Location
Location
Hotel Villas Nicolas is located in Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. We are about 5 miles from the Quepos airstrip. Quepos is a short 20 minute flight from Costa Rica’s capital San Jose International flights land at Juan Santa Maria International Airport in (SJO). Driving from SJO takes about 3 hours.
Our Villas are very conveniently located on the main road of Manuel Antonio overlooking the Pacific Ocean within walking distance from banks, restaurants, grocery stores and bars. A downhill 15 minute walk takes you to the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park and beaches.
Flights to Quepos
Sansa and Skyway are domestic airlines that offer a number of scheduled daily flights from San Jose to Quepos our local airstrip. The flight takes approximately 20 minutes and you can book it online. www.flysansa .com or www.skywaycr.com
Terminal is located next door to the SJO International Airport. Please note that there is a 25lb luggage limit per person. Additional weight will be charged accordingly.
Private Transfers
If your arrival time does not coincide with a flight schedule or if you prefer to drive over land to experience the beauty of Costa Rica, we can recommend our private driver. He speaks some English, has a very comfortable air conditioned minivan & will meet you on arrival at SJO International Airport.
We can gladly arrange these airport transfers to and from Villas Nicolas for you. We will need your flight details – time of arrival, flight number, airline as well, the no of people in your party. This transfer should take approximately 3 hours, the cost is USD $160 /one way during the day for up to 4 people ($10 each additional person) and $180 after 6 PM.
Shuttles
A more economical way to reach Manuel Antonio (depending on the # of people traveling), is via the Shared Shuttle. The travel time is longer than with a private van and driver, but the real trade-off comes in the flexibility of your itinerary. You’ll need to have an arrival and departure time that is compatible with their pick-up time. In each case, there’s one rest-break halfway through the journey.
The longest-operating Shuttle service providers are Interbus and Grayline Costa Rica. There are others out there on the Internet but these two, in our experience, are the most reliable. Both charge around $60 per person, each way. You can book them directly at:
Interbus: [email protected] or the phone number: +506-4100-0888
Grayline: [email protected] or call: +506-22912222
Public Transportation
Travelers on the national bus line will need to make their way from the airport to downtown San José (about $35 taxi ride) Unfortunately, we’re not able to assist guests with this mode of transport, as tickets are only sold at the bus terminal. These terminals are havens for pick pockets so watch your luggage, backpacks and wallets!
We do not recommend this option unless you are staying in the capital and are traveling light.
Driving to Manuel Antonio
Directions from San Jose (approx. 3 hours on a 2-lane highway): Take Route 27 San Jose-Caldera, diverted Coast Highway (Route 34) after Orotina, to continue to Tarcoles, Jaco, Parrita and finally Quepos. Once in downtown Quepos, follow the signs to Manuel Antonio National Park. There is only 1 road from Quepos to Manuel Antonio and we are on it on the right-hand side (sign posted) approx 3 kms from Quepos past the Barba Roja restaurant and next door to Hotel Si Como No.
Car Rentals: While driving in Costa Rica can be one of the better ways to explore the incredible beauty of the country, it is important to note that the driving conditions can be a challenge. Major highways are not the norm and in some areas you may find very few road signs, dirt roads and potholes.
The distances may seem short but the time to cover them can be considerably longer than anticipated. Ask your rental car company for a map and/or GPS. Also make sure you NEVER leave valuables or luggage unattended in the car. Please feel free to reserve your car with one of our favorite car rentals in Costa Rica: Adobe Car Rentals. We are happy to help you with this if you prefer.
Getting Around Manuel Antonio
While staying with us, there are a number of options for getting around. Taxis are readily available for a trip to the store, Quepos, the Manuel Antonio National Park or out to dinner. There is also a bus stop located right next door. The bus runs every 30 minutes, and costs approximately 50 cents to Quepos and the beach side where the National Park is located. We can arrange for a private van/driver to take you wherever you would like to go. If you prefer a rental car, we can have one delivered to you.