Friends, ready for emerald jungle, calm coves, and wildlife at arm’s length? Manuel Antonio blends tropical trails, beach time, and easy day tours into one compact paradise.
Five days is the sweet spot—enough to hike, swim, and soar without rushing. Here’s a clear, cost-savvy plan with times, prices, and where to stay.
Where to Stay
Luxury: Parador Resort & Spa—panoramic sea views, nature paths, three pools, and polished service.
Midrange: La Colina—family-run hillside hotel, two-tier pool, onsite grill, live music nights.
Backpackers: Vista Serena—legendary sunsets from hammock-lined terraces; huge shared kitchen.
Social Hostel: Hostel Plinio—retro timber lodge with a large pool; mix of dorms and privates (some with balconies).
Tip: Base between Quepos and the park entrance for quick bus/taxi access. Local buses run every 15–20 minutes along the main road (under $1.25 USD).
Day 1: Arrive
Settle in and aim for a gentle start at Playa Biesanz—a calm cove perfect for wading and beginner snorkeling. Park near the end of the paved road, follow a 10-minute forest path, and rent chairs/snorkel gear from beach vendors (from $5–$10 USD). Strong swimmers can float near the cove mouth at sunset—allow ample light for the swim back.
Evening: Unwind poolside or on a balcony and rest up for an early start tomorrow.
Day 2: The Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is compact but wildly biodiverse. Hours: 7 am–4 pm (typically closed Tuesdays). Entry: about $18–$20 USD per person; tickets must be purchased online for a specific time slot. Arrive for the first entry windows to enjoy cooler temps and more wildlife.
Trails are mostly flat boardwalk/packed earth. Don’t miss: Punta Catedral viewpoints, Playa Manuel Antonio’s calm turquoise cove, and quieter sands at Playa Gemelas or Puerto Escondido (check tide times; access may close at high tide). Expect encounters with sloths and several monkey species—keep a respectful distance and stow food securely.
Afternoon: For sunset with a view, choose a hillside restaurant west of the main road. Fresh seafood is easy to find; arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset for the best seating.
Day 3: Surf + Sea
Morning surf lessons on Playa Espadilla or nearby beaches are ideal for first-timers. Group sessions run 2–2.5 hours with board and rash guard, typically $55–$75 USD per person. Most schools promise you’ll stand up at least once—photographers often sell optional action shots.
Afternoon: Join a catamaran cruise along the park coastline. Standard trips include snorkeling, a hot meal, fresh fruit, and unlimited soft drinks; many boats add slides or small jacuzzis. Expect $70–$95 USD per person for a 3.5–4.5 hour excursion with hotel pickup. Dolphins are frequently seen; bring a drybag and reef-safe sunscreen.
Day 4: Zipline + Pool Skills
Morning: Fly the canopy with El Santuario Canopy Adventure on private rainforest land. Ten lines include one of Central America’s longest (about 1.3 km). Tours last ~4 hours with transport and a light lunch, priced $80–$110 USD. Long pants/shorts, closed shoes, and a small daypack are ideal.
Afternoon: Begin a Discover Scuba Diving program (no certification required). The pool session covers equipment basics, buoyancy, breathing, and safety signals; plan 1–2 hours. Many operators are clustered near Hostel Plinio and Quepos; pricing for the 2-day experience usually runs $150–$190 USD total.
Day 5: First Ocean Dives
Head to Marina Pez Vela for two guided shallow dives within the Manuel Antonio marine area (depths often 8–12 m / 26–40 ft). You’ll practice pool skills first, then explore coral outcrops and rocky bommies with good chances to spot rays, turtles, and schooling reef fish. Boats supply water and light snacks; plan 4–5 hours dock-to-dock. Bring a towel, dry clothes, and motion-sickness tabs if needed.
Return mid-afternoon to pack and savor one last swim. Quepos is ~3 hours by road from SJO airport (longer with traffic); private shuttles run $170–$220 USD per vehicle, shared shuttles $55–$75 USD per person, and public buses are the budget pick (San José ⇄ Quepos $10–$12 USD, then a short local bus/taxi).
Practical Tips
- Park tickets: Buy online a day or two ahead; bring passport and digital/printed QR.
- Guides: Park naturalist guides ($25–$35 USD pp in small groups) dramatically increase wildlife spotting with scopes.
- What to pack: Lightweight long sleeves, quick-dry shorts, sturdy sandals, waterproof phone pouch, micro-towel, insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen, reusable bottle.
- Cash: Small bills for beach gear, snacks, taxis; most tours take cards.
- Wildlife etiquette: No feeding, touching, or flash photography; keep food sealed—cheeky monkeys are clever.
Where Next?
Extend south to Uvita and the Osa Peninsula for wilder beaches and boat trips to Caño Island (excellent visibility and abundant marine life). Lodges range from tented camps to boutique eco-stays; transfers from Manuel Antonio take 3–4.5 hours by road.
Conclusion
In five days, Manuel Antonio delivers a greatest-hits reel: jungle trails at dawn, surf lessons by lunch, and golden sunsets on the water. Which memory are you chasing first—Punta Catedral views, that first stand-up on a board, or your debut bubbles underwater? Share your dates and wish list, and a tailored tweak to this plan is yours.
