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How to Get to Manuel Antonio Costa Rica
Costa Rica - Costa Rica - San Jose Costa Rica
The country’s major airport is located in the capital city of San Jose. Flights during low season can be under $500 – which can save you a few hundred or more off of winter rates. Traveling to Costa Rica requires a valid passport, but no visa.
Once you arrive you will be lined up for immigration processing. At the back of this room is a subtle display for pre-purchasing your departure tax. This $26 fee must be paid in U.S. dollars and is required before check-in for the return flight. Take advantage of this pre-purchase opportunity, which will take you 30 seconds and save you from a long line the day you fly out.
To get to Manuel Antonio, as most everywhere in Costa Rica, one must cross a mountain range. Several small aircraft (www.flysansa.com) will take you the scenic 25-minute flight to Quepos (6 miles from Manuel Antonio) in a Cessna aircraft for about $50 one way. Once there, a local bus can take you the rest of the way for a nominal fee.
For those opting out of tiny planes, car rental is another popular option ($20 a day) for the three-and-half hour trip. However, given the extreme nature of driving on the mountain passes, it’s not for the faint of heart.
A compromise may be the tourist shuttle, Interbus (www.interbusonline.com) which will take you door to door in nine-passenger vans for $39 one way.
When looking for a place to stay, keep in mind the area’s aggressive ocean waters; families with children will get good use out of hotel pool. Many of the establishments offer breakfast as part of lodging and other meals may be added on.
Quepos, the next town from Manuel Antonio, has many reasonably priced hotels and cottages (approximately $55 - $75 a night) and is a quick trip on a local bus to the national park. For a comfortable place in town, expect to pay U.S. style prices of $130 on up, and with a little shopping around you may treat yourself to a water view this spring sans ice.
Ahorre March 15, 2010 08:19 AM | Huatulco Travel