The Villa Mariana

The nearest airport to The Villa Mariana is Quepos Airport (XQP), a domestic facility approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) away, reachable in about 10-15 minutes by car. For international travelers, the primary entry point is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, situated 154 km (95 miles) north, with a typical driving time of 2.5-3 hours. Transportation from SJO to The Villa Mariana offers several options. Lenin, our concierge, can pre-book private shuttles for a comfortable, cost-effective door-to-door transfer taking about 2.5 hours. For the alternatives below, guests will manage arrangements independently, though Lenin can assist with the short ground transfer from Quepos Airport if opting for a domestic flight: Private Shuttle (Recommended): Arranged via Lenin; suitable for all group sizes and the most straightforward choice. Rental Car: Book directly at SJO; requires a valid driver's license, passport, and a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) with sufficient limit for a ~$1,500 hold. Driving provides flexibility but involves navigating winding roads—ensure Waze is installed on your phone for reliable directions (Google Maps is not recommended) and carry at least $10 USD in cash for tolls en route. Domestic Flight to Quepos: Guests handle flight bookings (~20-30 minutes in the air); follow with a 15-minute shuttle or taxi from XQP to the villa (Lenin can coordinate this leg). Consider luggage weight restrictions and costs, which may be higher for groups of 8 or more. The optimal choice depends on your budget, group size, and travel preferences. Contact Lenin after booking for shuttle quotes or Quepos transfer details to ensure a smooth arrival.

The Villa Mariana is located in Manuel Antonio, about 92 miles from SJO Airport. Lenin will help arrange any shuttle transportation once you are introduced to him in my next email. If you plan to rent a car or charter a flight, you will handle those arrangements yourself. Option 1: Private Shuttle (Recommended) Door-to-door service from the airport to the house (~2.5-3 hours). Your driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign with your name as soon as you exit the airport. Cost: ~$180 (4 people) to ~$300 (10 people), depending on group size. Inquire with Lenin for current rates. Payment: In cash to the driver. Tip: ~10% of the ride. Option 2: Renting a Car & Driving Use Waze app (Lenin will give directions). Have $7 USD cash for tolls. Parking available for 2 rental cars at the house. Must carry your physical driver’s license and passport while driving. Option 3: Charter Flight Cost: ~$120 per person (baggage restrictions apply). You must arrive at the domestic airport (next door to SJO international airport) at least 55 minutes prior to the domestic flight so as not to be turned away. Domestic airlines are known to cancel the flight if clients do not show up at the 55 minute mandatory pre-departure time. You will be walking outside (keep in mind when there is rain) from the SJO airport to the domestic airport with your luggage. There are no shuttles in between these airports. You'll arrive at the Quepos Airport (15 min from the house). You can either take taxis or a shuttle from the Quepos Airport to the house. Lenin can coordinate any of these for you. Example of price difference for a Group of 6: ~$800 total charter flights vs. ~$225 for a private shuttle (with no baggage restrictions). We, as the owners, recommend the shuttle. Domestic flights should be scheduled to depart at least 3 hours and 15 minutes AFTER you land at the SJO airport to allow ample time for passport control (sometimes 1 hour wait), duty free shopping, collecting bags, reporting any lost bags and going through the customs scanners prior to exiting the airport. You will also be carrying your luggage outside between the airports, so allow at least a 15 minute walk between airports. Again, you will need to arrive for your domestic flight and check in at the terminal at least 55 minutes prior to the flight departure time so that the flight does not get canceled or you do not get turned away. They are very strict about this. Best for light travelers with a small amount of luggage and for those that do not want to purchase liquor at duty free once they land (adds weight and there are weight restrictions on the small flights). Getting Around While in Manuel Antonio Taxis are available and accept USD cash (change given in colones). Lenin can arrange taxis for you. Tip: ~10% of the ride. Most excursions include transportation, so a rental car isn’t necessary. However, if you choose to rent a car once you arrive in Manuel Antonio, you will make the arrangements with the rental car company online. Then, Lenin can arrange for the rental car to be delivered to the house, making it very easy and convenient.

While a rental car can offer flexibility, we generally do not recommend it as a necessity for most guests staying at Villa Mariana in Manuel Antonio. The area is compact, with reliable taxi services, and most excursions include round-trip transportation. However, if you prefer the independence of driving or plan to explore beyond guided tours, it's a convenient option—we can even arrange delivery directly to the house. Below, we'll break down your arrival options and tips for getting around during your stay. Arrival Transportation from SJO Airport (90 miles away, ~2.5-3 hours by road) Lenin (your on-site coordinator) can help arrange shuttles or taxis from Quepos Airport if flying domestically. For rentals or charters, you'll handle bookings yourself. Option 1: Private Shuttle (Our Top Recommendation) Door-to-door service with a driver waiting at the airport holding a sign with your name. Cost: ~$180 (up to 4 people) to ~$300 (up to 10 people)—inquire with Lenin for current rates. Payment: Cash to the driver; tip ~10%. Why we recommend it: Hassle-free, no baggage limits, and more cost-effective for groups (e.g., ~$225 for 6 people vs. ~$800 for charter flights). Option 2: Rent a Car & Drive Use the Waze app for navigation (Lenin provides directions). Budget $7 USD in cash for tolls. Parking: Space for up to 2 rental cars at the house. Requirements: Carry your physical driver's license and passport while driving. Best for: Adventurous groups who want to stop along the way, but note the drive can be winding and tiring after a flight. Option 3: Charter Domestic Flight Fly from the domestic terminal (adjacent to SJO) to Quepos Airport (~15 minutes from the house). Cost: ~$120 per person (strict baggage weight limits apply). Timing: Schedule at least 3 hours 15 minutes after your international arrival to account for immigration, customs, bag collection, and a 15-minute walk outdoors (with luggage) between terminals. Arrive 55 minutes early for check-in—airlines are strict and may cancel if late. From Quepos: Lenin can arrange a taxi or shuttle (~$20-30). Best for: Light packers avoiding duty-free liquor (extra weight counts against limits). Not ideal in rain (or green season) due to the outdoor walk and possible cancellation of flight. Getting Around During Your Stay in Manuel Antonio Taxis: Readily available and accept USD cash (change in colones). Lenin can pre-arrange rides for convenience. Tip ~10%. Excursions: Nearly all include transportation, so you won't need a car for tours. Rental Car On-Site (If Desired): Not essential, but easy to add mid-stay. Book online with a local agency, and Lenin will coordinate delivery/pickup at the house for seamless access. We prioritize a stress-free experience, so the shuttle for arrival and taxis/excursions for local travel keep things simple. If you'd like recommendations for car rentals or more details, just let us know—Lenin is here to assist!

Manuel Antonio and nearby Quepos are compact and easy to navigate without a car for most activities, thanks to affordable local transport options. We recommend sticking to taxis or public buses for everyday needs—they're inexpensive, reliable, and keep things stress-free. Most excursions include round-trip transportation, so a rental car isn't essential unless you want extra flexibility for independent adventures. Your concierge, Lenin, is always happy to arrange rides or quotes. Here's a quick overview: Walking To Quepos: Absolutely feasible—the town center is a short, scenic stroll from the villa, perfect for grabbing groceries, coffee, or casual shopping. To Manuel Antonio: Not recommended. The main road (Route 618) is narrow, hilly, and busy with traffic, making it unsafe and impractical on foot. Taxis How it Works: Reliable red taxis are everywhere and accept USD cash (change given in colones). We've posted key numbers on the kitchen wall for quick reference, or Lenin can call one for you. Cost: Very affordable—expect $5-15 USD for short trips around the area. Tip ~10%. Best For: Quick jaunts to the beach, restaurants, or spots like Dominical for a self-guided hike to Nauyaca Falls. Public Buses How it Works: Frequent minibuses run along the main road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio (including to the national park entrance and Playa Espadilla beach). They operate daily until around 7 PM. Cost: Just ~$0.75 USD (410 CRC) per ride—super budget-friendly. Best For: Eco-conscious travelers heading to the park or beach without hassle. The trip from Quepos to the park takes about 25 minutes. Rental Car If you'd like a car for a day or more (e.g., for longer drives or spontaneous stops), Lenin can coordinate with a local agency to deliver it right to the house and pick it up later—no airport runs needed. Process: Handle all paperwork comfortably at the dining room table. Just ask for a quote in advance. Cost: Varies by vehicle and duration; parking is available for up to 2 cars on-site. Tip: Great for dry season exploring, but remember to carry your physical driver's license and passport. Whether you're beach-hopping, dining out, or chasing waterfalls, these options cover it all. For personalized tips or bookings, reach out to Lenin—he's your go-to for seamless arrangements!

Flights & Transportation Book flights to SJO Airport (San José, Costa Rica). This is the closest international airport to Quepos. The house is located 92 miles from the airport, which is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by shuttle or by rental car. Plan your arrival flight: You’ll reach the house around 5 hours after landing at the SJO International Airport. For example, if you land at the airport at 12:00pm, arrival to the house will be around 5:00pm. Check in is anytime between 4:00-9:00pm. Lenin must be present for check in. Check ins anytime from 9:01pm on the scheduled check in day to 6:00am on the day following the scheduled check in day will require an additional $150 check in fee PER GROUP. Absolutely no exceptions allowed. This fee must be paid upon check in or can be forfeited as part of the security deposit. Plan your departure flight: You will leave the house 5 hours before your flight (for example, an 8:00am flight means leaving the house at 3:00am). Most guests prefer to find early afternoon departure flights that depart later in the day to enjoy the morning at the house. Check out is at 10:00am. Lenin must be present during check out. Check outs anytime prior to 6:00am will incur a $150 group fee. Absolutely no exceptions allowed. This fee must be paid prior to departure to avoid forfeiting part of the security deposit.