Travel Information and FAQs
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Sunday Nov. 3, 2019 – Departure Day!
The adventure begins today! Departure from Canada to San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon arrival at the San Jose Airport, we will have private transportation to the Barcelo San Jose for the night. Depending on flight arrival times you will have the opportunity to explore the amazing city of San Jose. It is close to the airport, has a pool and several restaurants for you to enjoy. It is about 20 minutes away from downtown San Jose. Darren stayed here during his visit.
Day 2 – Monday Nov. 4, 2019
After breakfast at our hotel we will have private chauffeur driven transportation from San Jose to Villa Punta De Vista in Manuel Antonio (approx. 3 hours). We will arrange for a lunch stop along the way. Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful property and discover all it has to offer.
Day 3 – Tuesday Nov. 5, 2019 – Activity Day!
The day is yours to explore Manuel Antonio. Relax on the beach, lounge by the pool, or zipline over the tree tops. Check out the excursion list below!
Day 4 – Wednesday Nov. 6, 2019 – Wedding Day!
Enjoy your day and the festivities will kick off at around 4 p.m.
Day 5 – Thursday Nov. 7, 2019 – Recovery Day!
Relax by the pool, on the beach or book another exciting excursion. The day is yours.
Day 6 – Friday Nov. 8, 2019
Today we say goodbye late morning to our tropical oasis and return to San Jose for our last night.
Day 7 – Saturday Nov. 9, 2019
Return to Canada. Departures may vary depending on the flight schedule.
Optional Excursions
In order to maximize your time it is highly recommended you book your excursions in advance. Based on responses Darren will coordinate each activity day to have groups together. If you would like to confirm an excursion please indicate your preference on your guest information form.
Manuel Antonio National Park
$70.00 USD per person.
Do not miss out on one of Costa Rica’s biggest treasures- the Manuel Antonio National Park with this exclusive tour. Take a comfortable hike with a certified guide, trained in education and the exploration of our bio-diversity which consists of a lush tropical forest that has been preserved for over 40 years. Explore the secluded beaches of the park and the exceptional variety of flora and fauna.
Includes: Lunch, snacks, water, transportation, bilingual naturalist guide.
What to bring: Hiking shoes or tennis shoes, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and camera.
Approx.: 3 hours
Island Kayaking Tour
$85.00 USD per person.
Here you’ll kayak through protected inland waters, exploring coastal mangrove areas and discovering a variety of wildlife within the mangrove forests. You will float under a lush canopy of rain forest, silently watching a spectacular variety of birds, snakes, crocodiles, ant eaters and many groups of white face monkeys. Tour Times depend on the ocean tides.
Includes: Transportation, bilingual guides, kayaks and safety equipment, lunch or dinner, snacks and water.
What to bring: Straps on sandals, bathing suit, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hat and towel.
Approx.: Half day.
Los Campesinos Waterfall Hike
$130.00 USD per person.
You will walk through trails from 100 to 600 meters, you will have access to waterfalls, natural pools and suspension bridge 127 meters long and 40 meters high. The estimated time to walk the trails is 30 to 40 minutes.
Includes: Transportation, guide and typical lunch.
What to bring: Long pants, binoculars, camera, swimsuit, towel, and insect repellent.
Approx.: 3 hours.
Ocean Kayak & Snorkeling
$97.00 USD per person.
The adventure begins near the developing Pez Vela (Sail Fish) Marina in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Indulge yourselves at a rare jewel of a beach – a hidden Manuel Antonio treasure at Biezans Bay – for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks. And feel free to have your bilingual naturalist guide direct you to the best snorkeling spots as you experience three small but growing, active, and astounding coral reef systems nestled very close to the shore of Biezans Bay. Or just relax and enjoy the tranquility of a private white sand beach.
Includes: Transportation, guide and equipment, lunch, water.
What to bring: Bathing suit or clothes that can get wet, sandals, sun block, and waterproof camera.
Approx.: 3 hours.
ATV Tour
$105.00 USD Single Machine / $135.00 USD Double Machine.
The 12-mile journey will take you through the dirt roads of the local Costa Rican villages of San Rafael and La Parcela. Through sodden trails, winding switch backs and muddy streams of an African palm orchard, part of a 135,000 acre farm that grows African palm fruit for the production of palm oil. Then enjoy a mile-long hike into a secondary rain forest to visit a 150-foot waterfall and a natural pool; a refreshing place for a swim in cool spring-fed water. Afterwards, head back to the adventure center where your journey began. A traditional Costa Rican meal of rice, beans, vegetables and chicken is waiting for you by the time you clean up.
Includes: ATVs fully equipped, safety helmets, bilingual guides, refreshments during the tour, round-trip transportation from Manuel Antonio hotels and lunch.
What to bring: Hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Approx.: 4 hours.
FAQs
Is the electricity standard North American voltage?
Yes, you can plug any normal electric-powered device (curling irons, phones, etc.) into an electrical wall outlet in Costa Rica.
How do I pay for things?
US dollars are widely accepted, but you may want to use Costa Rican money (Colons) so you do not have to worry about what exchange rate you are given. Any bank will exchange money for you and will probably give you the best exchange rate (do not exchange money at the airport as you will not get the best rates there!). Though the exchange rate fluctuates daily, the easy-to-remember rule is that USD$1 = ¢500. (Examples: ¢2,000 is about $4.)
Can I use my credit or debit card?
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
Can I drink the water?
Yes, the water in Costa Rica is generally considered safe to drink. If you have a very sensitive system, or are concerned that something could disagree with you, you can play it safe with bottled water.
Will my cellphone work in Costa Rica?
Most cell phones will work in Costa Rica, but you should check with your home provider before travel. Also bear in mind that international roaming charges can add up quickly. Alternately, you can purchase an inexpensive SIM card locally upon arrival.
Are there medical services nearby?
Yes, in the event of injury, illness or medical emergency, the main villa has a 24-hour emergency response service that will attend you. Alternately, the area’s main hospital is about 15 minutes from the villa.