Manuel Antonio was one of the stops on our Costa Rica adventure, and it couldn't have felt more different from the time we spent around La Fortuna.
Located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast near the town of Quepos, Manuel Antonio is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, abundant wildlife, and, of course, Manuel Antonio National Park. It is one of those destinations where the rainforest seems to meet the ocean, creating some incredible scenery.
A DIFFERENT SIDE OF COSTA RICA
After spending the first part of our trip in the quieter surroundings of La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio felt much more active.
There was more traffic, more restaurants and shops, and definitely more people. The beaches were busier, and the main road through the area had plenty of activity.
That isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you enjoy having restaurants, shops, beaches, tours, and plenty of places to stay nearby, Manuel Antonio has a lot to offer.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
For many visitors, the main attraction is Manuel Antonio National Park.
The park combines rainforest, wildlife, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches in one relatively small area. It is also one of the places where you have a good chance of seeing wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and a variety of tropical birds.
If seeing wildlife is high on your Costa Rica list, this is definitely a place to consider.
Keep in mind that Manuel Antonio National Park is a very popular attraction, so it can get busy. Planning ahead is important, especially during popular travel periods.
The park also has capacity limits, which means arriving without a ticket isn't something I would recommend. Tickets are now sold through the official SINAC online system, and visitors need to present identification along with their ticket.
MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH
Outside the national park, the beaches around Manuel Antonio are beautiful and offer some spectacular Pacific views.
One of my favorite times of day was toward sunset. When the sun began to drop, the beach took on an entirely different feel.
There is something special about sitting near the water and watching the sky change colors as the day comes to an end.
Even with the activity and crowds, those moments made it easy to understand why Manuel Antonio is such a popular destination.
GETTING AROUND
You don't necessarily need a rental car to visit Manuel Antonio.
Public buses run between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, and transportation is also available from San José. Private transfers, shuttles, taxis, and guided tours are other options.
If you do drive, keep in mind that the national park does not have an official tourist parking lot. Private parking areas are available near the entrance, so check the price before leaving your vehicle and don't leave valuables visible.
WOULD I VISIT MANUEL ANTONIO AGAIN?
Absolutely.
Although I preferred the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere around the Arenal Observatory area, I still think Manuel Antonio is a destination that belongs on a Costa Rica itinerary.
It has a completely different personality.
If you're looking for quiet and solitude, you may find Manuel Antonio more active than you expected. But if you want beautiful beaches, rainforest, wildlife, restaurants, accommodations, and plenty of things to do, it is hard to beat.
For me, the combination of rainforest and Pacific coastline was what made Manuel Antonio special.
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