Explore Manuel Antonio

Introduction

Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's most visited destinations that has it all, from the small town life offered in Quepos to the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio combines breathtaking jungle and ocean views, exotic beaches, unique wildlife, a wide variety of adventure activities, friendly local & tourist community and plenty of restaurants and bars creating an unforgettable experience for travelers of all walks of life.

Local activities including: sunset sails, jet ski tours, mangrove tours, kayaking, snorkeling, canopy tours, horseback riding, waterfalls, surfing, sportfishing and lots more.

Recommended Stops

• Sunspot Restaurant: the best sunsets in town, located at the Makanda Hotel. This is a great place to go watch the sunset and enjoy the best food in town. The pool and Jacuzzi are open to non guests as long as they consume. Prices are more expensive but WELL worth it. Also reserve for dinner!
• Manuel Antonio National Park: great escape for a morning to hike through the park. Experience the sounds of one of the country’s most popular parks. White sand beaches, calm waters, several species of monkeys, sloths, birds and plenty of flora.
• Playa Biesanz: a calm water bay located past the Hotel Makanda, great for snorkeling
• Mar y Sombra: during the day, a great beachfront restaurant and water hole, however, at night in the summer months, this is a great disco and hang out (generally a younger crowd)
• Arco Iris: late night disco located just outside of Quepos.

Don't Miss!

Manuel Antonio is a great launch point for white water rafting, as well as canopy, estuary, and island tours. There are also a number of EcoTours available. ALL Manuel Antonio Adventure Tours >

Restaurant Recommendations

Gran Escape

Our personal overall favorite… Located in Quepos offering a large menu with everything from burgers, wings, to fresh seafood, Mexican food, salads and excellent homemade desserts. Great food, great atmosphere, great choice!

Sunspot at Makanda

The best food in Manuel Antonio... located at the Hotel Makanda by the Sea (no children allowed), this casual, poolside restaurant offers the best of gourmet food around. Dishes range from smoked trout, to stuffed chicken, glazed tuna, pastas, pizzas, burgers (lunch menu only)…Try this and you will thank us! It is pricey, but well worth it! Great sunsets and fantastic appetizers as well…

El Barba Roja

Located at the top of the hill just before the turnoff to the Hotel Makanda, Mariposa. Some of the best views, great place for sunset drinks and appetizers. They offer a variety of foods including nachos, fresh fish, burgers and more.

Mar y Sombra

Located on the beach in Manuel Antonio, offering a large menu of local dishes at rock bottom prices, but great flavor and large portions!

Escalofrio

Located in the heart of Quepos, offering homemade pastas, thin crust oven pizzas and freshly made gelatos in dozens of flavors.

Karolas

Located at the top of the hill just before Café Milagro, offering outdoor casual dining with excellent food. Dishes range from fresh tuna, mahi mahi, burritos, steaks, and more. The menu offers plenty of variety with a unique flavor and friendly service.

Mar y Luna

Located on the hill with fantastic ocean views, offering the best in fresh seafood..Don’t be deceived by the exterior…the food is fantastic and the service is great.

Bambu Jam

Located in the Mirador del Pacifico, offering excellent international cuisine, great presentation with a European influence.

Café Milagro

Located both in Quepos and at the crossroad in Manuel Antonio, offering the best in local coffee, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a café style menu but full breakfast (very good) are available as well as a variety of sandwiches for lunch.

Places to Avoid

Be careful driving on the curvy road from Quepos to Manuel Antonio in the evening as this can be dangerous.