Life can move at an exhausting pace. Between work, school, kids, social lives, running businesses, making time for family, and trying to maintain health, feeling your energy bar depleted is all too common. Burnout is a very real consequence of trying to keep up with the intense pace of life that is usually unsustainable, at least for those who care for their mental health.
The best way to address burnout and promote self-care is to escape from the usual rhythms every once in a while. Sometimes, you just need a break from the everyday. Fortunately, there is a very simple solution to help you escape from your environment and rejuvenate your energy; traveling.
Traveling to new places can be a very exciting experience on its own, but it can also have a very positive impact on your mental health. When you step outside of your usual circles to explore the world, your mind opens up to endless opportunities. Plus, it provides you with that much-needed break from the norm.
A Costa Rica Vacation
Costa Rica is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Central Pacific region. In recent years, it has been deemed one of the safest countries for tourists from around the world. Costa Rica is home to many incredible opportunities for travelers. There are beautiful beaches along both the Pacific coast and the Caribbean coast. Numerous volcanoes dot the landscape, which is filled in with tropical rainforests that provide a home for incredible biodiversity. Some of the most luxurious resorts and villas can make your Costa Rica vacation feel like a paradise experience.
More specifically, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast should be your next destination for a vacation spot, and there is no better home base for your trip than Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio: A Costa Rican Paradise
When you visit Manuel Antonio Costa Rica, you are in for the vacation experience of a lifetime. The combination of activities, sights, and natural beauty make the Manuel Antonio area perfect for those who want to fully immerse themselves in a fabulous tropical lifestyle without having to travel throughout all of Costa Rica. While Manuel Antonio has incredible tours, activities, great restaurants, shops, and Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, it is also a perfect destination from which to make day trips, serving as a home base for the duration of your stay.
Whether you plan to stop in Manuel Antonio for a few days or for three weeks, there is so much to do and see in this beautiful area of Costa Rica. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Perhaps the biggest draw for most visitors in this region of Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio National Park. This small preserve includes a lush rainforest, a main trail, and multiple hiking trails that lead into the mountains, diverse species of wildlife, and one of the most pristine beaches in the world. On top of all that, there are numerous activities for travelers to enjoy, whether you are adventurous, obsessed with wildlife, or trying to find entertainment for young children.
The Manuel Antonio National Park entrance is located near the southern end of Espadilla Beach. From there, you can find the start of the main trail and adventures in the park, as well as the information center where you can learn about all the things you can do.
Guided Tour
Manuel Antonio National Park has a lot to offer travelers in terms of experiences. Although the park is not incredibly large, it can still be helpful to have a professional guide you through the area. They can take you to the best views, point out the various flora and fauna that you are seeing along the main trail, and make the trip much easier to enjoy without having to worry about where you are. Keep an eye out for fake guides who will overcharge you for park tickets on the way to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. Only pay for services from official park guides at the main entrance. You can also opt for a self-guided tour, but you may miss out on things that a trained eye can point out to you.
Beaches Inside the National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Manuel Antonio Beach. There are several sandy spots that are considered among the park’s beaches, but Manuel Antonio Beach is the most well-known. You can head to the main beach area for swimming, sunbathing, or admiring the trees full of squirrel monkeys and tropical birds that are native to Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio Beach is truly a paradise destination to enjoy during your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Just behind Manuel Antonio beach separated by a land bridge is Playa Espadilla Sur which is also located in the national park and is much more private and quiet than its northern counterpart outside the national park. At the tip of this crescent shaped beach is the Icon of Manuel Antonio, Punta Catedral.
Another beautiful beach in the national park is Playa Escondido, also known as Playa Puerto Escondido Beach. Because of its secluded location, there are fewer crowds making this an ideal beach to experience tranquility and explore the serene natural beauty with less crowds.
There’s a secluded beach named Playa Las Gemelas. Its a hidden beach that can be reached via the Sendero Playa Gemelas trail. Unlike other national park beaches, this beach is secluded and relatively small, providing a more intimate and private beach experience.
Manuel Antonio Adventures
While there are many activities available inside Manuel Antonio National Park, there are plenty of other ways to experience the surrounding area. These tours and adventures can create lasting memories for you and your fellow travelers, helping you interact with the nature and pura vida culture of the region.
Planet Dolphin Catamaran
This boat tour is one that you are going to remember for decades. Take a cruise along the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park for incredible views of the hills, jungles, beaches, and surrounding waters of the area. Between September and November, you may even get the chance to see migrating humpback whales. You’ll also have the chance to swim or snorkel at Playa Biesanz Beach. It is also possible to enjoy a sunset cruise if you time your departure correctly.
Canopy Tours
Want to explore the tree canopies of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica? Then there are multiple options for canopy tours that you can experience. Ziplines, swings, butterfly gardens, walking trails, rappel lines, hanging bridges, and more are available for you to explore while taking in the rainforest around you.
ATV Tours
Prefer to stay dry but not afraid to get a little dirty? There are also ATV tours that you can take in Manuel Antonio. An exhilarating ride through the jungles and mountains of Costa Rica near Manuel Antonio can be incredibly invigorating and create a lifelong memory for all travelers.
Kayaking
Exploring national parks via kayaking can be very exciting. With sea kayaking options as well as inland rivers and lakes to explore, you can take a kayak to numerous places throughout Manuel Antonio. One of the most interesting opportunities is probably a mangrove kayaking tour.
Horseback Riding Tours
Costa Rica is a beautiful country, and horseback riding is one of the best methods to view the landscape with its lush vegetation, including a horseback ride on a beach in Manuel Antonio. The Manuel Antonio region is full of places where you can partake in beginner-level horseback riding, so the activity is accessible to almost everyone.
Jungle Night Tour
A night tour through the jungles just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park is an adventure that you will never forget. Many of the species that reside in the trees and the undergrowth are more active at night, so you will get to see plenty of wildlife that you may never spot during the day. Plus, professional tour guides know exactly where to look for the incredible animals on this private property wildlife tour.
As nightfall approaches, the jungles outside of Manuel Antonio National Park come alive with the sounds of nocturnal animals. That’s why a night tour in this area is an exceptional way to witness the jungle’s enchanting beauty. Night tours offer a unique opportunity to see creatures that are rarely seen during the day, such as sloths, kinkajous, and a variety of colorful frogs. The professional tour guides who lead these night tours are experienced and knowledgeable, and will ensure that you have a safe and memorable experience exploring the jungle after dark.
Fun in Town
The adjacent towns of Manuel Antonio and Quepos offer plenty of opportunities to interact with Costa Rican culture, specifically the pura vida lifestyle. Whether you want to take a day trip into town to experience the sights, sounds, and people in the area or rent a spot right in town to stay for multiple days, there is plenty to do in each small town in the Manuel Antonio region.
Chocolate Tours
Just outside Quepos is a place where you can partake in chocolate tours in Manuel Antonio. You can learn all about the history of cacao, coffee, and the chocolate industry in Costa Rica, all while observing the process of creating these important exports.
Wildlife Refuges
Within Quepos, Manuel Antonio, and the surrounding outskirts of the two towns, there are multiple refuges dedicated to protecting wildlife. The Sloth Institute is a wildlife rescue center that houses many sloths that are suffering from ailments. There is also the Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary located right near the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Quepos Farmers Market
One of the things that makes Manuel Antonio worth visiting is the Quepos Farmers Market. You can get a taste of exotic fruits, local dishes, and other produce grown in the Manuel Antonio region. Make sure to stop by the market to immerse yourself in the culture of the area during your vacation.
Marina Pez Vela
If you want to walk through one of the most beautiful marinas in the world, then you must head to the piers of Marina Pez Vela when in the town of Quepos. The backdrop for this marina is the Pacific Ocean on one side and rainforest-covered mountains on the landward side, making it a truly unique Manuel Antonio destination.
Scuba and Surf Lessons
If you want to take a scuba diving adventure or take some surf lessons to get out on the water during your Costa Rica vacation, then Quepos and the Marina Pez Vela are the places to go. Manuel Antonio town also has places where you can learn these activities and explore the waters nearby either on the surface or under the waves.
Dining
If you are in Costa Rica, then you have to take advantage of the local restaurants and dishes available in this beach town. For example, the Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar is a well-reviewed and popular spot for locals and travelers alike. Another popular choice for dining is El Avion. Getting a taste of the local life means enjoying authentic Costa Rican dishes, so don’t be shy and be willing to experiment during your stay in Manuel Antonio Park.
Manuel Antonio's Beaches
As mentioned several times before, we simply can’t emphasize this enough, the beaches of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica are among the most lovely in the world. White sands, amazing views, and warm waters to swim in make them popular choices for travelers from around the world.
Playa Manuel Antonio
In Manuel Antonio National Park, a narrow strip of land connects a small peninsula to the mainland. On both sides of this narrow strip resides Manuel Antonio Beach, also known as Playa Manuel Antonio. One of the most famous beaches in the world, you’ll never forget your experience on the sands and in the waters. Be sure to capture plenty of pictures at Manuel Antonio Beach, as you will want to remember that feeling when you return home.
Playa Espadilla
Perhaps the most stunning beach in Costa Rica is Playa Espadilla. Playa Espadilla Norte is the main, public section of this beach which can be accessed outside the park. To find the stunning cove that encompasses Playa Espadilla Sur, you must enter Manuel Antonio National Park. Playa Espadilla Norte is great if you don’t mind the crowds or the vendors. While the southern beach is far more private and off the beaten path because you have to buy a Manuel Antonio National Park ticket to get there, Playa Espadilla Norte is free.
Playa Biesanz
On the north side of the small peninsula in Manuel Antonio is the Biesanz Beach or Playa Biesanz. Biesanz Beach is much smaller than Espadilla, and its location on the Quepos peninsula results in much calmer waters to enjoy.
Not Far From Manuel Antonio
Perhaps you have some extra time during your trip to Manuel Antonio National Park and the nearby towns and you want to venture out a little further into Costa Rica. There are many attractions not far from this area where you can immerse yourself even deeper into the culture and landscape of this Central American country.
San Jose
The capital of Costa Rica is the large city of San Jose. In all likelihood, you flew into San Jose International Airport at the beginning of your Manuel Antonio visit, and you will probably be flying out of there as well. Nonetheless, the city itself is worth a day trip at the very least, as a vibrant center of Costa Rican culture. It is also a great central hub if you want to visit another national park in Costa Rica.
White Water Rafting
Are you in for a more intense adventure on the waters of the Savegre River in Quepos, Manuel Antonio? Then you will love the ADR Rafting adventure. All skill levels can find a portion of the rapids to enjoy, all while taking in the immense canyons and lush Costa Rican rainforest that covers Manuel Antonio National Park and the surrounding region.
Rainmaker Conservation Park
The Rainmaker Conservation Park is just a little way north of Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park. Rainmaker Park is a beautiful location with waterfalls, natural swimming pools, and plenty of species to admire. The natural pools are a huge draw and can be the perfect swimming alternative if you want to avoid the ocean waters.
National Parks
Costa Rica is full of natural wonders, and Manuel Antonio National Park is not the only protected land in the country. A quick drive to Tapanti National Park or Los Quetzales National Park is perfectly doable for the day. If you want to make the long drive to Arenal Volcano National Park, you can see the massive volcano, walk the sloth trail at nearby La Fortuna, and experience the wonder of this well-known national park.
Skydiving
If you are up for the thrill of a lifetime and checking off a major bucket list item, then you are not far from Skydive Costa Rica. Imagine jumping out of a plane and getting to see the Pacific Ocean and the lush rainforests of Manuel Antonio as you fly through the air.
Manuel Antonio Hot Springs
About an hour outside of Manuel Antonio are some natural hot springs where you can swim in the warm waters. All you have to do is sign up for a bus-guided tour that will take you to the location and then back again.
Transportation in Manuel Antonio
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in and around Manuel Antonio that will make your Costa Rica vacation so much fun. Whether you are a solo traveler, exploring Costa Rica with your family, or in a large group, when you visit Manuel Antonio, you will leave with lifelong memories.
There are many things to figure out when planning a trip to Manuel Antonio, one of which is the issue of transportation. There are a couple of options to get around the area once you have arrived.
Rental Car
One of the most common modes of transportation for Costa Rica travelers is renting a car for the duration of their vacation. It makes things much easier since you won’t have to rely on public transportation schedules, though you will have to spend a little bit more on rental fees and insurance.
Local Bus
When you visit Manuel Antonio, you are in a place that is very invested in tourism. That means that there are a lot of options for public transportation that can get you where you need to go, such as a nearby national park. It is not too hard to find a local bus to take you to many of the closest attractions in Manuel Antonio and the rest of Costa Rica. You can catch a public bus up and down Manuel Antonio’s main road to most nearby towns and is the least expensive way of getting around.
Taxis
Manuel Antonio has a substantial taxi service that is always readily available for visitors, making it easy to move small groups throughout the area. They are fairly reliable, so once you arrive in Manuel Antonio, its a smart options to rely on taxis for the majority of your transportation needs.
Scooters
This heavy tourism area is no stranger to renting out scooters for people to ride around. This cheap and eco-friendly option can be a lot of fun for the traveling group to get around town, or a great way to visit multiple beaches on the same day.
Where To Stay in Manuel Antonio
Private Villas
Not much can compete with luxury accommodations in terms of making the most of your Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica vacation. Manuel Antonio is known for being a perfect location for hosting travelers, with numerous places to stay, whether that is a luxury hotel like the Arenas Del Mar Resort or one of the many Airbnbs. However, perhaps the most luxurious accommodation to take your Manuel Antonio trip to the next level is a private villa.
Vista Hermosa Estate
If you are traveling with a larger group, say for a wedding party, a group of couples, or a multi-family adventure, Look no further, as we have found the most perfect luxury villa that will make your trip absolutely unforgettable, Vista Hermosa Estate should be your top choice and the perfect home base for your tours and activities in Manuel Antonio. Nestled in the heart of paradise, this villa offers unparalleled luxury and comfort that will make you never want to leave with phenomenal panoramic ocean views and can sleep 24. It comes with a private gourmet chef, multiple maids, and beautiful secluded beaches within walking distance of a few different trails.
Imagine waking up to the sounds of the jungle with its abundant wildlife and enjoying your morning coffee on the terrace while soaking in the stunning ocean views. With ample space for a large group, everyone will have their own piece of paradise to enjoy. If you are traveling to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica with a large group, this villa is the ideal choice. Trust us, you won’t find a better option for the best trip ever in Manuel Antonio.
Toucan Villa
Featuring three bathrooms and three bedrooms, the Toucan Villa comes with many amenities and is perfect for a family to rent during their stay in Manuel Antonio. This Mediterranean-style house is located within the Manuel Antonio Estates gated community just outside Quepos.
Cozy Eco Condos
The Cozy Eco Condos in the Manuel Antonio Estates are another good option for smaller traveling families or couples. Two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen can make this rental your home away from home while you are staying in Costa Rica.
Hotels
Hotels in Manuel Antonio are as varied and diverse as the natural beauty of the area. Choosing where to stay can be overwhelming, but fear not, as we have the best Manuel Antonio hotels recommendations for you.
If you want to be immersed in luxury and comfort, the Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort is the perfect hotel for you. It offers breathtaking views of the ocean and rainforest, and its commitment to sustainability makes it an eco-friendly option. For an adults only resort, Makanda By The Sea is our top recommendation.
Another excellent choice is the Hotel La Mariposa, known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and unparalleled sunsets. Its location atop a hill provides a serene environment with one of the best panoramic views of Manuel Antonio and beyond.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the La Vela Boutique Hotel is an excellent choice. Its located near the national park and has easy access to local restaurants and shops, and its rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the ocean.
Overall, the best Manuel Antonio hotels we recommend staying are where you can indulge in the beauty and nature of the area while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a hotel. Choose one that suits your preferences and budget, and you won’t be disappointed.
Visit Manuel Antonio for Your Next Big Getaway
Manuel Antonio. Costa Rica is such a beautiful slice of paradise in Central America. Millions of travelers visit this country every year for its sweeping rainforests, white-sand beaches, diverse wildlife, and unique pura vida culture. Even if you stay within a few miles of the Manuel Antonio area for the entire trip, there will be plenty for you to do to create lasting memories with your fellow travelers.
You can walk the hanging bridges of Rainmaker Park as you make your way through the wildlife-filled jungle. Hike the main trail on a self-guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can spot squirrel monkeys and other amazing creatures. Take a guided tour sunset cruise up and down the coast out of Marina Pez Vela. Ride scooters through Quepos with the kids, saving money as you create a memorable experience. Visit the Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar for authentic Costa Rican food. Make a day trip to Espadilla Beach to relax in the sun and enjoy the Pacific waters, or take a bus ride to the nearby hot springs. Visit the famous farmers market in Quepos to get a taste of more local foods and the culture of Costa Rica.
Whether you are passing through for one day or staying for an entire week, Manuel Antonio is the perfect place to spend your vacation. Book a trip here for your next big getaway with the kids. Saving up to travel in a large group to Manuel Antonio? You’ll create incredible memories with your fellow travelers no matter how large your group is.
From the National Park to the pristine beaches to the charming beach towns, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is the paradise vacation destination that will leave you begging to return.
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