Holiday in Manuel Antonio

What makes Manuel Antonio special as a destination?

Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's smallest and most visited national park — and for good reason. In just 16 square kilometers, it combines tropical rainforest, dreamlike white sandy beaches, and an incredible density of wildlife into a complete package that is perfect for those who want to combine nature and beach vacation. The park is famous for its white-faced capuchin monkeys, which cheekily climb through the treetops and occasionally try to raid backpacks. Sloths hang motionless in the trees (a good guide will definitely find them), raccoons wander along the forest paths, and bright blue Morpho butterflies flutter through the underbrush. Occasionally, impressive-sized iguanas can be seen on the beaches. Playa Manuel Antonio, the main beach in the park, is a tropical dream: white sand, turquoise water, framed by dense rainforest. Monkeys play in the trees right by the beach while you swim in the warm Pacific. Playa Espadilla Sur is less crowded and offers pure tranquility. Cathedral Point, a peninsula between the beaches, features a short hiking trail with panoramic views of the offshore islands. Outside the park, the surroundings of Manuel Antonio offer numerous activities: zip-lining through the jungle, white water rafting on the Rio Savegre, kayaking tours through mangroves, horseback riding on the beach, and evening crocodile boat tours on the Rio Tárcoles. The sunsets from Espadilla Beach in front of the park are legendary — you sit in the sand with an Imperial beer and watch the sun sink into the Pacific. The infrastructure around the park is excellent: from budget hostels to luxury boutique hotels with infinity pools and jungle views, everything is available. The road from Quepos to the park is lined with restaurants serving fresh fish and typical Tico cuisine. Manuel Antonio is the perfect place for travelers who want to experience Costa Rica's "Pura Vida" philosophy in a relaxed atmosphere.