Manuel Antonio Park Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio and Manuel Antonio National Park are beautiful places to be in Costa Rica. This town is situated in Mid Pacific and is one of the hottest tourist attractions around. With all the divergent wildlife and natural surroundings, this place holds something for everyone. From the white beaches to the rainforests, from coral reefs to mountains, this beautiful town has it all.

How to Get Here

Manuel Antonio can be reached by car from San Jose. It can also be reached by bus or plane as well. Buses run from the airport every 20 minutes and bus companies such as Fantasy Bus Company and Interbus Company provide bus services to this and other popular Costa Rica attractions. If you want a Taxi, the rate is $5. There are also scooter rentals for the adventurous and car rentals. When driving from San Jose, take the Pan American Highway to access these destinations. Car rentals can be procured at either Juan Santamaría Airport or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport.

Natural Parks

Manuel Antonio has one very famous National Park and that is Manuel Antonio National Park. This wonderful park was created in 1972 and has many different activities to do Horseback riding is one such activity and trail walking and hiking is another inside the National Park. There are four beaches inside the park for surfing and swimming such as Espadilla Sur. For a trail to enjoy check out the Perezoso Trail. You may see a variety of animals such as ocelots, scarlet macaws and toucans just to name a few of the animals that you may see here.

What to see and What to Do?

Manuel Antonio has many different activities to do and see when here. If you are interested in exploring here by water, then the White River rafting experience in Naranjo River is one that will get your blood pumping. If you are looking for a canopy exploration then Rainmaker Reserve and Canopy Walk may be your best choice. For Scuba divers and snorkelers, this is a dream come true. Manuel Antonio National Park also has activities such as a guided hike through the National Park or a Canopy Safari.

Places to Stay

Manuel Antonio has several hotels and resorts in the area. One of note is the ever popular La Mariposa Hotel. This hotel is situated between the Pacific Ocean, Manuel Antonio National Park and Quepos. Another hotel that bears looking into is the Hotel California located in Manuel Antonio. This hotel is situated close to many activities. If you are looking for hotels near the National Park, here are a few to choose from. Hotel Mango Moon is only minutes from the park. Hotel Makanda is just off the main thoroughfare between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. With easy access to a lot of activities, this is your best choice when staying near the National Park.

Places to eat

Manuel Antonio has plenty of good restaurants in the area such as Café Milagro. This restaurant has many items on the menu like gourmet coffee deserts and bagels. It is located in downtown Quepos. Gran Escape is also located in Quepos and has a variety of food to tempt your taste buds and satisfy your stomach. There are also restaurants near Manuel Antonio National Park such as Bambu Jam which is on the way to the National Park and serves many different dishes. Agua Azul is another restaurant of note in the area serving seafood and salads.

Where to Party and Play all Night

Manuel Antonio has a fair amount of night life. So if dancing is what you like, try the Cockatoo for dancing the night away. If you like games then come to the Billfish Bar which has a casino next door for those that what casino actions. Another place for casino action is Hotel Byblos. The Lounge is a good place to go for listening to music. Wacky Wanda’s is a good place to check out as this is popular with both locals and tourists alike. If movies are your thing, then check out Hotel Si Como No in Manuel Antonio.