Manuel Antonio is located just two and a half hours away from the San Jose airport and sits in a beautiful area on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
The beautiful beaches, friendly local folk, and protected National Park are some things that have been captivating people's attention from all over the world and bringing them here for many years.
The Manuel Antonio National Park is considered the gem of the area. With a small entrance fee you can explore the lush rainforest on well-maitained paths that wind their way through the National Park, leading you to different beautiful beaches. These pristine beaches are the ideal place to relax on the white sand or go for a dip in the ocean. You can also bring a picnic and spend the day; in fact, there are no commerical businesses or restaurants, which helps to maintain the natural beauty of the park and preserve it for future generations!
The park is the home to 100 species of mammals and over 200 species of birds. If you are a birder, bring your binoculars as this is truly paradise. Many people often are also able to spot different types of monkeys, coatlicues, iguanas and sloths. Be sure to watch your belongings as the white-faced monkeys are known to snatch your stuff when you aren't looking! Outside of the park there is also a lot to see and do! The main street that bridges Quepos and Manuel Antonio is dotted with many types of hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. There is something to suit all budgets, from cute little b&bs to grand resorts, pizza restaurants to fine dining, you will definitely find what you are looking for.
During the dry season, from December to April, there are many festivals, sporting events, street performances and concerts that bring the community together and celebrate the vibrancy Quepos embodies. The beach located in Manuel Antonio proper, spans over a half mile long and is surely a sight to see. You will be treated to white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, providing the ideal situation for the many different ocean activities that are available.
The coral reef and the abundance of colorful fish attracts all levels of snorkelers and scuba divers to come explore the deep blue ocean, and the surrounding mountains and rainforest create a quintessentail backdrop to an excellent day on a catamaran, watching the whales and dolphins, or just plain relaxing. Many visitors to Costa Rica visit multiple destination during their stay and choose Manuel Antonio as one of their stopping points. Check out Desafio's many ˜Adventure Connections" that offer fun activities like rafting or canyoneering to break up the drive between destinations like the Arenal Volcano or Monteverde!
