Everyone is different as to what their comfort zone is....You can rent a vehicle, but it isn't absolutely necessary. It is nice to be able to come and go as you please but we are just off the main road about a 2 minute walk. All of the tours provide transportation to and from Jungle Creek. At the end of Valle Pura Vida (the road to Jungle Creek), the public bus picks up and drops off. Super easy! You can take the bus into Quepos or down to the beach for about 60 cents (355 colones). It stops every 15 minutes or so. You can always call a taxi to pick you up and drop you off in the evening as well. Cab fare will range between $4 - $8.
* What’s the best way to rent a car?
If you are going to rent a car; some prefer to do it before you come to Costa Rica. Some, but not all international car rental companies will give you U.S. rates. You’ll want to check around. All the rental companies offer deals throughout the year. They will hold $1,000 (or more) on your credit card for insurance purposes so be prepared for that. Often times there is only a $50 charge to pick up a vehicle at the airport and drop it somewhere else. Suggestion: rent from a company that will have an office in the area you will be staying the longest. In the case that you have any issues with your car, then you are not waiting all day or more for someone from an office in San Jose to come and help.
* What are the driving conditions in Costa Rica?
You do not need 4-wheel drive unless you are going to other areas besides Manuel Antonio, but it is safest to have one. It's hard to know what to expect for traffic on the roads depending on season. The Highway from San Jose to Manuel Antonio is paved and in good condition and does not require a 4-wheel drive.
* What is the best way to get to Jungle Creek from San Jose?
Jungle Creek offers a private shuttle service starting @ $ 160.00 (up to 4 people) to pick you up at the airport /hotel in San Jose and drive you directly to Jungle Creek. We also have special rates for larger groups and can pick you up and drive you back to the airport or hotel at any time. We can also arrange for a shuttle anywhere in Costa Rica.
It can be hectic leaving the airport in San Jose and difficult to drive in a new country especially at night. If you rent a car you can take the 2.5-3 hr hour drive down to the Pacific. You can either take a 20-minute domestic flight to the Quepos airport for around $100+ each way but they do charge for luggage over 30lbs each. You can also take the local bus that runs from San Jose to Quepos or Interbus (semi-private), but both these operate are on specific time schedules and do not arrive or depart directly to Jungle Creek.
* What if I have to cancel my reservation
If you need to cancel your reservation we will refund your deposit if the cancellation is 60 days before your check in date. If it is within 60 days the payment can only be refunded if we end up booking your dates with another guest. If you rent all 4 villas- you are required to give a 120 days notice...... During the "Peak" season, there will be no refund unless we end up rebooking your dates with another guest. A nominal administration fee may be applied.
* Is it safe?
Yes, Jungle Creek is located on a residential road with little traffic except the locals that live here year around. We have night lighting, secure parking, security cameras and on-site management. You just have to use common sense like when travelling anywhere in the world; don't walk around with large amounts of cash, flashy jewelry and beware of your belongings.
* Where do I exchange money or do I need to? The local currency here is the Colone. US dollars are accepted everywhere here as well- but bigger bills like $50 or $100 may not be accepted. Most everyone also accepts either Visa or Master Card. American Express in not popular here. Whatever you do, do not exchange your US dollars into colones at the airport- they charge a high service fee…… It is super easy to exchange your US dollars into colones here. You just need to take your passport into any bank, or you can use the ATM to take out either colones or US dollars. Some banks have different daily/transaction limits than others- also check your daily limit with your own bank. Every time you use the ATM here, you will most likely be charged a service fee from your own bank back home about $3-$5- so best to take out the most you can at one time. When you pay with US dollars here, you will usually get colones back in change. The rate right now is about 600:1 USD. So if you pay with US dollars at a bigger restaurant, grocery store, etc- you will get closer to the correct exchange back in colones, but if you shop at a little souvenir shop or eat at a "soda" (small diner)- you will likely get the old exchange of 500:1 as it is easier for them and then you loose a little bit.
* How do you tip in Costa Rica?
There is a 13% tax and 10% service tip automatically added to all food and beverage restaurant bills. Any additional tip for great service received is much appreciated by restaurant staff. Generally it's good to tip tour guides, wait staff, transport drivers, and hotel staff. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers.
* Do people speak English?
Many people are intimidated by the language barrier. A smile, hug, and hand shake will get you anything you need. Just be patient and polite. You are practicing in a great place. The locals are quick to practice Spanish with you and are easy going. You will find that most places you visit like restaurants, bars, tours, etc will have someone that speaks some English.
* Is the electricity different in Costa Rica? Will I need a converter?
The electricity is the same as the USA and Canada, 110 volts. You do not need a converter.
* Can I drink the water?
Yes, the water is safe and potable in our area.
* What is the rainy/green season like?
Most mornings are warm, beautiful, sunny and most days, it will cloud up in the afternoon and rain in the later afternoon, evening or in the middle of the night for an hour or two. There is the odd day where it will rain off and on during the whole day. There are always exceptions in nature :) Everything is lush and green. Most tours operate only during the mornings this time of year (May-mid December)
* How far away is Jungle Creek from the beach?
Jungle Creek is a quick 5 minute drive in a car, bus or taxi. You can walk to the beach but it is a challenging walk up and down hills. Keep in mind it's a cliffside town with many hills and limited sidewalks. It is approximately 3 kilometres from Jungle Creek. Once you are here, super easy to get around. The bus stop is just at the end of our road and around the corner (about 2 city blocks) and it runs back and forth between the town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio/National Park/main beach, all day long; about every 15-20 mins. It only costs 350 colones or about 60 cents. Once it gets dark (about 6pm) it runs at longer intervals between pick ups. That's when it is nice to take a taxi. They are quick and reasonable.
* Recommendations for useful things to bring?
Manuel Antonio is ultra casual. Shorts and a bathing suit is what you will see most wearing. A nice sun dress for the evenings is "dressy" here. Make sure to bring sunblock no matter what the season, umbrella, bug repellent, and of course a camera. Remember to bring your own beach towel as some hotels do not provide them. It is a really good idea to bring sturdy sandals or sneakers for hiking on some tours. Tours, like zip-lining, do not allow flip-flops. "North American" brands can be expensive here, especially when it comes to junk food. If you like peanut butter, it is a good idea to bring a small jar as it is also expensive here.
* Where can we read and write reviews for Jungle Creek?
You can hear what past guest had to say about their experience at Jungle Creek here ➡️ Tripadvisor. If you would like to write a review about your stay at Jungle Creek here ➡️ Leave a review
*What things are provided for us in the Villas? Each villa has its own fully-equipped kitchen (pots, pans, dishes and utensils). Each kitchen also has a toaster, microwave, a blender and coffee pot. Some salt and pepper, cream and sugar packets, olive oil and a few spices are also provided- not large amounts- so you may have to restock for longer stays. We also provide some fresh-ground coffee, coffee filters, dish soap and dish towels. A hair blower, hand and body soap will be provided, as well as shampoo and conditioner and remember your own beach towels. We also sell beach towels here ($10) if you do not have room to bring one. Towels are provided at Jungle Creek for use here but not the beach. Each villa has air conditioning and ceiling fans. When you are not in the villa, the air conditioners need to be turned off.
*Is there maid service? When you book for a week; maid service will be provided half way through your stay and is included in the rent. If you want additional maid service- that can be arranged for $10-$15/day depending on what you need.