When you think of a quintessential Costa Rican getaway, Manuel Antonio is often the first image that comes to mind. It is a place where the vibrant green of the primary rainforest meets the brilliant turquoise of the Pacific Ocean. While it is famously home to the country’s smallest national park, the area surrounding it is bursting with hidden coves, high-adrenaline adventures, and local flavors that go far beyond the typical tourist brochure.
Whether you are looking to spot a three-toed sloth through a telescope or sip a sunset cocktail inside a repurposed Cold War-era cargo plane, Manuel Antonio offers a concentrated dose of "Pura Vida."
Here is a curated guide to the top 10 places you must visit in this tropical paradise.
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
It is impossible to discuss this region without starting at its heart: the Manuel Antonio National Park. Despite its small size, it is a biodiversity powerhouse. The park is a maze of well-maintained trails that lead you through mangroves and tropical forests teeming with white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and iguanas.
The real secret to enjoying the park is to arrive at 7:00 AM. By mid-morning, the trails can become crowded, but the early hours offer a silent, misty atmosphere where the wildlife is most active. Walking the Perezoso Trail (Sloth Trail) with a certified naturalist guide is highly recommended, as sloths are masters of camouflage and are notoriously difficult to spot with the naked eye. Remember that the park is closed every Tuesday to give the ecosystem a break, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
2. Punta Catedral
Located within the boundaries of the National Park, Punta Catedral (Cathedral Point) was once an island but is now connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand known as a tombolo. This rocky peninsula offers a relatively short but steep loop hike that provides some of the most dramatic views in the entire country.
The trail winds up through the forest to several lookout points where you can see the white-tipped waves of the Pacific crashing against the jagged cliffs below. It is a fantastic spot for birdwatching—keep an eye out for brown boobies and frigatebirds circling the offshore islands. The hike acts as a perfect transition between the calm waters of Playa Manuel Antonio and the wilder, wind-swept vistas of the outer coastline.
3. Playa Manuel Antonio
Often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Playa Manuel Antonio is a crescent-shaped bay tucked safely inside the national park. Because it is protected by the rocky headlands of Punta Catedral, the water here is exceptionally calm, making it the best spot in the area for swimming and light snorkeling.
The beach is framed by a dense wall of almond and palm trees, providing plenty of natural shade. However, don't let the serenity fool you—the local monkeys and raccoons are infamous for their thieving skills. Keep a close watch on your bags, as these clever residents have learned exactly where tourists hide their snacks.
4. Playa Espadilla Norte
If you are looking for action, Playa Espadilla Norte is where it’s at. This is the main public beach that stretches from the entrance of the national park back toward the town of Quepos. Unlike the beaches inside the park, there is no entrance fee here, and the atmosphere is lively and festive.
This is the premier spot for surf lessons, with consistent, gentle waves that are perfect for beginners. Along the shore, you’ll find vendors offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, and chilled coconuts (pipas frias). As the sun begins to set, the entire town seems to gather here to watch the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and purple—a ritual that defines the Manuel Antonio experience.
5. Playa Biesanz
Commonly referred to as the "Secret Beach," Playa Biesanz is a hidden gem located near Quepos Point. To reach it, you must find a small opening in a fence along the road and hike down a jungle path for about five to ten minutes. The effort is rewarded with a secluded cove that feels worlds away from the busier main strips.
The water at Biesanz is remarkably still, making it a favorite for families with young children and for those who enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. It is also one of the few spots where you can reliably see the rare squirrel monkey (Titi) jumping through the canopy right above your beach towel.
6. Damas Island Mangroves
Just 15 minutes north of the main hotels lies a completely different ecosystem: the Damas Island Mangrove Estuary. Exploring this area by boat or kayak is like entering a flooded forest. The twisted roots of the red, black, and white mangroves create a protected nursery for a staggering array of life.
Gliding silently through these narrow canals, you’ll likely spot boa constrictors draped over branches, silky anteaters tucked into hollows, and curious white-faced monkeys that often drop down to inspect the boats. It is a quiet, ethereal experience that offers a deep appreciation for the ecological complexity of Costa Rica’s coastline.
7. Rainmaker Conservation Project
For those who find the national park a bit too crowded, the Rainmaker Conservation Project is the perfect antidote. This private reserve is located about 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio and offers a much more rugged, "off-the-beaten-path" rainforest experience.
Rainmaker is famous for its system of hanging bridges and platforms suspended high in the canopy. Walking across these bridges gives you a bird’s-eye view of the primary forest and the sparkling waterfalls below. The reserve is also a hotspot for herpetology enthusiasts; it is one of the best places in the region to see colorful poison dart frogs and glass frogs in their natural habitat.
8. Marina Pez Vela
Located in the neighboring town of Quepos, Marina Pez Vela is the sophisticated side of the region. This world-class marina is the jumping-off point for luxury catamaran cruises, deep-sea fishing charters, and sunset sailing tours.
Even if you aren't a sailor, the marina is worth a visit for its waterfront promenade. It features several high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and an open-air cinema that hosts free movie nights. It is the perfect place to stroll in the evening, enjoy a gourmet meal, and admire the million-dollar yachts bobbing in the harbor against the backdrop of the verdant hills.
9. Nauyaca Waterfalls
While technically located about an hour and a half south near the town of Dominical, the Nauyaca Waterfalls are the most popular day trip from Manuel Antonio. These are widely considered the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica, consisting of two tiers that cascade into a massive, deep green swimming hole.
You can reach the falls by hiking, horseback riding, or taking a 4x4 truck tour. The lower falls are perfect for a refreshing swim, while the upper falls provide a stunning backdrop for photography. Standing at the base of these powerful cascades, surrounded by towering ferns and the mist of the jungle, is a quintessential "jungle explorer" moment.
10. El Avión Restaurant
You can't visit Manuel Antonio without stopping at El Avión. Perched on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, this restaurant is built around a Fairchild C-123 cargo plane that has a fascinating history involving the Iran-Contra affair.
Final Thoughts
The plane itself has been converted into a pub, where you can sit in the cockpit with a drink. While it is a major tourist attraction, the food is surprisingly good, and the view is arguably the best in town. It is the ultimate spot for an "only in Costa Rica" photo and a perfect place to reflect on your adventures as you watch the sunset over the Pacific.
