Manuel Antonio National Park

Quepos

Copyright: Arvind Grover/Flickr

DESTINATIONS costa rica quepos Do & See Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park

Established in 1972 to preserve and protect the jungle and idyllic beach, the Manuel Antonio National Park is home to many endangered species. There are many tours to suit any interest, including guided hiking or monkey feeding. So abundant are the riches of the Central Pacific coast that it is said explorer Ponce de Leon might have discovered the fabled fountain of youth, searching for which he had gone ashore. If you're not into organised tourism, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best natural spots in Costa Rica to explore by yourself. Just make sure to stay on the trail and don't feed the animals, no matter how cute they are. And beware of monkeys — they'll snatch your backpack in a second if left unattended. An adapted trail for people in a wheelchair is available.

Do & See

Book an exhilarating canopy tour, go horseback riding, kayaking, or rafting, learn to surf or go deep sea fishing, all while enjoying the colourful flora and fauna surrounding this tropical paradise. The diversity of things to do and see will keep you busy for many, many days.

White-water Rafting

White-water Rafting

Amigos del Rio offers intense and exhilarating tours that cover over seven miles of challenging river rafting, going through some of the most beautiful stretches of the jungle. Their tours are kid-friendly and include meals. As an alternative they also offer more tranquil ocean and mangrove …

Trimaran Sunset Sail Tours

Trimaran Sunset Sail Tours

Encounter dolphins, giant sea turtles and whales while sailing to the offshore islets. Snorkelling and spectacular views of the sunset will wrap up a perfect day on the …

Chocolate & Coffee Tour

Chocolate & Coffee Tour

Exotic and rich in their decadent flavours, Costa Rican chocolate and coffee are worth exploring. The chocolate part of the tour starts with the cultural and biological background of cocoa and goes on to teach you about the collecting, fermenting, grinding and finally the making of chocolate. Coffee aficionados will be delighted to learn about …

Stay in Manuel Antonio

Stay in Manuel Antonio

Although you can't stay inside the national park itself, the village of Manuel Antonio has an excellent range of accommodations — from affordable hostels for backpackers and long-term travellers to luxury hotels. Be prepared to pay a bit more proximity to nature and the beaches. Staying here might be a better option if you …

Nahomi Park

Parque Nahomi is the go-to place for enjoying the sunset. This small park on Quepos southern edge offers incredible views of the sea and is easily reached on foot from the centre. There are a few cliff jumping spots, too. There isn't a big beach here, but it's a convenient place to launch kayaks …

Marina Pez Vela

Marina Pez Vela

Marina Pez Vela — or The New Marina, as some refer to it is in Quepos — hosts some of worlds best fishing tournaments. If you're not into fishing, you can still enjoy great shops, restaurants and beautiful boats. The marina is a calm and safe place to just sit down, gawk at the …

Hanging Bridges and Waterfalls in the Rainforest

Hanging Bridges and Waterfalls in the Rainforest

There's nothing like crossing some of the highest hanging bridges in the country and then enjoying a refreshing dip in a 36 m (120 ft) waterfall hidden deep within the primary rainforest. Apart from the abundance of natural life, some tours offer cultural and culinary experiences. You get to meet locals and have a …

Playitas Beach

Playitas Beach, an extension of Playa Espadilla, is a cozy beach on the north side of the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort. Beach chairs may be set up in the sun or the shade according to your preferences. Great waves for surfing. Playitas is also known as a hangout spot for LGBTQA+ …

Espadilla Beach

Espadilla Beach

The stunning Playa Espadilla is located on the grounds of the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort, and is characterised by its natural rock protecting the warm tide pools and its tropical shore birds. A jungle surrounds Arenas Del Mar and touches the sand, offering natural shade. The beach is 2 km long …

Zip Lines

Nature lovers and thrill seekers can soar high through the rain forest and witness the beautiful harmony of the jungle biodiversity: admire birds, monkeys, sloths and other small jungle animals in their natural habitat. This is one adventure you will never forget. Several companies organise tours around Quepos. Titi Canopy Tours is located close to …

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park

Established in 1972 to preserve and protect the jungle and idyllic beach, the Manuel Antonio National Park is home to many endangered species. There are many tours to suit any interest, including guided hiking or monkey feeding. So abundant are the riches of the Central Pacific coast that it is said explorer Ponce de …

Pacific Rainforest Aerial Tram

Pacific Rainforest Aerial Tram

The Pacific Rainforest Aerial Tram allows guests to view the 222 acres of tropical rain forest from a safe, open-air gondola. They have seating and roofs, which are great for those interested in birding. Expect to get views of a 40 foot waterfall and views of the Pacific …

Damas Estuary Boat Trip

Damas Estuary Boat Trip

The Damas Estuary Boat Trip takes guests on a covered boat tour along the complex and beautiful estuaries and mangroves surrounding Damas Island. The boats are eco-friendly and designed for security and comfort, and a naturalist will describe a variety of biological relationships between many organisms in this delicate habitat. Expect to see animals …

Sport Fishing

Quepos offers world class sport fishing for all ranges of fishermen. More than 40 world records have been registered, including sailfish, black, blue, and striped marlin, yellow fin tuna, Spanish and sierra mackerel, mackerel and more. Feel the thrill of big-game …

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Mountain trails of Manuel Antonio are a wonderful setting for horseback riding. After a short intro and a safety briefing, you will follow your guide to the altitude of 600 metres (1,900 feet) taking in the amazing views, wildlife, and vegetation along the way. On your way back down, you'll take a swimming break …