Manuel Antonio & Quepos
★★★ The Star Among National Parks
Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's most visited national park — and for good reason. On just 16 km² (the smallest national park in the country), it combines white sand beaches, tropical rainforest, and an absurd density of wildlife. Here you can see sloths, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and with a bit of luck even coatis — all in a single day.
The beaches within the park are among Costa Rica's most beautiful: Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur offer turquoise water, fine white sand, and shade under tropical trees. The capuchin monkeys are infamous: They steal backpacks, unzip zippers, and raid lunch boxes. No joke — leave nothing unattended!
The hiking trails are well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels. The Sendero Punta Catedral leads to a peninsula with breathtaking views of the coast. A local guide (25–40 USD) is worth it: The animals are excellently camouflaged, and without a trained eye, you miss sloths and snakes.
Quepos, Pacific Coast. 18 USD (foreigners). Tue–Sun 7:00–16:00, closed on Mondays. Max. 1,386 visitors/day — online reservation via SINAC highly recommended, especially in high season! Drive from San José: 3.5h.
Achtung
Manuel Antonio is CLOSED on Mondays! Many travelers unknowingly plan their visit for a Monday — and face closed gates. Also: Be sure to book tickets in advance online via sinac.go.cr. In high season, spots are often sold out days in advance.
The Beaches in Detail
★★★ Playa Manuel Antonio
The main beach in the park and one of Costa Rica's most beautiful: a perfect crescent of white sand, framed by tropical forest. The water is calm and turquoise — ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In the afternoon, it's less crowded than in the morning. The capuchin monkeys patrol the towel rows in search of loot.
★★ Playa Espadilla Sur
Longer, less visited beach south of Playa Manuel Antonio. Slightly stronger waves, but perfect for strolling. At the southern end, there is a natural tide pool where you can swim safely at low tide.
★ Playa Espadilla Norte (outside the park)
The long, public beach in front of the park entrance. Free, with surfable waves (board rental on the beach: 15 USD/2h) and numerous restaurants and bars within walking distance. Swim here and watch the monkeys that sometimes come over from the park.
★★ Playa Biesanz (Insider Tip)
Hidden bay between the park entrance and Hotel Parador. The best snorkeling beach in the region — calm, clear water with fish and small rays. Accessible via a short but steep trail (10 min) from the road. No rental on the beach — bring snorkeling gear!
Quepos — The Gateway to the Park
Quepos is the small, lively port town 7 km before the national park. Those who stay here seek cheaper prices than in the hills between Quepos and the park. The town has a rough charm: a lively fish market at the harbor, affordable sodas, and an authentic Tico atmosphere away from tourism.
Dining & Drinking
El Patio de Café Milagro · Manuel Antonio Road — Specialty coffee from their own roasting, plus excellent breakfast and sandwiches. The patio under trees is a tropical dream. Coffee from 2,500 CRC, breakfast 5,000–8,000 CRC.
Emilio's Café · Manuel Antonio Road — Romantic restaurant with views of the rainforest. The seafood linguine and filet mignon are excellent. 12,000–20,000 CRC. Reservation for the sunset table!
El Avión · Manuel Antonio Road — A restaurant in a converted C-123 Fairchild transport aircraft from the Iran-Contra affair. Yes, really — the plane was part of the covert arms trade of the Reagan era. Today it serves cocktails with ocean views. Main dishes 8,000–15,000 CRC. The story alone is worth the visit.
Soda El Pato · Quepos Center — The best soda in Quepos: Casado from 3,000 CRC, ceviche from 3,500 CRC. No frills, just honest Tico food.
Activities Around Quepos
- Mangrove Kayak Tour: 2.5h through the mangrove forests near Quepos, with caimans, birds, and monkeys. 45–65 USD incl. guide.
- Sport Fishing: Quepos is one of the best sport fishing spots in Costa Rica — sailfish, marlin, and mahi-mahi. Half-day charter from 450 USD for 4 people.
- Catamaran Sunset Tour: 3h sailing along the coast with snorkeling stop, open bar, and the best sunset in the region. 75–85 USD.
- Night Tour in the Rainforest: Guided tour through private reserve with red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and nocturnal insects. 45 USD.