Beach town · Puntarenas province Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
The beach area just south of Quepos on the Pacific coast, next to Manuel Antonio National Park. It is the last base on the 10-day route: three nights, with the park, a beach day and an easy evening before the drive back.
What to know
Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays, and its tickets are sold online only. Book your park day before you arrive.
The park and the beaches sit just south of Quepos. The main road in is Ruta 618.
The drive from Monteverde takes 4 to 5 hours. If Ruta 27 jams, do not accept a mountain detour without checking the road and weather first.
Quick facts
Getting there
Typical times. In high season (December to April) the roads fill up, so add extra time to every driving day.
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio
Links checked Oct 9, 2026Three places we point first-timers to. These are plain links with no affiliate codes. Check rates, availability and cancellation terms on the booking page.
- Villas and bungalows
Tulemar
Gated jungle villas with a private guest beach and a concierge. Suits families and groups.
- Resort
Parador Nature Resort & Spa
Listed first for Manuel Antonio hotels on Tripadvisor's Best Value sort on October 9, 2026. Located in Punta Quepos.
- Hotel
La Mariposa Hotel
Ocean-view hotel on the Manuel Antonio coast, according to its own site. Listed fourth for Manuel Antonio hotels on Tripadvisor's Best Value sort on October 9, 2026.
Where to eat in Manuel Antonio
Links checked Oct 9, 2026Five places, picked for a mix of budgets and cuisines. Prices are Tripadvisor's levels: $ is inexpensive and $$$$ is fine dining.
Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar
Budget-friendly quick meals with plenty of vegetarian options, including falafel.
El Arado Restaurant
Authentic local food and generous portions. Order the fresh fish or seafood.
Rico Tico Jungle Grill
Patio with Pacific views. Order the fresh beef or fish.
Namaste Indian Restaurant
Large menu with many vegetarian options, on a balcony with hanging plants.
El Avión
A bar inside an old cargo plane. Go for the cocktails rather than the food.
Hours, menus and prices change. Confirm on the restaurant's page before you go.
Landmarks in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park
A small coastal park on the Pacific: 1,983 hectares of forest on land, with trails that lead to beaches such as Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur. Three of Costa Rica's four monkey species live here.
Sources
- Manuel Antonio National Park, Wikipedia
- Driving in Costa Rica: What First-Timers Need to Know, Lapa Trips
Last verified: October 8, 2026. Sources checked Oct 8, 2026. Fees, hours and rules change, so check official sources before you travel.