What to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - Get a luxury Pool Day pass
If you're exploring Manuel Antonio on a budget, you've likely chosen a more affordable place to stay. But here's a little-known tip: many...
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Manuel Antonio, Quepos.
Living in Quepos, near Manuel Antonio, for more than 10 years, I know this part of Costa Rica perfectly.
I opened Villas Jacquelina with my dad in 2012 and at this time I started a blog to share my experiences and to help my hotel guests get the most out of the area by providing locals advice.
Manuel Antonio, a vibrant tourist hub, owes much of its fame to its National Park and abundant wildlife.
About 15 minutes away is the town of Quepos, a moderate-sized port city, where my hotel (Villas Jacquelina) is located. Named after the indigenous "Quepoa" natives, the town boasts a vibrant tourist scene with an abundance of dining options, nightlife, and amenities. Its fully equipped Marina Pez Vela enhances its allure, attracting avid sport fishermen from around the globe.
You can explore the charming town center of Quepos, or simply relax on nearby stunning beaches like Playa Espadilla and Playa Biesanz. Manuel Antonio's lush rainforests, tranquil beaches, clean rivers, and awe-inspiring natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio
Quepos
Things to do in Manuel Antonio, Quepos.
#1
Visit the Manuel Antonio National Park.
GOOD TO KNOW
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The park is open from 7 AM to 4 PM Wednesday through Monday and it's closed on Tuesdays.
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Try to avoid unlicensed park guides who may aggressively try to sell you parking or a guided tour of the park.
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You can't take any food or plastic (bags, bottles) inside the park.
Manuel Antonio National Park was created in 1972 to preserve the bounty of the forest and the unspoiled beaches.
Despite being the smallest national park in Costa Rica, it is recognized for being one of the most biodiverse parks on earth, encompassing almost 683 land hectares and 55,000 marine hectares. It is the home for many at risk species in Costa Rica and one of the most popular places to see two and three toed sloths.
Manuel Antonio National Park is where the rainforest meets the ocean. The beaches are wide, extensive, and covered with beautiful, soft, white sand. One of the areas best qualities are the evergreen trees and palms that extend onto the beaches, providing protection from the sun and a welcome home for sloths and monkeys to enjoy the cool sea breeze.
For hikers, there are plenty of self-guided and well-marked trails to explore the flora, faunna and incredible mirador vistas that are all prevalent throughout the park. It's best is to book your tickets for the park well in advance as tickets can sellout during any season. You can purchase tickets online on the SINAC National Park website (be careful of fake sites). You will need to create a profile and provide passport details for all visitors to complete your ticket purchase. To discover the park in its entirety, you can purchase maps at the park entrance, however, we highly recommend you book the guided tour to Manuel Antonio National Park so that you can make the most out of this unforgettable visit.
#2
Hike the Reto Mae and enjoy the beautiful
beaches of Manuel Antonio.
When many think of hiking in Manuel Antonio, their minds go straight to the trails within the national park, which do require an entrance fee. But if you're looking for a free hike near Manuel Antonio, consider the Reto Mae trail!
It's not an overly lengthy hike for seasoned hikers, but it's no walk in the park either. The trail winds along the rugged Pacific coastline, with plenty of ups and downs as it meanders through the jungle.
Along this stunning coastline, you'll be treated to breathtaking views. At various points, the dense jungle gives way to panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean. As you trek, you'll encounter several small, secluded beaches such as Playa La Macha, Playa La Vaca, Playa Tulemar, and Playa Rocosa, as well as popular tourist spots like Playa Biesanz, Playa Playita, and finally Playa Espadilla.
Keep your eyes peeled, as you might be lucky enough to spot monkeys swinging through the trees, butterflies dancing among the flowers, squirrels, birds, and other wildlife along the way.
If you want more information and details, read this article.
#3
Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls
Costa Rica has plenty of stunning waterfalls but probably the most spectacular are is Nauyaca Waterfall. With two enormously powerful waterfalls measuring a combined 61 meters (200 feet) tall and a large natural pool for swimming, the Nauyaca Waterfalls are a beautiful sight to see.
The waterfall is 1 hour from Manuel Antonio National Park by car and 35 minutes from Marino Ballena National Park and is located in the private Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. You can enjoy spending the day exploring the network of trails through dense virgin rainforest and cool off in the many natural pools below the waterfall.
While some may choose to pay the entrance fee ($10) and hike from the ticket office to the falls on their own (12 kilometers), booking a guided tour of Nauyaca Waterfall is recommended for the following reasons:
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Guided tours come with transportation to both the ticket office and from the ticket office to the main trailhead which gets you to the falls quickly and easily.
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Rocks are slippery around these falls, so having guides who know the terrain and help you navigate is extremely helpful!
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Guides will do depth checks in the pools to ensure you can dive without hitting any underwater debris.
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Guided tours include interesting information, transportation, lunch, snacks, and more.
#4
Book an organized tour: sport, adventure, or nature activity in Manuel Antonio.
Whether you are on vacation as a solo traveler, in a couple, with family or friends, Manuel Antonio and Quepos offer a multitude of fun activities to discover Costa Rica in all its forms. Horseback riding offers a great way to explore lush rainforest and secret waterfalls. Canyoning and rappelling provide an incredible adrenaline rush, and mangrove kayaking is sure to please athletic visitors who want a workout and adventure.
With so many fun and exciting activities to do in Manuel Antonio, it can be difficult to choose just one!
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Parasailing : enjoy a bird's eye view!
At Playa Espadilla Norte, the beach adjacent to the national park, you have the thrilling opportunity to experience parasailing. Soaring above, you'll be treated to an unparalleled aerial perspective of the national park, a sight inaccessible by any other means.
I embarked on this memorable 15-minute parasailing adventure recently with my cousin, etching a beautiful memory in our minds. Despite the brevity of time, those 15 minutes felt infinitely longer, each moment brimming with exhilaration.
Booking your parasailing session is conveniently done right on the beach. However, we strongly advise securing a fully insured tour in advance, especially during the bustling high season from December to April, or if you want to ensure you get the best time slot around sunset.
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Sunset Sail: Pristine coastal views with snorkeling, dinner, drinks, and a majestic sunset
Experience the unforgettable Manuel Antonio sunset cruise for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. Sail along the coast, spotting marine life and unique rock formations. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming in pristine coves, complete with waterslides and diving platforms. End the journey with a delicious fresh fish dinner as you sail into the sunset.
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Jungle Night Walk : Become Indiana Jones !
If you want to see more wildlife, going for a jungle night walk is a very good alternative! Manuel Antonio is a fantastic place in Costa Rica to explore the jungle at night and see sloths, frogs, insects, snakes... Many of these incredible animals wake up when the sun goes down.
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Ziplining: fly like a bird!
For an adventure in Manuel Antonio, try a canopy ziplining tour! This is one of the most fun things to do, great for anyone looking for a rush of adrenaline that will spice up their vacation.
You will glide through the treetops on a series of zip lines, all while taking in the stunning views of the rainforest and wild animals. Experience the exhilaration of flying through the air like a bird, swinging from a rope like Tarzan, and repelling down waterfalls like a navy seal.
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White Water Rafting: conquer class 3/4 rapids
Are you looking for a fun adventure that will take you deep into the rainforest? White water rafting is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for adventure seekers.
With its diverse terrain, Manuel Antonio offers some of the best rafting opportunities in Costa Rica and the Savegre River trip includes a short hike to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. In the rainy season (May through December), you will encounter big-water Class III rapids with roller coaster-type waves. In the dry season, (May through December) you can raft with a guide, or challenge the rapids one on one in your inflatable kayak (ducky). Experienced and professional guides will be there to help you navigate the rapids. Safety is always a top priority, making whitewater rafting in Manuel Antonio a thrilling and safe excursion.
#5
Visit the Quepos Farmers Market
In Quepos, don't miss the vibrant farmers market held twice a week: Fridays (12 pm - 9 pm) and Saturdays (6 am - 12 am) behind the central bus station. Despite its size, it's a fantastic alternative to grocery shopping, offering a surprising variety of goods, from seafood to fresh coffee and cacao. It's also a treasure trove for unique gifts and artisanal finds, often more affordable than typical souvenirs. Additionally, on Wednesdays, there's a smaller market near the church and main soccer field (8 am - 4 pm).
Engage with locals and immerse yourself in the community vibe at the Quepos Farmers Market.
#6
Catch a majestic Sunset from Quepos
or Manuel Antonio
Sunsets are a must-see in Manuel Antonio and Quepos, offering a perfect way to unwind. Most hotels in Manuel Antonio provide stunning views of nearby mountains or beaches for sunset enjoyment. If your hotel lacks a view, head to Playa Espadilla Norte, where you might even encounter white-faced capuchin monkeys.
For a scenic dining experience, hillside restaurants like Cafe Agua Azul, Rafaeles Las Terrazas, Emilio’s Cafe, and El Avion offer happy hour specials from 4 PM to 6 PM with breathtaking ocean vistas.
In Quepos, El Malecon, Parque Nahomi, or Bahia Azul offer unparalleled ocean views. Along El Malecon, you can find various seating options, and don't miss indulging in ice cream from Gelateria Amorosi at Marina Pez Vela while marveling at nature's beauty.
How to get to Manuel Antonio?
If Manuel Antonio is your first stop on your Costa Rica itinerary, you’ll likely arrive at the Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) or San Jose Airport (SJO). Manuel Antonio is 171 km (or about 3 hours) south of San Jose or about 259 km (4 and a half hours) south of Liberia.
By car :
Manuel Antonio is situated on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, there is no need to have a 4×4 car to visit Manuel Antonio because all roads are paved. You can use Waze, or Google Maps if you have an internet connection or use the app Maps.me.
By public transport :
Tracopa bus company runs hourly trips between San Jose and Manuel Antonio/Quepos. A direct bus takes about 3 hours, and a non-direct can take 4 to 5 hours. In Quepos, you can take the local bus to Manuel Antonio, which is only about 10 minutes and costs around 385 colones.
By private or shared shuttle:
You can also book a private or shared shuttle to go to Manuel Antonio. Our private transfer service can be scheduled at any time, from Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR), San Jose Airport (SJO), or anywhere in Costa Rica.
Our private transfer service can be customized to fit whatever your travel needs may be and also allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery. All our vehicles are driven by reliable and punctual professionals, who are there to help you move safely around the country. Indeed, many travelers make the mistake of underestimating driving distances, driving conditions, and the amount of patience required to navigate between destinations. Our private or shared shuttle service removes the hassle and stress, while still being flexible with your travel schedule.
Where to stay, where to eat, what to do in Manuel Antonio, Quepos? Discover our travel blog
Discover the perfect blend of accommodation and dining options amidst the beauty of Manuel Antonio, Quepos. Whether you seek luxurious retreats nestled in lush greenery or crave delectable culinary delights overlooking stunning ocean vistas, our blog unveils the hidden gems awaiting your exploration in our Costa Rican paradise.
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