Why See Manuel Antonio Costa Rica?
Because Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, nature lovers will have difficulty choosing what to see and where to stay first. While Costa Rica has the incredible Arenal volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall, other destinations have formations like these too. If it is your first visit to Costa Rica or your tropical vacation there will be limited in time, I strongly advise creating lifelong memories with an immersive eco-experience of Manuel Antonio.
What should you know about Costa Rica?
Manuel Antonio is in the south west portion of Costa Rica where Howler and Spider Monkeys, Three Toed Sloths and Parrots are commonly seen from the many boutique hotel properties of this ocean front region.
- Costa Rica is a little less than 1,300 miles/2,100 km or 3.5hr direct flight from Orlando to the centrally located San Jose International Airport
- U.S. Citizens are required to present a valid passport for entry into Costa Rica
- Costa Rica is safe, and the U.S. has very strong relations, however like any vacation, you should always be mindful of your surroundings, personal belongings and respectful of the host country
- Because Costa Rica is close to the equator many people may incorrectly think it must be HOT! Actually, it is warm, but the equator makes the weather more consistent year round with temperatures ranging between 75-85F or 24-29C degrees, and the dry season is between December-April, making these months the very best time to visit Costa Rica
Note: Manuel Antonio is located on the Pacific Coast side of Costa Rica and is slightly warmer and drier with average annual temperates ranging between 70-95F or 21-35C degrees annually and the dry season lasting longer between November - March (best time to visit).
What are the best things to do in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica?
- Manuel Antonio National Park- take a safe guided tour thru one of the richest biodiverse rain forests in the world, see; Sloths, Monkeys, armies of Cutter Ants and much more while a tour guide educates you about the incredibly sensitive ecosystem
(Above Right: Praying Mantis, picture taken from Manuel Antonio National Park)
- Rain Maker Conservation Park- take a small group or privately guided tour through one of the more secluded jungles of the region, walk thru the top of jungle canopy using rope suspension bridges and feel the temperature drop as you move deeper into the jungle, see waterfalls, streams, and take a swim in refreshing pools fed by some of freshest rain water in the world
(Rainmaker Conservation Park; Waterfalls, Hiking Trails and Jungle Suspension Bridge)
- Jaco- take a half day out of your eco-experience to shop and stroll the sidewalks of this small beach town. Before you leave be sure to have lunch and try tasting Costa Rican coffee, known for it's delicious sweetness
(Adriana Da Silva in Jaco, Costa Rica)
- Quepos- stroll thru the souvenir shops, smell the rich blend of foods being cooked from the many open air cafe and restaurants, have lunch or dinner, overlooking the jungle in this modest little town of boutique resorts located just north of the national park of Manuel Antonio
(Dinner in Quepos, Costa Rica overlooking the Jungle)
- Boutique Resorts- you cannot visit Costa Rica without immersing yourself within the heart and soul of this country's jungles. For a truly unforgettable eco-tourism experience, stay at one of the boutique resorts that will provide you with ocean & jungle views, and safe onsite jungle walking
(Above left: Three Toed Sloth, picture taken on the property of a Boutique Hotel in Quepos Costa Rica)
What are the best beaches in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica?
Manuel Antoni is located in the Puntarenas Province along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and you simply cannot go wrong choosing a beach, however because of the sometimes rocky shorelines the Pacific Coast is known for, some beaches may be more 'picturesque' than 'swimmer friendly.'
- Most Family Friendly Beach- Manuel Antonio Beach, located at the National Park of Manuel Antonio. You can take a bus for the day, or just take along your swimming gear and enjoy the beach after visiting the park. The shore is soft, and you wont need water shoes
(Above: Beach at Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica)
- Most Unique Beach- Biesanz Beach, (this happens to be my favorite) located in the small town of Quepos, this beach is secluded at the bottom of a steep but walkable hill, and then an additional 5min walk thru jungle where you most certainly will hear the sounds of small howler monkey's making their presence known with their big distinctive voices. This beach is in a small cove, with lots of protective shade from the sun. You'll find local vendors selling food and beverages including fresh ice cold coconut water straight from the coconuts. So, while restaurants are nearby, it will not be necessary to leave this beach if you are hungry or forgot to bring some beverages to quench your thirst
(Above: Biensanz Beach, Quepos Costa Rica)
- Most Intimate/Romantic Beach- As a romantic getaway for couples these are plentiful, but located on the private properties of the boutique jungle hotels throughout the charming town of Quepos. Most of these will require a 10min walk through jungle and sometimes steep or rocky hills to access, and may not be appropriate for persons with disabilities. Beachgoers exploring these private oasis should also be mindful of tidal changes. While these private beaches can be incredibly romantic, you want to avoid becoming trapped
(Private Beach at Boutique Resort in Quepos Costa Rica)
Currency and payment accepted in Costa Rica:
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rica Colo'n, named after Christopher Columbus. The U.S. Dollar is widely accepted and currently is much stronger than the Colo'n, so visitors may find the price of many things in Costa Rica to be affordable, but the exchange rate difficult to follow. While most major credit cards are accepted with major merchants in Costa Rica, you will commonly find the smaller merchants prefer cash, and sometimes only the Colo'n. In addition, ATM machines are not widely found throughout Quepos and Manuel Antonio, so plan to exchange and carry a reasonable amount of 'Colo'n while visiting this smaller region of Costa Rica.
Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
This is personal preference, depending upon your desire to explore independently and whether or not you are staying with one of the boutique hotels which offer airport transfer. If you use Airport Transfer from a boutique hotel, do not worry about transportation throughout the area, as public transportation, tour buses, and taxis are plentiful, safe and easy. In addition, most things to enjoy within each small town are very walkable.
Language:
Spanish is the primary spoken language of Costa Ricans, however, many people in the tourism industry do speak English, and most signage is in both English and Spanish. Because English is not quite as common in Costa Rica as it is in Mexico and other common tourist destinations, unless you have someone in your travel party who speaks Spanish. you should anticipate running into at least a few language barriers.
Final Thoughts:
There are endless choices for romantic getaways for couples and eco-tourists to create lifelong memories in Costa Rica. If you will have limited time or visit Costa Rica only once, then I strongly advise an immersive eco-holiday in 'Manuel Antonio.' With three toed sloths, and monkeys being commonly seen on the boutique hotel properties, and Parrots flying by, almost on cue, during one of the breath taking sunsets as you take in dinner, you will have no choice but to 'get there fast and take it slow.'
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