Travel Guide Manuel Antonio Costa Rica
Our favorite town in Costa Rica, visit Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is a small town located on the southern Pacific west coast of Costa Rica, right outside of Quepos, Costa Rica (a prominent deep sea fishing town). It’s famous for its unique, beachside jungle national park and its beautiful beaches and green mountains. Levi and I spent 3 weeks in Manuel Antonio and during that time we really got to know the area and can’t wait to go back. It has been our favorite location in Costa Rica during our 2 month journey here. Here are our suggestions for your visit to Manuel Antonio (MA).
Getting there
Fly to: If Manuel Antonio is your first stop in Costa Rica, fly into San Jose (Juan Santamaría International Airport).
Taxi from Airport: From there it’s an easy 3 hour taxi ride from San Jose. You should be able to find a taxi or shuttle from the airport for less than $100 USD and if you’re good at haggling, you could probably get something for around $75 USD. Make sure to negotiate a price before getting in a taxi. We got to MA from Jaco, Costa Rica and it cost $45 for a taxi one way.
Bus from Airport: If you’re looking to save a buck, there is a bus that runs from San Jose to Quepos which only costs about $12, but it could take up to 6 hours.
Where to Stay
The view from our suite at Selina
For Digital Nomads - Selina: (big surprise). You probably already know we’re obsessed with this chain of resorts/hotels/hostels, but the Selina MA location is one of the best. Choose your stay, from deluxe suits (like the one we stayed in) to smaller private accomodations, or choose the dorm room traditional hostel vibe and meet new people. The giant resort comes with 3 pools, a yoga/wellness deck with daily classes, a full restaurant and bar, and a large coworking room.
For the luxe weekender - Igloo Beach Lodge: For a more unique stay located just steps from the beach, check out this boutique hotel. With cute igloo’s, a giant pool, and weekly parties, you’ll be sure to not get bored.
For the savvy backpacker - Art Hostel Costa Linda: for a cheaper yet super central accommodation option, check out this backpackers haven right next to the beach.
Getting around
Public Bus: Everyday from 6 am to 10 pm a bus runs from Quepos to Manuel Antonio and back, usually every 30 mins maximum. This bus was a lifesaver. Getting from MA to Quepos is 3.5 km or about 10 mins driving, or an hour walking. But the terrain is steep and the road is not safe to walk on. We highly suggest taking the bus if you’d like cheap and easy travel to and fro. The bus costs 335 colones one way, or about $0.50.
Taxis: taxis from Quepos to Manuel Antonio tend to be a little more expensive than vice versa, but you shouldn’t have to pay more than 3,000 colones for a ride either direction.
Walking: walking around Quepos and around Manuel Antonio is a great option for seeing the sites. Though be careful walking at night in Quepos (can be a bit sketchy after dark). And definitely be careful walking on the main road to and from Quepos; this road has no sidewalk and is super sketchy at night and in the rain.
Top 3 Things to do:
Surfing at Playitas + my custom suit from Ummara (see below)
Manuel Antonio National Park ($16 per ticket + more if you want a guide): This is your chance to see a lot of Costa Rican wildlife in a short amount of time. Get there as early as possible (it opens at 7 am) the animals are more likely to be out before people get there. Hiring a guide is up to you, it’s not necessary (we didn’t hire one) but guides will bring monoculars and tons of knowledge about the animals and the park. You can buy your tickets online or in person at the entrance. Where a swimsuit because you can totally swim in the beach (and it’s beautiful and pretty quite).
Fishing trip in Quepos: if you are into fishing, you’re in the right place. It’s not cheap to charter a boat, but if you’re lucky you will take home dinner. Quepos is known for its fishing, so go for it if you’re interested. If you want a smaller boat experience (and much cheaper than the big charters) hit up our friend Tito.
Surfing: if you’re a beginner surfer (and no longer want to surf the white water), Manuel Antonio is the PERFECT beach for you. Everyday MA has consistent surf. The paddle out is not bad at all, and the waves are mostly small 2’-3’ on average. Rent your board and/or take lessons from our great friend Ronald from Tico Surf School at Playa Playitas and you won’t be disappointed!
Restaurants:
The Fringe Umbrella Rental + a Coco Loco (see below)
Rafaeles Las Terrazas: delicious fresh caught fish, great appetizers, reasonably priced, and AMAZING views. Can’t miss this hidden gem (even the locals like it which is saying something.
Falafel Bar: fantastic lunch spot, giant portions, authentic mediterranean food (the falafel is to die for).
The Fringe Umbrella: the perfect beach spot for coffee, lunch, or our favorite—a picnic! Rent a fringe umbrella and a beach boy will deliver food right to you on the beach.
El Avion: could be considered a tourist trap, but it was actually fantastic. You will pay top dollar but it’s a nice dinner spot with the sunset for sure.
Art Hostel Costa Linda: right off the beach with a cheap and yummy traditional breakfast.
Bonuses:
Ummara Bikini Shop: design your own custom swimsuit and surf rashguard handmade by a local designer here at Ummara! I got a one-piece surfing suit, rashguard, and custom bikini bottoms to match. I LOVE them and the price is unbeatable in all of Central America (from what I have found). It takes about a week so do it as soon as you get there.
Pizza Hut in Quepos: okay I know we sound crazy, but when you travel full time in Central America, getting crappy american food is difficult to say the least.
Wild Horses on the beach: if you’re lucky and you wake up early you may be able to spot some wild horses that leisurely stroll along Playitas in the morning. They are truly magestic.
Coco Loco Drink at the Beach: love a fresh coconut while basking in the sun at the beach? Us too, want to make it even better? Ask the vendor walking around with Coconuts for sale to make it a “coco loco” they will add a shot (or two) of rum, and some coconut cream and WOW, it’s to die for. Typically it will cost $3 - $5 each.
Rainy Season (May - November): if you plan to visit Manuel Antonio during the rainy season, here are some things to know. The rain usually comes in the afternoon, so try to plan your activities in the morning. It doesn’t rain every day but most days it will. Plan accordingly.
That’s it from us! Leave a comment if this was helpful or feel free to send us an email or DM with questions, we’re here to help. If you haven’t watched our Youtube video about Manuel Antonio, you can do that here!
Xoxo, Bella & Levi
