Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Lush and lovely—with just the right touch of lively!
Located on the Central Pacific Coast, less than 100 miles from the capital of San José, Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s most exotic tropical destination.
The Manuel Antonio area combines timeless tropical scenery and one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Costa Rica which has, as a backdrop, emerald-green forests and lush hillsides. All year-round: 85 degree ocean waters, international restaurants, spas, galleries and up to date services. There are also plenty of places to eat in or near Manuel Antonio, ranging from small “sodas” offering Costa Rican local dishes, to five-star dining restaurants.
Balmy year-round temperatures average 81 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 30 degrees Celsius).
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
|
The air is beautiful, the water is warm, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. This was a true vacation.
David & Sarah Bernstien, New York
Fresh Markets and Fine Dining in the Towns of Quepos and Manuel Antonio
Located on a tropical inlet just minutes from The Villa, the town of Quepos offers high speed Internet, international dining, cellular phone service, ATM, and a selection of banks, spas, yoga, gyms, full service hospital, car rentals, bus terminal, local buses, taxi services and an airport just 8 minutes away.
The bustling six-block village centre features restaurants, bars, bakeries, art galleries and gift shops. Friendly, hospitable locals welcome visitors from around the world. English is widely spoken but you will also hear French and German. Spanish is the official language.
The hillside area of Manuel Antonio is located just south of Quepos, dotted with an eclectic array of shops, restaurants and services, dappled with flora and fauna. You will slowly meander to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park, where the road ends.
Where to eat? Where to shop?
Your on-site Villa Handbook includes detailed information about Manuel Antonio/Quepos restaurants, shops and services.
Manuel Antonio National Park
At The Villa, you are just minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the world’s most spectacular rainforest nature reserves.
With its tropical trails, stunning white-sand beaches, coral reefs and tidal pools, this land-and-maritime Park is a stand out jewel in a country famous for its natural beauty.
The Park includes four picture-perfect beaches, each with its own personality. Anyone with a snorkel and mask will be mesmerized by the aquatic life around the coral reefs and submerged volcanic rocks that line the coast between the Park and Quepos. Just outside the Park entrance is the public beach Playa Espadilla Sur, a half-mile stretch of white sand beach that provides excellent swimming, rental of beach chairs, sun umbrellas, kayaks, snorkelling equipment, boogie boards and surfing lessons.
Manuel Antonio National Park is home to an astonishing variety of tropical wildlife. Explore the Park on a well-established network of trails. The most interesting trail is the small loop that takes you around Punta Cathedral, with its breathtaking view of the Pacific. Be on the lookout for hundreds of species of animals and birds, including:
- White-faced (caphuchin) monkeys, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys
- Coatimundis, agoutis, two and three-toed sloths, toed anteaters, iguanas Marmomsets, ocelots, river otters, pacas and spectacled caimans, land crabs
- Parrots, brown pelicans, brown boobies, tyrant hawl-eagles, gray-headed chachalacas, soalter’s ant birds, toucans, scarlet macaws
Planning a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park?
Take advantage of our Villa complimentary Hosting Services to book your guided tour.
It’s no wonder that so many North Americans and Europeans make this exotic tropical paradise a comfortable place to call home. Manuel Antonio—one of the world’s best-kept secrets, waiting for you to discover!
