Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica

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.


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.


5d Short And Sweet Itinerary

Recommended Airport: SJO INTL

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7d Family Itinerary

Recommended Airport: SJO INTL

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7d Top 5 Itinerary

Recommended Airport: SJO INTL

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8d Family Itinerary

Recommended Airport: SJO INTL

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Traveler Comments and Ratings for Manuel Antonio

"A must see. The park was amazing and don't do it without a quide. They are all at the entrance and somewhere around $20pp they will point out all kinds of things that you will definitely miss otherwise! The restaurants near the park and the beach were better in my opinion than those toward town, although there was a great taco shack! We never made it to the beach but it was really nice. There were grocery store delivered right to the hotel and was fairly priced considering the location. I think its better to get up early and enjoy your day and go to bed early. If there was night life we missed it, which was fine because by the end of our days in costa rica we were usually pretty exausted!!" Visited in Nov 2010

"a little too tourisy but wonderful all the same- glad we got to see it" Visited in Jul 2011

"Manuel Antonio is an excellent park and we saw lots of wild life there." Visited in Feb 2011


"Loved Manuel Antonio - great beaches, the park is OK - saw lots of monkeys and a couple of sloths but not much else. Definitely will go back" Visited in Jan 2011

"we loved monkeys and ocean" Visited in Dec 2010

"Of course the Marlin, some of our best meals were part of excursions: Lovely lunch on the home terrace after horseback riding with Venegas family's Finca Valmy Tours, evening resort dinner after mangrove tour, etc. Thanks!" Visited in Apr 2011

"Absolutely breathtaking views and scenary. LOVED IT!" Visited in Jan 2011

"Beautiful area. Would have been helpful to know about the private beaches in Manual Antonio park, much quieter than public spaces. " Visited in Apr 2011

"A beautiful area...a little touristy, but not so much that it spoiled the experience. The scenery and beaches are beautiful." Visited in Jun 2011

"I would recommend Sancho's restuarant. Wet burritos were the best! No regrets not getting a guide since we saw just as much as those that paid double did." Visited in Apr 2011

"We liked the Kapi Kapi restaurant as it had an inventive menu and sophisticated atmosphere but it was fairly expensive." Visited in Apr 2011

"Manuel Antonio was our most favorite place. It was safe. Maybe a bit touristy, but also a good style of it's own. It was the best nature area for seeing wildlife. The locals were friendly, although some were a bit pesky as they tried to sell you things on the beach. The experience was wonderful! " Visited in Jun 2011

"Manual Antonio national park was gorgeous. The beach was very picturesque. Quepos, on the other hand felt a bit unsafe and was very dirty. Manual Antonio was a bit more touristy than Monteverde but not too much. I would suggest Manual Antonio park for nature lovers. We saw monkeys (capuchin), sloths, birds, and lizards. " Visited in Apr 2011

"This area could be crowded in more favorable time of trourist travel. We did not feel that during our stay and we know the occupancy of the resorts were down in May. It was a very nice vacation and this location was one of the main highlights. " Visited in May 2011

"El Avion is a must see built around a C-123 U.S. Air Force cargo plane on a blff overlooking the coast. The waiter was shockingly the only person in the whole week who was less than friendly. The food was OK, but the experience was worth it." Visited in Jul 2011

"WOW! loved this place and can't wait to come back! The people were great! " Visited in Apr 2011

"We had a wonderful time in Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Quepos is a perfect spot to experience local culture while enjoying travel experiences." Visited in Jul 2011

"Safe, hotel was amazing, ocean was breathtaking, and the beaches were beyond anything we had ever expected. Loved the sloths (one had just given birth), monkeys were very entertaining, lizards and wildlife were awesome!" Visited in May 2011

"We loved Manuel Antonio; it was our favorite spot of the trip. We did lots of hiking and saw so many animals. The locals were great and we met some nice people. " Visited in Jul 2011

"The beach is nice. There is enough variety in activities to make this a good family destination." Visited in May 2010

"Loved the beaches. Especially the small ones which were not too crowded. We went to the national park. It's nice and you will see some animals, birds etc...but don't expect it to be like a zoo. We loved the place and our hotel there! Beautiful Sunsets guaranteed!!" Visited in Jun 2011

"Absolutely amazing!!! Favorite place on our entire trip! Can not wait to go back. The beaches are spectacular!" Visited in Jun 2011

"Getting a bit touristy as well but it is also easy to get away from the crowds. Beaches are beautiful, the MA park is wonderful to explore and the areas from MA to Quepos is full of hotels of all ranges. One really cannot go wrong with this area. Monkeys and Iguanas on the beach with the warm sand and warm waters. Other creatures abound in the park. Nature and adventure at its best. The local people are beautiful and very nice and helpful. Worth every penny." Visited in Jun 2011

"A lot of animals to enjoy and a lot to do! Warm and beautiful!" Visited in Jan 2012

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