Costa Rica Trip Details

Introduction

Ready to spend a month working from your laptop in tropical paradise? Digital Nomad Trips are extended-length trips for our community of remote workers who love adventure.

Our local Community Manager will make sure you get settled into Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica so you can work hard and play hard.

Work remotely with your group from your 24/7 co-working space as your schedule requires and spend the rest of the time enjoying the pura vida lifestyle at the beach in Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio is one of the adventure capitals of Costa Rica, with a magnificent national park, monkeys and sloths at your doorstep, excellent surfing, and a ton of adventure activities like whitewater rafting, hiking, kayaking, and more!

What's Included

  • 29 days & 28 nights in a private room
  • Select from shared or private bathroom
  • 28 breakfasts & 12 dinners
  • Private airport pick-up upon arrival
  • Private airport drop-off upon depart
  • 24/7 Access to Co-working Space
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Entrance Fee + Hike
  • Waterfall Entrance Fee + Hike
  • Sunset Catamaran Cruise
  • Local Community Sustainability Project
  • Digital Nomad Trips Community Manager
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet some kick-ass people
  • Access to the Digital Nomad Trips profesional Community
  • Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Costa Rica.
Local transportation and optional activities are not included.

Highlights

  • Sunsets and waterfalls
  • Hiking, sailing, and surfing
  • Sip Costa Rican coffee and walk the beach every morning
  • Become a local in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • Join a professional community of remote workers

Is this Trip for You?

Are you a remote worker or entrepreneur looking to exchange “work from home” for “work from paradise?”

Do you aspire to be a digital nomad but don’t want to worry about being lonely, searching for WiFi, or staying safe?

Then, Digital Nomad Trips is for you!

One of our fantastic local Community Managers will make sure all of the details of your trip are taken care of, so you can work efficiently and spend the rest of your time on incredible adventures in the jungle.

Do you have a job where you are on the phone all day, need a private office, or like to stay in a private suite with your own desk and couch? This trip may not be for you.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 12-14 max

-Physical rating: Moderate. Some activities include physical activity like hiking.

Travel Community

Digital Nomad Trips is our professional co-working community for remote workers.

Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet at the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Community Manager will do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official alumnus of Digital Nomad Trips and be invited to our close-knit professional community on Slack. Here you can discuss remote work tips, support each other in life as a digital nomad, and even meetup for co-working or travel in different cities around the world.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Meals

Eat like a local with delicious Costa Rican dishes such as gallo pinto and some of the best fruit in the world.

Sample Breakfast Menu:

  • Fresh fruit, juice, coffee, tortilla, gallo pinto (rice & beans), eggs, toast.

Sample Dinner Menu:‍

  • Casados–A casado is a typical Costa Rican meal consisting of rice, beans, plantains, veggies or salad and chicken, fish, beef or pork. Paired with salads and smoothies or local juices.

Costa Rican delicacies:

  • Costa Rican coffee
  • Ceviche (cured fish)
  • Coconuts, mangos, papayas, pineapples, plantains
  • Fresh fish
  • Patacones (fried plantains)

We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Most meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies. There are many vegan and vegetarian options around Manuel Antonio.


Transportation

You will be traveling by private ground transportation, public bus, and taxi throughout your trip.

  • Private ground transportation to and from the airport (Included)
  • Transportation to included activities (Included)
  • Public bus and taxi around Manuel Antonio & Quepos (Not Included)
  • Transportation to dinners will be either on foot, or via local bus, or taxi (Not included)
  • Optional activities like salsa lessons do not include transportation.

Accommodation

You will be staying in a private room with either a private or shared bathroom at an upscale hostel located in the heart of Manuel Antonio for the duration of your trip. The hostel is a short bus-ride, or hike away from one of the best beaches in Costa Rica.

Laundry service is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Community Manager for details.

Standard room description from our hostel: A classic stay: affordable, comfortable, and private. Our standard option provides up to two guests in a queen bed with the ideal space to comfortably unwind in total privacy. There is a small desk in the room with *no chair*.

Micro-room description from our partner hostel: Similar to a ship or train cabin, this is our most basic sleeping solution with a queen bed. Compact and modest, the micro-room is perfect if you’re looking for a place to sleep and a small area to store your belongings. The bathroom is shared between up to 4 micro rooms. There is one toilet and one shower. It is cleaned 3x per day. There is a small desk in the room with *no chair*.

2 Bedroom Eco-Condo Option description: 

The eco-condos are located within the private gated community of Manuel Antonio Estates. The grounds are covered in luscious rainforest and wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds will visit the condo on a daily basis. We also have our rejuvenating Raindrop Spa right on site. It is a quiet and safe environment, conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Quepo. The apartments are spacious and comfortable, with a shared pool and free secure parking. Housekeeping services are included twice weekly.

Amenities: 100 Mbs Wi-Fi, Cable TV, AC in both bedrooms and ceiling fans throughout, all kitchen utilities, stove with convection oven, refrigerator, plates, pots, cooking utensils, microwave, coffee maker, rainforest & mountain views, twice weekly maid service, hot water, and onsite laundry facilities are available at a small extra cost.


Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.


We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Cancellation Policy

Flexible

Give us at least 60 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Trip Leader Expectations

All Digital Nomad Trips are accompanied by an experienced Community Manager.

Your Community Manager will pick you up and drop you off at the airport, show you around town, accompany you on included activities and hikes, organize and attend dinners, and make sure you are well taken care of during your trip.

Your Community Manger will not be with you at the co-working space, sleep at the hostel, attend optional activities, or stay out with you until early morning hours at the disco. They will give you the autonomy to experience Costa Rica as a local.

The goal of the Community Manager is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Packing List

Please be eco-friendly!
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
  • Bring a reusable straw to limit the amount of single-use plastic waste.
  • Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
  • Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
  • Bring "reef safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

We highly recommend packing active gear as we'll be exploring hidden beaches, hiking to waterfalls, and staying active throughout the trip.

Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with!  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.

Do not forget: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you Digital Nomad Trips will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Passport & Visas

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

Visas are not required for stays less than 90 days in length.

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Health & Insurance

The tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Costa Rica beautiful.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Costa Rica from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

If you are traveling to Costa Rica from South America you will be required to present proof of Yellow Fever Vaccine.

Mosquito borne viruses exist in most of Latin America.  Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.

Money & Currency

We suggest bringing 500 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not the total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

Your Community Manager can show you where banks and ATMs are. Please keep in mind that most ATMs in Costa Rica only allow withdrawals of 100 USD-200 USD per transaction.

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC)

All businesses accept USD, so you do not need to convert to Costa Rican Colones before arriving.

If you’d like a better exchange rate call your bank and order Colones before your trip.

In Costa Rica, a 23% charge is added to almost every meal (13% tax, 10% tip).

Further tipping for wait staff is appropriate in the case of excellent service. When in doubt, ask your Community Manager for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.‍‍

Safety & Security

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the safe at the hotel.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Leave flashy jewelry at home.

US Citizens please consider registering with US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.

Uber works at the San Jose Airport and is the safest way to call a taxi. If you miss the shuttle, please be in touch with your Community Manager and use the free wifi to call an Uber to meet the group.

Although Manuel Antonio & Quepos are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering around any town at night. We recommend staying in small groups when possible.

Weather

The average temperature in Manuel Antonio is 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 75-80 at night. Please expect showers and thunderstorms most days that pass through the tropical forest.

Dry Season: November 15-April 15

  • Most amount of sunshine of the year
  • Peak temperatures
  • Perfect beach days
  • Most popular time to travel to Costa Rica

cultural information

Pura Vida is a lifestyle in Costa Rica that literally translates to "pure life." It's also a very common phrase that means hello, thank you, and much more.

Costa Rica is a very eco-conscious country. Please do not disturb the natural environment by feeding animals, removing shells, or littering.

Smoking is prohibited in public areas.

To say "you're welcome" Costa Ricans use “con gusto” instead of “de nada”.

Key Phrases
  • Hello -- Hola
  • Excuse me -- Perdon
  • How are you? -- ¿Como está?
  • Thank you -- Gracias
  • Please -- Por favor
  • A beer please -- Una cerveza por favor
  • Pure life – Pura vida (Costa Rican mantra)

Tipping Customs

While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service.  Be sure to tip in the local currency (colones) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging.  Here are some common guidelines to follow:

  1. Dining at a sit-down restaurant = ¢3,000 colones per person
  2. Bell boy = ¢2,000 colones per piece of luggage
  3. Hotel cleaning staff = ¢5,000 colones per night spent at the hotel
  4. Tour guide (non U30X activity leaders)  = ¢10,000 colones for a day tour 
  5. Driver = ¢5,000 colones per day

Optional Activities

  • Surf Lessons: ~65 USD per person
    This is a “must do!” Learn the Art of Surfing in one of the most popular surf towns on the Central Pacific Coast. Surfing lessons take place on the beach in Manuel Antonio every day. Our surf lessons are for people looking to develop their surf skills and those who just want to have fun.‍
  • Salsa Lessons: 15 USD per person (cash only)
    Learn the art of Latin dancing as your private group instructor walks you step-by-step through mastering the rhythm while enjoying great music. ‍
  • La Feria in Quepos Farmer’s Market: Free!
    Throughout the year, a weekly Farmers Market is held in Quepos. You’ll find an abundance of fresh, local produce for good prices. You’ll also find free-range eggs, cheese, and freshly-baked bread and cakes.

While your Community Manager will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Digital Nomad Trips itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

General Rules

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Community Managers, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Community Managers are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Staying longer or arriving early?

Hostel Recommendation in San Jose:

Accommodation Recommendations in Manuel Antonio:

Still need to book your flight?

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