Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio

Last Updated: May 20, 2012

Manuel Antonio Snapshot

Summary: Beautiful beaches; family-friendly destination; great for nature enthusiasts.
Landscape: Beaches, Rainforest
Attractions: Adventure Tours, Damas Island, Manuel Antonio National Park
Activities: Bird & Wildlife Watching, Nature Tours, Parasailing, Swimming
Caters to: Budget Travelers, Couples/Honeymooners, Families, Wildlife Enthusiasts

Located on the central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio attracts sun-lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor adventure seekers. Clean turquoise waters grace the shores of the many beaches and coves that form the serpentine coast. A three-hour drive from San Jose, the area is also accessible by domestic airline and public bus.

Quick Facts

Location: 110 miles from San Jose
Average Temperature: 69-89°F
Altitude: 82 feet above sea level

Photo Gallery

rainforest backdrop playa manuel antonio national park

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Videos

Parasailing at the Beach

Whitewater Rafting the Savegre River

Manuel Antonio is one of the country's most popular vacation destinations due to its beautiful beaches and incredible wildlife. Mangrove tours, canopy zip-lines, parasailing, scuba diving and horseback excursions are all on offer. But the star of the town is its national park, famous for its troops of playful monkeys. Early morning hikers to Manuel Antonio National Park will likely see howler and white-faced monkeys, black spiny iguanas, coatimundis as well as three-toed sloths.

The beaches inside the park are some of the most stunning in Costa Rica, and a great place to laze the day away, enjoying the gentle breezes and shady patches along the shore. Within the park, emerald rainforest creeps up to the water's edge, creating an idyllic scene. Despite recent development and increased tourism, Manuel Antonio remains a magical place where jungle meets the sea, and nature completely envelopes you.

The winding road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio is lined with hotels and restaurants, many with fantastic ocean views. Whether you're on a shoestring budget or looking for luxury, Manuel Antonio offers something for everyone.