Manuel Antonio Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do & Honest Tips (2025)
Manuel Antonio was the perfect place to start our Costa Rica adventure. With its combination of lush jungle, pristine beaches, and wildlife around every corner, it’s a destination that’s exciting but not overwhelming. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, wildlife lover, or just want a beautiful place to relax, Manuel Antonio has something for everyone.
Here’s a full breakdown of our experience, plus tips, recommendations, and links to help plan your trip.
Getting to Manuel Antonio
Most travelers drive from San José to Manuel Antonio, which takes about 3–4 hours. While driving is an option, we decided to do something a little different and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
We took a small regional flight with Sansa Airlines. The planes are tiny, with just a handful of seats, which might not be ideal if you’re nervous about flying. But if you’re up for it, the views over the Pacific coastline and jungle are absolutely breathtaking. From above, you really get a sense of Costa Rica’s incredible landscapes.
This flight felt less like transportation and more like a mini adventure, definitely worth considering if you want to save time and see the country from a unique perspective.
Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio
Costa Verde
We stayed at Costa Verde in one of their airplane suites and it was easily one of the most unique places we’ve ever stayed. You’re literally sleeping inside a converted airplane.
But what made it special wasn’t just the novelty, it was the setting:
The balcony overlooked both the ocean and jungle and was large enough for a table and a bathtub
The bathroom extended slightly outside the plane with screened walls, so you could hear the jungle while showering
We woke up to howler monkeys and saw macaws and toucans flying by from our room
At night, it was completely pitch black, quiet, and peaceful.
The hotel itself is also worth mentioning:
A beautiful pool overlooking the ocean
A large terrace where we watched macaws and tucans fly across the sky
On-site restaurant
👉 Check availability at Costa Verde
One thing to know:
The monkeys will try to get your food if you’re eating outside. The staff is used to it (they even have spray bottles at tables), but it can feel a little chaotic if you’re not expecting it.
Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
This was one of the biggest highlights of our entire Costa Rica trip. We chose to hire a private guide and I would 100% recommend doing the same.
Without a guide, we would have walked past almost everything. With one, we saw:
Sloths (both two- and three-toed)
Capuchin monkeys everywhere
An anteater
Squirrel monkeys
Our guide used a high-powered spotting scope and even helped us take photos through it using our phones—which was such a cool bonus since we didn’t have a professional camera.
Important things to know before you go:
You should book tickets online in advance
You cannot bring outside food (the monkeys will take it)
Even small things like gum aren’t allowed
Only reusable water bottles are permitted
After the guided portion (about 2 hours), you’re free to explore on your own and it ends at one of the most beautiful beaches we visited.
We chose a more secluded beach, and it was calm, quiet, and surprisingly monkey-free, so we could actually relax and swim without worrying about our stuff.
Sunset Sail Along the Coast
We did a sunset sail our first night, and it was the perfect way to kick off the trip.
It included:
Drinks (they came around often, which we appreciated)
Snorkeling
Dinner onboard
A really beautiful sunset over the water
The snorkeling here wasn’t the best we experienced in Costa Rica, but the overall vibe made it worth it. There was also a high jump off the boat, which my fiancé loved.
Zip Lining
We’ve zip lined before, but this one stood out for a few reasons.
The course included:
Multiple zip lines through the jungle canopy
Suspension bridges
A dual zip line where you can race each other
Everything was self-braking, so it felt very safe and easy even if you’re not super adventurous.
They also provided fruit and water during breaks and ended the experience with lunch, which made it feel really well organized from start to finish.
Where to Eat in Manuel Antonio
El Avión
This is one of the most well-known spots in the area and definitely worth going to at least once.
The restaurant is built around an actual airplane (which fits perfectly with the Costa Verde vibe), and the views overlooking the ocean are incredible. Its also within walking distance from the Costa Verde hotel!
To be honest, I don’t really remember the food and that kind of says it all. You’re here for the experience, not a standout meal.
Should You Go Into Town?
We did go into town one night for dinner, and while nothing specifically went wrong, it just didn’t feel necessary.
Compared to everything else we were doing, it didn’t add much to the experience and getting a taxi back felt overpriced and slightly inconvenient.
If you’re short on time, I’d focus on staying closer to your hotel and the main area.
What to Know Before Visiting Manuel Antonio
1. Wildlife is everywhere (including at your hotel)
Monkeys, birds, and other animals aren’t just in the park—you’ll see them at restaurants and around your hotel too.
2. Go early to avoid crowds
Manuel Antonio National Park gets busy quickly. Early morning is the best time to go.
3. Guides are worth it here
You can go without one—but you’ll miss a lot. This is one place where a guide really enhances the experience.
4. Bugs aren’t an issue
Compared to places like Drake Bay or Corcovado, this area has zero issues with bugs day or night. Bring bug spray for other areas, but it won’t be needed if you stay in Manuel Antonio.
Final Thoughts: Is Manuel Antonio Worth It?
Absolutely.
Manuel Antonio ended up being the perfect introduction to Costa Rica. It gave us a taste of the wildlife and adventure the country is known for—without feeling overwhelming right away.
It’s the kind of place where you can:
Wake up to monkeys in the trees
Spend your day exploring a world-class national park
End the night watching the sunset over the ocean
And somehow, it all feels easy.