Itinerary Manuel Antonio

December is at the start of Costa Rica’s dry season, making it an excellent time for Manuel Antonio — expect lush rainforests, abundant wildlife, and excellent beach weather.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	2,000 USD
🏨 Accommodations	1,000 USD
🧳 Gear	100 USD
🗺️ On-site	350 USD
Total	3,450 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇨🇷 Manuel Antonio - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏞️ Manuel Antonio National Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~5h)

  • World-renowned park featuring rainforests, white sand beaches, abundant monkeys and sloths. Arrive early for wildlife viewing. Take the main trail to Playa Manuel Antonio.

• [ ] 🏖️ Playa Espadilla ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Main public beach, perfect for swimming and surfing. Vendors offer drinks, snacks, and parasols. Watch out for strong currents near the river mouth.

• [ ] 🚤 Damas Island Mangrove Boat Tour ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Explore rich mangrove waterways by boat or kayak. Spot crocodiles, monkeys, and birds. Morning and sunset tours available.

• [ ] 🌊 Playa Biesanz ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Hidden gem beach, calm waters ideal for snorkeling and paddling. Short jungle walk from the road, less crowded than Espadilla.

• [ ] 🌋 Rainmaker Conservation Project ⭐⭐ (~5h)

  • Rainforest reserve with suspension bridges and waterfalls. Self-guided and guided hikes, birdwatching, swimming under cascades. 30 min drive from Manuel Antonio.

• [ ] 🛶 Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling ⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Guided ocean kayak tours along the coast to secluded beaches with snorkeling stops. Wildlife and sea cave viewing possible.

• [ ] 🧗 Canopy Ziplining Adventure ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Thrilling zipline tour through the rainforest canopy. Safety briefings, multiple platforms, and hanging bridges.

• [ ] 🏄 Surf Lesson at Playa Espadilla ⭐ (~2h)

  • Friendly local instructors, beginner and intermediate lessons. Boards and rash guards provided.

• [ ] 🐎 Horseback Riding to Tocori Waterfalls ⭐ (~4h)

  • Ride through rural landscapes and local villages to a scenic waterfall. Opportunity to swim and relax.

• [ ] 🦥 Guided Wildlife Night Walk ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Spot nocturnal wildlife, reptiles, and insects with professional guides just outside the park boundaries.

• [ ] 🎣 Inshore Sportfishing Excursion ⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Half-day fishing for roosterfish, snapper, and mackerel. Best for enthusiasts, all equipment included.

• [ ] 🏙️ Quepos Downtown Explorer ⭐ (~1h)

  • Walk the friendly coastal town, visit markets and try local snacks.

• [ ] 🌳 Parque Nahomi (Quepos) ⭐ (~1h)

  • Quiet seaside park, great for sunset photos, benches facing the Pacific, and a peaceful atmosphere.

• [ ] 🏄 Playa La Macha Hike ⭐ (~2h)

  • Hike through the jungle to a secluded beach. Moderate trail, pack water and swimming gear.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍹 Ronny's Place Sunset Bar ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Panoramic hilltop views, romantic sunsets, cocktails, fresh seafood. Popular for sunset hour (reserve ahead).

• [ ] 🎶 Barba Roja Restaurant & Bar ⭐ (~2h)

  • Legendary local spot; live music on select nights, creative cocktails, casual grill fare.

• [ ] 🌅 Catamaran Sunset Cruise ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Sail along the coast with open bar, snacks, music, and possible dolphin sightings. Sunset views of the park’s cliffs.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍽️ Café Agua Azul ⭐⭐⭐

  • Elevated Costa Rican-international cuisine, ocean view, fresh seafood. Avg. main: $25–35.

• [ ] 🍲 El Avión ⭐⭐

  • Famed restaurant built into an old airplane, great for sunset drinks, Costa Rican specialties. Avg. main: $18–28.

• [ ] 🍛 Emilio's Café ⭐⭐

  • Excellent breakfast/brunch, pastries, delicious coffee, ocean-view terrace. Avg. main: $15–22.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏟️ Marina Pez Vela (~1h)

  • Modern luxury marina, upscale shops, craft beer bars — good for an evening stroll.

• [ ] 🦋 Butterfly Botanical Gardens (~1h)

  • Small garden with local butterflies and knowledgeable guides — best with kids or plant lovers.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇨🇷 Manuel Antonio

• [ ] 🎬 Our Planet (2019) — ⭐ 9.3 — Stunning Costa Rican rainforest and wildlife sequences — Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 The Blue Planet (2001) — ⭐ 9.0 — Marine wildlife footage, look for Pacific coast episodes — Discovery+
• [ ] 📺 Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020) — ⭐ 8.0 — Costa Rica episode explores eco-tourism and conservation — Netflix

🍜 Local specialties

🇨🇷 Manuel Antonio

• [ ] Gallo Pinto (rice & beans breakfast)
• [ ] Casado (traditional lunch plate with meat, plantains, salad)
• [ ] Ceviche de Mariscos (fresh fish & shrimp ceviche)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇨🇷 Manuel Antonio

1. 🌤️ Manuel Antonio National Park
2. 🌙 Ronny's Place Sunset Bar
3. 🛍️ Marina Pez Vela
4. 🏨 Los Altos Resort or Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
5. 🍽️ Café Agua Azul

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → San José (Juan Santamaría Intl. Airport)
• [ ] 🚗 San José → Manuel Antonio (private transfer or rental car)
• [ ] 🚗 Manuel Antonio → San José
• [ ] ✈️ San José → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Manuel Antonio	4	Los Altos Resort (Luxury Hotel, Suite, ocean view) OR Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort	1,000 USD
Total	4 nights		1,000 USD