Manuel Antonio – Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica

Set high above the enchanting national park, Manuel Antonio boasts world-class views and beaches. Accommodation choices are plentiful, with some of the country's most inspired lodging options to choose from. Just imagine

sparkling white sandy beaches, shimmering blue water and the fresh ocean breeze, all from the rocking chair on your patio. You'll feel stress magically leave your body as you soak up the sun in Manuel Antonio

Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Things to Do

Getting to Manuel Antonio

Driving Distances

Monteverde

189km

Dominical

52km

Jaco

73km

Montezuma

182km

Nearby Attractions

Carara National Park

97km

Manuel Antonio National Park

3km

Marino Ballena National Park

65km

5590 Visitor Ratings

Culture

Experience

Nature

Representation

Safety

Touristy

Between the main town and the national park, there are several world-class beaches in the area. Here, you can enjoy the wide variety of activities such as swimming, hiking the Manuel Antonio National Park, surfing, or simply relaxing while watching a vibrant sunset.

Manuel Antonio is one of only two locations in Costa Rica where you can see all four types of monkey; spider, howler, white faced and the endangered squirrel monkey, many of which can be visible from your hotel window. The area is also a prime destination for spotting sloths, both in and outside of the national park

This once tiny town has blossomed into the most popular Costa Rican beach destination. Available are all the amenities you would come to expect as well as a jumping nightlife.

Access to the area is possible along Coastal Highway 34 from either the north or south. The drive itself is popular among tourists as pronounced steep cliffs crash into the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is also a domestic airstrip in Quepos, just 7km away.

Be sure to keep an eye on your valuables at all times. Theft is a significant problem on the beaches, not just by humans but also by white faced monkeys looking to steal a quick snack.

Top Destinations Adventure Beach Rainforest

Comments

"This place is awesome, the only issue is parking near the beach it's a nightmare that's why it's best to find a hotel near the beach. I would recommend el avion to eat at for it's awesome views. Manuel Antonio park is great and I would recommend paying the 20.00 per person for a guide. Beaches here are amazing the water is super nice."

May 2013

"I wish I could stay there forever. I loved loved loved it. The perfect mix of jungle and beach and town and nature. Just perfect."

May 2013

"We didn't spend much time in town itself, just on the beach (excellent) and in a little spot with a couple of restaurants and a supermarket near the beach, walking distance from Jungle Beach hotel. We felt safe walking in the dark after 8... "

Mar 2013

"It was beautiful and was so wonderful to access to the national forest, resturants and little shops to buy things at."

Mar 2013

"Loved Manuel Antonio I don't want to visit anywhere else in Costa Rica Going back In November with my daughter and sister there are many eateries that I have yet to accomplish!"

May 2013

"Most crowded area, though understandable. Also seemed to have been significantly more developed than last time I was in Costa Rica 10 years ago. The wildlife in the park and the beaches however are still absolutely beautiful."

Mar 2013

"Although Manual Antonio is touristy, it was not too crowded. A couple of things about the locals. We are from NY. In our 10 days, we did not hear one horn being blasted, Costa Ricans are a polite society, calm, laid back (but not too much). They are curious about Americans and want to know about us. I enjoyed the differences. I felt safe but was told to take precautions."

Mar 2013

"We loved Manuel Antonio, and really enjoyed a hike at the National Park. The locals were friendly, restaurants were excellent, and it was everything we had hoped our trip would be and more!"

Mar 2013

"Excellent for nature lovers. Locals were friendly and helpful. Great experience"

Jan 2013

"Go to the Park in the morning if you want to see wildlife. We got there at around 9:30 and saw great examples of almost every animal native to the country! Others who waited till noon saw next to nothing but trees! Be aware that there are many "tour guides" on the road to the park who present themselves as real guides and as your last option, this is false and the real guides are assigned at the Park entrance. The beaches were awesome!"

Mar 2013

"I adored Manuel Antonio and I could have done my trip over I would have stayed there the whole time. Theres nightlife, ladies' night at the bars, a great beach, great food and the national park. The waves are great for surfing and the locals are more than happy to show you around, we made tons of friends just hanging out at the beach and the town is small enough you start to recognize people after a couple of days. "

Feb 2013

"VERY PRETTY BEACH, really enjoyed our stay in manuel antonio. loved taking bus into Quepos for walking, dinning and some souvenir shopping. Took the bus several times, very safe and a good way to go to and from. everywhere in c.r we went, we felt safe and people were nice and would return again someday."

Mar 2013

"this area was touristy when we were there 11 years ago, a little more so now, more expensive, but that's to be expected after the 2010 rating of one of the most beautiful places = to be expected. still not packed!"

Feb 2013

"safer than some places in canada a little busy on weekends but still lovely good combo of touristy and nature friendly and helpful great spot on"

Jan 2013

"I stayed in Quepos and not sure I would again. A very small town with some very rough edges. I didn't feel unsafe, just a little unsettling."

Dec 2012

"National park is a must go. We wished we had more time to spend there!!! Lovely nature, aminals and amazing beaches! Patio de Cafe Milagro is a great little spot to chill after a busy day or have a nice dinner!"

Dec 2012

"Very nice contrast to Monteverde...enjoyed it!"

Dec 2012

"We truly enjoyed Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed the beaches; super clean with warm water. The wildlife that we encountered was fantastic and we enjoyed the nightlife here more than any other place we visited."

Jan 2013

"Gorgeous beach and weather. We saw sloths walking back at night! With a baby! It was great. It isn't very cheap to eat anywhere, but the restuarant "Avion" was great. Its an airplane, and is a lot of fun. Great food, and location. Don't take taxis, the bus is cheap, and easy"

Jan 2013

"Arenas del Mar is an amazing hotel to stay, the area activities-para sailing was fun, the beaches are beautiful"

Oct 2012

"The park itself is amazing. Definitely hire a guide to take you through or you'll miss over 95% of the animals there. While parts of the town are touristy, the resorts were very nice. None of the vendors was obnoxious or pushy. I never met a rude or unhappy Costa Rican. "

Jan 2013

"Manuel Antonio I would easily visit again from the park to the zip lining and then the monkeys were everywhere. It was awesome and by far the most beautiful country."

Oct 2012

"el avion was good, Raphael Terraza was EXCELLENT!! the owner Giovanni was GREAT! we also went to the Super Joseth and a little place next to it - Angel something. it was great as well. over all experience was great. a lot of police everywhere around xmas holidays!"

Dec 2012

"Cafe milagro was a favorite spot for us."

Dec 2012

"Our favorite restaurants were Anaconda , beautiful view and good food and El Avion, cool atmosphere and a delicious meal."

Dec 2012