Manuel Antonio: Jungle Magic, Monkey Mischief & Beach Bliss

Joe Liebke
Nature Nerd | Beach Bum | Certified Sloth Enthusiast

Imagine a place where the rainforest literally spills onto white-sand beaches. Where monkeys swing overhead as you sip a coconut. Where toucans and tan lines are part of the daily routine. Welcome to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s lushest little gem—and the place that proves you really can have it all.

This isn’t just another beach town. It’s a tropical wonderland wrapped in green, kissed by the Pacific, and totally alive with that wild, untamed energy you didn’t know you needed.

Beach, Please

First things first: the beaches here are outrageous. Think powdery white sand, warm turquoise water, and dramatic jungle cliffs framing every photo like a National Geographic cover shoot. There’s Playa Espadilla, the main beach where you’ll find surf lessons, parasailers, and coconut vendors carving you a drink with a machete like it’s no big deal. Then there’s the crown jewel—Playa Manuel Antonio—tucked inside the national park and consistently ranked one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. (Yes, planet.)

Want it quieter? Sneak down the path to Playa Gemelas or hike out to Playa Escondido. Just remember to pack snacks. The monkeys are known thieves.

Welcome to the Jungle (Literally)

Manuel Antonio National Park may be small, but it’s packing serious biodiversity heat. In just a few miles of trails, you can spot sloths, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and maybe even a sneaky coati trying to steal your lunch.

The vibe here? Think Jurassic Park minus the dinosaurs, plus a whole lot of Instagram moments. Take a guided walk through the park if you want to actually see the wildlife (those guides with telescopes are legit). Or wander on your own, barefoot and blissed out, from jungle path to postcard beach and back again.

Sloths, Surf & Sunset Cocktails

In Manuel Antonio, days start slow. Wake to howler monkeys in the trees. Grab an açai bowl at Emilio’s Café with panoramic views. Then hit the waves—yes, surf’s up here too—or hop on a catamaran for dolphin spotting and snorkeling. Midday, cool off with a fresh fruit smoothie or guaro sour (Costa Rica’s local liquor and seriously underrated).

By sunset, everyone’s heading to a cliffside restaurant—El Avión (an actual airplane turned bar!) or La Mariposa for the full golden-hour glow. Cocktails. Jungle canopy. The ocean on fire. You’ll want to toast to something, even if it’s just the fact that you’re here.

Party Vibes? Tranquilo.

Manuel Antonio isn’t a rager town, but it’s got just the right amount of nightlife to keep things spicy. Think live music, happy hours, and good vibes at spots like Barba Roja or Bambu Jam. It’s more chill-and-chat than shots-and-regret. And honestly? That’s part of the charm.

Sleep with the Sloths

Accommodations here are everything from backpacker cool to jungle luxe. Want a villa with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean? You got it. A treetop eco-lodge with outdoor showers and howler monkey wake-up calls? Also yes. This is the kind of place where every stay feels special—like nature is the real five-star amenity.

Why You’ll Never Want to Leave

Manuel Antonio has that rare magic. It’s not just the beaches. Or the monkeys. Or the insane sunsets. It’s the energy—this playful, peaceful, wild-but-welcoming energy that wraps around you like the warm ocean breeze. It’s barefoot luxury meets National Geographic. It’s adventure meets serenity. It’s Pura Vida in its most photogenic form.

So pack your swimsuit, your binoculars, and your inner explorer.
Because Manuel Antonio isn’t just a destination—it’s a whole mood.

And trust me, it’s one you’ll want to stay in forever.