Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
Hanging out at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in Manuel Antonio National Park.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: A Jungle Paradise for Nature Lovers
If you’ve ever dreamed of a place where monkeys swing through the trees, sloths nap like they’ve got nowhere to be, and falafel is somehow life-changing, then pack your bags for Manuel Antonio. This slice of Costa Rican paradise is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, beach bums, and anyone who appreciates a good jungle vibe.
Here’s your ultimate travel guide to Manuel Antonio, streamlined into three key categories: where to stay, what to do, and where to eat/drink. Let’s dive in!
Turquoise water bordering the beaches around Manuel Antonio, backed by endless jungle.
Where to Stay: Monkeys, Macaws, and Luxury, Oh My!
1. GAIA Hotel and Reserve
If you want to wake up to the sound of howler monkeys and the sight of scarlet macaws, book a stay at GAIA Hotel and Reserve. This LGBTQ+ owned and operated hotel is perched on a hill with stunning views of the coastline. The three-tiered pool is the perfect place to unwind, and the property doubles as an eco-reserve, so you’ll spot wildlife right from your balcony. Keep in mind, this hotel is for adults only!
Pro tip: Keep your camera handy. Between the monkeys, sloths, and macaws, you’ll feel like you’re living in a National Geographic documentary. The hotel’s Scarlet Macaw program is also playing a key role in restoring the local macaw population, so you can feel good about supporting a great cause while sipping your morning coffee.
2. Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
For a more luxurious stay, check out Arenas del Mar. This eco-friendly resort offers direct beach access, spacious rooms with ocean views, and a spa that will make you forget all your worries. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and nature, with plenty of opportunities to spot monkeys and toucans.
3. Hotel Costa Verde
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a plane, this is your chance! Hotel Costa Verde offers a unique suite inside a refurbished Boeing 727, complete with ocean views and jungle vibes. Even if you don’t stay in the plane, the hotel’s other accommodations are equally charming, with lush surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere.
What to Do: Monkeys, Beaches, and Mangroves
1. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
The crown jewel of Manuel Antonio is Manuel Antonio National Park. Book a walking and wildlife tour to spot monkeys, sloths, and iguanas, then spend the rest of the day lounging on Manuel Antonio Beach. Trust us, it’s worth the day pass. The park is also an Instagrammer’s dream, with endless opportunities for jungle selfies and wildlife shots. The park’s trails are well-maintained, and the views from the Cathedral Point Trail are absolutely breathtaking.
Times: Keep in mind that opening hours are from 7am to 4pm every day of the year except for Tuesdays and all holidays.
Tickets: A day pass/enterance ticket into the park costs $18.08. There is a discounted rate for children aged 2 to 11, and is available for just $5.65. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to make your entrance into the park even easier (this will also save you time standing in line for a ticket).
Tips:
Leave Your Food & Plastics at Home — You can’t take disposable plastics or food items into the park. You are permitted to bring a reusable water bottle, and tripods are permitted, but disposable items and food will be taken at the entrance. The park is meticulously taken care of to make sure it’s environment is preserved — and with so many monkeys around, they don’t want them getting into your bags and trying to grab your food!
Plan to Arrive Early! — The line at the entrance gets long, and fills up fast. It’s important to schedule arriving as early as possible to opening. After 9:30/10:00am, the line can get quite long and the park busy, making it difficult to get in to enjoy. The park opens promptly at 7am and closes at 4pm.
Book a Tour — If you’re as interested in seeing the wildlife as we were, it’s totally worth booking a tour to spot the many species that inhabit Manuel Antonio. It’s amazing the variety of animals you can see within such a short period of time! You ca also take a night tour to experience a different side of the jungle.
2. Kayak Through the Mangroves
For a more active adventure, sign up for a kayaking tour through the mangroves. It’s a great way to explore the area, get some killer photos, and burn off those falafel calories. The calm waters and lush surroundings make it a peaceful yet exciting experience. Just off the coast of Manuel Antonio National Park lies thousands of acres of protected forest, overflowing with diverse wildlife. As you paddle through endless shaded mangrove waterways, your naturalist guide shares great pieces of information and insights about the area’s rich biodiversity.
Important:
Tour schedules are tide-dependent
All kayaking gear is provided
Water is provided
Some tours only offer tandem
3. Spend the afternoon at Biesanz Beach
Here’s a little secret about Manual Antonio. This hidden gem is a bit of a hike to get to, so I recommend ordering a car to get you there. Parking is also very limited. You’ll see many parked alongside the road on the way to the beach entry trail. The tranquil cove and local vibe makes it worth the effort. Think families playing soccer, barbecues, and coconut drinks—it’s the real Costa Rica. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, and the secluded atmosphere is a welcome change from the more touristy spots.
Chilling with a coconut at Biesanz Beach
4. Visit Playitas Beach
Adjacent to the popular Espadilla Beach, Playitas Beach is rumored to be a favorite among LGBTQ+ travelers and offers a quieter, more secluded atmosphere. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area without the crowds. While this area is labeled as an LGBTQ+ beach, take that news with a grain of salt as it must depend on the day... When we visited, we may have been among the only ones in this section of the beach, apart from the beach club bordering the entrance. Still, it’s a beautiful area with some trees to lounge under.
If you’re looking on how to get to this beach, I recommend ordering a car or driving to the Playitas Beach Club and Restaurant. If you purchase a day pass and book in advance, you have access to the pristine beach along with spacious, comfortable loungers, beach towels, access to a small pool, and amenities like toilets and showers, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. The bar and restaurant offer service from 11:30 to 17:00.
Advance booking is highly recommended.
Parking is available at the hotel, and a golf cart will shuttle you to the beach.
The service is exceptional, with a friendly and attentive staff.
In order to access the beach through the hotel grounds, you must make a booking or reservation at the restaurant.
If you don’t want to book the day pass, you can access the beach from walking through a large pile of boulders from Espadilla Beach.
A quick note: the road to the hotel may appear steep, but it’s perfectly safe!
The cost for a day pass is $100 per person, which acts as a credit for food and drinks throughout the day. If you order more than the pre-paid $100, you just pay your bill on your way out. The menu is diverse and health-conscious, offering delicious brunch options like wraps, burgers, and salads, as well as coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, snacks, nachos, ceviche, and a variety of main dishes. Playitas can act as a paradise for both beach and food lovers!
5. Take a Sunset Catamaran Tour
For a relaxing evening, hop on a catamaran and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Many tours include snorkeling, drinks, and even dolphin sightings. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring, with the ocean breeze and stunning views. This tour gives you an entirely new perspective of Manuel Antonio, from the water!
The 4-hour catamaran tour includes round trip transportation from local hotels, access through the Pez Vela marina, a naturalist guide, water, natural juices and fruits, lunch or dinner, and time for swimming and snorkeling.
6. Hike the Cathedral Point Trail in Manuel Antonio National Park
For the ultimate Instagram shot, hike the Cathedral Point Trail within Manuel Antonio National Park. The trail offers sweeping views of the coastline and the park’s iconic islands. It’s a moderate hike, but the panoramic views at the top are well worth the effort.
Where to Eat/Drink: Falafel, Airplanes, and Sunsets
1. Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar
Let’s get one thing straight: Manuel Antonio is all about the nature, not the food scene. But that doesn’t mean you’ll go hungry. In fact, you might just have the best falafel of your life at Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar. Yes, you read that right. This unassuming bistro serves up a buffet of fresh fixings, and their falafel is so good it might just make you question your life choices. Pair it with a cold drink on their chill patio, and you’ve got the perfect post-beach meal.
2. El Avion
The food is decent, but the real draw is the setting: a wrecked airplane smack-dab in the middle of the jungle. It’s like Lost, but with better cocktails. The history of the plane (it was originally intended for use in the Iran-Contra affair) adds an interesting twist to your dining experience. Just 150 meters away from the beach and perched up in the hills, dining at El Avion gives a fanatic birds-eye view of the ocean with a gorgeous sunset.
For sunset cocktails with a view, head to Ronny’s Place. The ocean views and delicious seafood make it a must-visit. The menu features fresh, local ingredients, catch-of-the-day, and the friendly staff will make you feel right at home.
4. Emilio’s Cafe
Picture this: a cozy coffee house with a Mediterranean vibe, where the smell of fresh croissants, bagels, and waffles wafts through the air. Add in fluffy French toast, perfectly poached eggs benny, and a tazo of espresso, and you’ve got yourself a pretty amazing breakfast spot. But it’s not just about the food—this place serves up some of the best views of the coastline, making it the perfect place to sip your morning brew and admire the scenery. Whether you’re heading for breakfast, lunch, or a sunset dinner, Emilio’s Cafe is a great stop for foodies and view-seekers alike.
5. Agua Azul
Have you noticed a theme yet? Many of Manuel Antonio’s most popular restaurants also have the most popular views of the ocean! So Agua Azul is also known for its stunning panoramic views and fresh, flavorful cuisine. This spot is a favorite among both locals and travelers. The open-air design lets you dine with the ocean breeze in your hair, while the menu features a mix of Costa Rican classics and international dishes. The restaurant only has 10 tables, so often fills up quite quickly!
6. El Wagon
Alright y’all, this is the best pizza in Manuel Antonio. This charming restaurant houses a refurbished train car and offers a menu full of delicious pizzas. There is quite an assortment on the menu, with some ingredients you wouldn’t think to put on a pizza! The crusts are wood-fired, giving the pizza a nice smoky taste. The atmosphere is lively, making it a great spot for a cute lunch or a night out.
7. The Drunken Monkey Club
This is one of the only known clubs in Manuel Antonio! A favorite among travelers and often features live music. It’s a great spot to mingle and enjoy a cold drink. The vibe is casual and fun, making it a perfect place to start or end your night.
8. Bar Jolly Roger
Known for its pirate-themed decor and lively atmosphere, Bar Jolly Roger is a fun place to grab a drink and enjoy the nightlife. The cocktails are creative, and the friendly crowd makes it a great place to meet fellow travelers. The wings are also delicious. The Jolly Roger has 23 different flavors of chicken wings, and a huge variety of beers as well.
9. El Patio de Café Milagro
Another popular bar in Manuel Antonio, El Patio offers a relaxed vibe and often features live entertainment. The outdoor seating and tropical drinks make it a great spot to enjoy the warm evenings. El Patio is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — so there’s plenty of time to check out one of Manuel Antonio’s most beloved restaurants and bars.
LGBTQ+ Culture: Chill Vibes and Jungle Parties
Manuel Antonio isn’t known for its nightlife, but what it lacks in gay bars, it makes up for in natural beauty. While there’s no specific LGBTQ+ district, Playitas Beach (next to Espadilla Beach) is a favorite among gay travelers.
That said, the best way to experience Manuel Antonio is to bring your squad and turn your accommodation into the hottest jungle club in town. Who needs a dance floor when you’ve got a pool overlooking the rainforest?
Final Thoughts
Manuel Antonio is the kind of place that makes you want to quit your job, move to the jungle, and live your best Jungle Book life. We loved exploring Manie; Antonio National Park, spotting sloths and monkeys, sipping cocktails in a wrecked airplane, and hiking to beaches too pretty for words. This Costa Rican gem on the Pacific has something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and your appetite for the jungle, and get ready to fall in love with Manuel Antonio.
Michael and Matt
P.S. If you’ve been to Manuel Antonio, tell us your favorite spot in the comments. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Pura vida awaits!
If you’ve ever dreamed of a place where monkeys swing through the trees, sloths nap like they’ve got nowhere to be, and falafel is somehow life-changing, then pack your bags for Manuel Antonio. This slice of Costa Rican paradise is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, beach bums, and anyone who appreciates a good jungle vibe.
Here’s your ultimate travel guide to Manuel Antonio, streamlined into three key categories: where to stay, what to do, and where to eat/drink. Let’s dive in!