FROM SAN JOSE (Capital City)

You can take the bus, a five hour ride, $5 USD. For details on the schedules see thebusschedule.com. You can hire a tourist-oriented private van or bus, which usually carries between 7-30 people, depending on the size and presence of air conditioning. Expect to pay up to $40 USD. You can take a plane, which is a 40 minute flight. Cost is around $50 one way. Visit Sansa Airlines site [1] You can hire a private taxi, which may be as expensive as a plane (think $80 USD or more).

• Costa Rica Executive Transportation [2] Chauffeur Driven Luxury Transportation and Security Service. Providing Transportation to anywhere in Costa Rica, air charters, meet and greet services, airport transfers for all travelers to Costa Rica.

Local bus leaves every 30 mins during the day between Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Also renting scooters is an option or renting a taxi. For details on the schedules see thebusschedule.com.

"Aqua Azul" Great mix of typical and american plates. Good prices and chilled atmosphere. Amazing views at sunset.

"La Cantina" Great Kabobs and steaks all done over an open grill

• Soda Sanchez is a great place to eat breakfast. It's across from the Widemouth Frog Backpacker's Hostel. Cheap prices, friendly people. Also serving lunch and dinner.

• If you find the bus station, wander in the market attached and find a place that says "Cevichera." This place sells "ceviche," a typical local dish consisting of raw, diced fish in a lime juice broth. It's cheap and tastes delicious.

• On the higher end, "El Gran Escape" serves up some wonderful dishes, but prices rise steeply.

• Karolas.

• Barba Roja has ladies night on Saturdays.

• Wacky Wanda's has cold drinks and air conditioning.

• Pescadores bar has cold drinks and an open atmosphere.

• Dos Locos is very popular downtown and may have live music, but not always great music.

• Sargento Garcia's is usually jumpin' and is a tourist favorite.

Some bars have ladies nights and drink specials.