Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#2068
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manuel Antonio is a beach town located along Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast, known for its stunning national park, vibrant wildlife, and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is 25 Mbps, with options for higher speed in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. ATMs are available, and most accept major cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Kolbi are popular providers offering 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, hotels, and rental apartments through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Check Airbnb, VRBO for various options in Manuel Antonio. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Plinio, offering dormitory beds from $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near Manuel Antonio National Park for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Los Altos area for a quiet environment with coworking options nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | El CoWork, featuring high-speed internet and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Milagro, known for great coffee and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Meetups at El CoWork for remote workers and entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Manuel Antonio Social Group on Facebook for meetups and community engagement. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area; local taxis are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rentals available at Titi's Bike Rental, with prices starting at $10 a day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Manuel Antonio Beach, renowned for its beauty and accessible from the national park. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines offers flights to and from nearby San José. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta Airlines are major carriers flying into Juan Santamaría International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 34, connecting to major towns along the Pacific coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The nearest major transit hub is in Quepos, 8 km away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate regularly; no formal public transport passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to San José and other coastal locations. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Metodista in Quepos, 15 minutes away, provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Selva Yoga Studio offers classes ranging from $10 to $20. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center at The Peace Lodge offers modern equipment and exercise classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Nelson's provides wash and fold services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is available in Manuel Antonio. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto - a traditional breakfast of rice and beans. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Rapunzel's offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | El Patio de Café Milagro for delicious desserts and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets at Quepos on Fridays offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a popular online marketplace in Costa Rica. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Romero offers delivery services within the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Cantina offers good nightlife options with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artesanal Costa Rica produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de Vino offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | La Fonda offers local street food, including empanadas and ceviche. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Emilio's offers Italian and Mediterranean dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Manuel Antonio National Park for its wildlife and beautiful views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Maritime Museum in nearby Quetzal offers insights into local marine life. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old Quepos port for its historical significance in the fishing industry. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia Católica de Manuel Antonio, a local church with beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of the Sea, usually held in September celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Quepos is nearby for its local art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de Quepos hosts performances and local events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Quepos Farmers Market on Fridays offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Café Milagro hosts live music events frequently. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in Quepos showcasing local talent and culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Costa Rica Cooking School offers hands-on classes for local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art galleries feature works by Costa Rican artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old Quepos Town features traditional Costa Rican architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Representation of Afro-Caribbean and indigenous cultures in the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park and surrounding reserves. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manuel Antonio National Park, offering hiking and wildlife observation. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails within the national park are well-maintained for hiking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador Punta Catedral offers stunning vistas of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cerro Chato, known for diverse bird species and guided tours. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach allow for bonfires (check local regulations). |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Cruz Roja offers parcel services in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops in Quepos can handle electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often offer ping pong tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Quepos provide Spanish classes for varying levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Community center in Quepos has study spots and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The local community center offers various activities and services. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming options available; local cafes may have video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearest casino is Casino Marina in Quepos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% on profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax structure for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% on annual earnings over $40,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign-controlled entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax, generally low, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 1.5% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax advantages; however, Costa Rica promotes remote work. |