Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, many of these can be answered by visiting our Online Concierge or our Upon Arrival page.
Visiting Costa Rica
Most tourists have no problem adjusting to the water in Manuel Antonio and Costa Rica. We have an local, excellent water treatment plant that provides drinkable water to the tap. Bottled water is available everywhere, but we ask you to consider the impact on the environment when making your choices. Ultimately, your comfort and health are the prime concern.
Almost every day, although in the dry season from January to March some of the wildlife has to retreat deeper into the jungles to thrive so it is a little less abundant. The squirrel and white faced capuchin monkeys frequent the property to eat from the trees. Coatimundis, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards visit, and the toucans and red macaws call out as they fly over.
NO! It is against the law. Wildlife Conservation Law 7317: DO NOT FEED the animals because it will change their eating habits and create an unhealthly dependence on humans. Wildlife does not want to be touched or held.
Yes! Costa Rica supports over three thousand known insect species on our tiny landmass. This sub-tropical jungle is a living, breathing organism. Ants and mosquitoes are the most common annoyance for most guests. The mosquitoes are comparable and certainly not as bad as many areas in the US and Canada. Consider bringing personal bug spray. It is pricey here and organic options are harder to find. The interiors of Tico Tico are treated with organic repellents, and the gardens with sprays that are more effective in the heavy rainfalls we receive. That said, if you leave food or crumbs about your villa, you will likely experience the amazingly efficient clean up team, known as las hormigas. (the ants)
If things such as geckos, coatimundis, spiders, beetles, mosquitoes, and other insects are a personal concern for you, it is possible the jungles of Costa Rica may take some time to adjust to or need to be reconsidered. We have a great need and appreciate our small creatures and the vital work they do to make the ecosystem thrive.
We are not physicians and we cannot provide medical advice. Check with the U.S. State Department website, your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or your local physician.
Quepos is lucky to have many medical services that are important; a small hospital, clinics, doctors offices, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, lab, and some specialists that come several times a month. We also have many holistic practitioners, yoga and massage therapists. Two and a half hours away, the capital of San Jose is host to multiple hospitals and doctor options; specializing in more advanced care. Ambulance service is available and flights can be a quick solution.
We have many pharmacies nearby. Common medications are available over the counter. However, to fill certain narcotics and less common prescriptions requires a paid visit to a doctor. We suggest bringing adequate amounts of medication with you. If you plan to stay long-term, we can provide you with information on where to get medications refilled.
We love travel insurance. Most all travel advisors recommed it. For an extended visit to a foreign country, it is an inexpensive emergency backup plan. There is no "perfect" policy, so please compare and review carefully. Most, however, will provide free emergency travel back to your original country in case of a health emergency. Do not assume any type of coverage. Contact the company with questions.
For example, two guests both used the same insurance company...
- Guest A had emergency heart surgery a week before his scheduled leave to Costa Rica. He filed a claim but it was denied and he was out the money (it was listed as pre-existing in the policy).
- Guest B got shingles the week of her departure to Costa Rica and she received a full refund on what items qualified.
We have no affiliation with any insurance agency, we are just "playing mom" here.
Most tourists are granted 90-day visas. Your allowed time is assigned when arriving at customs and will be stamped in your passport. We suggest you look at the stamp and make sure it is legible. Customs has the right to assign any amount of days under 90 that they feel is appropriate. You have the right to ask for 90 days if that matches your travel documents.
Non-residents are expected to leave to another border every 90 days. Panama and Nicaragua are typical destinations. There are groups, buses and individuals who make these runs together quite often. See our Rental Policies page for more detailed information.
San Jose hosts every major Embassy and Consulate office. Please visit: https://www.embassypages.com/costarica
The Property
Check-in is at 15:00 (3:00 PM). Check-out is at 11:00. We strive to have studios ready in advance and will accommodate an early check-in when possible.
Yes. The owner or representative is on site to monitor the care and running of the property. We are family owned and operated. We do have flexible office hours as this is Costa Rica and sometimes the beach is just too tempting. Pura Vida is a way of life, not just a saying.
Yes. Every studio has a new energy efficient A/C unit, but one item to know is that electricity is the most expensive utility in Costa Rica. Each studio has a ceiling fan, portable fan, and a small screened rear patio to allow for additional energy friendly ventilation.
No. Costa Rica is 110V just like the US and Canada. Tico Tico Villas has a completely updated electrical infrastructure. We do provide a surge protector for each studio. You may want to bring an extra one or an extension cord. Both are handy when travelingIs the internet service reliable.
We have two 10G providers for the property. By using both of the local agencies we find we have good service 90% of the time. It is the tropics of Costa Rica; nature happens.
Facebook, Skype, and Netflix are available here, but downloads can be slower. At peak holidays like New Years, Christmas and Easter the country, it seems to literally run out of broadband at peak times. You are in one of the most beautiful peninsulas in the world, we think, sometimes it’s better to savor and enjoy the sunset, than share it on Facebook. LOL!
Welcome to Costa Rica! Each shower includes the infamous , insta hot shower heads that work very well. They are just a bit off putting if you have never seen them before. Despite being jokingly referred to as suicide showers.They are safe and energy efficient. Cool showers are an enjoyable norm, in our sub-tropical jungle. The common paste dish soap is effective with cold water for cleaning dishes.
Please fill out the “Your Reservation” Form on the website with all of the needed information.
Deposits and payments are due at the acceptance of the reservation per the applicable policy.
The balance of the reservation is due, in full, seven (7) days prior to the arrival date.
We will contact via email, phone (US/Canada) or by WHATSAPP to collect your payment information.
All agreements, obligations and cancellation policies apply per this site and/or 3rd party agreements.
You will receive a confirmation and policies email from Tico Tico Villas when a reservation is received and accepted from our site or from one of the booking agencies, such as BOOKING.COM, or AIRBNB. Payments and terms will be dictated by the rules and terms of each particular reservation and its agency.
Once reservation deposit is received , you are confirmed and we will send you an invoice via our reservation system when you book direct with Tico Tico Villas.
We are available on WHATSAPP and IM on Facebook. We also have US numbers that are we utilize. All the most current information is listed at our Contact Us Page.
Visit our Tours section for ideas and information on how we can arrange tours for you.
Our rooms are non-smoking. Costa Rica’s non-smoking laws are enforced in bars, restaurants and all public buildings. We provide a smoking area in the garden and is the only designated area for smoking.
Just outside. To Quepos: there is a bus stop at the bottom of the steps. To go to Manuel Antonio, the National Park and the beaches, cross the street and go to the left just a few feet (you will see the stop). The bus operates every 10-15 minutes from 05:30 to 22:00.
Long-Term Stays
We respect your choices and circumstances and will do our best to be sensitive to personal issues as they occur. However, we ask you to read our Rental Policies section for complete details. As a small complex of studio apartments, in a tropical destination with a high demand season, we ask that you understand how difficult it can be to re-book a studio. Our guest requests come in months in advance, and if we have no offerings our potential guests generally book elsewhere or choose other destinations for the season.
Pets are not allowed at Tico Tico Villas.
There are many options to travel within Costa Rica:
By Air: Quepos/Manuel Antonio share a small airport with service from our carbon footprint free airline Sansa . They provide a 20 minute flight direct from the Juan Santamaria International Airport in the capital city of San Jose, CR. The views of mountains, country villages and ocean from the air are memorable. Fares run between $50 to $100 each way, depending on dates. Seniors receive discounts. Luggage allowed is 30 pounds, additional weight is $1.00 per pound, just FYI. We can arrange the Quepos Airport transfer by taxi to Tico Tico Villas. At this time we do not have a Tico Tico shuttle service available.
By Taxi: A typical way to travel in Costa Rica. We can pre-arrange a dependable, often English speaking driver to meet you at the airport with a private or shared ride. We encourage you to Contact Us in advance. Once outside the city it is a tranquil 2.5-3 hour ride through the mountain pass and along the coast and past the palm plantations to arrive at your Tico Tico studio. Cost varies for dates, size of vehicle needed and time of day. Average is $150 per trip.
By Shuttle: With a quick taxi transfer to the nearest San Jose airport pick up point; you can board a shared shuttle bus with a direct drop at Tico Tico Villas. The shuttle has specific hours of service and is not always an option without a wait or overnight stay in Alajuela or San Jose. It is excellent for returning from Manuel Antonio to the airport. The rate is average $54.00 per person. We can book your pick up. Please Contact Us before your arrival date.
By Bus: Bus service in Costa Rica is efficient, inexpensive and comparably as safe as any other civil country. To arrive in Manuel Antonio requires a taxi ride from the airport to the main Tracopa bus terminal ($25- $30 taxi ride can be pre-arranged or self-negotiated.) Quepolandia has schedules and rates as available, but are subject to change. Assigned seating for the approximate, 3 hour ride, with a ten minute mid-way stop and you arrive in Quepos. The same bus then leaves the Quepos terminal with a stop in front of Tico Tico Villas. To return to the San Jose airport there are multiple buses and route options each day. Cost is approximately $30 a taxi transfer and $9 for the bus ticket each way.
By Rental Car: Not for the faint of heart. San Jose is a city of two million people where traffic rules seem a suggestion and it is a bit of every man for himself. That said, with a mapping app like WAZE or the map app on your international phone, it just becomes part of the adventure. Traveling the country by car is safe and enjoyable and provides a freedom to explore at your own pace. Gas is pumped for you and the price at about $6.00 per gallon is controlled by the government, so it is not necessary to look for better prices. Just be sure and ask for regular. ALAMO, HERTZ or ADOBE are all good auto rental options. The agency’s reservation departments and front desks are generally English speaking. For worry free driving, we highly suggest full coverage. Most US insurance companies won’t handle international claims, and the agencies will bill your credit card direct for any damages to the cars. Coverage rates can be negotiable. Be sure and ask if a discount or bundle rate is available.
We offer a wash, dry and fold service for a fee. You may also take laundry to a few drop-off options in Quepos. An iron and ironing board are available for guests to use in their rooms from housekeeping.
We do not provide meals but each studio is complete with a well-stocked kitchenette with microwave, dishes, mini refrigerator, etc. There are several markets nearby and a farmer's market (feria) on Fridays and Saturdays. Farmers Market. Many stores offer delivery services for a few dollars.
Visit our Upon Arrival page for guest information. Occupants cannot exceed the listed occupancy rate of each specific villa. Clients can have their reservation canceled because of the actions of their guests. See Rental Policies for complete rules.
Each studio has basic cable TV in Spanish and with some English speaking channels, wi-fi, water, trash collection and electricity for the short term rentals.
It is up to you. US Dollars are readily accepted for immediate needs. It is possible to exchange money at the San Jose airport. It is not the best rate, but to get a little walking around money it won’t cost much more in the long run.The best rate is at banks like BCR or Banco National where you can exchange dollars or make ATM withdrawals in dollars or colones. An actual passport is generally required to make any transaction in a bank or exchange, sometimes a copy works, but not always. Use of a cellular phone for anything while waiting, or wearing sunglasses or a baseball cap are generally not allowed in the banks. Don’t take that personally. Costa Rica takes pride in their safe and secure banks. See our Travel Tips so you can be prepared.
Yes. It is possible, but does take some effort and steps. We have contacts at Banco ProAmerica in Manuel Antonio which can make this easier to accomplish.
Only with a government issued work permit which has many requirements to obtain. That said, many people live abroad and continue to work via internet, or with under the table small service or local businesses. We are not attorneys and can not offer suggestions. http://www.arcr.net/ and https://ticotimes.net/ are suggested resources for travel and retiring questions concerning residency and long term visits.
