Manuel Antonio Travel Guide
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Fun facts
3.. Iconic Photo Spots
4. Places To Stay
5. Personal Blog
Itinerary
Day 1:
- Playa Espadilla – Head to this beautiful beach near Manuel Antonio National Park. Relax in the sun, enjoy the stunning scenery, and rent beach chairs or umbrellas for added comfort. If you’re feeling adventurous, try stand-up paddleboarding in the calm waters of Playa Espadilla for a fun way to enjoy the ocean.
- Explore Quepos – Take some time to explore the nearby town of Quepos, where you can enjoy local dining and shopping for a taste of the area’s charm.
Day 2:
- Book the Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour with a Nature Specialist on Viator for an unforgettable experience Make the most of your time in Costa Rica with a half-day guided nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park. A naturalist guide will lead you to the park’s highlights, offering expert animal spotting and a spotting scope to help you spot wildlife you might miss. You could see howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and iguanas. The small group, capped at 10 people, ensures a personalized experience. Round-trip transportation is provided from all accommodations in Manuel Antonio and Quepos.
- Sunset at La Mariposa Hotel Viewpoint – Watch the sunset at La Mariposa Hotel Viewpoint, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the coastline, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Pacific Ocean.
Day 3:
- Book the Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour – Longest Twin Zip Line in Central America through Viator. Experience Central America’s longest zipline, nearly a mile long with 14 tree platforms, three natural walks, and six hanging bridges. Zoom through the forest like a clay-colored thrush and enjoy a traditional lunch afterward. The tour includes round-trip transfers from your Manuel Antonio hotel, drinks, fresh fruit, and lunch. With the automatic touchless brake system, you can relax and take in the view, while a GoPro-ready helmet captures all the action.
- Punta Catedral: If you’re up for a short hike, visit Punta Catedral for more stunning views. Capture the dramatic scenery, ocean, and surrounding jungle. Afterward, consider stopping at Playa Biesanz, a secluded beach nearby, for some quiet relaxation or a swim.
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Do it for the Gram
3. Fun facts
4. Movie Shot
5. Place To Stay
6. Personal Blog
7. Pictures and Puns
fun facts
- Smallest but Most Popular National Park – Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s smallest national parks and most visited due to its biodiversity and beaches.
- Home to three Monkey Species – The park is famous for its playful wildlife, including howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and squirrel monkeys (which are endangered).
- White Sand Beaches & Rainforest Combo – Few places in the world offer a unique blend of jungle and seaside experiences.
- Abundant Wildlife – Manuel Antonio is home to over 100 mammal species and 150 bird species, including sloths, toucans, iguanas, and scarlet macaws.
- One of the Best Sunset Spots – The sunsets from Manuel Antonio’s beaches are breathtaking, often painting the sky with shades of pink, orange, and purple.
- Protected Marine Life – The waters around Manuel Antonio are part of a protected marine reserve, making it a great spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and dolphin watching.
Iconic Photo Spots
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Capture yourself with breathtaking views of the dense rainforest, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife.
- Viewpoint at La Mariposa Hotel: Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the coastline, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Pacific Ocean. Pose with the ocean as your backdrop, especially during sunrise or sunset when the sky lights up in brilliant colors.
- Playa Manuel Antonio: Snap a picture of yourself lounging on the soft sand with the lush jungle behind you. Attempt to capture a playful monkey in the frame!
- Zipline: Take a zipline tour or hike through the national park for a treetop view of the rainforest and ocean. A shot of you mid-zipline will perfectly capture the excitement and breathtaking views of the jungle from above.
- Hidden Beach at Playa Biesanz: This secluded beach is ideal for a peaceful photo shoot. Capture yourself sitting on the calm shore with the lush green backdrop behind you — the natural setting creates a dreamy vibe.
- Mirador de Punta Quepos: This viewpoint offers stunning views of the coastline, where the lush jungle meets the vibrant blue ocean. Capture yourself with the panoramic coastal backdrop.
- Cathedral Point (Punta Catedral): Located just outside the national park, this small peninsula offers amazing coastal views. It’s peaceful and less crowded, making it ideal for serene, unique shots.
- Sunset at Manuel Antonio Beach: Head to Manuel Antonio Beach during the golden hour for the perfect shot. The soft lighting, sparkling ocean, and national park backdrop come together to create a magical shot.
- Wildlife Close-ups: Be on the lookout for howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and iguanas! The animals around the park and beaches make for candid shots that reflect Costa Rica’s true wildlife.
- El Avion: A cool photo spot with a retired C-123 Fairchild aircraft perched on a hill. Capture a shot by the plane, inside the cockpit, or with the sunset in the background.
- Playa Espadilla: This long, beautiful beach outside the park is perfect for wide-angle shots of the ocean and sunsets. It’s also a great spot to catch surfers in action.
- Marina Pez Vela: This marina offers beautiful views of yachts and boats docked against the ocean. It’s also a great place for capturing sunset reflections on the water.
Places to Stay
- Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort: This beautiful resort has views of the ocean and rainforest. It’s a perfect blend of modern amenities and nature, with direct access to the beach.
- La Mariposa Hotel: Situated on a hill with panoramic views of Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean, La Mariposa is known for its excellent service, spacious rooms, and private balconies.
- The Preserve at Los Altos: This private residential resort offers spacious luxury villas with stunning ocean views, modern kitchens, and private plunge pools. It’s perfect for a more intimate, home-like experience with all the luxury amenities.
- Issimo Suites Boutique Hotel & Spa: An adults-only boutique hotel offering luxury suites with ocean views. With its serene atmosphere, spa services, and gourmet dining, it’s a great choice for a romantic getaway.
- Shana by the Beach Hotel Residence & Spa: A modern hotel in a lush tropical environment, offering spacious rooms and villas. It has a full-service spa, an infinity pool, and stunning views of the rainforest and ocean.
- Makanda by the Sea: This adults-only, upscale boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms with ocean views, private balconies, and a modern design. It has an excellent restaurant, a pool, and is just a short walk from the beach.”
- Los Altos Resort – This upscale property offers spacious luxury villas with stunning ocean views, modern amenities, and easy access to Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Villas Nicolas – Known for its private villas with breathtaking ocean views, Villas Nicolas provides a serene and intimate escape with luxurious amenities and personalized service.
Personal Blog
Manuel Antonio was the first stop of our Costa Rica trip, and it was the perfect way to kick things off. As soon as we landed and got our pickup through Anywhere Costa Rica, we were struck by the lush greenery that makes the country so unique. Since we visited in July — during the rainy season (or “green season”) — the plants and trees were full of color, and the tourism was surprisingly low. I usually avoid traveling during the rainy season, but this turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
On the drive to our hotel, we passed a river full of American crocodiles — definitely a scary but fascinating start to the trip! Our hotel had a stunning infinity pool overlooking the surrounding trees and colorful flowers. We loved the little iguanas roaming around the hotel grounds — it gave the place a relaxed, tropical vibe.
We explored the local restaurant scene and had dinner at the famous El Avión, a restaurant housed inside a Fairchild C-123 cargo plane with a history tied to the Iran-Contra Affair. The next morning, we woke up to the calming sound of rain, enjoyed some rich Costa Rican coffee, and then headed to Playa Espadilla to take in the views.
While walking through Manuel Antonio National Park, we spotted some monkeys, and I was beyond excited to see the capuchin monkeys up close. They lived up to their name and color! My husband was a little nervous that one might grab my hat or phone (or even me!), but I was completely fascinated by them. Capuchin monkeys are diurnal, arboreal, and always on the lookout for food — kind of like my husband! They’re also known for catching frogs and are considered the most intelligent of the New World monkeys. Sadly, they’re sometimes kept as pets or used for street entertainment because of their intelligence. Aside from the monkeys, we also spotted deer quietly grazing among the trees. We even spotted three-toed sloths hanging lazily from branches, their slow movements making them easy to spot. The park is also home to a variety of fascinating insects, like vibrant blue morpho butterflies and unique species of ants, all contributing to the incredible biodiversity that makes this place so special.
We also explored downtown Quepos and the Quepos Marina, which gave us a nice city vibe. Since I’m fluent in Spanish, I loved chatting with the locals — it made the experience even more special. We browsed some charming souvenir shops before heading to Manuel Antonio Beach, where the bluish-green waters were surrounded by even more greenery.
Afterward, we stopped at a cozy local café for some goodies before gearing up for the long drive to Monteverde.
5-Day Palm Springs Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Itinerary
Day 1: Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, it is the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway! Tickets are available through viator and the tram ride takes only a little over ten minutes, giving you panoramic views of both the desert valley below and snow-capped mountains above.
- It reaches over an 8000 ft elevation and then gives you views of the Chino Canyon and Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
- When you reach the top there is a restaurant (Peak’s Restaurant) and a Café (Pine’s Café) where you can grab sandwiches, burgers, mac & cheese, salads, coffee, fountain sodas, and cocktails!
- Next, enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and much more!
- Lastly don’t forget to immerse yourself in the views.
Day 2: Spend a day to enjoy either one or both of Palm Spring’s greatest adventures.
Get an unforgettable ATV experience at Off Road Rentals. The location is only 5 miles away from Palm Springs and has been open for over 4 decades now. All safety equipment, tutorial/instructional videos are provided with awesome staff to help guide you.
Take a Red Jeep Tour. It is an experience that truly allows you to immerse yourself in the California desert. You can select from the Indians Canyon, Joshua Tree, San Andreas Fault tour. A San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour is also available through tripadvisor.
Day 3: Spend a day to enjoy two of the popular museums in Palm Springs
- Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum to see aviation exhibits from World War 2, Korean War, & Vietnam War.
- Vist the Art Museum of Palm Springs to understand the culture, architecture, and history of the city
Day 4: Spend a day to enjoy the Zoo and botanical gardens in Palm Springs
- Visit the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens to see the desert animals, feed the giraffes, and maybe some special animal encounters! Be sure to enjoy the WildLights which light themed animal displays and all sorts of cool exhibits during selected times of the year
- Visit the Moorten Botanical Garden to witness unique desert plants, trees, cacti, crystal, & rocks from all over the world.
Day 5: Start the day with a hike & end the day with spa time.
- For nature lovers, hike the Tahquitz Canyon and discover a 60 foot waterfall, hike the Murray Canyon in the Indian Canyons for the Seven Sisters Waterfall, and/or hike about 400 ft from Palm Canyon in the Indian Canyons to see the West Fork Falls.
- Spend some time to relax at one of the many famous Hot Springs.
Day 6: Spend the day with two popular tours that are important to Palm Springs and available on tripadvisor.
- Take a Windmill Tour to learn more about the windmills & its history in Palm Springs.
- Take the famous Celebrity Tour where you can visit homes of celebrities and learn more about the history and modern Palm Springs. If you are lucky you may get to stop the market and grab the famous date shake!
Fun Facts
- Home to the world’s largest aerial tramway.
- The name Palm Springs comes from Spanish explorers who called it “La Palma de la Mano de Dios” which translates to The Palm of God’s Hand.
- Over 50 golf courses and 50,000 pools.
- Most of the country’s date production is found here.
- Population triples in the winter months
- Popular celebrity getaway spot- Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe even owned homes here.
- Parts of the movies, Ocean’s Eleven, Mission Impossible 3, The Player, Into the Wild, A Star is Born were shot here.
Do It for the Gram
- Cabazon Dinosaur
- Forever Marilyn Statue
- PS I love you sign at the Rowen Hotel
- Angel Wings sign
- Graffiti Yard
- Walk of Stars
- Flamingos at JW Marriott Palm Springs
Places to Stay
- Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs (for Instagram lovers)
- Trixie Motel Palm Springs (for Instagram lovers)
- Saguaro Palm Springs Hotel (for Instagram lovers)
- Omni Rancho Las Palmas
- JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort and Spa
- The Ritz-Carlon, Rancho Mirage
- Ace Hotel Palm Springs
Personal Blog
Growing up in Southern California meant taking yearly trips to Palm Springs. Palm Springs has always been a great mini getaway and the perfect choice for some R&R. One of the most important landmarks on our way is the San Gorgonio Wind Park, which has over two thousand wind turbines to help generate energy for power for Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. I have always loved to stop and admire the windmills. My weekends there were spent enjoying the swimming pool and wanderlust in the desert dust! Over the years, I have seen the city develop into having more restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels with exquisite pools. Every time I go, I like to stay at a new resort, enjoy the mountain views from the balcony, try some new restaurants, and have plenty of spa time. I love going to Palm Springs during the last week of January because, some years, I’ve gotten lucky to be enjoying a sunny day in the pool with a view of snow-capped mountains!
When my husband and I got married, our first mini getaway was in Palm Springs. We started our trip ATVing at Off Road Rentals. It was so windy that our sunglasses flew right off! We had to ATV our way uphill first, and my husband zoomed his way up while I was struggling. I eventually learned all the gears & got the hang of it. There was one incident where I was so scared at how fast I was going downhill that I jumped off my ATV and I let it slide downhill. Luckily the ATV didn’t slide too far downhill and I managed to grab it so that I didn’t have to pay Off Road Rentals for a new ATV! It was our first adventure post marriage and I was looking forward to many more.
The first time we took the Aerial Tramway we were so amazed at how warm it was on the floors of Coachella Valley before we took the tramway, yet 8000 ft above at the peak of St. Jacinto mountains it was almost 40 degrees cooler. We always enjoy having a drink at the bar while enjoying views of the snow-capped mountains.
After having a daughter, my husband and I have continued our yearly tradition of having one Palm Springs trip per year since it is such a kid-friendly destination. I always plan at least one excursion outside our resort per trip and will continue to discover new hidden gems in this city.
Puns and Pictures
I'm a big fan of windmills!
