Absolutely! These are amazing places with lots to offer. Here are the essential travel tips for your journey:
Best Time to Visit:
For San José and Jacó, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from mid-December to April. Manuel Antonio is great year-round, but it will offer the best wildlife viewing during the dry season as well.
Route and Accessibility:
You should start your journey from San José, which is the capital and the most accessible city in the country. From San José, you can directly reach Jacó by road in less than 2 hours. From Jacó, Manuel Antonio is a short 1-hour drive south.
Altitude and Acclimatization:
These locations are all at low altitudes, so you probably won't need to worry about acclimatization.
Accommodation and Booking:
For San José and Jacó, you can find accommodations that range from budget to luxury. In Manuel Antonio, accommodations tend to be upscale. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the high season from mid-December to April.
Clothing and Essentials:
These are tropical locations. Pack light, breathable clothing, a good pair of walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. Don't forget your swimsuit and sunscreen!
Health and Safety:
Be sure to stay hydrated and use sunscreen regularly. Check with your doctor before your trip to see if you need any vaccinations. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep an eye on your belongings. In Manuel Antonio, watch out for the monkeys – they can be cheeky and might steal your belongings!
Local Etiquette and Respect:
Costa Rican people are known for being friendly and polite. Reciprocate that respect and always say "Hola" (Hello) and "Gracias" (Thank You). Bear in mind that it's illegal to feed wildlife in natural parks, so respect that regulation to help conserve the environment.