Manuel Antonio

The flat, gravel-paved Main Trail runs roughly 1.3 km from the park entrance to Playa Manuel Antonio, and this single short walk delivers the country's most reliable wildlife encounters: squirrel monkeys overhead, sloths in the cecropia trees (look up where guides cluster their telescopes), white-faced capuchins raiding bags on the beach, agoutis crossing the path, and basilisk "Jesus Christ" lizards at the small streams. Hire a certified ICT guide ($25–$35 per person, available at the entrance) — the difference between seeing 3 animals and 30 is the spotting scope and trained eye. Park opens 07:00; arrive at opening to dodge the cruise-tour wave that arrives at 09:30.

A 400m crescent of white sand framed by two jungle-covered headlands — calm, swimmable water (the park bay is sheltered by Punta Catedral), and capuchin monkeys that have learned to unzip backpacks for snacks. Bring a dry bag, never leave food unattended, and the lifeguard kiosk at the centre of the beach is the meeting point. The Punta Catedral loop trail (45 min) climbs up and over the headland for views of the offshore islands — easily the prettiest short hike in the park.

The free public beach immediately outside the park entrance — 2 km of light-grey sand backed by surf shops, beach bars, and a row of palm trees. The shore break can be punchy with strong rip currents (lifeguards posted, swim only in flagged areas); surf schools rent boards at $20/day and offer 90-min beginner lessons for $50. This is where the Manuel Antonio "scene" actually happens after the park closes — sunset volleyball, beach beers at Marlin Restaurant, and the long flat sand for walking.

A 1.4 km loop that climbs onto Punta Catedral, the forested peninsula that separates Playa Espadilla Sur from Playa Manuel Antonio inside the park. Boardwalk steps and stone paths through dense secondary forest emerge at three viewpoints over the offshore Mogote islands and the curve of Playa Manuel Antonio below. Allow 45–60 min; bring water. The trail is included in standard park admission.

Pez Vela Marina at Quepos is one of Central America's top sportfishing harbours — sailfish (December–March is peak season), marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna. Half-day inshore trips run $400–$600 per boat (up to 4 anglers); full-day offshore $1,200–$2,200. The marina restaurants (Runaway Grill, El Gran Escape) serve the day's catch; Wednesday is the weekly fishermen's market.

A private rainforest reserve 22 km inland from Manuel Antonio with the country's first canopy bridge system — six suspension bridges spanning 250m of pristine primary rainforest at canopy height. The half-day guided hike combines the bridges with a series of waterfall pools you can swim in. Excellent for birding; less crowded than the national park. $80 with transport from Quepos hotels.

A 2.5-hour boat tour through the Damas estuary mangroves north of Quepos — howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, crocodiles, boa constrictors, and 50+ bird species. Best at high tide (boats glide deep into the channels) and at sunrise or late afternoon for wildlife activity. $50–$70 per person including transport.

Half-day catamaran trips depart Quepos Marina around 13:00, motoring south along the cliff coast to anchor at a snorkel reef, then returning at sunset with open bar and dinner. Operators (Planet Dolphin, Ocean King) charge $80–$110 per person. Dolphin sightings are common; humpback whale sightings frequent July–November. Less rough than open-Pacific cruises further south.

The single best sunset viewpoint along the road is the terrace at La Mariposa Hotel (open to non-guests at the bar) and the adjacent Café Milagro coffee roastery — both perched on the ridge halfway between Quepos and the park entrance, looking out over the islands of the park. Mariposa's Long Bar at sunset is a Manuel Antonio rite of passage; cocktails $10–$14.