Manuel Antonio is a nice and close by beach to visit in the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This national park used to be an unspoiled hidden paradise back in the 1980´s. Unfortunately, this overwhelming spot has been discovered and is now being visited by many. Still, if you are looking for a nearby beach with the pleasant Pacific Coast weather, plenty of wonderful hotels, amazing views, and great restaurants, Manuel Antonio is where you want to go. Direct buses from San Jose to Manuel Antonio leave daily, the other option is taking your rental car. It takes around three and a half hours to get there. The road leading from Quepos to Manuel Antonio is very nice, taking you over a series of hills that let you glimpse the Pacific Ocean from the distance.

Manuel Antonio National Park is the second smallest park system in Costa Rica. Its uniqueness resides in having a lush forest backed tropical beach, with ocean and island views, exuberant wildlife, and a well taken care of trail network. Because this park is well known and a favorite destination for travelers and locals, it can sometimes be tough getting in. It is advised to arrive early in the morning to have a better chance to visit this amazing beach front National Park and it’s awesome views. The Costa Rica rainy season between May and October, will be the time of the year when it is less crowded. Weather-wise you can expect an average daily temperature of 80 F with annual rainfall of 152 inches.

If you plan to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park, we recommend you take plenty of drinking water, your lunch if you plan to spend the day, mosquito repellent, and sun protection. Be prepared for rain even during the dry season. Manuel Antonio National Park opens at 7 AM and closes at 4 PM Tuesday through Sunday. The entrance to the park is usually congested, so leaving your rental car at your hotel and taking the bus to the National Park is a good idea. There is an approximate 30 minute walk from the entrance to the first beach through which the exuberant surrounding scenery can be enjoyed. Hiking the trails at this park is something you should not miss. Just ask the park ranger for tips concerning your priorities to select those trails more suitable for you.

Regarding the most recommended Manuel Antonio hotels we could name Costa Verde. This hotel offers rooms and apartments with great ocean views, bar, and restaurant. Costa Verde can also arrange tours around the area in case you have not already booked a vacation package beforehand. El Parador hotel is also a great exclusive Manuel Antonio hotel worth booking. Actually, El Parador hotel can be described as the most upscale hotel of the Manuel Antonio area. It even has a private helicopter landing pad, swim up bar, incredible swimming pool, sauna, tennis court, among many other commodities designed for the rich and famous. The elegance inside this hotel is overpowering. Other recommended Manuel Antonio beach hotels are La Posada and Verde Mar.

If you are into fishing, Quepos, would be the right destination for you. Being the town beside Manuel Antonio. Book a hotel at Manuel Antonio with a day tour to Quepos to start off on a fishing trip from there. The best months to go fishing are said to be December to April. Usually, sport fishing is an expensive vacation package so, if you’re on a low budget, talking directly to a charter company or splitting costs with a buddy might be a good idea. Another nice amenity that Manuel Antonio beach offers are the many different spas available on the upscale hotels of the area. The butterfly garden, right across the Si Como No hotel, is another place worth visiting. Visiting the butterfly garden is truly an amazing experience that lets you enjoy the tropical beach rainforest with a dazzling plethora of butterflies. This butterfly park also offers a night show which is for sure worth the price of $40 per person. So even if Manuel Antonio isn’t the pristine paradise it used to be, neither does it lack charm, restaurant choices for all sorts of budgets and tastes, lodges to meet everyone’s needs and lots of adventure. All of these definitely make this place a worthwhile destination to be included in any vacation package you book.