Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#2068
9.40867, -84.15579
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manuel Antonio is a small coastal town located in the Quepos district of Costa Rica, known for its national park and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 15-25 Mbps, with some areas reaching upwards of 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 620 CRC. ATMs available and major credit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Kolbi, Movistar, and Claro offer prepaid SIM cards with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica have services for expats. Online banking is popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels to budget hostels, with platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com popular among visitors. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in urban areas, though cash is preferred in smaller establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and local real estate agencies offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Plinio and Costa Verde Hotel offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Coworking in nearby Quepos, equipped with high-speed internet and comfortable workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | El Wagon, known for its cozy atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are occasionally held at local cafes and bars, check local community boards for schedules. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Manuel Antonio' host various community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, though local taxis are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at places like Manuel Antonio Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Manuel Antonio Beach, just a short walk from the town center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines provides flights to San José and other regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and United operate flights into Juan Santamaría International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The coastal highway (Costanera Sur) provides direct access to and from major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Quepos serves as the nearest bus terminal with routes to San José and other towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are generally affordable, but no formal transit passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently from Manuel Antonio to Quepos and San José. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Los César, located in Quepos, provides basic emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Institute offers various classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The gym at Hotel Costa Verde is accessible to non-guests for a fee. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat service at D'Laundry in Quepos. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is available, with local restaurants participating. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional rice and beans dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Avion offers vegan options amidst stunning views. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Graffiti Restro Cafe & Coffee Shop is known for its desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Quepos sell fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local delivery services like Rappi provide grocery options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado el Pueblo offers delivery via phone order. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Pampa offers a vibrant nightlife with music and dancing. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Costa Rica Brewery produces a variety of local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Kiva Restaurant has an excellent selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Tico food stalls near the beach serve delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Cafe Milagro serve a range of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful beaches. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Finca Naturales Wildlife Refuge offers educational experiences. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Quepos features historical buildings, a reminder of Costa Rica's early days. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Manuel Antonio is a local church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Feria de Quepos, a local fair celebrating Costa Rican culture, is held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Quepos downtown area offers a glimpse into local life and traditions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The coastal theater hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Quepos Market is vibrant, showcasing local vendors and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various cafes and bars, particularly during the weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals near the beach reflect local art culture and vibrant community spirit. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at the Costa Rica Cooking School are popular for learning local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Galleries in Quepos showcase local craftsmanship and art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Quepos old train station is a historical site to explore. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The preserved natural environment reflects Costa Rican heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Manual Antonio National Park is a primary escape with lush forests and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Corcovado National Park, a bit further away, is known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails inside Manuel Antonio National Park provide scenic routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints along the coastal trails offer stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The national park is popular for birdwatching with many species to observe. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beaches allow for bonfires, typically within local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices offer parcel delivery services and can ship nationally and locally. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech services available at local shops in Quepos. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at some community centers and hotels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Costa Rican Language Academy offers Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes and some hotels offer quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Centro de Bienestar de Quepos provides community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited but available in local cafes equipped with Wi-Fi. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino at Marina Pez Vela offers gaming options in the area. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% on net income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates apply based on residency status. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations exist for foreign operations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Varies but generally low compared to income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% of the property's assessed value. |