beach blankets will allow you to avoid getting sand on your food and really does amplify your beach experience. It doesn’t seem like it would have that much impact, but I've lived at beaches most my life and it's a must.  At every beach Entrance there are chairs and umbrellas/Canopy to rent. Everywhere in the world the "hustle" is on the beach, vendors can't be trusted. That's not the case here. The beach is often the cheapest to buy anything and no vendors are "pushy"  . In the most tourist areas this is a food and table set up hustle that overcharges for food. I hardly send anyone to that part of the beach for food. It's the Party Area.  Sunset the bugs come out, bring bug spray for sunset. Stay 4o min after sunset to see stars, planets and the sunset. Bodyboarding is a very fun family activity.

 

Transportation: 

There is a flawless bus system here that is inexpensive and used by all. There are also taxis for a min of 3,000-6,000 colones or $5-$10 but most things are along the main road and the bus comes every 15 min to take you up and down the same road for 60-75 cents or 380-420 colones from 5am to 7:30pm. It's every 1/2 hour until 10pm. 

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Distances Map v Real Travel: 

Do not be fooled by the short distance on a map. Travel time is much longer here than the distance on a map. An example. Manuel Antonio is about 3 hrs away from the San Jose Airport and 5.5 hours away from the Volcano.  80mph feels like 120mph on the Highways here so you end up driving slower. 

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Rental Car V No Car

The Cons 

As far as a rental car, it really depends on what you want to do on your trip and who you are traveling with.  

The cons are limited. 

1) Driving at night in the rain. Could feel dangerous if you are not used to mountain driving with poor visibility at night during the rain. Strictly speaking, on your way here from the airport. If you land at or before 12:30, 1hr customs, 45min car rental, 3hr drive, you will arrive here right at sun down. Anytime past the 12:30 1pm you will have to drive on black roads with sometimes no street lights or markings in the road. 

2) The unexpected additional insurance cost and pushy sales people. Even with insurance from your credit card or auto company then you will need to get the in-house insurance. This means you shouldn't buy any additional insurance from any website. Wait until you complete your booking in their office to add it. 

3) You will have to leave slightly earlier to get back for your flight. 

4)They may give away your car if your flight is delayed. 

 

The Pros

1) Opens up availability of less costly waterfalls and beaches to visit that are outside of town. Nauyaca Waterfalls, Rainmaker Suspension Bridges, Biesanz Beach(no waves, great to kayak or for kids)  

2) Walking can be feel dangerous because of the limited sidewalk space

3) No waiting in the rain or hot sun for a bus or taxi

 

You don't “need” a car in MA. If you want to, you can rent one for a day or two while you're here to do the things outside of town, you can, but we can also arrange private drivers for you. Public buses and taxis are always around and the town is just one street so it's nearly impossible to get on the wrong bus or get lost. The bus line is about 17 min from start to finish so in the worst case you just take the 80 cent bus tour of MA until you get back to where you want to be. It's the cheapest tour in town. 

Overall 

It depends if you plan on staying in town or want to explore outside of it for less. And your budget. If it limits you from experiencing something great, dont do it. If it isn't a factor, have it.  All tour companies offer transport, but it isn't always cost effective. Nauyaca Waterfall is a $130pp tour. If you have your own car it is $8pp to enter the waterfalls, plus gas.

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Crime/Knuckleheads/homeless

 

When exploring town you may see some people that doesnt fit the image you may have had of Costa Rica. Imagine this huge industry of tourism took your country by storm. Though the fields of work grew during the surge of tourism it did leave a few personality types behind. Those who did not want to learn english or have the skill set for customer service in tourism.  The influx in money and foreign tourism created a larger local black market for marajuana sales. Pretty harmless here.  Everything will be out of sight so if you have children or teeneagers with you, don't worry. You will never be approached. It will not be common to smell anything either. The locals that do not fit into the tourism work culture, have the connections needed to get the better jobs, willingness to dig ditches, do hard labor work for minimal money, get a driver's license or go to school they end up selling joints to backpackers near grocery stores. They do it near Grocery stores because after they sell a joint they have enough money for a beer. They just hangout near bus stops and super markets with their friends and people watch all the different types of visitors from all over the world. They are all happy drinkers who are friendly and laughing. You will never see violence in the street.  Everyone knows each other, each other's mothers and grandmothers…it's a small close knit town.  

Things they will not do:

• Approach you if you are with your family and you have young children with you. 

• Ask you for money, They ask people like me they see everyday that they know live here. They understand the importance of tourism though they don’t participate in it. There is still some growing to do, but the lack of urgency and a different set of priorities makes time go by a bit slower here. 

• Plot a robbery or pickpocket you. 

 

Beach towns are not towns of ambition, but more so lifestyle of relaxation or as the locals use as a daily reminder, Pura Vida. They are very content with what they have and do not stress about what they don't. Good enough could also be said about how things are done here. I love it for that reason. You do what you want to do and what makes sense and the locals allow you to do so even at your own risk because they don't try to limit your life or experience. It's just important you be considerate with a few rules of etiquette i've written below.

 

Social etiquettes

 

Smoking: 

The locals do not smoke cigarettes, so don't smoke in front of them. All the restaurants are open air here. Walking outside of them at the door to have your smoke isn't polite.   There is actually a law prohibiting smoking in public areas.  Walk across the street and away from where people are eating or walking. The old women waiting at the bus stop are still adapting to the culture shock of everyone in town not knowing each other or saying hello to one another.  They do not deserve your cig smoke. I understand you are “following the rule” of the sign that is posted, but the real rule is…don’t be a jerk. Use common sense and politeness.  Costa Ricans are not gonna spend the money to put signs everywhere.

 

Masks: They are no longer used 

 

The Bus: 

Allow people to get off the bus before you get on. Allow the elderly or mothers with children to go first. If you are wet and sandy remember to dry off your seat. Many locals use these as their daily transport to get to work and they don't want to sit in your wet seat before they have their shift or on their way home from a long day. 

 

Music/Noise: 

Music and noise here is funny. They don't care. They are so relaxed when it comes to everything, not much bothers them, so if you want to play music at the beach, do so. So will they even if they are right next to you. It's nice having a DJ at the beach sometimes. If you check out the Beach Entrances Section you'll get to see what part of the beach works best for you. You'll hear them yell and get excited. Power goes out the entire town yells and laughs, it comes back on and they cheer again. There is hardly an action here that doesn't get a cheer or a laugh. 

 

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Safety against Injury:
Costa Ricans are non confrontational. They don’t like to impede on your day or create limitations for you. This can sometimes be tricky because they will allow you to do things that are dangerous. So sometimes the best thing to ask is would you do this and not can I do this. A prime example is to cross the river to get into the National Park for free. Can I do this, yes. Would you do this?  No, it is illegal and there are crocodiles. It's important that you look out for your own safety.  If you go to someone selling coconuts and ask to open it yourself with his machete, he might let you accidentally cut your finger off. There are no real safety checks here. You are responsible for yourself outside of insured and registered guided activities. They don't fix anything until it's broken and do not inspect anything after installation. If you approach a side of a mountain on a do it yourself hike that looks like it's washed out, it is and it's not government run so locals maintain it when we can.  It's important to stay on the path and don't always grab a tree for balance, It could have defenses. Walking sticks for hiking are handy. 

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Women safety:

Town is a great place for families and women travelers. Obviously the later you stay out and the more drugs and alcohol are involved the more prone you are to that late night drama. I have many female friends here and the knuckleheads they occasionally see here seem manageable to them from what they told me. I wouldn't say this place isn't any safer or more dangerous than any street inside the USA. During the day the town is very wholesome. I'm strictly speaking late at night, midnight until 4am. So many big groups of travelers here it will be easy to find people to walk with or near going from place to place or finding comfort in dancing at bars or clubs at night. I have a list of suggested light life places on this site. I suggest you start there and only explore new areas with a group until the places gain your confidence. That being said we never hear of any major issues such as assault or worse. Just the later it gets the more booze and drugs involved the more immature and reckless people become. 

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The sun:

We are close to ecuador. It's not only important you hydrate while you are here, but get into the practice of it before your trip. We have a built-in indicator we see when we use the bathroom. A pale yellow to nearly clear is where you want to be. Anything else will make your vacation here a little more uncomfortable and more prone to heat stroke.   Use sunblock from 8am-330pm. 20 min in the sun without it and you will burn. This is a game changer for vacations. you will waste a day in recovery mode if you get burnt here.

 

Bugs: 

Zika and bugs are not a real problem, but they suggest you start a daily dose of Vitamin B complex as soon as you can, it will include a variation of the B that will repel the mosquitoes here. There are only bugs in the night. Day time you'll be left alone. If you are prone to bug bites, it's good to bring your own repellant. It can be pricey here. 

 

Taxis:

Taxies, cars and buses honk all the time. Cars are still fun toys to one another here. They drive a little faster kinda like we did when we were teenagers. They honk saying hi to their friends, sometimes walking, sometimes in the supermarket and sometimes seeing if people at the bus stop need a ride.  There also isn't much room on the side of the road to walk so if they see you in the road they honk to give you a heads up they are there. 

 

Collectivo/Ubers: 

Think of them as instant uber shares. You rent each seat as opposed to the entire car. They are typically not registered or insured. Most of the time they are safe, but I am a 6’4 225lb guy. I have seen issues later at night with guys targeting women who have been drinking.  They may overcharge or get handsey. Especially if they have a friend with them. I'm sure it's nothing out of the ordinary for women late at night, but I would avoid them all together if you are one.  The red registered taxis are safer, but the safest is walking or the bus. Uber isn't a thing here and it's bad to support them in this area. They are not needed. Uber was created because taxi prices and wait times were out of control everywhere else. Don't allow a foreign company to be a middleman and take away income from the impoverished locals here. There are always taxis available and they are cheap. 

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Souvenir 

 

Noel Indigenous, Famous Locally. He paints some of his own things and has very fair pricing. He is a very authentic indigenous spirit. If you tell him I sent you he will somehow give even better service. I send all my clients here. It is also along an alternative path to the park entrance that is much calmer with horses and other animals along the way. 

Souvenir Noel Maleku

6093 3231

https://maps.app.goo.gl/56xv292SpQi9XE9h7

 

Dominical Beach Souvenirs 

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Other destinations, where should I go?

Where should we go?
I personally like Manuel Antonio, especially for 1st timers. It's easily accessible by paved road (2.5hrs) or by small plane (20min). There are plenty of amenities here including medical centers, dentist offices and pharmacies in case of mishaps. There also has been great competition among tour companies and restaurants. The term iron sharpens iron applies . Some areas are so remote there maybe only one company that has the corner market on a specific activity leaving you with what's available instead of what is the best value, safest or most family friendly.

How long should we stay
It really depends on the vibe that you're going for in Costa Rica. When my friends and family visit I usually tell them a minimum of 13 to 14 days. Because in the middle of the vacation, you kind of want to forget what day of the week it is. This also gives you plenty of time for visiting attractions and doing activities. I would suggest if you want to go to multiple places, or if you have more time in those 13 days available. to not double up on the landscape or environment. What I mean by that is just split your time between 1 mountain town and 1 beach town. A lot of people will tell you there's different things in each town, which is true, but for the first-time vacationer that's never been here before doing a mountain town with a volcano and a beach town while and staying long enough at each one to not remember what day of the week it is will really give you that Pura Vida Costa Rica vibe. If you have any questions about the Manuel Antonio area or Costa Rica in general, I'd be happy to help you with our free online concierge service manuelantonioactivities.com

 

My suggestion is not to add destinations if you are 6 days of vacation or under, but dig deep into Manuel Antonio. There are neighboring towns(Jaco, Dominical, Uvita) close enough for day trips in different landscapes and experiences. An online concierge/front desk information website is a game changer. Having the most relative information to your needs is directly related to your quality of experience. I also run the Beach Volleyball League here if you play. If you do want to go to multiple locations I would advise for the most variety to not double up on the general clarifications of each city. Beach Town (populated-Small Town) Mountain Volcano Town Hot springs (Monte Verda - Arenal) The Caribbean Side, City (Cartago Ruins - Poas Volcano)