What to see and do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos

What to visit in Manuel Antonio and Quepos · forest and Pacific

• Manuel Antonio National Park
• North Espadilla Beach
• Quepos Malecón · walk along the Pacific

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos · forest and Pacific

nature

Manuel Antonio National Park

The park combines coastal forest trails and beaches within the protected area. Wildlife observation depends on the animals and the conditions of the day.

Activities for your visit

• Walk the open trails.
• Get to know the beaches and enabled viewpoints.

Tips for this place

• The usual closing is Tuesday.
• Check food and container regulations before entering.

Book Manuel Antonio ↗

Buy only through SICORE, SINAC's official portal. Create an account or sign in, then select Manuel Antonio National Park, your date and an available time slot. A guide and parking are not automatically included.

Reference sources and location

• SINAC · Manuel Antonio National Park

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.3928, -84.1377.

SINAC · Manuel Antonio National Park

beach

North Espadilla Beach

The public beach next to the town of Manuel Antonio allows you to walk along the coast and hire, if you wish, beach services or water activities separately.

Activities for your visit

• Walk along the shore.
• Enjoy the coastal landscape.

Tips for this place

• Respect flags and warnings about waves.
• Distinguish Espadilla Norte from Espadilla Sur inside the park.

Check beach access ↗

The public beach walk does not require Manuel Antonio National Park admission. Parking, rentals, classes and excursions are separate services. Consult the Playa Espadilla Norte section of the official ICT file.

Reference sources and location

• ICT · Playa Espadilla Norte and Central Pacific

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.3966, -84.1513.

ICT · Playa Espadilla Norte and Central Pacific

viewpoint

Quepos Malecón · walk along the Pacific

The boardwalk in downtown Quepos offers a promenade facing the Pacific, with the city sign and views of the marina. Add an urban stop to forest and beach days.

Activities for your visit

• Walk along the seafront.
• Photograph the landscape from public space.

Tips for this place

• Use the authorized pedestrian sections.
• Do not confuse the tour with an excursion that leaves the marina.

Consult public walk ↗

The boardwalk is a public walk without an entrance ticket. Boats, excursions and consumption at businesses in Quepos are contracted separately. The official ICT file describes this place in its photographs section.

Reference sources and location

• ICT · boardwalk and places in Quepos

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.4296, -84.1654.

ICT · boardwalk and places in Quepos

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Manuel Antonio and Quepos · forest and Pacific

1. Day 1

   Manuel Antonio National Park

   Buy with SINAC and visit the authorized areas respecting food and wildlife regulations.

2. Day 2

   North Espadilla and Quepos

   Enjoy the public beach depending on the state of the sea and finish with a walk along the boardwalk, organizing transportation between the two.

Tips for visiting Manuel Antonio and Quepos · forest and Pacific

• The park usually closes on Tuesdays.
• Confirm how to get to Quepos and the park access from your accommodation.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Manuel Antonio and Quepos · forest and Pacific

Six flavors to get to know Costa Rica: gallo pinto breakfasts, soda casados, home cooking and Caribbean coconut rice. The guides first show the dishes associated with their area and then other flavors from this national selection. The caption identifies the location of each photo where it appears.

The whole country · A Costa Rican breakfast

Gallo pinto

Rice and beans sautéed with onion, sweet chili and cilantro make up this everyday breakfast. It is usually accompanied with egg, cheese, tortilla or custard. The presentation changes between houses and sodas; The photo shows a version served at Zarcero.

Reference: Costa Rican Institute of Tourism · Gallo pinto

The whole country · Soda lunch

Casado

A plate of rice and beans with salad and sides that vary by kitchen: picadillo, ripe plantain, egg or meat. There is no single fixed combination. The photo shows a casado from Soda Cristal in San José's Central Market.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Food and frequently asked questions

Home cooking · Beef and vegetable broth

Olla de carne

Hearty beef soup with tubers and vegetables such as cassava, potato, tiquizque and plantain. The cuts and vegetables change with the family recipe. It is served hot and combines the broth with large pieces of its ingredients.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Culinary adventure

Family cuisine · Rice to share

Costa Rican arroz con pollo

Rice mixed with shredded chicken, vegetables and aromas such as onion, garlic and sweet chili. Annatto provides color in some recipes. The Cartago recipe book includes a homemade version; The photo shows rice with chicken with salad and avocado.

Reference: Ministry of Culture and ICT · Cartago Recipe Book

Limón and the Caribbean · Rice cooked in coconut milk

Caribbean rice and beans

Rice and beans cooked with coconut milk and spices, characteristic of the Costa Rican Caribbean. They are often accompanied with chicken or fish. It shares ingredients with gallo pinto, but the coconut and the preparation give it a different flavor.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Caribbean Cuisine

Costas and sodas Crispy green banana

Patacones

Green banana slices that are fried, smashed and fried again. In Costa Rica they accompany fish, seafood or meat; They are also served with sauces. It is a preparation shared by several countries in the region.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Caribbean flavors