Stories from Paradise

Manuel Antonio enjoys one of the most coveted locations on the Central Pacific — a place that balances convenience with adventure for travelers looking to disconnect. A big part of why visitors fall in love here is the coastline itself: white sand and turquoise water, with a variety of beaches, each offering a different setting and a different experience.

There are around five beaches in and around Manuel Antonio, each with its own character — different sand, tides, and waves — so there’s something for everyone in the family. Whether it’s a morning walk along the shore, a picnic with loved ones, or sunset cocktails, there are countless ways to make the most of your stay.

For many visitors, sunset is the highlight. It’s one of the most striking scenes in the country, and people return year after year to watch it — feet in the sand, or from the comfort of their own villa.

Beaches in Manuel Antonio

Most of the beaches in Manuel Antonio are tucked inside the National Park, accessible only to park visitors, while others are open to the public year-round. The west-facing coastline means nearly every beach offers some version of the sunset — though the best views depend on the time of year and which beach you choose.

Within Manuel Antonio National Park

Outside the National Park

Other Nearby Beaches

Where to Watch the Sunset in Manuel Antonio

Beyond the beaches, there are plenty of spots to settle in for a drink and watch the sunset roll by. Ocean and sunset views are one of the area’s defining draws — the moment when everyone pauses their day and gathers to watch the sky fill continued…

Why Visit Manuel Antonio During High Season?

Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular locations, and dry season, December through April, is when it shines brightest. This tropical paradise, where the jungle meets the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean, can be ideal for families, couples, group traveling, and solo experiences. This small town allows beaches, restaurants, and activities to be only a few minutes away, allowing a seamless, very complete high-end experience in Costa Rica.

The beauty of the National Park is accessible to people from all backgrounds and fitness levels, thanks to the different paths and ranger stations located throughout. Outdoor activities can be personalized and accessible, with tour operators specialized in all-level excursions, accessibility accommodations, and flexible scheduling.

Did you know?Manuel Antonio receives over 150,000 visitors during high season, and for good reason. This is when nature shows its best side, and conditions are perfect for outdoor activities.

Perfect Weather: Sun, Breeze, and Pura Vida

The high season climate is simply spectacular. Days are sunny and warm, perfect for spending hours at the beach without worrying about sudden rain. Average daytime temperatures hover around 85°F, with constant ocean breezes keeping things comfortable. Humidity is moderate compared to the green season, making the heat much more bearable.

Every day is an opportunity to visit pristine beaches, observe unusual animals, or simply unwind in your ocean-view vacation rental. With beautiful weather, you can plan days packed with activities, since a day with a clear, bright sky is a valuable opportunity you should take advantage of in Costa Rica.

Located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio blends natural beauty with sophisticated travel. Famous for its vibrant national park and diverse wildlife, the area also features an array of beaches for all tastes. Manuel Antonio transforms typical beach vacations into rich adventures, offering sunny shores within a secluded rainforest paradise.

Each one of these seven distinctive beaches holds its special charm, promising unforgettable moments for every visitor.

A Natural Playground of Biodiversity and Comfort

Being one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park attracts an abundance of tourists due to its accessibility and stunning natural beauty. With more than 100 animal species and almost 200 bird species, this ecological gem is home to an incredible selection of wildlife.

Along with the comfort of close-by accommodation, visitors can take energizing hikes through the rainforest trails, swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters along perfect beaches, and easily spot all kinds of plants and animals in their natural habitat. The park’s distinctive blend of abundant wildlife and convenience makes it a favorite spot for even the most adventurous of travelers.The region is popular due to its well-developed infrastructure, diverse dining options, high-end rental choices, and visitor-friendly services. Manuel Antonio is an easily accessible getaway in one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful coastal regions, thanks to its ideal location, just a three-hour drive from San José.

High-End Accommodation in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio is still a top attraction, drawing in more than 150,000 tourists a year, many of them from the United States. The area features a variety of upscale accommodations, including luxury resorts, private villas, and boutique hotels, all seamlessly integrated with the surrounding tropical continued…

Continued growth and reinvestment mark a breakthrough moment for the country, now reaching global status.

Every year since the COVID-19 Pandemic has seen steady increases in Costa Rica’s tourism visitation numbers. The country’s international standing regarding stability, environmental consciousness, and wellness has been a match made in heaven for all the priorities of a post-pandemic world, where seizing the moment and embracing adventure have become more widespread propositions. 2024 in particular has seen Costa Rica reach new heights.

As the current year comes to an end, the tico tourism industry is on track to shatter a record when it comes to revenue and visitation. An estimated 2.6 million tourists will have experienced a glimpse of the pura vida ethos by the end of 2024, which represents a 10% increase from the previous record in pre-pandemic 2019.  According to data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, this growth is matched by foreign exchange income, which is projected to exceed $5 billion.

Between January and September alone, the Central Bank of Costa Rica reported $4.2 billion in revenue from tourism, a clear indication of the sector’s robust recovery and unparalleled regional growth. This fact has also been matched by tourism employment; the third quarter of 2024 saw 189,093 direct tourism jobs  recorded, according to the Continuous Employment Survey (ECE) by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC). This is the highest number in the last three years, fueled by service activities such as lodging, food, transportation, car rentals, and recreational and cultural activities.

Currently, nearly 25% of Costa Rica’s economically active population is employed in tourism-related work when combining direct and indirect jobs.

The “Immersed in Change” forum is one of the most relevant diplomatic events in the world when it comes to environmental policy. The 2024 edition was hosted by a country celebrated by its trailblazing commitment to ecological consciousness: Costa Rica.

The event serves as a precursor to the crucial United Nations meeting in France in 2025, and brought together delegations from 50 countries to tackle the pressing issue of ocean wellbeing. As such, the main slogan for the event was a “peace declaration” for the environment.

Over two intensive days, participants engaged in debates, calls to action, and presentations of successful initiatives, sharing knowledge to drive collective action. The final declaration from this forum calls for transformative ocean actions that support nature-positive economies, leveraging the best available science, traditional knowledge, and innovation available.

Costa Rica’s initiative serves as a foundational framework for the discussions at the III United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in June 2025 in Nice, which is co-organized by France and the small Central American nation.

The urgency of Costa Rica’s mission is palpable in its declaration, where emphasis on how the ocean can no longer endure humanity’s mistreatment and indifference, and the championing of sustainable uses of marine resources was at the core.

Other key topics at the forum included governance, global warming, fishing, and marine biodiversity, all aimed at informing decisions to be made in France. A significant focus was on the ratification of the High Seas Protection Treaty, signed in 2023 by over 70 countries. This binding agreement seeks to protect ocean areas beyond national jurisdictions, with the creation of marine protected areas as a pivotal tool.

Currently, only about 1% of the high seas continued…

The idyllic Central American destination is put in the spotlight as the ideal setting for your twilight years.

In the grand composition of life, retirement marks the enchanting coda, the moment when to lay back, rest, and reflect on all the memories you’ve amassed throughout your time on Earth. There isn’t a “true way” of enjoying retirement. Some people develop new hobbies. Others travel the world. Some simply want to spend more time with their loved ones. Whichever the case, the one unifying factor in retirement experiences is making sure you’re situated in the best setting for your life plans.

Given this fact, it’s no surprise that Costa Rica has been an enticing retirement destination since the 1980s. Much has been written about the country’s unparalleled natural beauty, slow pace of life, and sociopolitical stability, but as time marches on and the nation continues its constant reconfiguration, the question about the country’s current standing might arise. If it ever was in doubt, though, the industry-leading Travel + Leisure Magazine has just awarded the small Central American nation the designation of the best place to retire in 2024.

Costa Rica resonates with the pura vida way of life, the kind of wellness that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Imagine a harmonious tapestry woven from pristine tropical beaches, the eternal spring-like embrace of the Central Valley, and Nicoya, a Blue Zone where time dances in an eternal waltz. With volcanic energy at its core, rich biodiversity, and turquoise waterfalls as the backdrop, Costa Rica truly is as direct a vision as paradise as it gets.

Yet, this destination’s prominence extends beyond its aesthetic allure.

As a new example of the country’s leading role in ecological causes, its population has begun seeing the benefits of alternative energy sources for their vehicles.

Costa Rica’s pioneering role in Latin America’s sustainable development has come by way of a multi-layered effort in areas such as conservation, renewable energies and carbon emission reduction. Transportation, however, has been one of the area’s that this small Central American nation hasn’t fully addressed. As plans for an urban electric train faltered, however, a new silver lining for eco-friendly alternatives emerged from data regarding electric car usage.

The adoption of electric mobility is on the rise in Costa Rica as showcased by an steady increase in the number of electric vehicles on tico roads. What were only 282 units in 2011 have now reached nearly 9000 in 2023. Just between 2022 and 2023 growth has been exponential, increasing by around 2300 registered vehicles. The accelerated pace is showing no signs of stopping soon, as the first semester of 2023 has seen 2375 electric cars registered in the country, a number that trumps the entire amount for 2022.

The reasons behind this surprising trend are plentiful. Naturally, one of the main guiding factors are environmental concerns, a discursive thread that’s particularly important to a country that relies on its engrossing natural landscapes for its tourism economy and international appeal. More pragmatic reasons algo come into the fold, particularly when the country has made an active effort to incentivize alternative transportation methods since the start of its ambitious decarbonization plan. Acquiring an electric vehicle in Costa Rica comes with important fiscal benefits not warranted to normal cars.

Beyond Costa Rica, the accessibility of electric vehicles continued…

The idea of flocking to greener pastures during our twilight years has been deeply ingrained in society for ages. Be it leaving town for a secluded cabin in the woods like in the old days, or flying to a warmer climate and more accessible setting with the advent of commercial aviation, migration is something everyone eventually considers as they approach the time for retirement.

Since the United States’ economic boom of the 1950s, a golden age for international travel quickly reconfigured the reach of retiree planning, and Costa Rica has been one of the prime beneficiaries. With the country’s initial steps towards tourism infrastructure and development in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a pioneering set of individuals saw too many perks in tropical paradise, and decided to establish themselves there. These initial expat communities laid the groundwork for the country’s ever growing popularity amongst North American visitors, to the point of being, by far, Costa Rica’s biggest economic asset, both in terms of the tourism industry and growing foreign investment.

Why Costa Rica specifically? Well, this small Central American nation’s astonishing natural beauty has been well documented, boasting pristine beaches, virgin jungles, exotic wildlife, towering volcanoes, green valleys, clear lakes and rivers, and an unparalleled biodiversity. The climate is also a big draw for many, having temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius year-round, and compiling different kinds of atmospheres in short distances. In an hour, you can easily enjoy the best of urban comforts, traverse the scenic mountainside, and reach the iconic paradisiacal beaches that bless the country.

But inspite of its alluring, off-the-grid feel, Costa Rica also has a robust net of conveniences ready to please any lifestyle.

The annual Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards poll all the newspapers’ readership to select their favorite vacation settings.

From all of the world’s destinations, 270,000 people agree that Costa Rica is the best the planet has to offer. At least these were the results of the ninth edition of the Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards, where the small Central American nation was selected as the best emerging destination.

The 270,000 votes received were all from readers of the iconic British newspaper, and it included 12 categories and 120 different destinations. The rationale behind Costa Rica’s placing was the country’s well-documented commitment to sustainability, its myriad of potential outdoor activities, and the evergreen allure of the “pura vida” lifestyle. From its impressive collection of volcanoes and expansive rainforest ranges, to the moststunning tropical beachesand bustling biodiversity, Costa Rica really is its own world of wonders. The sheer diversity within the country’s relatively small area offers tourists a compact gateway towards unlimited adventure and relaxation.

The magazine readers also recommended some of the country’s best destinations, where national parks like Manuel Antonio, Corcovado and Tortuguero were all featured, as well as the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife refuge and the impressive setting that isPlaya Conchal.

It comes as no surprise that so many British people favor Costa Rica’s enthralling natural beauty, since the United Kingdom is the country that sends most tourists to Costa Rica from all of those beyond the Atlantic, a number that will surely increase after such glowing recommendations

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday celebrated during a great time of the year. The foliage outside changes colors, your friends and family gather around and travel for the celebration. Holidays like Christmas and New Years are right around the corner and everyone is in a celebratory mood. Everything is a go, everything feels like a great occasion; its a celebration to get together, enjoy those we love and be thankful for all that we’ve got. Thanksgiving is so beloved that it’s certainly one of those holidays that other cultures have embraced and are now celebrating around the world. Costa Rica is no exception. Thanksgiving is truly wonderful, but is it really…? Here are 3 reasons why Thanksgiving is better in Costa Rica than it would be at home.

Less slaving away in the kitchen

No one likes cooking large family meals when they’re on vacation, so most likely this would be one of the first if not the first Thanksgiving that you are not slaving away cooking every single signature dish for this particular holiday. You can choose one of two great options: a) get an in-house chef service. Treat yourself to a personal chef cooking for you and your party. You can choose to get a traditional Thanksgiving dinnerorcompletely change the setting and the tradition by going a whole other direction like a tropical seafood dinner. Or b) you can go and enjoy the traditional turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie and much more at one of the many local restaurants that serve the indulgent Thanksgiving foods on this day.

You will skip the “annoying relative” questioning

It’s about time you have a boyfriend, isn’t it?

Manuel Antonioes uno de los destinos más dinámicos del país; ofrece una variedad de actividades aptas para todos los gustos. Aunque es más conocido por sus increíbles y paradisíacas playas, este pueblo costero es rico en paisajes y entretenimiento. Montañas, ríos, cataratas, y bosques tropicales ofrecen numerosas opciones para transformar tus vacaciones en la experiencia que siempre soñaste.  Si estás planeando unas vacaciones enManuel Antonio, asegúrate de  hacer estos 5 tours para disfrutar de tu experiencia al máximo.

1.Snorkeling

Las playas deManuel Antonioson de las más hermosas en el mundo; con arena blanca, agua cristalina, y muchos árboles que ofrecen sombra. Aunque son perfectas para un baño de sol o una caminata al atardecer, una de las cosas que son imperdibles en las playas deManuel Antonioes practicar esnórquel. No importa si reservas un tour o decides navegar las aguas por tu propia cuenta, la experiencia será muy emocionante. Nuestra recomendación es hacerlo enPlaya Manuel Antonio, ubicada dentro del parque nacional; esto porque es una bahía con oleaje calmo y roca volcánica bajo el agua. Las formaciones rocosas y los corales son el mejor lugar para ver la riqueza de vida marina.

2. Caminata Guiada en Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Hacer senderismo en el parqueManuel Antonioes una de las actividades más impresionantes que puedes hacer en este pueblo. Aunque es posible hacerlo por cuenta propia, para esta actividad recomendamos contratar a un guía. Los guías turísticos tienen un excelente ojo para identificar animales en su hábitat, y además se encargan de educar a los visitantes con respecto a las mejores prácticas para proteger a estas especies y a nosotros mismos.

Costa Rica has long been renowned for its incredible biodiversity; a small, yet environmentally rich country that is home to over 5% of the entire world’s animal and plant species. Lying along its south-western coast is the Osa Peninsula, a tiny strip of land measuring just 35 miles long and 20 miles wide and covered in magnificent, unspoiled rainforest. The Osa Peninsula is itself home to half of all the species in Costa Rica, that’s a staggering 2.5% of the entire biodiversity of the planet, living on a mere 0.00000085% of the earth’s total surface area.

Formed geologically by the same faulting system that extends to California, this patch of Costa Rica’s last remaining tropical humid rainforest embraces a complex system of freshwater and marine systems; there are 13 major ecosystems, ranging from sea level to 745 metres and encompassing mangroves, sandy beaches and elevated primary forests. As a result, the Osa Peninsula is home to over 700 species of trees, which is more than all the North temperate regions of the world combined. Trees that are comparable in grandeur to the best that the Amazon Basin and the South East Asian forests have to offer, with 80 endemic species and the largest tree in Central America, a giant Silk Cotton tree some 77 metres tall.

There are 117 species of reptiles and amphibians, 365 species of birds and over 120 species of mammals, (all with varying degrees of endemism). Its forests are home to endangered species such as Baird’s tapir, the white-lipped peccary, the American crocodile, the harpy eagle and the Central American squirrel monkey.