Manuel Antonio might lack the glitz and glamour of extra well-developed seashore resorts in Costa Rica, but it surely holds a particular magic that’s actually emblematic of Costa Rica’s glory. Should you’re in search of languid hikes to secret white-sand seashores, howler monkeys, and sloths, head to Manuel Antonio.
Jose Hernandez/Journey + Leiusre
Associated: The Final Costa Rica Packing Checklist
The realm together with and surrounding seven-square-mile Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park combines the attract of rainforests, seashores, coral reefs, mountaineering, and astonishing wildlife sightings. “Manuel Antonio could be very particular because it combines stunning seashores, rainforests, and wildlife in addition to spectacular views,” says Hans Pfister, president of Costa Rica’s Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality and resident since 1995. Manuel Antonio has a novel vibe, because it’s each a fun-loving resort city and the entry level for what many consider is the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s majestic parks. In Manuel Antonio you are feeling such as you couldn’t be anyplace else on Earth — and also you wouldn’t need to be.
Courtesy of Arenas Del Mar Seaside & Rainforest Resort
Greatest Accommodations and Resorts
El Parador
El Parador sits on a 12-acre property with beautiful views. Households will love the on-property mini-golf course and monkey path. Be sure you ask for instructions to the key Biesanz Seaside, a brief stroll from El Parador (adjoining to the property) the place you possibly can be part of the locals to hire a paddleboard, have a therapeutic massage, or sip recent juice from a coconut on the seashore. Say hiya to Flash, the sloth who likes to hang around on the pool. A neighborhood tour information, Andre Robles, provides, “It is a serene, small cove with calm waters excellent for swimming and snorkeling. To get there, observe the path by the jungle – it is just a little secret many vacationers miss.”
SicomoNo
Based by eco-tourism advocate Jim Damalas, SicomoNo gives a wildlife refuge and butterfly atrium adjoining to the property. This resort is household pleasant, with a non-public cinema on web site, however there are areas reserved only for adults, too. Visitors can get pleasure from each rain forest and ocean views.
Costa Verde
Costa Verde is walkable to Manuel Antonio Park. Visitors can select from quite a lot of rooms, bungalows, and personal casitas, or go for a novel suite inside a refurbished classic plane. The most recent addition, the SkyLoft, has an ocean-view terrace with a soaking tub and rooms inside a 1982 McDonald Douglas MD-82.
San Bada
Positioned subsequent to the doorway of Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, the 67-room San Bada boasts the largest pool within the space with synthetic waterfalls and a pool bar. There’s additionally a non-public farm, jungle-view spa, and sushi bar on web site.
Arenas del Mar
Arenas del Mar is a beachfront gem the place friends have reported seeing sloths, tree frogs, capuchin monkeys, and hummingbirds from their rooms. It gives direct seashore entry, two swimming pools, and surf classes. The Dock to Dish program offers friends entry to the freshest seafood caught by native fishermen.
Igloo Seaside Lodge
Manuel Antonio can be the place the place you possibly can keep in an igloo on the seashore at Igloo Seaside Lodge. They’re air conditioned, include backyard views and pool entry, and are only a stroll away from Espadilla Seaside.
Courtesy of Arenas Del Mar Seaside & Rainforest Resort
Greatest Issues to Do
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
Listed amongst Journey + Leisure’s 20 Greatest Issues to do in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is a wonderland of rainforest, wildlife, and pristine seashores. Robles says, “The biodiversity right here is unbelievable, and having an knowledgeable information enhances your expertise.” Within the park’s seven sq. miles, you possibly can see animals as numerous as capuchin monkeys, iguanas, crabs, sloths, pelicans, frogs, butterflies, quite a lot of birds, and two and three-toed sloths. “Manuel Antonio is the character excursions and actions capital of Costa Rica,” says Pfister. “You’ll be able to have adventures within the ocean, rainforest, rivers, waterfalls, rainforests and extra. I’d say you would simply do one completely different exercise per day for a complete month.”
Playa Manuel Antonio
Be sure you pack binoculars, a snorkel, and hammock to permit your self to seek out your personal paradise and keep some time: inside Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is Playa Manuel Antonio, a wonderful stretch of seashore with white sand and underwater coral reefs.
Marino Ballena Nationwide Park
Marino Ballena Nationwide Park is likely one of the nation’s latest nationwide parks, and is dedicated to the conservation of the wealthy marine ecosystems discovered inside its boundaries. This park accommodates a number of the largest coral formations on the Pacific aspect of Central America. One of many park’s largest points of interest is El Paso de Moises, a phenomenon that occurs at low tide, when the water will get so low it creates a passageway just like the one from the Biblical story.
Get Out on the Water
Cruise in a catamaran alongside the coast looking for whales and dolphins. This exercise is on the market all yr spherical. Lively sorts may also go kayaking within the sea, rivers, and mangroves, or tubing within the Savegre and Naranjo rivers.
Damas Island
The Damas Island mangrove is a pristine pure sanctuary characterised by lush mangrove forests, winding waterways, and plentiful wildlife. It gives distinctive alternatives for eco-adventure, with boat excursions, wildlife recognizing, and immersion in a thriving coastal ecosystem. Guests can discover the intricate community of mangrove canals and witness numerous natural world of their pure habitat.
Cover Excursions
On the lookout for sky-high journey? Cover excursions embody choices for zip lining and abseiling down waterfalls.
Fishing
Get pleasure from world-class fishing experiences in pristine waters teeming with marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and an array of different thrilling sport fish.
Courtesy of Arenas Del Mar Seaside & Rainforest Resort
Save the Animals
Don’t miss a tour of Children Saving the Rainforest, which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured rainforest animals. Throughout a tour of the Children Saving the Rainforest wildlife sanctuary, you may see tamarins, kinkajous, many species of monkeys, and parrots.
Chocolate Tour
Dessert lovers shouldn’t miss the La Iguana Chocolate tour, which gives an intimate bean-to-bar expertise led by the Salazar Garcia household, who has been farming a 10-acre plot within the mountains of Mastatal for many years.
Courtesy of Arenas Del Mar Seaside & Rainforest Resort
Greatest Eating places
El Lagarto Steak Home
El Lagarto Steak Home serves up grass-fed beef from close by La Fortuna, margaritas, and daquiris.
Ronny’s Place
Ronny’s Place has well-known sangria, stunning sundown views, and recent seafood.
Emilio’s Cafe
Emilio’s Cafe serves recent espresso and delicious breakfasts, in addition to reside music within the evenings.
Buena Vista Seaside Membership
Buena Vista Seaside Membership gives Latin and Spanish fusion dishes with a beachside view.
Vegan Varuna
Vegan Varuna is the spot for recent juice, wholesome bowls (and zoodles!) and vegan desserts.
Courtesy of Arenas Del Mar Seaside & Rainforest Resort
Greatest Instances to Go to
Dry Season (December to April): The climate is sunny and dry throughout this era, making it splendid for outside actions like mountaineering, seashore days, and wildlife viewing. Nevertheless, that is the excessive vacationer season, so anticipate bigger crowds and better costs.
Inexperienced Season (Could to November): This season boasts lush inexperienced landscapes, vibrant rainforests, and decrease costs, but in addition increased rainfall. The upper water ranges within the rivers make this season the right time for whitewater rafting.
