Manuel Antonio is considered the most beautiful park in Costa Rica, with enchanting white-sand beaches ideal for swimming, tropical rainforest with abundant wildlife and a group of islands offshore. White sands are bordered by lavish vegetation and the park also includes a network of trails that will guide you through an amazing tropical rain forest. Watch out for the howler and white faced monkeys bounding from branch to branch and the sloths peacefully hanging from the treetops as they share the park with you.

The beachfront town itself is packed with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Just a ten minute cab ride will take you to Quepos for some mid-afternoon shopping. Photographers — keep your lens ready to catch a sloth basking in the morning sun outside your hotel room or a troop of spider monkeys interrupting your lunch. Whatever you decide to do in Quepos and Manuel Antonio, you’ll always be in good (wild) company.

Gaia Hotel & Reserve, member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is the most luxurious option in the area while Si Como No is probably the best-known, greenest and most popular.  Boutique hotels, such as Rancho Pacifico in Dominical, and romantic getaways, such as Makanda, Xandari Pacific and Arenas del Mar, are also available.

Easily accessible from San Jose by inexpensive flights or car, the Central Pacific is a wonderful destination for both families and couples.  Recommended stays are three to five nights.

Things to Do:

Fincas Naturales

Belonging to the Hotel Si Como No, and situated just across the street is Fincas Naturales, a private rainforest preserve and butterfly garden. About three dozen species of butterfly are bred here. The garden has a sound-and-light show at night and is surrounded by nature trails.

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

In Manuel Antonio it's easy to convince yourself that you've died and gone to a coconut-filled paradise. The park's clearly marked trail system winds through rainforest-backed tropical beaches and rocky headlands and the views across the bay to the pristine outer islands are unforgettable. And then there's the wildlife - look out for iguanas, howlers, capuchins, sloths and squirrel monkeys.

Playa Espadilla

Rent a deckchair and kick back on lovely Playa Espadilla. The best beach is across from the village's main drag, gracing the southwest of Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Swimmers should beware of rip currents. There are some lifeguards working at this beach (but not at the others in the area).

 Please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at US:(850)266-7789 to talk to one of our Costa Rica vacation specialists or to design a customized Costa Rica travel package that includes a visit to the Manuel Antonio - Domical area.  Plan your romantic, adventure-filled escape or your Costa Rica family vacation with a visit to this popular region of the country.

Share with a friend