Water sports, jungle treks and abseiling. A stay in Manuel Antonio can be action-packed or a chance to get away from it all. So whether you relate more to the energetic spider monkeys or the more languid creatures that call the rainforest home, there’s something to suit in this captivating part of Costa Rica.
NATURE
Manuel Antonio harbours one of Costa Rica’s most diverse rainforests. With around 300 species to spot, including the brightly-coloured Quetzals and Toucans, it’s worth bringing your binoculars to this National Park. Night time tours of the jungle offer a whole new perspective – and a new album of noises.
SPORTS
Those looking to mix up beach downtime with an adrenaline rush can chart new waters with kayaks and white water rafting. Perhaps even take a boat out to sea, tagging beautiful sailfish and Marlins. On dry land, get a bird’s eye view of Manuel Antonio with family-friendly canopy safaris and ziplines – perfect for your own little monkeys.
CUISINE
If you’re by the water, expect menus full of fresh seafood such as snapper and lobster. In Quepos, you can browse the market to get up close and personal to local produce. The town is also known for its incredible street food and traditional sodas – bite-size, family-run restaurants.
With excellent surf, Playa Espadilla is the most well-known (and therefore most popular) beach in Manuel Antonio. But it’s far from the only one. For those who can manage a 40-minute rainforest hike, the cove at Playa La Macha offers a taste of serenity.