Keep it Local
Things to do before you arrive
• Download WhatsApp and message the Buddha Brothers Welcome Center if you have any questions.
• Mosquito tip: some travelers swear by vitamin B-complex. If you want to try it, start a few days before arrival (check with your doctor if you have any medical conditions).
• Take a screenshot of your return flight details and confirmation number. Immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel.
• Pharmacies here are great. Many non-narcotic medicines are sold over the counter in Costa Rica, so you may be able to save money. Bring a list of any meds you use (for you and family/friends).
• Holiday giving (optional, but awesome): bring a toy for local kids for Christmas. Great ideas for ages 6+: LEGO, K’NEX, art supplies, Bluetooth headphones, tablets, sports gear (cleats, soccer ball, volleyball, frisbee). Pack items in a sturdy homemade box, wrapped with a label. Drop-off: Buddha Brothers Welcome Center.
Unique experience: money-saving day trip without a “tour guide” price tag (link)
Some experiences don’t need a formal guide. Nauyaca Waterfalls is one of the most impressive day trips near Manuel Antonio, and this is a smart way to do it: hire a private driver through Buddha Brothers and pay per vehicle instead of per person. The driver is transportation only (not a guide), so you get freedom to explore at your own pace.
Most popular custom route: Nauyaca Waterfalls + Dominical farmers market (Fridays) + optional add-ons like El Fuego Brewery and/or Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Example cost breakdown
• Typical guided Nauyaca tour: around $130 per person (group tour)
• Private driver option: about $400 per vehicle (example: 8 people = $50 per person)
• $130 x 8 = $1,040 versus $400 total for transportation, with a more private, flexible experience
This trip can run any day. Fridays are extra fun because of the Dominical market.
Best chance to see a sloth up close
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary or Kids Saving the Rainforest.
You’ll also spot sloths randomly around town (they don’t respect “park boundaries”).
Best birdwatching hours
• First 2 hours of daylight
• Last 2 hours of daylight
Money tips
Money exchange (airport)
• Never exchange at the airport. The rate is usually much worse.
• For tolls: you can use USD. Once you break a $20, you’ll typically have enough small bills for the drive.
• Credit card toll option exists on some routes.
• If a card machine asks whether to charge in colones or dollars, choose colones.
Money exchange (before you arrive)
• If your home exchange rate is within about 30 colones of the national rate (often around 500 CRC per $1, varies), it’s fine to exchange early. Otherwise, wait and exchange in town.
• Costa Rica has newer 5,000 and 10,000 colones bills. Old bills still circulate, but they may eventually phase out. (updated Sept 2024)
Paying locals (USD)
• Many locals like USD and will often give a fair exchange rate because they can deposit it at the bank for a favorable rate. (updated Sept 2024)
Paying businesses (cards and taxes)
• Credit cards work almost everywhere, and you usually get the best exchange rate automatically.
• If given the choice: always choose colones.
• Some excursions charge an extra 13% for a registered card sale. Cash is common and widely preferred.
Quick guide: what to use and when
• Colones or card: restaurants, shops, markets, taxis
• Cash only: bus (no credit cards)
• USD often works well for: guides, private transportation, some excursions
What to pack
Clothes, shoes, supplies
• You need less than you think. It’s basically summer year-round (even during rainy season).
• Swimsuits are more valuable than extra shorts.
• Polarized sunglasses are great, but don’t bring anything too expensive.
• Best all-purpose shoes: Keen-style closed-toe sandals (rubber toe + straps). Great for beach paths, excursions, light hikes, and even casual dinners.
• Bring an insulated water bottle. Hydration is a big deal here.
• Buy a beach blanket locally if you can. Towels are rarely big enough for a comfortable beach setup.
Kids under 8
• Ant hills are everywhere. Closed-toe shoes + mid/tall socks helps a lot.
• Sunburn is the #1 vacation-ruiner for kids here. Bring rash guards / beach shirts, hats, and sunglasses with straps.
• A small water bottle they can carry is helpful. A little hip bag is fun for collecting rocks/shells.
• If your child is sensitive to noise: some local motorcycles are loud. Ear plugs can be useful.
• A small reflective strip/light for nighttime walks can add peace of mind.
Older travelers
• Check medication pricing: you may save money buying certain items here (ask a pharmacist; some require prescriptions).
• Humidity matters. Bring what helps you stay comfortable and dry.
• Costa Rica often has lower seating and uneven walking paths. If you have back/knee issues, a simple walking stick can help.
What to expect at the airport
It’s straightforward and very similar to airports anywhere else. Don’t let “new country” stress you out. Most staff in tourist-facing areas can help in English.
Typical flow
• Exit plane → enter terminal → immigration line (passport stamp)
• Possible questions: How long are you staying? Where are you staying? When is your flight home? What’s the purpose of your visit?
• Walk through duty-free → baggage claim → one more bag screening checkpoint (often quick)
• Rental car kiosks are outside baggage claim area
• Exiting the double doors:
– Left: Sansa Airlines / bus area
– Right: private drivers, shared shuttles, taxis
Weather reports show 100% rain all day
Ignore most weather apps. Rainforest forecasts often show constant rain even when it’s sunny for most of the day. Here’s the real-world rhythm for Manuel Antonio:
Typical seasonal pattern
• Nov 15 – Jan 1: rain every 3–4 days, usually early morning or later afternoon
• Jan 1 – Apr 1: about once every 10–12 days, light and short
• Apr 15 – Jul 1: rain every 3–4 days, usually early morning or later afternoon
• July – Aug: “secret summer,” maybe rain once a week
• Aug 1 – Sept 15: thunderstorms every 2–3 days, often late afternoon into night
• Sept 15 – Nov 1: higher chance daily; good season for people who want softer sun
Beach (link to MA beaches)
• Bring a thin bed sheet or beach blanket for any size group. It keeps sand off your stuff and makes the setup way more comfortable.
• Chairs and umbrellas/canopies are available to rent at most beach entrances.
• Vendors here are generally not pushy. In the most touristy “party zone,” food setups can be overpriced—most guests prefer other sections for a calmer beach day.
• Bugs come out around sunset. Bring bug spray if you plan to stay late.
• Stay 30–40 minutes after sunset for stars and planets on clear nights.
• Bodyboarding is an easy, fun family activity.
Transportation in Manuel Antonio
• The local bus system is excellent, cheap, and used by everyone.
• Bus route runs frequently along the main road.
• Typical cost: around 380–420 colones (about $0.60–$0.75).
• Frequency: about every 15 minutes from early morning through early evening, then roughly every 30 minutes later (varies by season/day).
• Taxis are also easy: usually 3,000–6,000 colones ($5–$10) depending on distance.
Map distance vs real travel time
Distances look short on a map, but travel takes longer. Roads are curvy, speeds are slower, and conditions change. Example: San José airport to Manuel Antonio is commonly around 3 hours. Volcano areas can be much longer drives depending on route and traffic.
Rental car vs no car
Rental car: the cons
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Night driving in rain can feel intense, especially after a midday arrival. If you land after about 12:30–1:00 pm, you may reach the coast near dark depending on delays.
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Surprise insurance costs and pushy sales tactics. Even with credit card coverage, many companies require in-house coverage.
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You’ll need to leave earlier on departure day.
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If your flight is delayed, some companies may reassign cars (depends on policy).
Rental car: the pros
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Easier access to cheaper day trips outside town (Nauyaca, Rainmaker bridges, etc.).
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Walking can feel sketchy in places due to limited sidewalks.
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No waiting in rain or sun for bus/taxi.
Overall recommendation
You don’t need a car in Manuel Antonio for day-to-day life. It’s one main road, buses are frequent, taxis are everywhere, and tours typically include transportation. If you want the freedom for a couple out-of-town adventures, rent a car for a day or two, or let us arrange a private driver.
Crime, “knuckleheads,” and what to expect
You may see a few people hanging around grocery stores or bus stops who don’t match the postcard image. In a tourism town, not everyone fits into the hospitality job world, and some people try to make money in informal ways. The vibe is usually more “people-watching and hanging out” than dangerous. It’s a small town where most locals know each other, and serious street violence is very rare.
What they usually will not do
• Approach you when you’re with family and young kids
• Target tourists for robbery/pickpocketing in typical public areas
• Create violent street situations
Local social etiquette
Smoking
• Most locals don’t smoke cigarettes, and restaurants are open-air. Don’t smoke near dining areas or bus stops. Step well away from people.
Masks
• Not commonly used anymore.
Bus etiquette
• Let people exit before you enter.
• If you’re wet/sandy, dry off your seat.
Music and noise
• People are relaxed about music at the beach. Just keep it respectful and read the vibe.
Safety against injury
Costa Ricans are friendly and often won’t “stop you” from doing something risky. Ask yourself: would a local do this, not can I do this. Examples: crossing rivers where crocodiles exist, risky shortcut trails, or handling machetes. Stay on marked paths, use a walking stick if hiking, and don’t grab random plants/trees for balance (some defend themselves).
Women’s safety
Manuel Antonio is generally very family-friendly and comfortable for women travelers. Like anywhere, late-night situations (midnight–4:00 am) plus heavy drinking/drugs increase risk. Stick with groups late at night, and use trusted transportation.
Sun and hydration
• We’re close to the equator. Hydration should start before you arrive.
• Use sunscreen daily, especially 8:00 am–3:30 pm.
• One fast sunburn can cost you a full recovery day.
Bugs
• Daytime bugs are usually minimal. Evenings are when you’ll want repellent, especially near sunset.
• If you’re sensitive to bites, bring your preferred repellent (it can be pricier here).
Taxis and honking
Honking is normal here. It’s often a greeting, a “heads up,” or someone offering a ride—not aggression.
Collectivos / unofficial ride shares
Think of them as informal ride shares. They may not be registered/insured, and late at night they can be risky, especially for women who have been drinking. Safer options: red registered taxis, the bus, or walking in well-lit areas.
Souvenir recommendation
Noel (indigenous artist, locally famous)
He paints and sells authentic pieces at fair prices, and he’s a really special person to meet. It’s also on a calmer route toward the park area.
Contact
• Noel Maleku
• 6093 3231
• Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/56xv292SpQi9XE9h7
Other destinations: where should you go?
If it’s your first time in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is a strong base. It’s easy to reach (about 2.5–3 hours by road or ~20 minutes by small plane), has great amenities (medical, pharmacies, dentists), and has lots of competition in tours and restaurants—meaning better value and better experiences.
How long should you stay?
For friends and family visiting, I usually recommend 13–14 days if possible. Long enough to forget what day of the week it is, and to split the trip into two different “worlds” without rushing: one mountain/volcano area and one beach town.
If your trip is 6 days or less, don’t add too many destinations. Go deeper in Manuel Antonio and do day trips to places like Jacó, Dominical, or Uvita for variety.
If you want help planning fast and correctly, use MAactivities.com for the most practical, up-to-date local info, and if you want booking help and custom planning, Buddha Brothers can set everything up.