Best things to do in Manuel Antonio/Quepos Costa Rica

I sit down this morning to pen my blog about Costa Rica—a place that I really, really adore.  It’s a rainy, windy morning in Jensen Beach, Florida (I am visiting my Mom for spring break), and after two days of warmth and sunshine here on my South Florida vacay, my body and soul are longing for more of that.  This blog will outline the best things to do in Costa Rica. Whether traveling with family or seeking adventure, everything you need to know about Quepos/Manuel Antonio is here!

I first fell in love with Costa Rica when I traveled there in 1995 (the summer I turned 21) to study abroad with a favorite professor from Catawba College.  It was a wonderful first experience; I was able to travel with my bestie (beginning a long tradition of travel together) and was introduced to a beautiful culture where there was a focus on education and literacy—Costa Rica’s high literacy rate (98%) is a result of the country's strong commitment to education and its investment in ensuring access to quality schooling for its citizens.  In addition,  Costa Rica serves as a global leader in environmental stewardship and eco-tourism. The Ticos (an affectionate term is widely used by Costa Ricans to refer to themselves--reflecting the country's friendly and inclusive culture) know that where they live is special. They protect their part of our Mother Earth aggressively, yet their willingness to share it with visitors is palpable, and my hope is that if you're able to travel to this little gem of a country, you'll recognize this goodness.

The country has garnered international acclaim for its commitment to sustainability, marked by its ambitious goal to become carbon neutral by 2050 through initiatives such as investing in renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, wind, and solar power, as well as extensive reforestation efforts and conservation programs.  Costa Rica is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, boasting a remarkable array of flora and fauna--and so it's not surprising that they set such ambitious and admirable goals to protect it. My oldest daughter recently returned from a semester abroad in Panama, Costa Rica's neighbor, and she informed me that despite covering only 0.03% of the Earth's surface, Costa Rica is home to approximately 5% of the world's biodiversity. It is incredibly rich in species diversity, with estimates of over 500,000 species, including more than 250,000 species of insects. Costa Rica has established an extensive network of protected areas, encompassing approximately 25% of its total land area. These protected areas include national parks, wildlife refuges, and biological reserves, which safeguard critical habitats for numerous plant and animal species. When you factor in that the Ticos are friendly and warm, kind and smiling., Costa Rica presents a beautiful combination of things important to me. So when the opportunity to return to Costa Rica for the holiday season of 2021 WITH my family, I was excited to experience and share all of these wonderful characteristics of the country with my peeps. Costa Rica is about a four hour flight from Miami.

Costa Rica boasts two major international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, serving the capital city of San José, and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, which provides access to the Guanacaste region in the northwest of the country. These airports serve as gateways for travelers arriving from various destinations worldwide, facilitating tourism and commerce in Costa Rica.  While I have flown into both airports, you’ll likely want to use SJO if you plan on heading to the same area we did: Quepos, which is a town on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. It’s known as a gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. The park’s mangroves, lagoons and beach-lined rainforests shelter howler, white-faced and squirrel monkeys. Nearby sandy stretches include Playa Espadilla and Playa Biesanz. Northwest of town, the Damas Island mangrove estuary is home to wildlife including caimans, snakes and iguanas.

Book your private transfer from SJO to Quepos/Manuel Antonio

Once landing in SJO, I recommend securing, in advance, a private transfer from the airport. Both of these recommendations transports will meet you outside of baggage claim with a smile, and get you safely from one place to another.  Depending on your time of arrival, there will be a stop along the way for a meal and a restroom break for both you and the driver.  Your personal driver will also grant any requests you and your family may need.  While speaking Spanish is helpful, many of the drivers are either speakers of English or enthusiastically learning, so communication is possible.  On our most recent trip, when we hopped in the van, we were thirsty and ready for a drink, so we stopped at a typical convenience store/bodega and stocked up for the 3+ hour ride to our hotel.

Once you settle into your transfer vehicle, you and your traveling companions will be mesmerized by the beauty for the country as you journey to the captivating coastal gems of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, where the lush rainforests meet the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, creating a paradise brimming with natural beauty and cultural richness. You will explore the rugged coastline adorned with pristine beaches, where you can bask in the sun's warmth or venture into the turquoise waters for a thrilling surfing adventure. Wander through the verdant jungles of Manuel Antonio National Park, home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful tropical birds. Delve into the vibrant local culture as you sample mouthwatering cuisine, infused with the flavors of fresh seafood and tropical fruits, and immerse in colorful open-air markets. With its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, Quepos and Manuel Antonio offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you enchanted and longing to return.

For families seeking adventure and relaxation alike, Quepos and Manuel Antonio in offer an ideal destination. With an array of family-friendly activities such as guided jungle hikes, canopy tours, and wildlife safaris, there's something to captivate every member of the family. Spend quality time together exploring the wonders of nature, building sandcastles on the pristine beaches, or simply enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. With its safe and welcoming atmosphere, Quepos and Manuel Antonio provide the perfect backdrop for creating experiences with your fam that won’t be forgotten. Be sure to pause periodically to soak in your surroundings—it's a necessity. Every moment offers an opportunity to connect deeply with the essence of this tropical paradise. So take a moment to pause, breathe in the salty sea breeze, and let the beauty of the region wash over you, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.

I've done a bit of the legwork for you so you don’t have to wonder if you’re booking the just right things for your peeps.  To be fair, when I was planning this trip, I had the help of a luxury travel agency.  I share that with you because that travel agency has partners actually IN Costa Rica, so the excursions our family took were recommended by locals. I am sure that was part of the exceptional experience, so I am happy to pass that on to you, dear reader. Having been in these locations with my husband and two daughters (then 16 and 19), here are all the things we all highly recommend for your time in Quepos, Costa Rica:

Manuel Antonio National Park Private Tour

Start with a private tour of Manuel Antonio National Park.  It’s a must-do activity while in this area, and will allow you to gain insight on the wildlife, flora and fauna unique to the area.  Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica at 683 hectares and combines rainforest and beaches. In 2011, Manuel Antonio was listed by Forbes among the world's 12 most beautiful national parks. With over 100 mammals to be found and 184 species of birds, this is a great excursion for anyone looking to experience the abundance of wildlife that is found in Costa Rica.

Your local bilingual nature guide will take you on an informative hike through the park where you can spot White-faced capuchin monkeys, red-back squirrel monkeys and howler monkeys, three toed sloth and two toed sloth, coatis, agoutis, deer, brilliantly colored land crabs, some species of butterflies, pelicans, laughing falcons, common black hawks, white ibis, five species of kingfisher and fiery billed aracari (toucan). The relaxed walk through the park lasts around 3.5 to 4 hours. As well as spotting the abundance of wildlife, you will also learn a great deal about the history, flora and fauna of this stunning part of the country. If time allows, you'll have a chance to swim at one of the two pristine beaches. Bring your bathing suit and a towel.

Important things to note: Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. No single-use plastic allowed in the park. A hard copy of your Passport is required to enter the park.

Savegre River Rafting Class II/III from Manuel Antonio

My family chose to save whitewater rafting for the last day of our trip, and it was totally worth the wait.  Mind you, the road to the drop off point is super jungly and a bit questionable at points, but it’s absolutely worth any discomfort you might feel. I would have been more comfortable had I been mentally prepared for adventure just arriving to the put in, so here's my offering to you to know this in advance.

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled day trip with Savegre River Rafting Class II/III from Manuel Antonio, promising a thrilling journey through Costa Rica's pristine wilderness. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the river's edge, where experienced guides will provide safety briefings and outfit you with top-quality gear. Then, it's time to hit the water and navigate exciting rapids, offering the perfect balance of excitement and breathtaking scenery. As you paddle downstream, catch a glimpse of colorful tropical birds and playful monkeys in the surrounding rainforest. With opportunities to splash through refreshing pools and soak in the serenity of the jungle, this rafting excursion is an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty and adrenaline rush of Costa Rica's rivers with guides who will expertly take you down the river safely.  Tour guides were awesome and a lot of fun.  They interacted with everyone in a friendly way and made sure to take the best pictures of the fam when the opportunity arose.  Highly recommend this exhilarating tour.  Consider saving it for your last day as we did.  

The Savegre River is one of the most beautiful and cleanest rivers in Costa Rica offering class II-III rapids right in the heart of the rainforest and far from the nearest farm or factory. Enjoy 13 miles of twisting and turning river rapids for three hours with a break along the way to take in the stunning wildlife and waterfalls! There is an array of wildlife along the Savegre river banks such as egrets, osprey, toucans, parrots, kingfishers, cormorants, and many other species native to a primary tropical rain forest. Wind your way along Sevegre until you reach a little village where a delicious Costa Rican style hot lunch awaits you. Again, I remind you to pause and soak in this experience--in this case Ticos welcoming visitors into their village with open arms to feed you their favorite flavors in the middle of the rainforest. So special.

What to bring: water sandals or water shoes, bathing suit, sunscreen, bug spray, towel, t-shirt, and a hat.

Zip Lining with Canopy Tour Outdoor Expeditions

Prepare for an exhilarating zip lining adventure with Canopy Tour Outdoor Expeditions, also known as Canopy Safari, as you soar through the treetops of Costa Rica's lush rainforest on a thrilling zip line tour. Your day begins with a scenic journey through the stunning countryside before arriving at the adventure park, where expert guides will provide safety instructions and gear you up for your zip line experience. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you glide effortlessly from platform to platform, taking in breathtaking views of the canopy below and glimpses of exotic wildlife. With a series of zip lines ranging in length and speed, there's excitement for everyone, from beginners to seasoned thrill-seekers. As you zip through the air, don't forget to pause and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings, from towering trees to cascading waterfalls. With Canopy Safari, you're not just experiencing an adrenaline-pumping adventure – you're immersing yourself in the natural wonders of Costa Rica in a way that's both thrilling and unforgettable.

On the day we did this zip lining trip with Canopy Safari, it rained—and I mean DUMPED—the entire time we were there.  It added a level of excitement and fun to the excursion, and no one was anything but enthusiastic for zipping in the rain while the jungle river raged below us.  The only thing we sacrificed were the professional photos offered by the company.  But with this, I encourage you to wear moisture-wicking clothing and be prepared by having a dry change of clothing for all and towels.  Hanging out in the rainforest might bring rain… so be prepare.

Once on site, enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast or lunch at the Ranch House before a safety brief with your bilingual local guides. The guides will get you all set up with the equipment and then off you sail through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy! There are 10 exhilarating zip lines, one suspension bridge, a Tarzan swing, and three pulse pounding rappel lines. Your guides will point out and explain the different plants and wildlife all around, like the poison dart frogs or the walking palm tree. Once your exciting canopy tour is over, visit the on-site butterfly farm with the guide. Enjoy a wide variety of native species that can be found from all over Costa Rica. Finally, stop over at the snakes' exhibition to see the many different species of snakes, poisonous and non-poisonous. You do not need to be in great physical condition, this isn't a strenuous tour. Suitable for adventurous people. Age limit: 3+ years if and when they fit into the harness. Young children can be carried by the guides. Weight max: 230 pounds.. 

Note: optional tour photos must be paid in CASH, no credit/debit cards are accepted Your tour includes: drinks, snacks, fruits, coffee or natural drinks, guide, equipment, transportation, visit to the Butterfly Garden and Snake Exhibition. What to bring: comfortable clothing and shoes, repellent, sun block, raincoat, camera.

Campesinos Waterfalls and Hanging Bridges

When my family took the Campesinos Waterfalls and Hanging Bridges trip, it was not a part of our original itinerary.  When talking to our zip line tour guide on the bus on the way back to the hotel, he was genuinely interested in what we had done and what we planned on doing. When we shared we had a "free" day and wanted to fill it with another unique and adventurous activity, it was he that recommended we do this trip. We would not have done this without his advice, and it was one of our best days. We were picked up at our hotel by Pelusa, our personal guide for the day.  He got us there safely, waited for us to explore, and was there waiting for us when we were ready to head back into town. On the way home, we stopped at a convenience store and grabbed a couple of cold Imperial tall boys—the beer of Costa Rica.  It was a special day, and the non-scripted part about it made it even more so--just another example of how Ticos reflect the country's friendly and inclusive culture--wanting to share the goodness with others. It's like the Costa Rican version of the Big Love Life! 🫶🏼

Immerse yourself in a local ecotourism and sustainability community in Campesinos Waterfalls and Hanging Bridges.  Nestled deep within the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, your journey begins with a pick up from your hotel and then a scenic drive through verdant landscapes, passing quaint villages and rolling hills, before arriving at the entrance to this natural paradise. As you embark on your hike, be prepared to be immersed in the sights and sounds of the jungle, with towering trees overhead and the gentle murmur of streams nearby. Traverse suspension bridges suspended high above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and vibrant flora and fauna below. Take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear pools beneath the majestic waterfalls, or simply bask in the serenity of this pristine wilderness. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you'll learn about the rich biodiversity of the region and the importance of preserving its fragile ecosystem. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, a day trip to Los Campesinos promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you awe-inspired and rejuvenated.

Private transfer to Airport (SJO or LIR)

When your trip comes to an end, be sure to have your transfer set up to get you back to the airport in San Joses.  These two recommendations will get you there!  It will be a private transfer with all the comforts you and your traveling companions desire.  Be sure to book ahead to ensure your timely travel from Manuel Antonio/Quepos to SJO.  Some of our best conversations were with our drivers.  Don’t be surprised to exchange contact information on What’s App as they’re always willing to share the good things about their country, and they’re also willing to connect you with other drivers (there’s definitely a network amongst the drivers looking out for one another).  Totally trustworthy and worth the swap.

Quepos, Costa Rica, beckons travelers with its irresistible blend of natural wonders and vibrant culture. Nestled between the lush rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park and the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, Quepos offers a plethora of outdoor adventures, from thrilling zip lining and white-water rafting to serene beach days and wildlife spotting. Immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of this charming coastal town, where colorful markets, lively restaurants, and welcoming locals create an unforgettable ambiance. With its stunning landscapes, abundant biodiversity, and endless opportunities for adventure, Quepos promises an authentic Costa Rican experience that will leave you enchanted and eager to return.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at meredith@bigloveyogalife.com . Pura vida!

Big love,

Meredith

Gearing up for our zip lining adventure!

You'll pause on the river for fresh fruit and a small hike into these falls. Take a swim and a photo while here.

At the end of the private tour, you'll have the opportunity to swim at one of the beaches in Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.

Bird watching with our private guide at Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.

Stunning sunsets are the daily norm in Quepos, Costa Rica.

One of the hanging bridges at Campesinos.

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