hoscars: best hostel in costa rica 2025
MANUEL ANTONIO
🌴 Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Top Activities to Experience in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
🍛 1. Taste Authentic Costa Rican Dishes – Sample classic plates like casados, gallo pinto, and fresh seafood at local eateries.
🌊 2. Go Whitewater Rafting – Conquer the rapids of the Savegre or Naranjo rivers for an adrenaline-packed adventure.
🏝️ 3. Unwind on Manuel Antonio’s Beautiful Beaches – Lounge on the soft sands of Playa Espadilla or Playa Biesanz, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
✈️ 4. Have a Meal at El Avion Restaurant – Enjoy delicious food in a repurposed Cold War-era cargo plane turned eatery.
🌙 5. Experience the Rainforest After Dark – Embark on a guided night walk to observe nocturnal creatures like frogs, insects, and reptiles.
🏫 6. Explore the Town of Quepos – Visit the local market, stroll along the marina, and soak in the town’s lively atmosphere.
🌅 7. Catch a Stunning Sunset – Watch the sun dip below the horizon from a beachfront bar or scenic lookout.
🐊 8. Visit the Crocodile Bridge Over the Tarcoles River – Witness enormous crocodiles lounging along the riverbanks.
🦅 9. Zipline Through the Rainforest Canopy – Glide across thrilling zipline courses for breathtaking views of the jungle.
🚣🏽♀️ 10. Kayak Through Damas Island Mangroves – Paddle through winding waterways filled with exotic wildlife.
🏄🏽♀️ 11. Try Surfing at Playa Espadilla – Take a lesson and ride the beginner-friendly waves.
🦜 12. Visit a Wildlife Rescue Center – Support conservation efforts and learn about rescued animals at Kids Saving the Rainforest.
⛵ 13. Set Sail on a Catamaran Tour – Snorkel, spot dolphins, and enjoy refreshments on a boat trip along the coast.
🍫 14. Tour a Coffee and Chocolate Farm – Discover the traditional process of making Costa Rica’s famous coffee and chocolate.
🌿 15. Discover Manuel Antonio National Park – Wander scenic trails and observe diverse wildlife, including sloths, capuchin monkeys, and vibrant birds.
💧 16. Walk the Trails at Rainmaker Conservation Park – Explore hanging bridges, waterfalls, and a biodiverse ecosystem.
Must-Do Day Trips from Manuel Antonio
🏞️ 17. Explore Nauyaca Waterfalls – Hike or take a horseback ride to these spectacular waterfalls with refreshing pools.
🐳 18. Visit Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita – Walk along the unique whale tail-shaped sandbar and explore the pristine beaches.
🐋 19. Go Whale Watching in Uvita – Spot majestic humpback whales during migration season (July–October, December–March).
🛍️ 20. Experience Dominical’s Surf and Art Scene – Enjoy the laid-back vibe, browse local markets, and watch surfers take on the waves.
🌅 Final Thoughts
Manuel Antonio is one of the best places in Costa Rica for beaches, wildlife, and adventure. Whether you’re hiking, spotting sloths, or surfing, it’s a must-visit destination!
Would you rather chill on the beach or hike in the jungle?
🌿 Complete Manuel Antonio National Park Visitors Guide
📍 Location & Hours
- Open WEDESDAY - TUESDAYS (Closed TUESDAYS)
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🎟️ Entrance Fees
- $18 per adult
- $5 per child
- Free for Costa Ricans
🚶 Best Way to Visit
- Arrive early (before 8 AM) to avoid crowds!
- No food allowed (except small snacks).
- Bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
🦥 Wildlife to Spot
✅ Sloths (two-toed & three-toed) ✅ Howler, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys✅ Iguanas & colorful frogs✅ Toucans, scarlet macaws & hummingbirds.
🥾 11 Trails for Hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park
1️⃣ Main Trail – Easy, best for spotting wildlife
2️⃣ Playa Manuel Antonio Trail – Leads to the park’s best beach
3️⃣ Sendero Punta Catedral – Best ocean views!
4️⃣ Playa Espadilla Sur Trail – Quiet beach access
5️⃣ Sendero Los Congos – Great for spotting howler monkeys
6️⃣ Mirador Trail – Highest viewpoint in the park
7️⃣ Manglar Trail – Goes through a mangrove forest
8️⃣ Waterfall Trail – Seasonal, but great after rain
9️⃣ Perezoso Trail – Best for sloth spotting
🔟 Playa Gemelas Trail – Leads to a secluded beach
1️⃣1️⃣ La Trampa Trail – Short but scenic
🦜 Spotting Animals in Manuel Antonio National Park
Best Time for Wildlife Spotting
- Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (2-4 PM)
- Visit in the dry season (Dec - April) for best visibility.
Best Spots for Animals
- Sloths & monkeys: Near the main trail & Perezoso Trail
- Toucans & macaws: Look high in the canopy
- Reptiles & frogs: Near the Manglar Trail
🐾 Guided Tours or Solo?
- Guided tours ($25-$30 per person) help spot animals you might miss!
- Self-guided is possible, but bring binoculars & patience!
🏖️ Stunning Manuel Antonio Beaches to Visit
1️⃣ Playa Manuel Antonio – Inside the park, calm waters & white sand
2️⃣ Playa Espadilla Norte – Best for surfing & sunsets
3️⃣ Playa Espadilla Sur – Quiet & great for swimming
4️⃣ Playa Biesanz – Secluded, great for snorkeling
5️⃣ Playa La Macha – Hidden gem, requires a hike
6️⃣ Playa Playitas – Small, rocky beach near town
7️⃣ Playa Tulemar – Private beach for guests of Tulemar Resort
