Costa Rican Nature Adventure in Manuel Antonio - 5 Days

Highlights

• Marvel at some of Costa Rica's most magnificent sandy shores
• See monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and more in Manuel Antonio National Park
• Dare to cross the legendary "crocodile bridge"
• Learn to cook and taste local specialties with a fun cooking class

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in San José, Explore

Welcome to San José. After landing at the city's airport, a quick bus ride or taxi will take you to your hotel. Then, with only a day in the big city before moving on to Manuel Antonio, a self-guided walking tour is a great way to see all the big sights and make the most of your time. Begin at the famed Mercado Central, a lively, vibrant market of more than 200 shops and stalls, before moving on to San José's stunning Parque Central, where you can stroll among lush grasses and artistic sculptures.

Continue your journey to pass by two of San José's must-see landmarks: the Catedral Metropolitana and the Teatro Nacional. The former offers fabulous stained glass windows dating all the way back to the 19th century, while the latter is the artistic heart of the city, with free guided tours to teach you all about its extraordinary past. From there, finish up your exploration of San José with a visit to the city's Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) and the Museo del Jade (Jade Museum), diving into Costa Rica's rich history and admiring the priceless pieces on display.

Day 2: Transfer to Manuel Antonio, Visit the Beaches

Begin your second day with a three-hour transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park, the smallest national park in Costa Rica, but by far one of the most scenic, with dense wildlife and a bounty of beaches. Along the way, you'll pass over the famous "crocodile bridge." As the name implies, many crocodiles tend to gather in the waters beneath this bridge, making it a prime selfie spot. Once you make your way across and arrive at Manuel Antonio, check in and set off into the park. It has 10 different hiking trails to choose from, with varying lengths and difficulty levels. 

Day 3: Guided Nature Hike & Boat Ride Tour in Manuel Antonio National Park

Another day, another adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park. While self-guided hikes and exploration of the park can be fun, guided tours allow you to learn a lot more about the local wildlife and geography. Set off on a guided hike, following one of the park's easy, family-friendly trails, with an expert naturalist leading the way. Your guide will be able to point out dozens of the more than 300 species of mammals and birds living in the park. You're almost guaranteed to meet monkeys along the way, and there's also a chance of seeing sloths, iguanas, and more.

To rest your feet after the hike, hop aboard a boat tour of the Damas Island Estuary. This area is well-known for being a veritable hotbed of aquatic life, with hundreds of species of fish, crustaceans, reptiles, and amphibians dotted across the mangrove. Keep an eye out as you sail along for signs of otters, oysters, stingrays, sharks, and more. Your tour guide will be able to point out any interesting wildlife spotted along the way while also explaining the uniquely balanced ecosystems of this special part of Costa Rica.

Day 4: Beaches & Culinary Experiences in Manuel Antonio

After several days of action-packed adventure, enjoy a day of rest, relaxation, and fantastic food with a local cooking class. This is the perfect opportunity to learn all about Costa Rican cuisine and pick up a couple of new recipes to take back home. Begin with a visit to Quepos' farmers' market, where you can pick up some locally-grown ingredients with the help of your guide. Then, move on to the charming small town of Londres to meet your culinary teachers. Enjoy a hands-on experience as you master the art of cooking dishes like ceviche or picadillo, before sitting down and enjoying the rewards of your hard work.

After that, head back to Manuel Antonio and spend the rest of the day enjoying your favorite parts of the area. With its upscale, romantic vibe, it's the perfect place to relax, feeling a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of Playa Manuel Antonio, enjoy one final hike through the rainforest, or simply sit and soak up the special vibe of this natural haven. Then, continue on to Quepos once the sun has set for an evening meal and some lively nightlife.

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