Last Updated: August 20, 2025
Just 2.5 hours from Costa Rica’s San Jose international airport lies the popular beach town of Manuel Antonio. Thousands flock to Playa Espadilla each year, drawn by gorgeous ocean views and verdant rainforest. Although a wide array of tourism businesses have sprung up along the forested hills, Manuel Antonio has managed to strike a balance between development and nature. You might be staying at a luxury hotel with all the amenities, but that won’t stop troops of monkeys from pattering across your roof or iguanas from sunning themselves at the pool. Below we share essential tips for planning your visit, including our favorite hotels, restaurants, and things to do.
All the tips in this post are based on our personal, first-hand experience. We have been living in Costa Rica since 2013 and visit Manuel Antonio regularly.
Map of Manuel Antonio
Our interactive map of Manuel Antonio with the main area beaches and top attractions.
Quick Overview
Manuel Antonio Is Best For
- Wildlife enthusiasts who want to see monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds
- Families looking for easy beach access and kid-friendly activities
- Nature lovers who want rainforest adventures without sacrificing comfort
- Beach lovers, especially those wanting ocean views
- Adventure seekers interested in zip lining, whitewater rafting, and catamaran tours
- Foodies who appreciate diverse dining options and fresh seafood
- First-time visitors to Costa Rica wanting a good mix of nature and amenities
- Those wanting convenience from San Jose Airport (only 2.5 hours by car)
Manuel Antonio Is Not Ideal For
- Budget travelers (Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most expensive destinations)
- Travelers seeking an authentic experience (it’s very touristy with few local residents)
- Those wanting a quiet, secluded getaway (the area gets busy, especially during peak season)
- Visitors looking for beachfront accommodations (most hotels are set back from the beach)
- People preferring off-the-beaten-path travel (development is extensive along the main road)
- All inclusive resort-style travel (Manuel Antonio doesn’t have any large all-inclusives)
Orientation
Manuel Antonio is about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose on the central Pacific coast.
It has one, almost mountainous, main road that climbs from the small city of Quepos, flattens at the top, and descends to the beach near the national park. Quepos is a less scenic, locals’ town that you will pass through on your way to Manuel Antonio. It’s where you’ll find basics like gas stations, grocery stores, hardware stores, and many local restaurants.
Although developed, Manuel Antonio still has plenty of thick tropical rainforest. Wildlife is plentiful all around town and is a highlight for most visitors.
Getting There
Rental Car
Everything in Manuel Antonio is located along one main road so it is possible to visit without a rental car. A local bus runs frequently up and down the hill from the bus station in Quepos. You also will find plenty of taxis.
Keep in mind, though, that the road is very steep in parts and walking to get around is not easy due to a lack of sidewalks. Learn more about how the town is set up with our Manuel Antonio Hotel Guide. We break down the different areas where you’ll find hotels and vacation rentals.
If you are interested in doing some exploring, a car is a great option. The drive time from San Jose is only about 2.5 hours. It’s fairly easy along well-maintained, paved roads. Read our Road Conditions post for what to expect or get general tips with our post on Driving in Costa Rica.
If you decide to rent a car, be sure to check out our Rental Car Discount to save 10% or more and get free extras.
Shuttle Van
Shuttles are another option if you’re not comfortable driving.
Shared shuttles hold up to 15 passengers. These are affordable at around $70 per person from San Jose Airport. They run on a set schedule and do take longer since they stop at other towns and hotels for pick-ups and drop-offs. The largest shared shuttle company in Costa Rica is Interbus.
Private shuttles are a faster option. These pick up at a custom time, are for only your group, and include some time to make stops along the way to see an attraction or get a bite to eat.
A private shuttle from SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio is around $200 per group. We work with a reliable local company if you would like help making the arrangements. Just use the link below or visit our Private Shuttle Transfers page for other routes. Learn more about our travel agency.
Domestic Flights
The fastest way to get to Manuel Antonio is to take a domestic flight from San Jose to the airstrip in Quepos. Although these small plane flights save a lot of travel time, we currently don’t recommend them due to safety and reliability concerns. Our post on Domestic Flights has more information.
Public Bus
The public bus is a great way to save some cash and will let you mingle with the locals.
The trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio is about 4 hours and costs around $11.
Be sure to take a direct bus (directo), which makes fewer stops than collective (collectivo) buses. Direct buses leave downtown San Jose (from the Tracopa terminal – see map) daily at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. The bus will drop you off right in Manuel Antonio.
When to Visit Manuel Antonio and What to Bring
When to Go
The dry season, which runs from December to April, has the best, most consistent, weather and is the busiest time of year. Temperatures are hot, in the 80s ℉ (30 ℃), with little to no rain.
During popular vacation weeks, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, the area can get congested. If you visit then, expect the beach to be at capacity, with tourists escaping the chill of winter and local families gathering to celebrate the holidays.
Because Manuel Antonio has become so popular, it typically stays busy all high season (mid-December through April). If you’re visiting then and looking to avoid the crowds, we’d recommend another destination instead. Our post on Off-the-Beaten Path Destinations in Costa Rica has some recommendations.
Another option is to plan your visit during the hedge months of May, June, July, or August. Although you might get an afternoon downpour, the rainy season doesn’t get too intense until later in the year. As a reward for putting up with some wet weather, you’ll enjoy lower hotel rates, more towel space at the beach, and the rainforest at its lushest.
For more information about visiting during rainy season, read our post Rainy Season in Costa Rica: How Wet Is It?
Check out our short video of a typical day in Manuel Antonio in rainy season
Packing
Shorts, T-shirts, sandals, and casual dresses for women work great for Manuel Antonio’s relaxed beach vibe. Lightweight fabrics work especially well since this region is very humid. We prefer lightweight cotton or fabrics that wick-away moisture for hikes and other activities.
Since you’ll likely be hiking in the national park and doing some adventure activities, bring sneakers with good grip or hiking boots. Sandals with straps are also handy for catamaran tours, beach hopping, or if you plan to visit any waterfalls on day trips.
Don’t forget a good day pack for carrying water, snacks, and cameras. Binoculars are worth bringing if you’re serious about wildlife viewing.
During the rainy season, pack a light rain jacket and umbrella since afternoon showers are common.
For more information on what to pack, check out our post Packing for Costa Rica: The Essentials.
Things to Do in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a convenient jumping-off point for almost any tour you would want to do in Costa Rica.
Zip lining, hiking, whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, ATV, wildlife tours, mangrove boat or kayak tours, jet skiing, sportfishing, sunset cruises, birding, and even parasailing are available.
Below are some of the can’t-miss activities as well as lesser-known excursions that might not be in your guidebook.
Free Booking Service
For more information and help booking, use the product links in this post and we will take care of all the arrangements. Booking through us doesn’t cost extra and helps support our website.
View tours in Manuel Antonio
Learn more about our travel agency
Manuel Antonio National Park
Overview
You can’t come to Manuel Antonio without experiencing its famous national park.
With sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds along even the main trail, you won’t have to look hard to find wildlife. The park’s trails have improved a lot over the years. Now, you will find well-maintained paths that lead to spectacular viewpoints, secluded beaches, and small waterfalls.
In addition to wildlife, a big draw of the national park is its main beach, Playa Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio Beach). This gorgeous beach has light (almost white) sand and generally calm water.
For more tips on visiting the park, including important information about buying tickets online, read our post Manuel Antonio National Park: Hiking, Wildlife, and Beautiful Beaches.
Guided vs. Unguided Tours
Although wildlife is fairly easy to see along the trails at the national park, we still highly recommend hiring a naturalist guide. A good guide will teach you about the birds and animals you encounter and be able to spot more than you with their trained eye.
There are guides lined up outside the park every morning, but you have to be careful because not all of them are trained naturalists.
We work with a company with excellent, certified guides and would be happy to set you up with them. Just use the link below and we will contact you by email once everything is confirmed. Booking through us costs the same and helps support our website.
Beaches
Playa Espadilla
Espadilla Beach is the main beach and focal point of Manuel Antonio. This long stretch of sand has rows of thick palm and almond trees, creating a tropical backdrop. It does get busy during high season but since it’s a long beach (about 1.3 miles/2.1 km), there’s still plenty of space to spread out.
The water is good for wading but can have rip currents so it’s not the best for swimming.
You’ll find the most amenities right at the bottom of the hill near Marlin restaurant. Vendors rent beach chairs and there are a few restaurants and shops right across the street. The northern end of the beach called Playitas is usually the least busy and where the locals go.
Playa Biesanz
Although it is becoming more well-known, Biesanz Beach is less busy and one of our favorite spots for families. This small, protected cove has calm water, perfect for swimming.
It’s about a 10-minute walk down a short trail through the forest. The beach is surrounded by lush rainforest, and you can sometimes spot monkeys in the trees above.
Most catamaran tours visit Playa Biesanz, so you can experience it from both land and sea. You can usually rent snorkel gear right on the beach, though conditions vary.
National Park Beaches
As we mentioned, the park’s beaches are spectacular but can get crowded, especially on weekends with locals. Get there early for more peace and quiet.
If the main beach is busy, you can make the short walk to the other beach inside the park, which is actually the southern end of Playa Espadilla. The water here isn’t as calm as at the park’s main beach, but the scenery is amazing.
Catamaran Cruise
A fun way to take in Manuel Antonio’s scenic coastline is on a catamaran or sailing cruise.
You’ll follow the coast to enjoy views of the lush green jungle. There are several different tours/boats to choose from, but they all visit the marine portion of Manuel Antonio National Park and then the secluded Playa Biesanz for some snorkeling in the jade green water.
Three catamaran/sailing tours that we have gone out with ourselves and recommend are the Ocean King (a 100′ party boat), Sunset Sails (a 49′ family-run catamaran), and Brisa Elegante (an upscale sailing cruise).
Kids Saving the Rainforest
Kids Saving the Rainforest is doing some amazing work to help ensure that Manuel Antonio’s development doesn’t harm local wildlife.
They rescue and treat injured or orphaned animals like monkeys and sloths and have made great strides towards increasing the population of the endangered squirrel monkey. You will probably see some of their monkey bridges hanging over the road on your visit (look for the blue ropes).
Tours of their wildlife sanctuary and volunteering are available. This is an especially good activity for kids because they will be able to see wildlife close up.
Traveling with kids? Be sure to check out our Costa Rica with Kids page for lots of family travel tips.
Sportfishing
Quepos is known worldwide for its spectacular sportfishing so if catching a trophy fish is on your bucket list, this is the place to do it.
Sailfish, Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo are often hooked offshore. When the fishing is better inshore, you can find Roosterfish, Snook, Snapper, Mackerel, and Jacks.
Prices start at around $750 for a full-day inshore or $1,100 for a full-day offshore (up to 5 people). This is for a boat for only your group. In Costa Rica, shared charters are not common.
Quepos Feria (Farmers Market)
Take a stroll through the feria near the seawall in Quepos to see local farmers hocking mamon chino (rambutan), tamarindo (tamarind), guanabana (soursop), and other exotic fruits and veggies.
The market is open Fridays in the afternoon starting at 4:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings until about 12:30 p.m.
More Activities
Looking for more things to do? Check out these activity guides:
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do Near Manuel – Lesser-known activities like a bee farm, rural tourism project, and authentic chocolate tour.
Top Things to Do in Manuel Antonio – A night tour, adventure combo with waterfall rappelling, and more details about some of the things we cover in this article.
Restaurants in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is one of the best places for dining in Costa Rica. It has dozens of restaurants with everything from authentic Italian, sushi, Thai, and falafel to American fare and fresh off-the-boat seafood.
Because these restaurants cater to tourists, prices are on the high end for Costa Rica. Dinner entrees range from $10 to up to $40. But like most areas of the country, there are options for the budget traveler as well.
We have been lucky to try many restaurants in Manuel Antonio because we live nearby. Here are a few that we find ourselves always going back to. For a complete list, read our post Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide.
Emilio’s Cafe
Our favorite restaurant in Manuel Antonio is Emilio’s Cafe.
Emilio’s strikes the perfect balance of having nice ambiance, but in a comfortable environment. Their ocean view is outstanding from way atop the hill.
The food is great too and they have things that you won’t find anywhere else like homemade burrata cheese. Some of our favorite dishes are the poke bowl, ceviche, octopus with garlic and potatoes, and also their sandwiches. If you like dessert, their homemade cheesecakes and chocolate mousse pies are outstanding.
Falafel Bar
Most people don’t come to Costa Rica for Middle Eastern cuisine, but Falafel Bar is worth a stop. The falafel and hummus are some of the best we have ever had.
Plates and sandwiches are served with delicious hand-cut fries and you can balance your meal with some super fresh veggies from the salad bar. They also make yummy fruit smoothies; one of our favorites is the mango-ginger.
El Patio de Cafe Milagro
For the freshest cup of coffee in town, head to local roaster Cafe Milagro. Enjoy your morning cup of joe on their nicely landscaped outdoor patio or try one of their creative dishes.
They offer three meals a day and incorporate a lot of local ingredients. For breakfast, we recommend the tasty banana pancakes or mango crepes. And for dinner, their brined meats are delicious.
Cafe Milagro is a staple in Manuel Antonio and has been around for years.
Marina Pez Vela
In the Quepos Marina about 10 minutes away, you’ll find several more amazing restaurants to choose from.
For a casual spot right on the water, there’s the Fisherman-themed Runaway Grill. For fine dining, Gabriella’s is our go to. And be sure to finish your meal with a sweet treat from Gelateria Amorosi – we can never resist!
Hotels in Manuel Antonio
Like restaurants, lodging in Manuel Antonio is numerous and ranging. Over 100 hotels are spread out around town, with many more vacation rentals on side roads and in the hills.
You can find everything from luxury bungalows and condo-style resorts to kid-friendly eco-lodges. Although prices tend towards mid-to-high end, there are some budget-friendly choices as well.
For a full list of hotels in Manuel Antonio, read our post Manuel Antonio Hotel Guide.
High-end Hotels
Gaia Hotel and Reserve
For a luxury escape, head to the elegant Gaia Hotel and Reserve.
The Gaia is a boutique hotel set in a nature reserve with beautiful jungle and ocean views. The property is very intimate, making it perfect for couples and honeymooners. Customer is king here, and a personal concierge is available to tend to your every need.
$200-1,000/night. Adults only (ages 13+). Check Rates and Availability Here.
Parador Resort
The Parador Resort is one of the most popular hotels in Manuel Antonio.
It is a larger property located on a quiet point, surrounded by ocean and lush jungle filled with wildlife.
The resort has several pools, including one for families, nature trails on-site, a few restaurants, a spa, and easy access to the secluded Biesanz Beach. Because of its larger size, it can accommodate families and groups.
Our family has stayed here and really enjoyed it. We especially liked seeing the monkeys and sloths in the trees around the property. Read our full review.
Parador has received a sustainable tourism certification in Costa Rica.
$250-900/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel La Mariposa
La Mariposa is a mid-size hotel in a great location. It is perfectly situated at the highest point in town so has the best ocean views. Several restaurants and markets are within walking distance. The beach is a short drive away, but the property has a gorgeous infinity pool.
$250-550/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Mid-range Hotels
Hotel Plaza Yara
An excellent value for the area is Hotel Plaza Yara.
Plaza Yara is located right off the main road, closer to Quepos. The hotel is modern and tastefully decorated with local artwork throughout. Spacious rooms have kitchenettes for when you want to stay in. Has a nice pool surrounded by forest.
$100-200/night. They now also have a spacious 2-bedroom house for around $260-400/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel Costa Verde
Another good mid-range choice is Hotel Costa Verde.
Costa Verde consists of a mix of traditional-style hotel rooms, freestanding bungalows, and even few fuselage suites made from old airplanes.
It sits high up on a bluff giving some of the rooms sweeping ocean views and great sunsets. This hotel is especially good for families because wildlife like monkeys are always roaming the grounds. We have stayed here with our kids a couple of times and enjoyed it.
$150-800/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Budget Hotels
Hostel Plinio
Towards the beginning of the road is the popular Hostel Plinio. Set on a hill with thick jungle all around, this large hostel has both private rooms with A/C for $70-120, private rooms with a shared bath for $30-50, and shared dorms for $16-23/night. Check Rates and Availability.
Hotel Manuel Antonio
Hotel Manuel Antonio is a simple, no-frills hotel in an excellent location. It’s at the end of the road right across the street from the beach and just a short walk to the national park. We stayed here many years ago on one of our first trips to Costa Rica and loved the ocean view. The rooms are basic, but clean, and you can’t beat the location. Private room with A/C, $100-150/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Conclusion
There is much more to say about Manuel Antonio than we could possibly fit in this post. With all the opportunities for adventure and good food, one could easily spend a week or more exploring and enjoying the area. When we used to vacation in Costa Rica, we always made sure that Manuel Antonio was one of our stops. Now that we live here, we visit whenever we can.
Practical Information About Visiting Manuel Antonio
Currency and Payment Info
The local currency is the Costa Rican colon (₡), but US dollars are widely accepted throughout Manuel Antonio. Just keep in mind the exchange rate when paying in USD.
Just about all restaurants, hotels, and tour companies accept credit cards. Taxis and some small vendors (e.g., beach chair rentals, souvenirs) will likely be cash-only. ATMs and banks are readily available in Quepos and along the main road in Manuel Antonio.
For more information about handling money for your trip, read our Money Matters post.
Safety Tips
Manuel Antonio is generally very safe for tourists, but like any popular destination, requires some basic precautions.
Never leave valuables unattended on the beach or visible in your car, use the hotel safe for passports and extra cash, be cautious when swimming due to rip currents, stick to well-lit areas at night, and watch out for monkeys who are known to grab bags and food!
Here is a link to our full Safety Tips post with more information.
Manuel Antonio has tourist police right in town in case of any problems.
Medical Facilities
Manuel Antonio and Quepos have private medical clinics with English-speaking doctors. These small clinics can help with basic problems and triage more serious problems to get you the help you need. We have used some of these doctors ourselves and the care was excellent.
The nearest hospital is the public hospital in Quepos. San Jose has the closest private hospitals.
We have lots more information about this topic in our post Medical Care in Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
It’s also a great idea to get travel insurance as medical care is often not covered abroad.
Language
While Spanish is Costa Rica’s official language, English is widely spoken throughout Manuel Antonio since it’s such a big tourist destination.
Most restaurant menus and hotel staff will accommodate English speakers. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases (see our guide) is appreciated but not necessary. If you plan to take the public bus or taxis, it’s good to know a little Spanish.
Family-Friendly Activities
Manuel Antonio has several other fun things to do with kids:
Quepos Playground: On the seawall on the way to the marina is a playground. It’s a fun place for your kids to interact with local kids.
Parque Nahomi: Small, municipal park right next to the water, not far from the playground. Has beautiful views of the cove. See map location.
El Avion Restaurant: This restaurant is literally built into an old airplane and has kid-friendly food. Kids can sit in the cockpit.
El Wagon Restaurant: A great pizza restaurant where you can dine inside an old train car.
Uvita Waterfall: About 1.25 hours south is this small waterfall that’s easy to access and perfect with kids.
Sample Itineraries
Manuel Antonio is closest to San Jose Airport so be sure to structure your itinerary to fly in or out of SJO. Here are some sample itineraries we’ve created that include Manuel Antonio:
Costa Rica: Your One-Week Itinerary – Combines Manuel Antonio’s beaches and wildlife with La Fortuna for volcano and hot springs.
Costa Rica: Your Two-Week Itinerary – Starts in La Fortuna, then takes you to Manuel Antonio and Drake Bay for the perfect mix of beach, rainforest, adventure, and pristine nature.
10 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: Jungle Hopping, Beaches & Waterfalls – Goes to La Fortuna/Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and ends just south of Manuel Antonio in the lesser-known Uvita/Dominical area.
Costa Rica Itinerary with Osa Peninsula – A 12-day itinerary that incorporates popular destinations like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio and more off-the-beaten spots like Drake Bay and San Gerardo de Dota for cloud forest.
Cultural Activities
Like many of Costa Rica’s beach destinations, Manuel Antonio is primarily focused on tourism rather than local culture. Here are a couple of ways to experience authentic Costa Rican culture:
Visit Quepos: Walk around downtown Quepos to mingle with the locals. Quepos has some souvenir shops and local restaurants serving traditional Costa Rican food. It’s also where Cafe Milagro roasts its beans. You can buy bags of coffee to take home at their shop. If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday, the farmers market is a great cultural activity. Just keep in mind that Quepos has a little more crime than Manuel Antonio so daytime visits are best.
Los Campesinos: Another good spot to experience the culture is Los Campesinos, a rural tourism organization with a rustic hike and hanging bridge. You can get an authentic lunch cooked over a wood stove. See our post on Off-the-Beaten Path Things to Do Near Manuel Antonio for more information.
Have you been to Manuel Antonio? What was the most memorable part of your visit? Leave a comment below.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book a hotel using one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
Check out these posts for more information to help plan your visit to Costa Rica:
La Fortuna: What to Expect – La Fortuna/Arenal is commonly paired with Manuel Antonio. Get all the info on what to expect with our destination guide.
Monteverde: A Forest in the Clouds – Monteverde is another popular destination in Costa Rica. It’s famous for its lush cloud forest and nature activities.
Destinations – Plan your trip with our Destinations page, which has articles like this for over 50 cities and towns in Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio Hotel Guide – Learn more about how Manuel Antonio is set up and get suggestions on the best places to stay.
Bejuco: A Destination Between Destinations – If Manuel Antonio seems too busy, consider Bejuco, just north. Bejuco is a smaller beach town that’s a reasonable drive to activities in both Manuel Antonio and Jaco.
