Quepos and Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast packs in an incredibly diverse combination of nature, isolated beaches, hip party spots, smart restaurants and stylish lodging. Here are the main areas in this gorgeous region.

Synonymous with tropical relaxation, Manuel Antonio has become Costa Rica’s premier beach destination. White-sand beaches border turquoise waters and lush rainforests, which house an amazing variety of wildlife.

It is around this natural sanctuary that the country’s largest tourist infrastructure grew. One can find accommodations ranging from camping and seaside cabinas to exclusive five-star resorts. A huge range of excellent restaurants satisfy any hunger pangs, and one’s sense of adventure can be quelled by any number of tour operators.

National Park: Manuel Antonio

Hit the park in the morning, since the number of visitors is limited to 600 during the week and 800 on weekends. The park is closed Mondays. Morning is the best time, easy to avoid crowds take advantage of open space and sunny skies.  Hike to the third beach once in the park; it may be the most spectacular beach in Costa Rica, with verdant, coco-lined white-sand beaches.

Don’t Miss:

While the park is the area’s centerpiece, there are many other activities to keep travelers happily busy:

1. Kayaking: Explore the untouched coastline or the dense mangrove forests around the Damas Island. www.iguanatours.com

2. Rafting: Just south of Quepos, the Savegre (class II-III) and Naranjo (class III-IV) rivers offer great rafting in a spectacular tropical setting. www.iguanatours.com

3. Get a massage at Spa Uno  www.spauno.com.

4. Lunch at Cafe Agua Azul. Huge portions of comfort food with a spectacular view. www.cafeaguaazul.com

5. Sunset cocktail at Ronny´s Place You can’t go wrong by finding a place with an ocean view, ordering a beverage and watching the sun disappear over the horizon. Ahh, pure bliss.

Quick Facts

Location: Central Pacific coast. Drive time from San José to Jacó is now one hour on the new toll road; Manuel Antonio, 2.5 hours. Sansa (www.flysansa.com), Nature Air (www.natureair.com) and Paradise Air (www.flywithparadise.com) offer flights to Quepos, which take about 25 minutes from San José.

What to bring: Beach gear. The main attractions are the spectacular beaches and inland nature preserves. Additionally, Jacó and Quepos have increasingly sophisticated culinary scenes and nightlife.

Weather: It’s tropical, so beach wear is a must. Daily showers fall from May to November; the rest of the year is much drier.