Costa Rica
You Are Here (Or at least soon, hopefully!)
Welcome to Manuel Antonio, Costa RIca! You've chosen an amazing place to visit--whether for the first time or fiftieth, Manuel Antonio is magical. Located in the very center of the Central Pacific coast, its proximity to San Jose, dozens of beaches and the central mountain range make it a unique natural wonder. The area's hilly, rainforested topography make it a haven for wildlife and its fascinating coastal features also lend to its appeal. The national park is one of the most visited in the country--for good reason!
Quepos & Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is considered the 5-mile stretch of rainforested hills between Quepos and Manuel Antonio national park.
In fact while residents and business owners in Manuel Antonio fervently try to differentiate it from Quepos--in fact is is part of the Quepos county and municipality. Quepos is the primary business center of the area, with the greatest number of supermarkets, banks and shops. While there is a small enclave of lower-end hotels, restaurants and shops by the southeastern end of the main beach (Playa Espadilla), most of the nice hotels, vacation rentals and restaurants are nestled in the hilly rainforest.
Quepos
From Banana Republic to Luxury Marina...
Getting around Quepos is simple once you realize just how small it really is. Its system of one-way streets may have you doing circles around the town center, but eventually you'll spin your way out...
Coming in from the north (Jaco/San Jose) you have the option of turning left into Quepos, taking the final left towards Manuel Antonio, or heading straight south along the waterfront to the Pez Vela marina. The exit at the northeast corner of town winds out to Highway 34, the Quepos domestic airport and hospital.
Best Supermarkets: Mini Price & BM
Banks: Banco de Costa Rica & Banco Nacional
Clinics: Metropolitano (marina) & Quepos Urgent Care
Manuel Antonio Beaches
Beaches South of Quepos Point
Playa Espadilla (Norte) is the main public beach in Manuel Antonio, and 2 miles long. The northwestern end (left) is called 'Playitas' by the locals, and is the surfer's beach, with few services. The southeastern end (right) is much busier, with shops and restaurants. The beach continues into the national park as Playa Espadilla (Sur). The famous Manuel Antonio beach is also inside the national park, and a great place for swimming (beware the cheeky monkeys!). A 30 minute hike will take you to Playa Escondida inside the park--best at low tide.
TIP: Get a guide into the national park, but then stay afterwards and enjoy Manuel Antonio beach!
Other Manuel Antonio Beaches
Beaches North of Quepos Point:
- Playa Biesanz: One of the most popular 'other beaches'. Small waves & kayak rentals. Best at mid to low tide.
- Playa Secreta: A rocky / sandy beach accessed only via a couple of hotels and homes--or by boat.
- Playa Tulemar: A private, sandy beach which is accessed either through the Tulemar gated community--or by boat.
- Playa Vaca: A rocky beach accessed via a 10-minute hike from Ronny's Place. Connect with Playa La Macha.
- Playa La Macha: A beautiful rocky / sandy beach accessed via a 10-minute hike, or via Playa Vaca.
- Parque Nahomi: Not exactly a beach--but a beautiful park surrounded by water. Sometimes rents kayaks.
- Playa Cocal: Just north of Quepos is Isla Cocal which is accessed via a short ferry in Boca Vieja. Guide only.
Best Restaurants in Manuel Antonio
Emilio's Cafe
El Patio de Café Milagro
El Patio de Café Milagro
MENU: Fusion / World
DESCRIPTION: Chic ocean-view café with great coffee and live music.
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-6807
El Patio de Café Milagro
El Patio de Café Milagro
El Patio de Café Milagro
MENU: Tropical Fusion
DESCRIPTION: In-house coffee-roaster, good ambience and micro brews on tap.
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-2306
Agua Azul
El Patio de Café Milagro
Agua Azul
MENU: Vacation Food!
DESCRIPTION: Open-air ocean-view restaurant with limited seating.
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-5280
El Avión
Ronny's Place
Agua Azul
MENU: Fusion & Seafood
DESCRIPTION: Huge woody restaurant built around a C-130 Fairchild plane.
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-3378
Falafel Bar
Ronny's Place
Ronny's Place
MENU: Middle Eastern
DESCRIPTION: Open-air eatery in central location.
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 8850-1098
Ronny's Place
Ronny's Place
Ronny's Place
MENU: Fusion
DESCRIPTION: Great sunset ocean views & sangria meet ok menu.
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-5120
Samui
La Lambreta
La Lambreta
MENU: Asian Cuisine
DESCRIPTION: Central, limited seating
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2101-7058
La Lambreta
La Lambreta
La Lambreta
MENU: Italian - Pizza
DESCRIPTION: Open-air w/ ocean views
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-9103
El Wagón
La Lambreta
El Arbol (Makanda)
MENU: Burgers & Pizza
DESCRIPTION: Wooden train dining car
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 4000-1543
El Arbol (Makanda)
Rico Tico (Si Como No)
El Arbol (Makanda)
MENU: Fusion food & wine
DESCRIPTION: Classy. In Makanda Hotel.
PRICING: $$$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-0442
La Luna (Gaia)
Rico Tico (Si Como No)
Rico Tico (Si Como No)
MENU: Fusion & wine
DESCRIPTION: Classy. In Gaia Hotel.
PRICING: $$$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-9797 (Gaia)
Rico Tico (Si Como No)
Rico Tico (Si Como No)
Rico Tico (Si Como No)
MENU: Mexican fusion
DESCRIPTION: Pool, pool bar & waterslide
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 8337-7337
Best Restaurants at the Beach
Buru
Espadilla - Morpho
Baldi's Fresh
MENU: Fusion & seafood
DESCRIPTION: Beachfront corner location
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-3015
Baldi's Fresh
Espadilla - Morpho
Baldi's Fresh
MENU: Local food & ceviche
DESCRIPTION: Beachfront
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 8850-2563
Espadilla - Morpho
Espadilla - Morpho
Espadilla - Morpho
MENU: Local food & seafood
DESCRIPTION: Nice evening ambiance
PRICING: $$
DETAILS: 300 m in from the beach
PHONE: 2777-0903
Best Restaurants in Quepos
De La Finca
Marisqueria El Dorado
Marisqueria El Dorado
MENU: Burgers & sandwiches
DESCRIPTION: Local dive, great food
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2774-0156
Marisqueria El Dorado
Marisqueria El Dorado
Marisqueria El Dorado
MENU: Ceviche
DESCRIPTION: Located in central market
PRICING: $
DETAILS:
PHONE: N/A
Tentación
Marisqueria El Dorado
Gran Escape
MENU: Smoothies & Coffee
DESCRIPTION: Corner coffee shop
PRICING: $
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-3663
Gran Escape
Gran Escape
Gran Escape
MENU: Seafood fusion & bar
DESCRIPTION: Seafood by the boardwalk
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-7850
Miraolas
Gran Escape
Miraolas
MENU: Fusion
DESCRIPTION: 4th level of Kamuk Hotel
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-0811
L'Angolo
Gran Escape
Miraolas
MENU: Italian Delicatessen
DESCRIPTION: Corner Italian eatery
PRICING: $$
DETAILS:
PHONE: 2777-4129
Money, Banks & ATMs
Exchange Rate
Most businesses and services in Costa Rica will give you a decent exchange rate between US$ and colones (CRC)--and also accept dollars. . Check the current exchange rate between dollars and colones at the Costa Rican central bank site:
Where to Exchange Money
Not at the airport! The banks are the best place to exchange money--but only with your passport, and each bank has a limit. You can also take both US$ and CRC directly out of the ATM machines at a good exchange rate, though you may need to authorize your card with your bank first. Check with your bank about transaction fees also.
Banks
There are several banks in Quepos such as Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica--which tend to have longer lines. In Manuel Antonio at Plaza Vista is Banco Promerica (w/ATM), and a bit further towards the beach on the left is a small branch of Banco de Costa Rica (w/ATM). Promerica is open MTWTF from 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. BCR is open TWTFS from 11am to 4pm.
ATMs
There are ATM machines at each bank in Quepos and Manuel Antonio where you can take out either US$ or CRC. The ones in Manuel Antonio tend to have the shortest lines. You may need to have your bank authorize your cards before coming.
Tipping
Costa Rica very much has a tipping culture. This is even more important for people who live in and around Manuel Antonio where the cost of living is so high. We recommend erring on the side of generosity when it comes to tips!
Supermarkets & delivery
Mini Price Store
Mini Price Store
Mini Price Store
Located in Quepos in front of Pali.
Phone & Whatsapp: 8576-4242
Super Joseth
Mini Price Store
Mini Price Store
Several locations including Quepos & Manuel Antonio.
Phone: 2777-1095
Transportation
Car Rentals
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
There are international car rental agencies in the airport and also in Quepos. Our guests get a 10% discount with Adobe Rentacar via the following link:
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
The easiest way to get to Manuel Antonio is to be picked up at the airport when you arrive and taken directly to your rental property. Our concierge can help set it up for you. From SJO to Manuel Antonio for 1-4 people the cost is $180 and takes about 3 hours.
Taxis
Private Transportation
Domestic Flights
Taxis are an easy and affordable way to get around in Manuel Antonio and dispatch speaks some English.
Phone: 2777-1207, 6277-3080 & 2774-0330
Whatsapp: 8908-0842
Domestic Flights
Domestic Flights
Domestic Flights
Two local airlines, Sansa and Green Airways, run domestic flights to and from Quepos. The cost is approximately $110/pp and takes 25 minutes. Ask about baggage limitations and rainy-season schedules. Chartered flights start around $1,400 one-way.
The Bus
Domestic Flights
Interbus
The local beach bus service runs between Quepos and the main beach / national park every 15 minutes from 6am to 6pm every day, and then every 30 min until 9pm. There are specific stops but you may have to ask where! The cost is approximately $1/pp.
Interbus
Domestic Flights
Interbus
For solo and couple travelers that find private transportation attractive but expensive, the Interbus service picks up and drops off at major airports and hotels. Expect $35 - $60 / pp.
Phone: 4100-0888
Quepos souvenirs & shopping
Souvenir Miniatures QUepos
Souvenir Miniatures QUepos
A tourist handicraft store with lots of typical items.
Location: Central Quepos
Marea Alma de Joyeria
Souvenir Miniatures QUepos
Mara specializes in hand-crafted jewelry utilizing glass, and does custom jewelry also.
Location: Hotel Divisamar & Los Altos
Belijoyeria
Belsa specializes in hand-crafted & custom jewelry.
Location: Plaza Vista & El Avion (evenings)
Eilyn Pastrana
Modern Primitive Living
Home-made holistic products and alternative therapies.
Location: Online only / delivery
Modern Primitive Living
Modern Primitive Living
Modern Primitive Living
A home art, furniture & decoration store with lots of things imported from Bali and other countries.
Location: Central Manuel Antonio
Jungle Avenue
Modern Primitive Living
Modern Primitive Living
A rainforest-themed clothing and souvenir store.
Location: Plaza Vista, Manuel Antonio