The Manuel Antonio National Park is actually quite small with only 682 hectares, however, it epitomizes many things you might want to see. Stunning beaches, a magnificent setting with islands offshore, lush rainforest with a network of easy trails, and wildlife galore. The nearby sport fishing town of Quepos has the quaint heritage of its maker, the United Fruit Company. It boasts enough nightlife for the young and not so young to “salsa” until the small hours of the morning at local discotheques. While this remains a mostly eco-friendly area, dining and nightlife are among the best of any beach destination in Costa Rica. Nearby bilingual guided adventures could keep you busy every day of your stay if you wish.
As you enjoy the scenery, you can also picture 1519! When Ponce de Leon became the first Spaniard to lay eyes on the 12 miles of rugged coastline comprised of surf swept beaches and protected coves. Most hotels and especially the best hotels in Manuel Antonio are NOT located on the beach. They are on a hill between the town of Quepos and the beach instead, with one sole exception thus far. There is also the Marina Pez Vela for Sport Fishing and sunset sails.