Manuel Antonio in 7 days

Rainforest meets white-sand beaches in Costa Rica's most beloved national park. Best time to visit: December-April (dry season). Average daily budget: $50 to $130 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Manuel Antonio (beach end), The area nearest the national park entrance and main beaches.

Morning: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park. Walk jungle trails to beaches spotting sloths and monkeys.

Afternoon: Explore Manuel Antonio (beach end), The area nearest the national park entrance and main beaches.

Evening: Take a catamaran tour. Cruise the coast for snorkelling, dolphins and sunset.

Eat: Fresh-caught fish and ceviche from Quepos marina

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Quepos, The working town and marina at the base of the hill, with cheaper eats and nightlife.

Morning: Relax on Playa Manuel Antonio. Swim at the protected white-sand cove inside the park.

Afternoon: Explore Quepos, The working town and marina at the base of the hill, with cheaper eats and nightlife.

Evening: Enjoy a viewpoint sunset dinner. Watch the Pacific from a hilltop restaurant.

Eat: Casado plates at local sodas

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: The hilltop road, The scenic ridge between Quepos and the park, lined with view hotels and restaurants.

Morning: Spot wildlife with a guide. Use a naturalist's scope to find sloths, birds and frogs.

Afternoon: Explore The hilltop road, The scenic ridge between Quepos and the park, lined with view hotels and restaurants.

Evening: Visit Playa Biesanz. Snorkel at this calm, sheltered hidden cove.

Eat: Tropical fruit and smoothie bowls

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Playa Espadilla, The long public beach just outside the park entrance.

Morning: The calm, snorkel-friendly waters of hidden Playa Biesanz.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Playa Espadilla, The long public beach just outside the park entrance.

Evening: Sunset drinks at the famous El Avion plane-bar restaurant.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Sunset cocktails at hilltop view restaurants

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Marina Pez Vela (Quepos), The modern marina hub for fishing, catamaran tours and dining.

Morning: Early-morning park entry for the best wildlife before the crowds.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Marina Pez Vela (Quepos), The modern marina hub for fishing, catamaran tours and dining.

Evening: Quieter Playa Espadilla Sur inside the park for fewer people.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh-caught fish and ceviche from Quepos marina

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Manuel Antonio (beach end), The area nearest the national park entrance and main beaches.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Manuel Antonio (beach end), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Manuel Antonio (beach end), The area nearest the national park entrance and main beaches.

Evening: Dinner at Casado plates at local sodas, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Manuel Antonio (beach end).

Eat: Casado plates at local sodas

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: Quepos, The working town and marina at the base of the hill, with cheaper eats and nightlife.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Quepos, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Quepos, The working town and marina at the base of the hill, with cheaper eats and nightlife.

Evening: Dinner at Tropical fruit and smoothie bowls, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Quepos.

Eat: Tropical fruit and smoothie bowls

Hidden gems

The calm, snorkel-friendly waters of hidden Playa Biesanz.
Sunset drinks at the famous El Avion plane-bar restaurant.
Early-morning park entry for the best wildlife before the crowds.
Quieter Playa Espadilla Sur inside the park for fewer people.

Getting around

The Manuel Antonio area runs along one main road from Quepos town down to the national park, and a frequent, cheap public bus shuttles up and down this route, the easiest way to get between your hotel, the beaches and the park. The area is hilly, so walking the whole road is tiring in the heat. Taxis are readily available, and renting a car gives flexibility for exploring further afield, though parking near the park is limited. To arrive, most travellers drive or take a shuttle from San José (about three hours) or fly into the small Quepos airstrip.

Safety

Manuel Antonio is generally safe and very tourist-friendly, with solo travellers, including women, commonly feeling comfortable. The most common issue is petty theft and break-ins, so don't leave valuables unattended on the beach or visible in cars, and use hotel safes. Inside the park, don't feed or get close to monkeys and raccoons, which can be bold and snatch food. Respect ocean conditions and rip currents when swimming, use licensed operators for boat tours, stay hydrated, and use sun and insect protection. Take normal precautions at night in Quepos.

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