Manuel Antonio National Park
Quepos farmers market
Playa Biesanz and other beaches
Manuel Antonio National Park
The main attraction in Manuel Antonio is the Manuel Antonio National Park. Parador offer a free shuttle to the entrance of the park then it is a short 5 minute walk down a dirt road to get to the entrance. Please note, you cannot take any food into the park (as the animals will steal it!) but there is a caged cafe inside if you'd like to get some refreshments.
We decided not to hire a guide on this occasion but we deeply regret this as we didn't get to see as much wildlife as we'd hoped. As you can imagine, the forest areas are dense and the animals try and stay away from the humans. Many are also noctural so although they are around, they are very difficult to see unless you have an expert with you who knows where to look. Without a guide we saw monkeys, crabs, birds and a sloth high in a tree but there was so much on offer that we missed on.
The park is open from 7am-3pm but closed on a Tuesday and we paid $36 in total for 2 adults and our 18 month old daughter got in for free. You can hire a guide when you get to the park.
Quepos Farmers Market
The Quepos farmers market is on from late afternoon on Friday until Saturday morning where you can pick up a variety of locally sourced goods.
Playa Biesanz
If you are staying at the Parador hotel, the hotel offer a free shuttle to the start of the trail to the beach from the main road. Please note this is a rocky trail with branches and tree roots to negotiate so wear some suitable shoes and not just flip flops. It is also not pram-friendly.
The other popular beaches to visit are Playa Manuel Antonio, Gemelas Beach, La Trampa and Espadilla Norte.
Next post: Best things to do in Monteverde
Comments