Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - 'Gobsmacked by Natural Beauty'
TRIP REPORT Posted by: Athena. A four year resident of Puriscal, Costa Rica that is still exploring all Costa Rica has to offer.
My family just returned from our first trip to Manuel Antonio. All I can say is WOW! I had to share.
The drive from Puriscal to Manuel Antonio was a breeze. No pot holes or bad roads and not at all congested. It was actually a very beautiful drive. It reminded me of my initial arrival to Costa Rica. I had been gobsmacked by the natural beauty. I would wonder how the locals could possibly get any work done with views like this just waiting to steal your attention considering there were many times I couldn't help but stop dead in my tracks to marvel at some spectacular tropical view. I never thought I'd reach a point where I could go out for the day and not notice such splendor because my mind was so filled with chores. Apparently I did reach that point. This drive reminded me of what I had forgotten. How beautiful Costa Rica and her people are (natives and extranjeros alike) and how lucky I am to have this experience.
There was one annoyance on the drive. This tourist van with a badly smoking tailpipe tailgating everyone and driving like a maniac in the Jaco area. Strangely enough we encountered him on the way to Manuel Antonio AND on the way back to Puriscal. I move over and just let him pass but still end up frustrated because now I have to watch him tailgating the poor car in front of me and it's not like traffic is moving slowly. Besides driving under the influence and passing on a curve, tailgating has to be one of the dumbest driving stunts someone can pull. You're putting yourself at risk, the person you're tailgating and any cars behind you that are trusting you to drive responsibly.
Manuel
Antonio mountainside road view of Quepos Port (Puerto Quepos)
Anywho, we made it to Manuel Antonio in under four hours. We were originally prepared to stay at some cabinas in town. I had contacted them (and a few others) ahead of time so I knew they had space but chose not to make reservations opting for a little spontaneity. We ended up being really glad we didn't have reservations; though I wouldn't recommend this approach to anyone not within a short driving distance to get back home. The cabinas were available for only one night and after seeing the location we didn't really want to stay there. It was too busy for my taste. It was located just off a fairly narrow bustling strip with tons of shops and restaurants and tourists in central Manuel Antonio.
After stopping at a few other places we were directed to Hotel Verde Mar which ended up being perfect (pues casi). It wasn't in the middle of everything and was still right on the beach so we didn't have to hike or drive to get there with a three year old toddler. The location was perfect for our situation and the beach was the most beautiful beach I've seen in Costa Rica. The water was crystal clear and the waves were good but not scary for our group of non-swimmers. The white sand beach was surprisingly well kept for so popular a spot. No garbage or other debris and a life guard nearby.
Manuel
Antonio Beach (Playa Manuel Antonio) - Costa Rica
I would have to ding the hotel for a couple of things. No T.V. (though many people would like that), the maid didn't tidy up for the time we were there (not good with so much sand), and one of the front desk guys was kinda flippant though another was awesome so it kinda balanced out I suppose.
Manuel
Antonio beach restaurant under a natural canopy
Eating in Manuel Antonio was an absolute pleasure. There was a little restaurant 30 seconds from the hotel right there on the beach. The prices were good for such a touristy area and the food was pretty good too. The monkeys raided people's plates! Cute little things (the monkeys) but I wouldn't have been impressed with monkey fingers in my breakfast. Goodness knows where those fingers have been. The raided parties didn't seem to mind and everyone got a good laugh over it. The guy at the next table warned that the monkeys didn't just take your food but they would take your non-edible belongings as well.
Still "more monkeys than people" in Manuel Antonio
... and they're hungry ;o)
On the last day we decided to try something different. We dined at "Kapi Kapi" and it was THE best dining experience in my four plus years living in Costa Rica. The prices were definitely more than what I'm use to paying in Puriscal but it was worth every cent. The service was Excellent (capital E intentional), the decor was tasteful, and the food was beyond.
Another great place was "La Hacienda Restaurant & Bar". They don't serve breakfast normally but whipped me up the perfect North American breakfast. Fluffy pancakes, bacon, eggs, and toast. The helpings were very generous and the prices were good and the food was delicious.
I know this is getting long but I have to throw out one more thing that I didn't put anywhere else but was pretty cool. Sand dollars! All over the beach. Every third handful or so would gift you a sand dollar. I've seen them in bead shops and such but kinda like the elusive sea horse (but not at all like the common sea monkey), I've never seen a live one.
Sunset
on Manuel Antonio Beach (La puesta de sol de Manuel
Antonio) - Costa Rica
Well I was impressed. Manuel Antonio left nothing to be desired. If you have not been, I would highly recommend it as a "must do". I can't wait to go back.
Athena
Fehu Berkana S.R.L.
Una luz en su camino para la iluminación.
A light on your path to enlightenment.
www.FehuBerkana.com
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My family (2 adults, 2 young kids) is considering a vacation in Costa Rica. The rainforest is calling out to us -- and maybe the Pacific coast too. We'd like to hike in the forest, try a zip line, a canopy tour, see some waterfalls, monkeys, butterflies, and maybe even a volcano. Is it better to plan things myself (and rent a car) or just go with a tour?
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Hola Happy Mom (love the name).
In my many years of extended stays in Costa Rica I have never taken a "tour" or had a company plan and book my trips.
Ironically, now that I live in Costa Rica I just recently sought out tour packages when my mom, daughter and ex-father-in-law were visiting to see if I could find a better bargain for 5 wanting to experience Tortuguero ... this attempt confirmed to me that it is better booking yourself.
In my opinion, tours and pre-planned vacations will get you there for a price (both in money and in missing some unique adventures). One size does certainly not fit all when it comes to exploring the wonderful country of Costa Rica.
It will be some work, but planning your own trip and leaving a little bit to chance proves to be a fun adventure.
That said I recommend public transportation as it is abundant, cheaper and safer (see my other blog posts here at http://www.CostaRicaBlogger.com for more details).
English speaking group forum and blog sites are a great way to get direction toward a wonderful experience in Costa Rica.
-Bill
Good Resource - Costa Rica Living Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CostaRicaLiving
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Is $3000 a decent price for a class trip to Costa Rica?
It is 8-9 days long. We would go to hot springs, San Jose, the Monteverde cloud forest, and take a horseback ride trip to a smaller village. We also get to have free days and I think we go swimming. Is it worth the money? I really want to go, but it's pricey. I'm in high school, but not old enough to have a job, so my parents would have to pay most of it...
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Hola Caitlin,
You are being very wise by getting more information before you commit.
I personally have traveled Costa Rica for 11 days with a family of three and brought the entire trip in at under $2,000 ... but we didn't use a tour company + knew where to stay, how to get around via public transportation, etc.
In order to directly answer your question I consulted with my ex-brother-in-law who is a U.S. high school Spanish teacher that takes his students either to Costa Rica or Spain every other year. His response:
"$3,000 seems a bit on the high side for that trip. Our 2009 Costa Rica trip that is all-inclusive (air fair, hotels, CR ground transportation, 3meals/day, guide) is just around $2,000 after you get insurance and add in the whitewater rafting and zipline tours."
Below is the website my brother-in-law provided complete with itinerary.
EF Educational Tours: http://student-travel.eftours.com
Check out a tour #: 438874 (input no. in lower right box)
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Do you recommend going to Costa Rica for a honeymoon?
It seems to be a pretty place with lots of adventurous things to do. We are just not sure if it is out of our price range only wanting to spend 3 to 4 thousand. Any Help?
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I spent my own honeymoon in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica ... where there are "More Monkeys Than People" and where the "Mountains Meet the Sea".
You will not find a more beautiful place for your honeymoon memories.
As for budget, Costa Rica is well below yours. I've rented beach homes in Costa Rica for as little as $75/day.
Having spent many vacations in places like Jamaica, Mexico, etc. ... I highly recommend Costa Rica for its beauty, culture, diversity of things you can do (ie: volcanoes, rain forests, jungles, white water rafting, whale watching, sport fishing, boat tours, scuba diving, snorkeling, zip line, jungle canopy tours, horseback riding, eco-tours, wildlife watching, etc., etc., etc.), etc.
In fact, I fell so much in love with Costa Rica that I moved here this year.
Congratulations on your marriage wherever you decide to honeymoon!
If your interested, I have online Costa Rica photo albums at: BienvenidosCostaRica.com
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We are planning to go to Costa Rica in December . We would like to stay there for 3 month to see if we can live there. I am reading blogs and any information I can find that could prepare us for the trip.
I cannot find anything on long term home rentals, everything is on the beach and very expensive. Any recommendations?
How I can rent a cell phone. Seems that it is an issue to get one.
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How much to spend on vacation in Costa Rica? Is 2,000 dollars enough to spend on vacation in Costa Rica? Is that considered a lot of money there for one week? I believe that is like a million plus colones. Should bring more....or is that fine????
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Anomie,
Are you going to "bring" $2,000 with you or are you more than likely wondering if this would be enough money to spend? I presume the later and Yes you should be fine.
Prior to moving to Costa Rica my visits where generally 2 weeks in duration for 2 adults, 1 child and cost less than $2,000 including airfare and lodging.
Within the blog entry titled "Costa Rica Banking ... because money matters!" I made some suggestions on traveling with money in Costa Rica.
Enjoy your visit!
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Dear Bill, I think you speak spanish, isn´it?
Bueno, por mi ingles es regular. He leido creo que absolutamente todo acerca de tus sitios y me parece impresionante el trabajo realizado ademas de que son sitios muy faciles de navegar y muy informativos. Entre esos encontré "ex-brother-in-law who is a U.S. high school Spanish teacher that takes his students either to Costa Rica or Spain every other year" y me gustaría tener su correo electrónico, claro si es posible. Trabajo para una escuela de español para extranejros en Manuel Antonio y es de mi interés estableces algún tipo de relación laboral con EF y tal vez él pueda ayudarme. Discúlpeme y gracias por leer mi correo.
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Which one to visit Puerto Limon or Quepos?
I can't decide which one to visit. thanks.
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The combination of the small town of Quepos with the world famous Manuel Antonio park and beach 7 kilometers down the beautiful mountain shoreline road makes this a GREAT Costa Rica destination.
I personally don't like Limon except as a stop over to other Caribbean destinations.
Also, regarding the size of Costa Rica ... although it is geographically small, it can take hours to get anywhere due to the two lane winding mountain roads. Too many people visit Costa Rica thinking they can cover all the sights based on distance and the perception they can consistently drive 65 miles an hour like in the U.S. or elsewhere.
I suggest picking a region and seeing the many sights within a very short distance.
Enjoy your visit!
Quepos Pictures: http://tinyurl.com/QueposManuelAntonio
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