Buddha Brothers Vacation Planning
We have sample itineraries, helpful; in store, online and over the phone staff who speak English and Spanish. Though we specialize and are located at the best low key beach entrance in Manuel Antonio we have helpful Blogs, links, tips, tricks and partner companies for the entire country for all Costa Rica visitors.
The inside info vacationers or global travelers don't know to blog about.
Things to do before you arrive
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Download whatsapp
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Take a vitamin b complex for mosquitoes
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Take screen shot of your return flight info and confirmation number (customs)
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List your medications and prices to check against the pricing here
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Stress Less, Your are about to read a great insights page. If you like how I explain things or would like a care free itinerary; you can view information, photos, Prices of Guided Activities on the home Page.
check out MA Beach Entrances tips
Unique Experience: WaterFall Rappelling $100per person - I would suggest doing a waterfall Rappel at a 140ft waterfall 50 meters at least. The property has suspension bridges, places to swim, a restaurant, Bathrooms, Changing rooms, a small supermarket and stunning view points. This way if part of the group in into action adventure they can rappel while the other part of the group can go swimming, do the suspension bridges and take in the landscape and wildlife. There is an in-depth description and more photos on the homepage. Its my favorite thing to send my folks to. its value and experience is unmatched and its perfect for groups like yours offering different experiences for different interest, but all in the same place. You can even yell to cheer them on as you swim or cross the bridge."
Best Chance to see a sloth close up: Kids Saving the Rainforest (Homepage), Manuel Antonio Park, walking around town or the beach
Hours of the Birds: the first and last 2 hours of light in the day
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. The Exchange rate is terrible at the airport. Its 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 530-560) 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 April 2023)
Money - The locals: 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.
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 and 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 to avoid taxes. Dont worry this will not effect the insurance, security of quality of experiences.
Money - Use Which When: Colones/Credit Card : Restaurants, Street Venders, Farmers Markets, Shops, TaxI, Bus(no CC), Dollar: Guides, Private Transportation, Excursions.
booking excursions: The safest place to do this is with me. Free Online Concierge Service accessible by In Home Appointment, Email or WhattsApp. This information site uses a collective of companies awarded Recognitions for Excellence for the available options in the Manuel Antonio Area. This is based off of vetted customer service, value, safety and experience. Manage all your activities and transportations with one entity while I manage the several for you. I moved to Costa Rica at 30 years old in 2015. Since then I have opened up my concierge services to the public you can read my reviews on Google or TripAdvisor for Villas Oasis and Google for Buddha Brothers tourism to see you are very capable and proven hands
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. The no shoes, no shirt No service does not apply here. Swim suits are much more valuable to have than regular shorts. Definitely bring polarized sunglasses, but nothing expensive. The best all purpose shoe are the Keens with the rubber toe and straps. his will allow you talk 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 a closed seal shoe with tall-Med socks. I would even go as far as by a two cheap pair to swap around so you can get the 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.
Elderly: Check your medicines here if you can save considerable amount of money on the same ones. They can often be purchased at the pharmacy with a Prescription. Its humid here. Bring what you need to stay dry. Good Glasses and a hat to stay cool and protected from the sun
what to expect at the airport: Its very easy. Just like any other airport in the world. you will not be experiencing anything new. Dont 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 check point 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 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 or right to a team of private drivers, shared shuttles, and taxi drivers.
weather : 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 rains once a week. Its a secret summer months in our "winter." Aug 1 - Sept:15 A chance of thunderstorm every 2-3 days. Either in early hours of the morning clearing up by 9a 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.
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 repeal the mosquitoes here. There are only bugs in the night. Day time you'll be left alone. If you are prone to bug bites, its good to bring your own repellant. It can be pricey here.
Beach: With any size group you are going to want to bring a thin bed sheet(s). We tend to be longer then 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. Thats not the case here. The beach is often the cheapest to buy anything and no vendors are "pushy" In the most tourist area 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 spay for sunset. Stay 4o min after sunset to see stars, planets and the sunset. Body Boarding 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 2,000-6,000 colones or $4-$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.
Distances Map v Real Travel: Do not be fooled by the short distance on a map. Travel time is much longer here then the distance on a map. An example. Manuel Antonio is about 3hrs 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.
Rental Car V No Car
The Cons
As far as a rental car, it really depends 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 about 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 you 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. Nayauca Waterfalls, Rainmaker Suspension Bridges, Beizans 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 dont “need” a car in MA. If you wanted to you can rent one for a day or two while your here to do the things outside of town. Public buses and taxies are always around and town is just one street so its nearly impossible to get on the wrong bus or get lost. The bus line is about 17min for start to finish so worst case you just take the 60cent bus tour of MA until you get back to where you want to be. Its the cheapest tour in town.
Overall
It depends if if you plan on staying in town or want to option to explore outside of it for less. All tour companies offer transport, but it isn't always cost effective. Nauyaca Waterfall is a $90pp tour. If you have your own car it is $8pp to enter the waterfalls.
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 forighn 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. Honestly if I grew up here and didnt have my family putting a certain set of values in me I might do the same thing as opposed to leaving my friends I grew up with every morning to dig a ditch. 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.
Things they will not do:
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Approach you if you are with your family and you have young children with you.
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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.
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Plot a robbery or pickpocket you.
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. There are no real safety checks here. They don't fix anything until it's broken and do not inspect anything after installation. If you approach a Side of mountain that looks like it's about to break, it may. a bridge that seems dangerous along a hiking path… it probably is. 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.
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. 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.
The heat, sunblock: 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.
Social etiquettes
Smoking: The locas 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.
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 215lb 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 its 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 forighn company to be a middleman and take away income from the impoverished locals here. There are always taxis available and they are cheap.
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 will give even better service. I send all my clients here. It also along a 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
Other destinations, where should I go?
My suggestion is not to add destinations if you are 6 days of vacation or under, but dig deep into the Manuel Antonio. There are neighboring towns(Jaco, Dominical, Uvita) close enough for day trips in different landscapes and experiences. A online concierge/front desk information website. Having the most relative information to your needs are directly related to your quality of experience. I monitor the site and answer all the questions personally. 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)
Can Be Sent by request via Whatss app or Email
