A traveler packing a straw hat, sunglasses, and a camera for a trip
Before you go

The guides we send every guest

When someone books with us, these are the six things we send. They answer the questions we hear most, from which coast to pick to what "con gusto" means, so you land knowing how things work here. Read the ones that fit your trip, and write to us with anything they do not cover.

Choosing a coast? Start here.

Where to stay in Costa Rica: an honest comparison of the regions

Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, Arenal, Jaco, Dominical and Uvita compared: airports, drive times, terrain, wildlife, what each does best, and where not to go.

Your arrival day, from the plane to the pool.

Getting from San José airport to Manuel Antonio

SJO to Manuel Antonio is about three hours by road. Private shuttle, shared shuttle, rental car, or a short flight to Quepos on Sansa or Green Airways: which fits, late arrivals, and car seats.

The phrases you will actually use, tico slang included.

Costa Rican Spanish for travelers: the phrases you will actually use

Greetings, ordering at a soda, life at the villa, directions without street addresses, the park and beach, kids, money nicknames, and tico slang.

Tickets, hours, and how to see the most wildlife.

Manuel Antonio National Park: tickets, hours, and how to do it right

How to buy Manuel Antonio National Park tickets online, the day it is closed, hours, what to bring, where to park, and how to see wildlife without the crowd.

Traveling with children.

Manuel Antonio with kids: better than any zoo

Monkeys on the beach, a sloth through a guide's scope, howlers at dawn. Calm beaches, the park with small kids, zip line and horse age limits, and a day that fits nap time.

Coming with a big group.

How to choose a villa for a large group in Costa Rica

One house or two, bedrooms versus beds, stairs, kitchens and chefs, pools and toddlers, Manuel Antonio versus Guanacaste, and what to send us to quote fast.

All guides

Still have questions?

Ask someone who lives here

Send your dates and group size. We reply with real options, not a form letter.

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