Our Routes in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

…with Travel Specialist, Julia

In the next instalment of Our Routes series, our travel specialist Julia Ross walks us through a fantastic trip through Costa Rica, focusing on her favourite area, Manuel Antonio, with its wildlife-abundant national park backing onto glorious sandy shores and a stunning array of quality hotels set in gorgeous grounds.

WHERE DID YOU GO & WHY IS THIS PLACE ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS IN COSTA RICA? 

Manuel Antonio is by far one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! This is due to its unique combination of stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a range of activities and attractions. The combination of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery creates a picturesque and scenic environment make Manuel Antonio a MUST in your itinerary. Whether you’re hiking through the rainforest, enjoying a sunset on the beach, or admiring the panoramic views from elevated viewpoints, the natural beauty of the area is captivating!

Another thing that drew me to Manuel Antonio was its commitment to ecotourism & sustainable practices, plus its efforts to preserve the region’s natural resources and protect its wildlife. Many hotels, restaurants, and guides in the area prioritise eco-friendly practices, allowing visitors to experience Costa Rica’s beauty while minimising their environmental impact. This was made clear while visiting hotels such as Arenas del Mar where they have implemented numerous eco-friendly practices, including the use of renewable energy, water conservation measures, organic gardens, and a recycling program.

HOW DID YOU GET THERE? 

Manuel Antonio is relatively easy to access. It is located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and within a few hours’ drive from San José, the capital city. Because we were in Tamarindo previously, we drove from there to Manuel Antonio with a stop in Jaco to do the famous crocodile adventure tour (highly recommended) plus some souvenir shopping! The drive only took a few hours & was very straightforward, with some amazing coastal views en route – so make sure you bring your camera!

FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP?

This was my first-time visiting Manuel Antonio – but definitely not my last. I will continue to promote this small area of Costa Rica, in the the hope that my clients are left just as mesmerised as I was! This place is the definition of PURA VIDA!

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? 

Hotel Parador is situated on the top of the hill and overlooks the ocean. On our final night, after a busy day exploring, I sneaked out to the pool before dinner and got the chance to relax in the infinity pool and watch the sunset. I spotted the silhouettes of some howler monkeys below and was the most relaxed I had ever been! I took a moment to breathe, and that was the moment I realised why PURA VIDA is the national slogan of Costa Rica, and how lucky I am to be able to send my clients to this amazing country for a job!

BEST HOLIDAY EXCURSION/EXPERIENCE? 

Manuel Antonio is home to the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park which was one of the main highlights of this trip for me! The National Park encompasses both pristine beaches, lush rainforest and offers a diverse range of ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and tropical forests. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, and hiking along the park’s scenic trails. Visitors have the opportunity to spot monkeys, sloths, colourful birds, iguanas, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

The park offers a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the rainforest and along the coast. We had a fantastic knowledgeable guide called Francisco who enhanced our experience by providing insights into the flora and fauna, not forgetting that he could spot animals hiding in the trees that we would just walk by and not realise!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HOTEL OR LODGE THERE?

Oh, it has to be Arenas del Mar! One of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio and worth every penny! The hotel is situated within a private nature reserve, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding rainforest. Guests can enjoy direct access to two beautiful beaches, allowing for a seamless blend of beachfront relaxation and nature exploration. The hotel also offers a range of amenities, including two infinity pools, a spa, and multiple dining options featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients and you can join one of their many great excursions to enhance your experience, including hikes, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing, and canopy tours. There are also many opportunities to spot wildlife on the property – we saw a sleeping sloth! Another reason that this hotel stood out to me was due to its exceptional service and attention to detail.

WHAT DO YOU MOST RECOMMEND PACKING OR PREPPING FOR?

Crocodile repellent! JOKING…You can’t repel them! But on a more serious note, make sure you bring your swimming costume to the national park, as swimming in the turquoise waters there was one of the highlights of my whole trip and the best way to cool down (there are no crocodiles, I promise!).

FAVOURITE FOOD AND DRINK IN THIS DESTINATION?

The food at Hotel Parador & Hotel Si Como No was some of the best food that I had the whole trip! However, make sure you ask for a constant supply of fruit mocktails, as they are the ideal way to cool down and were made right in front of your eyes with fresh fruit!

SUM UP YOUR TRIP IN THREE WORDS: 

LOOK! SLOTH! WHERE?

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Ready to book your trip to Costa Rica? Get in touch with one of our specialists today on 020 3820 0885, or complete the enquiry form to get in touch.

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