Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, is your jumping off point for exploring one of the most pristine beaches in the world in Manuel Antonio, west coast of Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio Beach at Sunset

Transportation

SANSA and Nature Air run 10 flights/day from San Jose to Quepos, but taking the bus is less expensive and tons more fun. You meet people from around the world headed to the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Hotel in Quepos

Hotel Parador Resort & Spa (1-866-599-6674) is down a winding road off the main highway.  Rooms are spacious, clean, air-conditioned and designed for relaxation. Multiple pools are available. Breakfast is overwhelmingly delicious.

Cost: approximately $175/night

Play time

Biesanz Beach (a secluded beach) – about ½ way between the Hotel Parador and the main road is Biesanz Beach. Hidden from view, those in the know make their way through the trees along a narrow path. Suddenly, the vegetation parts and you find yourself standing on a pristine white beach. Rent snorkel gear, pull black sea spiders off the rocks and keep a watchful eye out for a slow moving sloth in the low tree branches.

Manuel Antonio

At the main road, catch the bus down the hill to Manuel Antonio. Here you’ll find great restaurants, shops (including ice-cream), hotels and adventure tours.

This is where the fun begins….

Along the beach you’ll find representatives from Iguana Tours (Contact info -(506) 2777-2052 e-mail: info@iguanatours.com) to help you book your adventure.

River Rafting in Orosi

The van will collect you from your hotel at a specified time. You and other adventurers will travel through the mountains to Orosi. There you’ll be instructed on river safety. Then, get that paddle ready for a thrill along the Savegre River on Class II – III rapids. After your exhilarating ride, you’ll return to Manuel Antonio for good food and drink.

Rainforest Canopy Tour

Feel like zipping along above the world?  A short drive through the orchards of African oil palm trees, you’ll arrive at the camp. Here experienced (bi-lingual) guides will outfit you with the necessary equipment plus a lesson on how to manage the zip lines.  There are 21 platforms and 9 zip lines for you to swoop between the trees.

Other activities

Mountain biking, fishing (Bluefin Tours) and bird watching are just a few additional activities.

River Rafting in Orosi

Zip Line Equipment

Yeeee Haaaaaa!!!

by Annie
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