Chocolate & Coffee Tour

Exotic and rich in their decadent flavours, Costa Rican chocolate and coffee are worth exploring. The chocolate part of the tour starts with the cultural and biological background of cocoa and goes on to teach you about the collecting, fermenting, grinding and finally the making of chocolate. Coffee aficionados will be delighted to learn about the economic and cultural importance of this most important crop. Get introduced to Café-Chorreado — the authentic Costa Rican practice of preparing coffee. Last but not least, learn about the production of cane sugar that both sweetens the chocolate and is used in making some exciting local treats.

• Web:

  terratravelcostarica.com

Damas Estuary Boat Trip

The Damas Estuary Boat Trip takes guests on a covered boat tour along the complex and beautiful estuaries and mangroves surrounding Damas Island. The boats are eco-friendly and designed for security and comfort, and a naturalist will describe a variety of biological relationships between many organisms in this delicate habitat. Expect to see animals such as white faced monkeys, herons, snakes, crocodiles, and iguanas.

• More info:

  Tour companies usually offer hotel pickup. The tours last about 4 hours

Hanging Bridges and Waterfalls in the Rainforest

There's nothing like crossing some of the highest hanging bridges in the country and then enjoying a refreshing dip in a 36 m waterfall hidden deep within the primary rainforest. Apart from the abundance of natural life, some tours offer cultural and culinary experiences. You get to meet locals and have a rustic lunch in their home, all while learning about the realities of living in the Costa Rican wilderness.

Horseback Riding

The mountain trails of Manuel Antonio are a wonderful setting for horseback riding. After a short intro and a safety briefing, you will follow your guide to an altitude of 600 metres, taking in the amazing views, wildlife, and vegetation along the way. On your way back down, you'll take a swimming break and enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the ranch.

• Address:

  Hotel pickup from Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park

Established in 1972 to preserve and protect the jungle and idyllic beach, the Manuel Antonio National Park is home to many endangered species. There are many tours to suit any interest, including guided hiking or monkey feeding. So abundant are the riches of the Central Pacific coast that it is said explorer Ponce de Leon might have discovered the fabled fountain of youth, searching for which he had gone ashore. If you're not into organised tourism, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best natural spots in Costa Rica to explore by yourself. Just make sure to stay on the trail and don't feed the animals, no matter how cute they are. And beware of monkeys — they'll snatch your backpack in a second if left unattended. An adapted trail for people in wheelchairs is available.

• Web:

  www.manuelantoniopark.com

• E-mail:

  info@manuelantoniopark.com

• Address:

  Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

• Phone:

  +506 2777 2100

• Opening hours:

  Mon & Wed–Sun 7am–4pm, Tue closed

• More info:

  Entrance tickets can only be purchased online, and your passport number is required for registry at the national park. When booking a guided tour, the tour includes the entrance fee and the guide will have your tickets. You are not allowed to bring any food into the park.

Marina Pez Vela

Marina Pez Vela — or The New Marina, as some refer to it is in Quepos — hosts some of the world's best fishing tournaments. If you're not into fishing, you can still enjoy great shops, restaurants and beautiful boats. The marina is a calm and safe place to just sit down, gawk at the views and wander around.

• Web:

  marinapezvela.com

Biesanz Beach

Biesanz Beach is tucked away not far from Manuel Antonio village. Not overrun by tourists, with locals offering drinks, kayaks, lounge chairs, restrooms and some snacks. The trail down to the beach is a bit rocky, so consider wearing stable shoes and not flip-flops. The beach has a quiet surf, perfect for swimming and relaxing. If you're lucky, you'll see sloths up in the trees.

• Web:

  www.tourismincostarica.org/playa-biesanz

• Address:

  About 30 min walk from Manuel Antonio village

Espadilla Beach

The stunning Playa Espadilla is located on the grounds of the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort, and is characterised by its natural rock protecting the warm tide pools and its tropical shore birds. A jungle surrounds Arenas Del Mar and touches the sand, offering natural shade. The beach is 2 km long and connects to the National Park.

• Web:

  www.tourismincostarica.org/playa-espadilla

• Address:

  Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

• Opening hours:

  Espadilla Norte Beach: always open, Espadilla Sur Beach: Mon & Wed–Sun 7am–4pm, Tue closed

• More info:

  You'll need a ticket for the Espadilla Sur Beach (entry through the National Park), while the Espadilla North Beach is open to the public.

Manuel Antonio Beach

The Manuel Antonio beach is an absolutely beautiful piece os nature where you can see monkeys, toucans, raccoons and sloths on the seafront edges of the national park. Mind your stuff — those monkeys love grabbing backpacks and dragging them into the forest. You'll find a cute café up the hill and a shower facility.

• Web:

  www.tourismincostarica.org/playa-manuel-antonio

• Address:

  Playa Manuel Antonio, inside Manuel Antonio National Park

• Opening hours:

  The park wardens stop the swimming at 3 pm

• More info:

  You'll need a ticket for the Manuel Antonio Beach, since you can reach it only through the National Park

Palo Seco Beach

Palo Seco is a very tranquil, unpopulated, sandy and palm-fringed beach that extends for as far as the eye can see. Most people congregate close to their hotels, and it's not difficult to find a section of the beach all to yourself. This beach is not perfect for swimming because of the rough surf, but it is perfect for surfing and long walks.

• Web:

  www.tourismincostarica.org/playa-palo-seco

• Address:

  About 40 min by car west of Quepos

Playitas Beach

Playitas Beach, an extension of Playa Espadilla, is a cosy beach on the north side of the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort. Beach chairs can be set up in the sun or the shade, according to your preference. Great waves for surfing. Playitas is also known as a hangout spot for LGBTQA+ folks.

• Address:

  Playitas Beach, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

• More info:

  About 25 minutes from Manuel Antonio on foot

Puerto Escondido Beach

Puerto Escondido Beach is located inside a cosy and tranquil cove in the Manuel Antonio National Park. The 650-metre-long cove offers a spectacular landscape, thanks to the biodiversity of the flora and fauna, both terrestrial and marine, that live here. You'll see plenty of animals peaking out of the lush forest.

• Web:

  www.tourismincostarica.org/puerto-escondido-beach

• Address:

  Manuel Antonio National Park, Puntarenas Province

• More info:

  Some tourists have reported that this beach could be closed since the stairs down to the sea level are in need of repairs. Ask the National Park administration when you enter the territory. If it's closed when you arrive, head to the Espadilla Sur Beach instead.