Manuel Antonio Hotels

Manuel Antonio Hotels

Manuel Antonio National Park is famous for its large areas of unspoiled rainforest, teaming with rare wildlife and plants, and offering hiking, mountain biking, and many other ways to enjoy the outdoors. The park slopes down to sandy beaches and warm clear waters, where the rainforest meets the coast, and here you can enjoy surfing or simply watch colorful fish swimming around your ankles. Nearby, the small village offers the change to enjoy laid back Costa Rican life, with friendly local bars and restaurants which open until late.

Things to see

Manuel Antonio Beach has long stretches of sand, clear turquoise seas, and the backdrop of the rainforest's huge palm trees. The beach never gets too crowded, and along the shore you'll see people fishing, surfing, or snorkeling along the coral reefs. Occasionally, you'll see monkeys popping out of the forest, looking to steal treats from tourist's bags, or nibbling on star fruit found in the trees. At the Finca Naturales Wildlife Refuge, you'll see all sorts of endangered species rescued from the local area, from sloths to anteaters, poison dart frogs to squirrel monkeys, and along the palm tree lined walkways you'll be able to see these creatures up close, in their natural habitat. Thrillseekers will love the ADR Adventure Park, where you can zipline through tumbling waterfalls, climb up rock faces to enjoy the rainforest views, or take the Tarzan swing across a canyon. All safety equipment such as harnesses are provided, so you'll have safe, yet wild fun.

Hotels in Manuel Antonio

You'll enjoy a wide choice of Manuel Antonio hotels and resorts, which combine modern facilities with the beauty of the rainforest location. You'll find hotels with treetop suites and apartments, so you have all the facilities you need while on vacation, as well as extras such as free WiFi, complimentary breakfasts, and free parking. Many hotels offer outdoor pools, as well as full service spas, private beaches, and secluded gardens where you can simply relax. You'll also find resorts that have their own restaurants and bars on-site, as well as offering childcare services, airport shuttles, and daily housekeeping.

Where to stay

The village of Manuel Antonio has been built along the steep cliffs, with tall, colorful buildings set close together. The streets are narrow and winding, with souvenir stalls set along the roads in-between the tall palm trees. There are tour guides everywhere, trying to grab your attention and sell you a tour to one of the many natural attractions, and stalls selling fruit freshly plucked from the trees. There's a small selection of restaurants in Manuel Antonio, with freshly caught seafood, and traditional dishes of rice and beans to fill you up after a long day of exploring.

How to get to Manuel Antonio

Quepos La Managua Airport is just a 15 minute drive from Manuel Antonio, and has regular services to San José, as well as Arenal, Golfito, and some other domestic destinations. You can pick up a taxi to your hotel, or book a private shuttle to get you from the airport to your hotel in minutes. A cheaper, if slower, option is to take one of the many buses from San José, with the journey by road taking 4 to 5 hours, although offering spectacular views and a unique experience. Manuel Antonio can also be reached from other cities, with the buses bookable online and offering door to door journeys.