Manuel Antonio Costa Rica has become one of the most visited areas in Costa Rica since the National Park was created in 1972. Combining natural beauty, biodiversity, and numerous opportunities to explore and play, this area offers a unique lifestyle choice and the potential for investment growth all in one.
Manuel Antonio Costa Rica
Ponce de Leon May Have Been Right
Looking for the Fountain of Youth
During his quest to find eternal youth, Ponce de Leon may have been the first to put Manuel Antonio Costa Rica and its close neighbor, Quepos, on the map –literally. Charts dated 1519 show the area, although the intrepid Spaniard apparently never followed up on his discovery. Today, however, Manuel Antonio provides unique possibilities to rediscover the joys of youthful adventure.
San Bernardino Mission
Manuel Antonio Costa Rica has the distinction of being the location of one of the earliest Franciscan missions in the Americas. Founded in 1571, almost two centuries before any of the California missions existed, the Mission San Bernardino de Quepos would run until 1746 when it was closed due to continued unrest between members of the Coto Brus tribe and the Franciscans who sought to convert them to Catholicism.
Pirates of the Costa Rica Coast
Henry Morgan and the Sacking of Panama
The English pirate/privateer, Henry Morgan, attacked and looted the city of Panama in 1671. While his plans succeeded, Morgan was unable to find most of the 700 tons of Panamanian gold. Legend holds that the treasure map showing the location is buried in the hills of Manuel Antonio.
Clipperton’s Search for the Lost Treasure of Quepos
John Clipperton, the last of the British pirates to live in the Quepos-Manuel Antonio area, spent a number of years between 1709 and 1722 searching in vain for the Panamanian gold hoard. Finally leaving without finding the treasure, Clipperton remained certain the forests and hills in and around Manuel Antonio is the resting place for the gold.
Manuel Antonio Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio Costa Rica Today – Staying and Playing in a Natural Paradise
Today tourists and expats enjoy the many recreational opportunities that can be found in Manuel Antonio. There are many lodging options in and around Manuel Antonio. On the winding road between Quepos and the National Park, there is a wide variety of places to stay both for short and long terms periods. The options range from 5 star hotels with full amenities to intimate bed-and-breakfasts. Apartments and condos are also available for rent by private owners.
Beaches
There are five beaches at Manuel Antonio: North Espadilla, South Espadilla, Manuel Antonio Beach, Puerto Escondido, and Playitas Beach. Swimming, snorkeling, surfing and parasailing are just some of the activities that visitors can enjoy.
Rainforest Adventures
The Park is home to one of the most stunning rainforests in the country. Tours through the park following the trail around Punta Catedral (Cathedral Point) can provide glimpses of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and a variety of birds including the colorful Toucan.
Great Dining Choices
Though not in the Park itself, there are many different food choices that offer spectacular views of the ocean and the rainforest. The choices can range from pizza to tapas to hot dogs. There is also a unique restaurant built around a C-123 cargo plane that was part of the Iran-Contra scandal of the ’80s.
Active Nightlife
Manuel Antonio Costa Rica has evolved from a sleepy beach to a location with a wide variety of bars and clubs that are a magnet for expats, visitors and locals alike. Neighboring Quepos also has a variety of entertainment choices when the sun goes down.
Getting to Manuel Antonio Costa Rica – Many Options Are Available
There are several options to choose from to make the 159 km (roughly 99 miles) trip between Juan Santamaria International Airport on the outskirts of San Jose and Manuel Antonio Costa Rica. The 2 ½ to 3 hour drive follows a scenic route through mountain passes and along the Pacific coast.
Buses/Shuttles
There are a wide variety of private and shared shuttle services available at the airport that can take visitors directly to their destination in and around Manuel Antonio National Park. For the more adventurous the Costa Rican public bus system offers inexpensive, if slightly slower, city to city transport that can make the travelling as interesting as the destination.
Taxis
Cabs are readily available 24 hours a day and are a faster alternative to buses to take you directly to your Manuel Antonio Costa Rica destination. Whether part of a taxi cooperative or privately owned, the yellow triangle on the door verifies that they are regulated by law. Fares are metered and are comparatively much cheaper than those in the U.S.
Rental Cars
There are a number of rental car agencies that offer a wide selection of vehicles including those equipped with 4 wheel drive. The requirements to rent a car in Costa Rica are 1) having a valid driver’s license from your home country; 2) being over 21 years of age; and 3) having a major credit card to cover rental cost.
Commuter Airlines
Costa Rica has two affordable commuter airlines, Sansa Air and Nature Air that fly to local destinations throughout Costa Rica. The small airport in Quepos is just minutes from Manuel Antonio Costa Rica and also has rental cars available if having your own transportation is a desirable option.
Manuel Antonio Costa Rica
Living and Investing Opportunities in the Manuel Antonio Costa Rica Area
While purchasing land in the Park itself is prohibited, the surrounding communities offer a diverse selection of properties and parcels that can be an attractive investment option or a prime retirement or vacation retreat.
Manuel Antonio Costa Rica Is an Investment Magnet
With the National Park and the various recreational opportunities that abound in the area, Manuel Antonio is a magnet for a vibrant tourist trade that can provide a ready-made market for rental properties or opening a new tourist-oriented business such as restaurants, tour companies, and more.
The Real Estate Market Is Different in Costa Rica
Like most Central American countries, Costa Rica does not have a MLS (multi-list) system or a Board of Realtors. As a result, properties may appear on a number of listings for different prices. With the number of new properties, of all types, coming on the market every day, checking out our Costa Rica listings is a great way to start the search for your own piece of “pura vida”.
Lots, Homes, or Commercial Properties?
The types of properties that are available in the Manuel Antonio Costa Rica area vary from location to location. Smaller towns farther away from the Park tend to have a greater number of undeveloped lots while larger communities will have more existing structures and a greater potential for commercial development as well.
Infrastructure
The Manuel Antonio Costa Rica area has a well-developed infrastructure with electricity, water, and access roads available in even the more secluded locations and undeveloped lots. The recent improvements and expansions in telephone, internet, and cable services are attractive enhancements to buying, building, and/or investing in the region.
Communities Close to Manuel Antonio – A Wide Variety of Properties and Lifestyles
It is a well-known maxim that when considering buying real estate the major consideration is “location, location, location.” The widely diverse communities in the Manuel Antonio Costa Rica area offer a range from undeveloped, secluded lots in the hills to exciting commercial locations within walking distance of the beach.
Manuel Antonio
Adjacent to the second most visited tourist attraction in Costa Rica, the community of Manuel Antonio is experiencing a resurgence in development. An increasing number of newly built condominiums offer a great investment potential to supply rental options for visitors to the park. Commercial opportunities also exist and the excellent infrastructure is an additional selling point.
Jaco
Located 73 km/45 miles from Manuel Antonio Costa Rica, this beach town, best known for surfing, has been built up and is well-established. With grocery and retail stores, restaurants, entertainment, a full selection of modern amenities, there are numerous condos and stand-alone residences available that could provide a second income, long-term investment or a ready-made retirement location near the ocean.
Platanillo
This rural mountain community located 60 km/37 miles from Manuel Antonio has a number of farms (fincas in Costa Rican) that have been divided into lots and offer a potential for those interested in a self-sustaining lifestyle. With access roads and basic utilities in place, these parcels in Platainillo could provide a special opportunity to live Pura Vida your way.
Bejuco
An up and coming beachfront community only 45 km/27 miles from Manuel Antonio, Bejuco is experiencing growth with a number of new condominiums being built that could provide an immediate rental income. With full access to electricity, water, cable, telephone, and internet, the potential to attract tourists and long-term renters is greatly enhanced.
Dominical
Playa Dominical is fast becoming the gateway to the Southern Zone. Its location, 45 km/28 miles from Manuel Antonio offers unsullied beaches and numerous lots and parcels that have both a residential and commercial aspect. The infrastructure is continuing to be enhanced and this “surfer’s paradise” promises to be a vibrant and special tourist attraction in the near future.
Quepos
The town of Quepos can almost be viewed as a suburb of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Although it is technically 7 km/4 miles from the park, it is nearly impossible to see where Quepos ends and Manuel Antonio begins.
Quepos has all the features of a modern town, including the small regional airport, with the flavor of a traditional Costa Rican community. This unique blend makes real estate here a desirable alternative to the more expensive properties in Manuel Antonio proper and makes this a potential for investment.
Manuel Antonio Costa Rica – The Present Potential and the Future Promise
The region in and around Manuel Antonio Costa Rica is a diverse blend of established tourist areas, rural farm lots, typical Costa Rican communities and beachfront living. As the expansion to the Southern Zone of Costa Rica continues, Manuel Antonio has the potential for an immediate investment return and the promise of growth in the future.
Whether you are considering a place to retire, rental income, or beginning a new business, Manuel Antonio is worth exploring to discover what the area may offer today and tomorrow.
Map of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio Fast Facts
- Population: About 7,000 in the area
- Typical temperature: 89 Fahrenheit
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: San Jose, Costa Rica
- Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has long been famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This gorgeous shoreline with great surfing and incredible wildlife has lured expats for decades. Today many beach towns in Costa Rica are well established for those looking to relocate to towns with some of the same comforts of home in a tight-knit community with plenty of nature.
Playa Samara
Daniel Stenberg
Many cite Playa Samara, on the North Pacific Coast on the Nicoya Peninsula, as their favorite beach town in the entire country. The relaxed fishing village has a strong community feel for locals and tourists alike. The town has many local authentic “sodas (Costa Rican cafes) as well as expat-run sushi bars and Italian restaurants. The horseshoe bay is a great gathering place where fishermen wade into the water then run out with their fresh catch. Groups of people crowd around to admire what they pull out and some purchase it for their lunch or dinner. At more populated spots on the beach locals, expats, and tourists play games of volleyball or take kayaks and stand up paddleboards out into the ocean.
The many nearby beaches are great for hiking and exploration including Playa Carillo known for its crocodile sightings, Playa Buena Vista, and Playa Barrigona where Mel Gibson owns a home. All beaches can be accessed by long walks on the shore around rocky points or on back roads on a bicycle. Slightly further inland are farms with domesticated animals like sheep and cattle which gives the area an authentically Nicoyan cowboy feel.
Playa Guiones
Chris Goldberg
National Geographic named Playa Guiones one of the top surf towns in the entire world and we can see why. Beginners, intermediates, and experts can all enjoy the clean waves here that can be surfed all day long. Nearby beaches also offer a variety of breaks for those looking to really challenge themselves. Surf schools are everywhere as well as surf camps for kids.
In addition to having some of the most versatile and consistent surf in all of Costa Rica, it also has a well established expat scene. One of the first yoga studios in Costa Rica is in Playa Guiones, the Nosara Yoga Institute, which has led to the opening of many yoga studios and retreat centers. There is also pilates, kickboxing, massage, horseback riding, stand up paddleboarding, and many more physical activities. It is a great place for families as there are tons of activities for kids as well. Surf camps, horseback riding clubs, ballet, and gymnastics are just a few. There are also two reputable international schools that ensure quality education for children of all ages.
The dedication to health also makes Playa Guiones a great place for health-conscious individuals and families. The town boasts an organic grocery store, farmers market, and a few organic healthy cafes.
Playa Cocles
Magalie L’Abbé
Playa Cocles on the South Caribbean coast hosts stunning beaches, tons of wilderness, and tons of local and international culture. This neighborhood is most famous for its barreling waves at Beach Break and close proximity to Puerto Viejo just a couple of miles away, but it’s quickly becoming a yoga and health hotspot as well. The neighborhood houses locals and expats from North America, Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America giving it great international appeal in a very undeveloped town. The community here is infectious with a weekly farmer’s market, community garden project, community dinners, and events at Om Yoga.
About a century ago Caribbean islanders came to this part of Costa Rica, which lends a fascinating local culture to the area. Traditional Costa Rican rice and beans are steamed in coconut milk, reggae plays in the streets, and coconut curry with lobster is sold from big pots on the beach. Many families are multicultural with European, Jamaican, and Latin roots and locals often speak English, Jamaican Patois, and Spanish.
Unlike many Pacific Coast beaches, the water in Playa Cocles and nearby beaches, many named some of the most beautiful in the world like Manzanillo and Punta Uva, is turquoise and warm. Beach break can fill up on the weekends and for surf competitions, but a short walk away and you will find yourself in completely undeveloped deserted wilderness beaches.
Montezuma
Drivebysh00ter
Though it has become a popular tourist destination, Montezuma manages to maintain the laid-back hippie roots that made it popular in the first place. Health and environmentally conscious expats comprise most of the transplants in Montezuma and this is clear by the businesses that thrive here. Several yoga studios sit in town and on the beach and it’s even possible to take free community yoga classes several times a week.
The landscape in Montezuma is quite unique to many beach towns in Costa Rica with beautiful rocky cliffs to climb to secluded beaches, natural tide pools, and great surfing for beginners. There are also two waterfalls within walking distance of town.
Manuel Antonio
Zhu
Manuel Antonio is arguably one of the most popular destinations in all of Costa Rica. The beaches and national park are stunning, outdoor activities like snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, and whale watching make it a desirable vacation destination. However, it’s also a great place for expats to live.
The popularity of the area makes it a solid place for investing in tourism. Hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants receive relatively consistent business year-round unlike many other beach towns in the country that tend to clear out in the low season. There are many local hotspots where it’s possible to meet expats like Emilio’s cafe and Agua Azul overlooking the ocean.
Because of the tourism industry nearly everyone in the area speaks English and most restaurants cater to North Americans. This can make for a much easier transition for those with hesitations about moving abroad.
These beach towns offer some of the most accessible expat communities in the country and are a great place to consider if you have dreams of relocating to Costa Rica.
With hundreds of miles of pristine beach, Costa Rica is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world. Here is our list of the best beaches in Costa Rica, which are not only some of the most beautiful, but also those with adventurous activities, wildlife, and often complete solitude.
Playa Cocles
Sean
The jungle beach town of Playa Cocles in the South Caribbean is easily one of the best places to live or visit in all of Costa Rica. The stunning jungle-backed beaches stretch for miles with barreling waves for surfers, incredible wildlife for nature lovers, and deserted patches for those seeking relaxation.
The neighborhood hosts a world class yoga studio, several spas, a Costa Rican chocolate café, and an incredible variety of international restaurants. The Caribbean flavor from nearby Puerto Viejo, a short two miles away, trickles in and it’s not uncommon to hear Reggae or eat coconut curry stew on the road.
Cocles will definitely rank as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for those desiring true jungle immersion with a strong expat community focused on healthy living and those brave enough to surf the epic waves.
Manuel Antonio
Xiao Zhuli
Manuel Antonio may be the most popular beach in all of Costa Rica. It certainly has a reputation for being an American tourist destination, and the many expensive Americanized restaurants reflect that.
However the beautiful beaches in the national park are some of the most stunning in the country and teeming with wildlife. Spotting iguanas, coati, sloths, and all four species of monkeys is likely inside the park and often on the beach. During migration season you can see whales and dolphins offshore. Other outdoor adventures like parasailing, ziplining, and horseback riding are also available.
If you can’t stand the crowds, come during the very beginning or end of the dry season to enjoy sunny days and beautiful sunsets on relatively empty beaches.
Playa Samara
Daniel Stanberg
Playa Samara is one of the most beloved beaches in all of Costa Rica. Laid-back hotels and restaurants line the horseshoe bay, yet the shore remains empty, offering solitude and relaxation. The relatively flat sea is perfect for kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, or learning to surf. Nearby wilderness beaches are perfect for exploration.
The town has an expat presence with sushi bars, Italian restaurants, and Canadian-owned hostels, but maintains its small town authenticity. Fishermen are everywhere selling their fresh catch on the shore. Delicious sodas (Costa Rican cafes) pile plates high with rice and beans and seared seasoned carne.
It is a great place for families, expats looking to invest in a business, vacationers, and backpackers.
Playa Guiones
Chris Gold
If you enjoy surfing and yoga, expect to arrive in Playa Guiones and never leave. The town, which is in the Nosara region of the Nicoya Peninsula, sits on a white sand horseshoe bay with excellent waves for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers. The many surf schools and board rentals make learning and practicing very accessible.
The Nosara Yoga Institute in Playa Guiones put Costa Rica on the yogi map and now several studios and yoga retreat centers reside in Playa Guiones and nearby beaches.
Beyond yoga and surf, there is plenty to do in Playa Guiones. The town has lovely cafes and restaurants and the expansive beach makes for great walks. Every evening at sunset the town gathers on the shore to watch the epic sunsets.
Nearby Playa Rosada and Punta Pelada are also beautiful and can be walked to from Playa Guiones.
Manzanillo
Diana
The intimate beach coves hidden in the wildlife refuge of Manzanillo are some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, if not the world. Turquoise water crashes on the golden sand, dramatic cliffs offer stunning views, and the lush jungle filled with animals spans for miles. Take a nature hike, snorkel the reef, or simply relax.
For added adventure, take a tour through the jungle spotting howler monkeys and sloths, hike to the viewpoint for amazing views of the crashing waves and nearby beach coves, then climb into the coral caves where bats seek refuge.
The town is a small distinctly Caribbean fishing village with a few local Caribbean restaurants and cabinas. Popular Puerto Viejo Limon and the many beach towns near it offer options for other restaurants and lodging and are a bike or short bus ride away.
Pavones
Arturo Sotillo
The black sand beaches in Pavones are some of the most dramatic on the Pacific Coast. Glowing frothy green sea kisses the dark shimmering black shore for an incredible contrast. The surrounding wilderness will make you feel like you’ve reached the end of the earth and the sunsets are positively spectacular.
Beyond its beauty, Pavones is famous for its long left point break. Grab a surfboard and ride the wave that put this town on the map. If you’re more of a swimmer, a cool, clear water river runs for miles from the hills down to the beach. Climb to the top and take inner tubes down, jump off the bridge with locals, or simply cool off and explore.
Restaurants and accommodations are inexpensive and locally owned and even with the influx of surfers the town maintains its Costa Rican charm.
Playa Barrigona
Massie
This beach is so beautiful, even Mel Gibson owns property here. Scenic country roads connect Playa Barrigona with nearby Samara making it an undiscovered but accessible place to visit. The sand is white with a pink hue and at low tide you can climb large stretches of sand dollar-covered rocks. Olive ridley turtles come from all over to lay their eggs on the shore during the rainy season, making it a very special place ecologically as well. The riptides are strong so take care with little ones and do not go out swimming.
San Juanillo
Enrique Balsevicius
A short drive from the popular surf beach Playa Guiones in Nosara, is the secret white sand beach of San Juanillo. Fishing boats rock on the turquoise sea and millions of shells wash up on the shore. Explore the massive rocks or float in the clear water. The town itself is quite small and authentically Costa Rican.
Playa Uvita’s “Whale Tale”
CostaRicaProperty
The area of Uvita is famous for its incredible marine life and frequent whale spottings, but few know about the secret “whale tale” beach. During high tide the shore is completely submerged, but as the tide recedes a beautiful sandy peninsula reveals itself for relaxation and exploration.
Playa Carrillo
M.Prinke
The peaceful palm tree-lined horseshoe bay of Playa Carillo on the Nicoya Peninsula might be as close to paradise as it gets. The white sand beaches and calm water makes it a perfect beach for relaxation and sunbathing. Boating and fishing are also quite popular due to the calm sea. It is also possible to spot crocodiles in the nearby river. The town has restaurants and accommodations, but travelers will find a larger community in the nearby town of Samara, which is a pleasant hike or a short bus ride away.
Best Beaches in Costa Rica?
The answer really depends on you. Do you have a favorite beach that we’ve missed?