Arrival & Departure

Manuel Antonio/Quepos is approximately a 3-hour drive from Costa Rica’s SJO Airport (near San Jose) and an approximately 4-hour drive from the LIR Airport (near Liberia). Upon arrival (and departing), you have several options to get you to the Moonshine Inn and the Manuel Antonio area or back to the airport:

• Ground transfers via shared shuttle services
• Ground transfers via private transfer services
• Ground transfers via taxi services
• Ground transfers via public transit (i.e., public buses)
• Ground transfers via a personal car rental (or van rental)
• Air transfers via domestic flights (Sansa Air www.flysansa.com) into the XQP Airport, a small airport just a few minutes south of downtown Quepos

Getting Around Manuel Antonio

Navigating the winding bends along Route 618 and its offshoot roads is a part of life in Manuel Antonio. Overall, the getting around is quite manageable for most people -- just be careful and take it slow if driving. And it's important to be aware, both as a pedestrian and as driver, that Manuel Antonio (and Costa Rica in general) is not known for its sidewalks, road signs, guard rails or mandatory driving schools. Cars, trucks and motorcycles speed around corners despite the many pedestrians, joggers, bikers and wildlife on the roads. For this reason, we believe it is best to limit the time you're walking along the busier roads. Better options are to drive, taxi/Uber, or take a bus to make your safest way around Manuel Antonio. 

Buses

Public buses are the choice of locals -- and if you're not opposed to taking the bus, it's by far the most economical option ... bus rides are cheap in Costa Rica. (Examples: SJO Airport to Moonshine Inn: $14 (one way) and a ride from Moonshine to the National Park: About $0.50 (one way). The main bus station in the area is in downtown Quepos (on Avenida Central between Calle Central and Calle 2). Buses arrive and depart from the station to/from several destinations in Costa Rica, most notably San Jose, Puntarenas, Dominical, and Uvita. Buses can also be caught along Route 618 as they travel between Quepos and Playa Espadilla Sur (main public beach in Manuel Antonio). There is a bus stop (and taxi stand) about a 12-minute walk from the front gate of the Moonshine Inn on Route 618.

Parking

Manuel Antonio doesn’t have public parking lots so parking can be difficult during the busier tourist times.  Moonshine Inn offers its guests free parking as does the Super Joseth grocery story in the center of town (off Route 618) and the two main banks in town with ATMs. There is ample paid parking at the main beach entrance that shouldn't cost more than $10 for the day. Street parking is more available in Quepos.

Taxis

Official red taxis can be hailed around Manuel Antonio if not hired from where they park off the Lirio Road by the Moonshine Inn. Moonshine Inn also has private taxis/drivers we are happy to arrange for you upon request.