How To Get From Arenal To Manuel Antonio

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Wanderlog staff

How long is the drive from Arenal Volcano National Park to Manuel Antonio ?

The direct drive from Arenal Volcano National Park to Manuel Antonio is 139 mi ( 224 km ), and should have a drive time of 5 hrs 11 mins in normal traffic.

If you're going on a road trip from Arenal Volcano National Park to Manuel Antonio , we did the enquiry for you and compiled some corking stops forth the way — with La Fortuna de San Carlos , San Jose , Jaco , Garabito Municipality , and Alajuela and summit places to visit like Free Natural Hot Springs River and Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa, or the ever-pop Pacific Merchandise Winds .

35 stops

Cities / Attractions

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Top cities between Arenal Volcano National Park and Manuel Antonio

The superlative cities between Arenal Volcano National Park and Manuel Antonio are La Fortuna de San Carlos, San Jose, Jaco, Garabito Municipality, and Alajuela. La Fortuna de San Carlos is the well-nigh popular city on the route — it's less than an hour from Arenal Volcano National Park and 5 hours from Manuel Antonio.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a modest town in Costa Rica, northwest of the capital, San José. It's known as a gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, comprising two volcanoes. Agile Arenal Volcano is still laced with lava flows. Hot springs dot the human foot of the volcano, on the thermal Tabacón River. Dormant Chato Volcano has a crater lake and rainforest trails leading to La Fortuna Waterfall, with its natural pool.

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The La Fortuna area is a great identify to start your Costa rica holiday. An unhurried downtown provides visitors with merely enough convenience while surrounding plantations and mountain villages give a glimpse into the uncomplicated Tico lifestyle. A low rumble felt from the snoozing Arenal Volcano will exist sure to wake your senses, but if yous need more, effort some of the many adrenaline-pumping activities available right outside town like zero-lining, rappelling, or white-h2o rafting.

Costa rica 14 days itinerary : Costa Rica: Your 2-Week Itinerary

Day 1: San José to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) From the San José airdrome, hire a car, accept a shuttle/tour van, or bus it to the town of La Fortuna. Along the way y'all will traverse rolling green mountains of java plantations, cattle fields, and the occasional dense forest. The narrow road winds through small cities and quaint towns.

Costa rica 6 days itinerary : Costa Rica: Your One-Calendar week Itinerary

Near popular city on this route

12 minutes off the main route, 4% of style to Manuel Antonio

Alajuela

Alajuela is a district in the Alajuela canton of the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. As the seat of the Municipality of Alajuela canton, it is awarded the status of metropolis. By virtue of being the metropolis of the first canton of the province, it is also the capital of the Province of Alajuela.

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Tip: Stay in Alajuela, which is really closer to the international airdrome than San José. Hotel Buena Vista, in the surrounding hills, is a dandy pick for those looking for a peaceful escape and panoramic views. Or, if you'd similar something closer to the airport, tryHotel La Rosa de America, a charming hotel with typical Costa Rican decor and friendly staff.

Costa Rica 14 days itinerary : Republic of costa rica: Your ii-Calendar week Itinerary

Tip: If you fly in belatedly, stay about the city of Alajuela which is very close to the airport.Hotel Buena Vista, in the hills nearby, is a bang-up selection for those looking for a peaceful escape and panoramic views. Or, if y'all're getting in really late, try Hotel Aeropuerto, a more than budget-friendly choice just minutes from the airdrome.

Costa Rica half-dozen days itinerary : Costa Rica: Your I-Week Itinerary

9% as pop as La Fortuna de San Carlos

8 minutes off the master route, 44% of fashion to Manuel Antonio

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Municipality of Garabito

15% as pop every bit La Fortuna de San Carlos

23 minutes off the main route, 45% of mode to Manuel Antonio

San José

San José is the majuscule and largest metropolis of Costa Rica, and the capital letter of the province of the same proper name. It is in the middle of the country, in the mid-west of the Central Valley, within San José County.

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Second, wait to make a stop in San José when going from one place to another. San José is a major transportation hub and connections on the public motorbus and small planes are oftentimes made here even if information technology's out of the manner. If you hire a machine, you may even so take to pass back through the Central Valley in order to avoid certain mountain ranges.

Costa Rica 14 days itinerary : Costa Rica: Your 2-Calendar week Itinerary

Day one: San José to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) From the San José aerodrome, hire a automobile, have a shuttle/tour van, or bus it to the boondocks of La Fortuna. Forth the way you will traverse rolling green mountains of java plantations, cattle fields, and the occasional dense wood. The narrow road winds through minor cities and quaint towns.

Costa Rica half-dozen days itinerary : Republic of costa rica: Your Ane-Week Itinerary

66% as popular as La Fortuna de San Carlos

22 minutes off the master route, 45% of fashion to Manuel Antonio

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Jaco

Jacó is a town on the Pacific coast of Republic of costa rica, southwest of the capital letter city, San José. It's known for its surf beaches and nightlife, and equally a gateway to national parks. Rocky, gray-sand Jacó Beach is west of town. Southeast, Hermosa Embankment has big waves. To the due north, Carara National Park has crocodiles at Tárcoles River and blood-red macaws. A path through rainforest in Pura Vida park leads to Bijagual Waterfall.

11% as popular equally La Fortuna de San Carlos

10 minutes off the primary route, 69% of way to Manuel Antonio

All-time stops along Arenal Volcano National Park to Manuel Antonio drive

The top stops along the way from Arenal Volcano National Park to Manuel Antonio (with short detours) are Manuel Antonio Beach, La Fortuna Waterfall, and National Theater of Costa Rica. Other popular stops include Monteverde Deject Wood Biological Preserve, Poás Volcano, and Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa.

Pacific Trade Winds

Travel agency

Tours

Sightseeing Tours

Nature & Wildlife Tours

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I tin can't say enough good things about this visitor! We booked our trip in 2019 with PTW with a variety of locations, transfers and activities. We had to reschedule twice due to COVID and the wonderfully accommodating and responsive staff worked difficult to rebook us and as a result our trip last week was perfect and seamless. Cheers to all of the staff who made this family trip so memorable nosotros will definitely get back and volition ever book through Pacific Trade Winds.

Excellent 20th ceremony trip. Pacific Merchandise winds helped us plan everything; hotels, activities, rental cars, covid tests. Everything was seamless and made for an extremely pleasant trip. The only miss was the suggestion of a catamaran prowl, which really was no more than a booze cruise, and we'd let them know we didn't potable. Only considering that was literally the only negative in a 6 day trip we were very happy and would utilise Pacific Trade Winds again to plan a family vacation adjacent time.

I am then pleased with PTW!! I establish PTW by a Google search for travel agencies in Costa Rica, and the reviews were very good, which led me to use PTW. Every person I was in contact with was professional, helpful and very overnice!! I had a LOT of questions leading up to our trip, and the representatives gave me peace of mind. Even on our final day, nosotros requested a later pickup fourth dimension, and they accommodated us. I told the agent which activities we wanted to do, and whoever made our itinerary totally nailed it!! Everything from the ride from the airport, to the adventures felt private and focused on us. My husband and I were totally surprised at how clean the vans were, how professional everyone was at the hotel and the activities, and how well everyone spoke English. They even tolerated me practicing my Spanish! I recommend PTW to all friends and family, and we plan on using PTW once more for another trip in the future! Thank you then much for this truly wonderful experience, we couldn't be happier!

4.8 ( 71 ) •

5.0 ( 631 )

100 metros suroeste de CCSS, Guanacaste Province, Nuevo Arenal, 50807, Costa rica

Complimentary Natural Hot Springs River

Nature & Parks

Hot Springs & Geysers

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Such a fun feel! Park along the road simply downwards from Tabacon. The guys helping sentinel the cars asked for $5.00 which we paid no trouble. They are helpful with getting you in and our safely. I'd suggest water shoes so you lot can go effectually more easily. But you could definitely walk through barefoot if you don't take them. It was quite crowded the day we went, just the water felt wonderful and it is such a cool and unique spot!

This was a phenomenal experience! We parked on the road correct outside the entrance across the resort. We paid $five to the gentleman who helped us. We arrived at 8:thirty am on a Mon and we had the whole identify pretty much to ourselves. At effectually 9 it started becoming busier. The water was pleasantly warm and relaxing and the experience of sitting on the warm river while surrounded by the beach trees was only magical. Highly recommend this!

NO Cell COVERAGE HERE - Read reviews before you travel there! ane. Not piece of cake access. Highly recommend you have sandals/ water shoes to walk on the VERY rocky river bed. 2. The best pools you plow LEFT at the bottom of the steps and get through the nighttime tunnel - so turn Right at the wall/ artificial waterfall and climb onto the dry river banking concern. (The guy in ruby-red is going the wrong mode) And then yous tin easily access an empty pool. VERY hard to go directly through the waterfall or left as you will encounter once you are there! 3. Some people don't go through the tunnel at all and stay in the water right by the steps entrance. This is much faster flowing water and less places to keep your things dry. 4. Take some drink and speakers if yous like! Some people stay here hours. The h2o is amazing! 5. Uber is the cheapest way to go here, however no cell coverage means you must walk uphill five/seven mins before you tin order a selection up to get back into town. Pics attached

4.7 ( 1649 ) •

4.5 ( 1038 )

In front of Tabacon Hot Springs, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica

Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa

Hot bound hotel

Nature & Parks

Posh getaway with a spa & 25 geothermal pools, plus volcano views, a restaurant & free breakfast.

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This place is pretty cool. They have like 25 pools or something crazy. Swim up bars, hot pools, cool pools, political party pools, pools with slides, pools for kids. It just goes on and on. Oh also, a steam/sauna area. Then much fun. Food was medicore at best. Drinks are pricey. Entry is pricey....but still worth it!

This identify was great pools are right outside and they go on one of the pools open 24 hours each nighttime only need to ask reception which one. Breakfast is included which is e'er a plus. The entire place is make clean, rooms are clean which is of course acceptable. Only thing I had a problem with was the balcony window didn't close well and the person in the room next to us kept smoking out there and the smoke got in our room and that was really annoying but other than that nosotros loved the place! we will definitely exist back!

We went to the Hot springs and dinner. The pools are great. Not crowded even though there is no reservation required. Dinner was a buffet and very average. Y'all are simply paying about $20 and the not alcoholic drinks are unlimited only was however a little disappointing considering the balance of the place. Drinks at the pool bars were more $10 each.

4.6 ( 5568 ) •

4.0 ( 3400 )

142, Alajuela Province, San Carlos, Costa Rica

Ecotermales Fortuna

Day spa

Nature & Parks

Hot Springs & Geysers

Charming, laid-back spa with natural hot-spring pools, a waterfall, eating house & bar.

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Really cute spot to relax and spend one-half a day. You can hands spend the whole twenty-four hours relaxing with family or friends. We volume it for our last day in Republic of costa rica and it was well worth the money. Amazing scenary, great vibes and lovely staff in the cocktail bar.

Beautiful and well maintained grounds and pools. They permit limited entry and so the pools were more private. At that place were well-nigh viii-10 families sharing 5-6 pools. Lunch was included in the package and had a diverseness of salad and entree options to choose from. Would highly recommend.

The hot leap recommended by local friends living in La Fortuna! It was trivial more expensive than other hot bound in town. Loved the hot spring setting surrounded by rainforest. The hot spring catered for adults relaxation and was non meant for children which was neat for the states. There were few young children simply they well-behaved. The buffet lunch was zip special for the price you pay and you tin can choose not to purchase the lunch combo with the ticket. However, in that location was then many empty cocktail spectacles left around the hot jump pool and the spectacles fell off into the pool with the cocktail fruits. This was abrasive and not a practiced service. The staffs need to accept care collecting empty cocktail glasses about the puddle every hour. There is a need for signboard in the Ladies bath for ignorant folks who use the defended hair dryer inside the ladies bathroom to dry out the clothes which was irritating. The staffs need to make a routine monitor and fine people using hair dryer for drying their wet apparel and causing inconvenience to others.

4.7 ( 1682 ) •

iv.five ( 2450 )

3.5 Km Este de la Iglesia Católica, La Fortuna, San Carlos, 21007, Costa Rica

La Fortuna Waterfall

Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

500-stride descent with residuum areas to this seventy-thousand. waterfall & pond hole with an eatery & souvenir store.

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Right within the archway and just downward a few steps nosotros were treated to a sloth nigh fifteen' off the trail. Beautiful to picket so shut. Steps and grounds well maintained. Waterfall was cute and it was dainty to swim in the river at the bottom of the falls with all the silver dart fish. Prissy view of Arenal Volcano correct before park archway. Highly recommend

This is a must in Fortuna! Loved this waterfall! My husband and I had a smash in the water which wasn't likewise cold. Definitely clothing close toed sandals, water shoes or similar to become over all the rocks. Rocks are slippery. There's bathrooms, showers and lockers. We used the lockers and I'm then glad we did considering it started raining on our fashion downwards the steps and nosotros didn't have to worry about our stuff getting moisture. At that place are 500 steps to get to the waterfall. We already had our bathing suits on so it was an piece of cake walk downwardly and dip! Highly recommend!

Awesome trivial hike down to the falls...be prepared to climb back upwardly 500 stairs...jello legs for sure! Also, don't get a guide for this, it's fashion overpriced & unnecessary. But grab an Uber (way cheaper than taxi) and the entrance fee is only 18 USD. Relish! The views are worth it all.

4.7 ( 2490 ) •

4.v ( 8168 )

1.five km south and three km due west from the Catholic Church, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna de San Carlos, 21007, Costa Rica

Monteverde Butterfly Gardens

Educational garden featuring habitats with native collywobbles, plus a center with insects & spiders.

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The staff was very friendly, the guides were extremely knowledgeable, biologist level. They walk you through unlike butterfly houses and are extremely informative. Many beautiful flowers and plants within the location. They also accept other insects that they talked about. Plainly, the different butterflies were beautiful. I learned a lot.

This was a bang-up piffling place. The butterflies and in insects were probably the highlight for us and our kids. We really like handling the insects and even found some of our ain a couple days later. Our bout guide really got my kids excited about all of the absurd bugs in Costa Rica. Information technology'due south not nigh as loftier up in the mountains every bit the big parks, simply information technology was shut, not too expensive and easily on. If you accept the time, i entry fee allows 3 days of visiting.

The best role nigh this place was the insect room. Learned and then much about local insects and got to see them chrysalis' of multiple kinds of butterflies, and some newly hatched ines that needed transfer to the butterfly rooms. The guide defenseless the new butterfly and let.one if the guests release it which was cool. Information technology'southward very hard to get pics of butterflies. But information technology was cool seeing the different kinds. A bit expensive for the entry fee but overall a overnice experience.

four.6 ( 434 ) •

4.5 ( 768 )

700 yard sur del escuela cerro plano, Provincia de Puntarenas, Monteverde, Costa Rica

seven

Curi-Cancha Reserve

Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

Rainforest preserve featuring over 200 bird species & guided tours, including nighttime excursions.

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We had the most fun and informative birdwatching tour with Hector hither! Such a wonderful place to spot the most beautiful of the birds. Hector was very obviously the best when you come across other guides come request for data.

The morning wildlife tour was one of the nigh enjoyable experiences I had in Monteverde! Our guide was Jorge, and he was so pleasant and eager to show u.s.a. whatsoever wildlife he could. We saw hummingbirds, toucans, toucanets, white faced capuchin monkeys and heard wild boar. Jorge was kind enough to have beautiful pictures with our phones through his telescope. He explained about the sounds animals make and the relationships between them. We enjoyed conversing with Jorge a lot, he has and so much knowledge. Definitely worth it.

Curi Cancha is a wonderful preserve nigh Monteverde. We had a highly knowledgeable guide with good English skills. They preserve is well constructed with wide trails providing access to all the places you might see birds and other wildlife. This is a very highly rated birding site but if it wasn't for our guide, I would accept missed most of them. The guides can hands identify birds past their calls, making information technology much easier to detect them in the dense forest. As they do this daily, they know pretty much what birds are there and where to find them. If you are in the expanse and enjoy birds you won't want to miss this place.

4.7 ( 745 ) •

4.5 ( 1334 )

300 m noroeste Fabrica de Quesos Monteverde, 60109, Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Woods Biological Preserve

Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wild fauna Areas

Sprawling tropical forest with a huge diverseness of establish & animal species, plus guided tours & trails.

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Beautiful, the experience was surreal. I of the most biologically various private reserves I have e'er visited. Be sure to visit in March or April as it can become very decorated during the high season. If y'all're lucky you lot can spot some animals! Still, the primary allure was the various constitute life and fauna.

The Cloud Forest was a magical place. There is no parking by the way closer to the park and then we paid $five to park like 1.3km away and so we took a shuttle - but it was okay. The hike took us to a minor waterfall to the left followed by a beautiful epic walk through the deject forest to the correct. The miradors are just astounding. Highly recommend.

If you are in the area, do non miss this. I highly recommend taking a guided tour. I was in a group of only two people with a terrific guide, Mauricio. He has worked there for virtually xv years and he is but total of cognition. He also has an uncanny ability to spot cool birds and set his equipment so yous can run into them too. He was also very kind and fun. The environs are stunning, I learned so much about the local plant and creature life and the things that make the deject forest so special and unique. Walking through there gave me a sense of the timelessness of nature and strongly clarifies how of import these environments are to all life on globe. Cute and idea provoking experience. On the way out stopped at the hummingbird expanse and that was super fun. If you've never had hummingbirds whipping by your caput, y'all volition want that experience before you die.

4.5 ( 3582 ) •

four.five ( 3186 )

8633+3P3, Carr. a Reserva de Monteverde, Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica

nine

Proyecto Asis

Animal shelter

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wild animals Areas

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Brand sure to book alee. Saw some people looking distressing in parking area. They tried to take care of "walk ups" simply the tour was really fantabulous because our group was small. A wonderful Care and concern identify. If you listen and ask questions y'all will acquire incredible things. There are some difficult decisions to be made about rescuing and/or letting nature take its grade. Very educational - circuitous eco world we live in and these people are doing front line work. I was fine with the price of the bout considering of the cause. Our guide was actually skillful at his chore. Gorgeous foliage on the property.

If you're looking to learn a few things about sloths this is the place to become. Staff is extremely friendly. I never thought going on a sloth tour, the bout guide would alter the means I idea about animals in nature. Wonderful bout! Best in town! Highly recommend going! Y'all will run across so many sloths it'due south worth the time!

If you are in the La Fortuna area, take some time to come across some amazing people and animals! Proyecto Asis works with injured animals, illegal pets, and all sorts of species to prepare them for release dorsum to the wild. Y'all will have a take a chance to tour the facility, see the animals (Carlos is astonishing and gives cracking examples and stories for anybody, children particularly were totally engaged), and volunteer for some time by helping them prepare nutrient and feed the animals. This was a highlight of our time in Republic of costa rica, definitely check it out!

iv.8 ( 267 ) •

five.0 ( 1556 )

141, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa rica

ten

Gamble Park & Hotel Vista Golfo

Tour agency

Tours

Hotel

Bout operator

4WD, ATV & Off-Route Tours

Adrenaline & Farthermost Tours

Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

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My husband and I did the zip-line over 11 waterfalls. It was but amazing! We saw monkeys and Toucans, the nature is stunning at that place. The bout guides were super helpful, supportive and knowledgeable of the area. They provided the best service!!!! Super recommended!

Recovering from the pandemic, the modest staff go out of for way to make certain you are happy and taken intendance of. It'due south a long, hard bulldoze up the mountain simply the view is and then worth it. Given some time to go along to recover, this place could easily exist 5⭐!

Checking in was nifty. Zipline was VERY skilful with 26 stations. - They permit us bank check in early and gave us a nicer unit of measurement (blue room #21), which had cute ocean views, a very big patio with comfortable patio chairs. - Although the beds were comfortable, the top sheet on the Queen and King beds was much to minor. The fitted sheet was fine. - There was no fridge or microwave in the unit. Ice was available from the restaurant. - In that location was a cone filter drip coffee maker, which we used. No java cups though. - The room safe didn't piece of work - The wifi was VERY VERY spotty in the unit. It worked all-time by the pool. - My Kolbi SIM did not work at all hither, neither data nor prison cell phone / text coverage. Seems it is to high in the mountains for coverage. - There is no warm or hot water for washing hands. The one shower did take warm h2o if yous turned it on just right. The other shower only had common cold h2o. - The wall mounted air workout unit worked well. - The ceiling fan worked but sounded similar a dying penguin when it was running so unusable. - the flat screen TV worked but was small. - The on-site restaurant is decent. There is a dainty variety available and the chef offers a seafood and a regular dinner special most days. Last night was shish kababs... 1 skewer each of beefiness, chicken and shrimp with salad for 8000 colones (~$16 CAD, ~$12 USD). - there are lights installed throughout the complex then that you lot tin can come across at night walking from your unit of measurement to the restaurant and back.

4.iv ( 289 ) •

v.0 ( 218 )

Tajo Alto 150, Provincia de Puntarenas, Miramar, 60401, Costa Rica

Aguas Bravas Rafting

Tour operator

Tours

Horseback Riding Tours

Boat Tours

River Rafting & Tubing

Cultural Tours

Zipline & Aerial Risk Parks

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Nosotros had a expert experience rafting with Aguas Bravas. Their guides were fun & gave clear instructions while you're on the river. The rapids were level ii & 3 and at that place were a few tight areas you have to maneuver. They will give you opportunities to swim/float or spring off a cliff into the river. Highly recommend trying this outfitter.

I had a blast! This is the all-time visitor by far to enjoy the river with. At least in my book! I have gone with several unlike but Aguas Bravas, they delivered higher up and across. We where just driving down the route and decided on the spot to go and do some rafting. The last tour for the day was already out, but they took us on and nosotros waited until they were dorsum then they took u.s.a. out, after-hours. Ended up with the two best people, a guide and commuter we could never imagine could be so absurd, funny, layed-back and professional person. Give thanks yous for making and saving our day! Mr B and Mr P I tin can only say PUUUUURA VIDA!

Great service and guides on the river and off. Been there several times and worked with them for many years

4.7 ( 91 ) •

5.0 ( 503 )

FW28+4GJ, Heredia Province, Chilamate, Costa Rica

Dave & Dave's Republic of costa rica Nature Park

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

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Amazing experience. Saw all three types of toucan, a multitude of hummingbirds, and many other birds. Spied some poison dart frogs and a family unit of tayras. Dave and Dave are friendly, knowledgeable and wonderful to chat to. Definitely worth it.

This is a great way to see the 'must' birds of Costa Rica. The Daves are awesome story tellers and a pleasure to have equally guides. Couldn't ask for a meliorate bout. Thanks!

A must become identify for everybody who wants to feel Costa Rica'south wildlife in their natural habitat and by far the best identify for bird photography we've been to then far. Arriving at the park we accept been a little scrap reluctant to pay the forty$ entrance fee but it was and so much worth information technology. First Dave & Dave took us to their bird watching place where we could take a lot of photos of local birds. Even Toucans came and sat down there and we were able to take some astonishing photos of them. Later on that nosotros were taken to their hummingbird area. The setup was just perfect for picture taking and nosotros were able to get some amazing photos. Function of the bout too was a smaller hike down to the river where we were able to run into those colorful frogs and Dave Junior told united states of america a lot about the local flora and fauna. All in all nosotros had an amazing fourth dimension and nosotros will definitely come back to this place the side by side time we visit Costa Rica :)

four.5 ( 150 ) •

five.0 ( 434 )

Heredia Province, La Virgen, Costa rica

Poás Volcano

Volcano

Nature & Parks

National Parks

Airtight to the public, this active ii,708-m. volcano with crater lakes has erupted many times.

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Pretty nice trip from.San Jose. I recommend to visit in the morning and then there is higher chance to have better view (without clouds). Count with approx 1hour for the whole visit - 10min video, 10min walk, 20min volcano, 10min walk.. even you are fast walker you cannot go by yourself but always in a group .. walking slowly :) information technology is pretty organized hither 👌

Agile volcano where y'all tin go to the edge of the crater. Its allow only l people for 20minutes because ita nonetheless agile volcano. Y'all can park motorcar quite almost the volcano, merely weather is trivial bit tricky. Mostly is cloudy and you nor see the crater. Even so the feeling is amazing:)

I was excited to see the volcano but it turned out to exist a disappointment. The staff was rude. The lake was closed off. They fabricated a large bargain about merely being able to be at the watch point for twenty minutes. But when I got to the lookout you couldn't see much of anything due to the cloud cover. The all-time matter was the souvenir shop had some absurd looking sloths.

4.3 ( 608 ) •

4.5 ( 3177 )

Alajuela Province, Central Canton of Alajuela, Costa rica

La Paz Waterfall

Nature preserve featuring waterfalls, a cloud & pelting forest & a variety of animals, insects & birds.

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This storybook garden complex just east of Volcán Poás offers the about easily digestible cultural feel in the Key Valley. Guests walk 3.5km of well-maintained trails to v scenic waterfalls, and can as well wander effectually zoo-similar displays including a butterfly conservatory, get upwards close to hummingbirds and hand-feed toucans. And so, tour a serpentarium and ranarium (frog garden), witness wild cats eating their meals, and devour a plate of your own at one of park's restaurants.

Lonely Planet Top Choices : Top things to practice in Republic of costa rica

A stunningly beautiful place! I dearest that it'south an creature rescue facility in addition to beingness a gorgeous nature reserve. The waterfalls were simply magnificent - well worth the hike to see them all!

I was truly amazed at this incredible feel. We saw waterfalls close up thanks to incredible applied science of staircases. La Paz was super and piece of cake to access after Poas. They likewise have wildlife exhibits which were zoo quality. Skillful for families.

This was an astonishing stop, be certain to become behind the waterfall! Do non buy tropical fruit there. The Guanabana looks great, only it was not ripe. The corn on the cob was smoky flavored and worth it!

4.viii ( 6349 ) •

4.five ( 2726 )

126, Provincia de Alajuela, Costa rica

Santa Teresa Embankment

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

4.5 ( 947 )

Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

xvi

El Toledo Coffee Tour

Sights & Landmarks

Coffee roasters

Java shop

Farms

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A beautiful mode to embrace sustainable culture. This farm and family are making changes locally that are in a global mindset and information technology is so powerful. Not to mention that the coffee & wine that is produced is QUALITY and and then delicious. It was such a pleasance to experience this tour and when I am dorsum in the area, I hope to visit fourth dimension and time again. I will be bringing an extra bag to check simply to fill with their coffee, coffee jelly, wine (fabricated with java fruit!) And more than artwork by the lovely Yvette. Thank you and so much.

Groovy feel. The owners talk a lot nearly the farming methods and growing local food/coffee. Highly recommend the tour and coffee jam! The light roast was my favorite!

Fantastic experience, so glad I picked this tour. The included tiffin is a short but steep walk from the coffee tour. A beautiful family operation, slap-up conversation (brush upwardly on your Spanish to talk to Tía ❤️). We learned then much about java, production, innovation, and customs. A treasure!

4.9 ( 246 ) •

5.0 ( 331 )

El Toledo Coffee Bout, Altos de, Alajuela Province, San Isidro, 20504, Costa rica

Montezuma Waterfall

Hiking surface area

Nature & Parks

Waterfalls

Riverside hiking trails lead to this dramatic waterfall with plunge pools & climbing rocks.

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A 40-minute river hike leads to a waterfall with a delicious swimming pigsty. Further forth, a 2d set of falls offers a skillful 10m leap into deep water. Accomplish the 'diving platform' from the trail: do not attempt to scale the slippery rocks! Daring souls can test their Tarzan skills on the rope that swings over a third set. A lot of travelers enjoy these thrills simply a few of them accept died, so do it at your own chance.

Solitary Planet Top Choices : Top things to exercise in Costa Rica

Beautiful waterfall that's fun to leap off of and fun to watch the locals do crazy death defying stunts. If you take the stairs in that location is a toll and if you lot take the other trail it seems hard in the start and then gets harder and and so gets a little easier. That'south what she said. There are really three waterfalls. If you hike up and don't take the stairs then you volition arrive to the lowest and biggest one first that is basically incommunicable to jump off of. The meridian 2 waterfalls are where you can jump. To get to the top two waterfalls without having to pay to have the stairs, take the trail to the correct of the bottom waterfall Where there are some ropes to help you calibration the steep slope.

Be warned this is a harder hike than I expected. We walked along the riverbank where in that location is no articulate path and can exist difficult in spots. That beingness said, information technology was quite an gamble and does accept about half an hr to go to the the waterfall and about twenty minutes walk dorsum. In one case in that location the waterfall is pretty, simply not the prettiest. The area was also quite decorated, with many locals enjoying some drinks and family time. I would recommend visiting if you have fourth dimension to kill, merely it's not a must see in my opinion. I would suggest starting the hike in the morning, as the midday heat is a killer!

Beautiful! A fantastic freshwater absurd-off from that C-R rut. There'south a fun rope-swing thing that allows for swinging way out from the side for a deep plunge. The hike up to the waterfall Height is definitely worthwhile, as at that place's another xxx~40ft "cliff dive" spot upwardly there.

4.7 ( 1277 ) •

4.5 ( 1245 )

Puntarenas Province, Paquera, Costa rica

xviii

Doka Estate Costa Rica Coffee Tour & Plantation

Theme park

Tours

Walking Tours

Congenital on volcanic slopes, this decades-old company offers tours of its facilities & coffee tastings.

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Had a great day in that location. The identify is beautiful and the staff are all very friendly. Coffee your was very informative and fun. I loved learning where the magic bean juice comes from. Ate a couple coffee berries and they tasted neat. I enjoyed that they plant trees to encourage native birds to swallow the insects that come for the coffee berries, saw a bunch of Ricans hanging out. The moisture mill is fully functional and the butterfly garden is amazing. The java samples are free and bags of coffee are almost the same price as the united states of america, except this is as fresh and equally skilful as it gets. Highly recommend it.

Excellent, informative bout of this family- owned java manor. I loved beingness able to sample all the available java and spend time in their gift shop, purchasing coffee gifts for back dwelling. Their welcome iced coffee drink was a wonderful care for! My son had visited here on his EF Tour in 2016 - I'm happy we could visit this facility on our Costa Rican vacation together.

Our guide was super nice and knowledgeable. It was a really interesting tour and an easy walk. The scenery was gorgeous. Free java! A nice little cafe- great gift shop. The java cost about what it does in the states. There is a butterfly garden included in your bout and a hydro- greenhouse. Pretty gardens.

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4.5 ( 858 )

129, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center

Animal rescue service

Outdoor Activities

Zoos

14-hectare rescue center with wild animals on display & canopy tours, plus a restaurant & souvenir shop.

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Fantabulous wildlife rescue centre with superb cages for the animals that cannot exist released. The parrot retirement area especially was nice. The sloth rehabilitation heart exhibit was very nice. Giant iguana running effectually everywhere. The eating place buffet was cracking; the coffee especially since as a delicious and fabricated fresh with the order. Didn't see any of the large cats I think they were all sleeping when we got there

One of the best wild animals rescue centers! You can tell the animals are well taken care of. The centre takes about 2-3 hours to fully see everything. All the staff are super friendly and helpful.

Corking place that is definitely worth a visit. Large number of animals in spacious enclosures, clean-cut paths, data boards, proficient eatery. However, the whole project is mainly used to return animals to the wild. on the one paw, those who got into the zoo due to injuries or captive breeding, simply especially those that were bred here. Zoo Ave has an extensive breeding programme focused on rare bird species, the flagship is the Scarlatt Macaw. These birds are and so released into the wild in ii centers in Nicoya and Golfito. Rescate Center also has a swell volunteer program. Your entrance fee will become to a neat benign affair.

4.6 ( 3817 ) •

iv.v ( 704 )

2.iii km al este del cruce de Manolo's, ruta 3, hacia el B° San José, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela, Republic of costa rica

Jose´s Crocodile River Tour

Outdoor Activities

Tour bureau

Boat Tours

Nature & Wildlife Tours

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What an great evening experience!!! 🔥🤩 We found this attraction suddenly on google, arrived, they take checked the availability, booked information technology next bachelor slot (same evening), hurting and went on the gunkhole! We were so lucky to take all the gunkhole just for the states, as other guys didn't showed up. The two guys were incredible, one was explaining everything to us in English, so cognition with fun stories! And the other was driving the boat and feeding crocs with meat from his hands! Incredible! When the crocodile wasn't there - he was spending some time to telephone call him and so they can be demonstrated to us 👏👏👏 After we saw all the crocs we could, we went to the mangroves, again, followed with interesting data. We finished our river tour watching the sunset where the river meets the body of water. Worth it 💯! If you lot in Costa Rica, go for it! And I do recommend to get for the evening slot (4pm), equally information technology is not then hot and you lot will exist watch the dusk. Perfect ending of the solar day. Thank yous so much, guys! People on the 'reception' was very friendly too. Very good staff!

Pictures do not practice justice how astonishing this tour was and how much fun we had. Not only did we get to see a agglomeration of crocodiles only nosotros likewise got to see a wide diversity of birds and acquire about them too. I feel bad for the only bird watching tour because they missed out on a lot more fun. Our guide was funny as hell e'er cracking jokes and so engaging that not one time did I think the tour was boring. He was constantly talking and engaging with everyone. Explaining what's happening and what they are doing. I've got to give points to the the guy that coaxed out the crocodiles with the raw craven. He'south a crazy dauntless man.

Fantastic! Jose was a terrific guide, very knowledgeable almost the crocodiles, birds and other wildlife we saw. The boat was make clean and comfy to be on, he gave us h2o to drink as well during the bout, definitely a must do in the area!!

4.7 ( 679 ) •

v.0 ( 618 )

Q9GF+R9X, Puntarenas Province, Tarcoles, Costa Rica

Pre-Columbian Gilded Museum

Museum featuring historic gold artifacts, including figures & coins, in a modern, underground space.

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This iii-in-one museum houses an extensive collection of Costa Rica's near priceless pieces of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts, including historical currency and some contemporary regional fine art. The museum, located underneath the Plaza de la Cultura, is owned by the Banco Fundamental and its compages brings to heed all the warmth and comfort of a bank vault. Security is tight; visitors must leave bags at the door.

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The Gilded Museum is a great place to visit; who doesn't love golden?. Their drove is massive, and the location in the Plaza de la Cultura is bang-up. This museum is a smashing place to learn about the history of my country, and the history of my land's people and civilizations.

Go Visit Republic of costa rica : Let's Get for a Museum Bout in San José

Quite an interesting and cute drove of jewelry and artifacts from before those greedy Europeans ravaged the state. I loved learning about the history of our coins and maps, all in 1 place. I do feel I need to mention that some of the text translations to English should accept been proofread a bit more before being posted, and that the lettering displays on walls and drinking glass crave a scrap more up keeping since some letters were missing birthday. Other than that I fully recommend nationals (¢2500 and free for 65+) and foreigners ($15) to stop past.

What a stunning museum! Large spacious galleries with artefacts beautifully presented. The gold fine art work was very thin, delicate and some very tiny ! Over 3 floors this museum really captures the essence of the role of gilded in pre-Columbian history. I peculiarly adored the tiny figurines which were and then delicately moulded. Dandy location correct next to the theatre. Very easy to find !

Jewelry on Steroids! Loved it, and loved the historical information. There were people at every level to reply questions and add information besides

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4.five ( 2173 )

Bajos de la Plaza de la Cultura. Avenida Cardinal. Calle v San José Centro San José CR 10104, Av. Central, San José, Costa Rica

National Theater of Costa Rica

Performing arts theater

Concerts & Shows

Ornate landmark theater offering music & dance performances & tours in Spanish & English.

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On the southern side of the Plaza de la Cultura resides the Teatro Nacional, San José's about revered building. Synthetic in 1897, it features a columned neoclassical facade that is flanked by statues of Beethoven and famous 17th-century Spanish dramatist Calderón de la Barca. The lavish marble lobby and auditorium are lined with paintings depicting various facets of 19th-century life. The hourly tours here are fantastic, and if you're looking to rest your feet, there'southward also an excellent on-site buffet.

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A must in San José Costa rica for real! This theater is cute! They give you a quick funny tour and it's astonishing! I was not expecting that the theater guides were actors and information technology was hilarious! The architecture is beautiful! And I had fun! Would come back!!! Fav identify tbh! In that location'south a cafeteria too so it's great for a cute engagement or a quick snack earlier your bout!

1 of our virtually beautiful and iconic buildings e'er built. This National Theater is without a dubiousness a national treasure that holds the past trapped within its walls. It was built on the Oligarquía Cafetalera era, to exist more precise past the lower class. The ones in ability, were the owners of the coffee plantations, the provided a pocket-sized pct of money to build this master piece, the biggest part was provided by the lower classes via taxes. The richest people did not want to share the flooring with the poorest ones, so a third flooring was congenital with outside separate entrances to those lower classes. The rich people did not know that the best audio-visual and view of the orchestra was being enjoyed past the ones on the isolated floor with wooden pews. The vast majority of sculptures and paintings were washed past Italian artists. In fact there is only one sculpture inside the antechamber area which was built by a Costa Rican artist. It depicts a adult female with and infant on her laps representing misery. He wanted to remind the rich that the lower classes were the ones who build that jewel. I strongly recommend everyone to visit this magnificent edifice.

Cute compages and paintings. Still has the original seats from 1891 and the manual gears to enhance the floor. astonishing. Book a small tour.

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4.v ( 3227 )

Avenida 2, Calle 5, Catedral, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Museo del Jade

Archaeological museum

Museums

Museum displaying anthropological, geological & archeological objects & a big jade collection.

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This museum houses the world's largest collection of American jade (pronounced 'ha-day' in Castilian), with an aplenty exhibition space of five floors offering vii exhibits. There are most 7000 finely crafted, well-conserved pieces, from translucent jade carvings depicting fertility goddesses, shamans, frogs and snakes to incredible ceramics (some reflecting Maya influences), including a highly unusual ceramic head displaying a row of serrated teeth. The new museum cafe, Grano Verde, serves sandwiches, salads and smoothies.

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The Jade Museum has been around since the late 1970s, and though it has changed floors, it remains inside the National Found of Insurance building in San Jose. This archaeology focused museum is home to one of the largest collections you volition ever see of this cute ornamental stone. The displays, scattered across the 5 rooms in the museum, are accompanied by writings in both Spanish and English, so it is friendly to many types of tourists.

Go Visit Republic of costa rica : Let's Become for a Museum Tour in San José

Larn of Costa Rica's link to this semi-gem and take a tour of this museum. See the largest drove of pre-Colombian jade artifacts in the earth and detect the range of hues and transparencies of this ornamental mineral. The museum also features cute ceramic, stone, and aureate pieces.

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I was surprised how well this 5 storey museum presented their huge drove! On the 5th floor at that place'south the largest collection of precolombian ceramics I have ever seen. I took so many pictures equally I found the art so inspirational. The building itself I found actually aesthetically pleasing as well. Well worth the visit. Not just jade merely so much more than.

It wasn't crowded at all, but nosotros went early in the day. The top floor had very few explanations of the exhibits. A couple of the temporary exhibits were just in Spanish, which I read and explained to my 10 twelvemonth old. Worth at least an hour of your time!

This 5 flooring museum was built to preserve artifacts containing jade and dirt dating back to a pre-columbian era. Each floor has information technology's own theme and writeup. I encourage yous to read about what y'all're looking at because it'southward fascinating to larn well-nigh the significance of Jade and how information technology was used as a symbol of power and status, usually worn by chiefs and shaman. Yous'll see beautifully detailed clay pots and if you go to floor 5 you'll run across a massive ceramic collection This society also created rolling stamps that they would apply found extracts and clay onto and ringlet it onto the skin to utilise tattoos. The pre-colombian society would participate in funerary rituals where they would bury jade jewelry with the deceased. They would besides carve heads out of rock. During this period, decapitating rival'south symbolised power. You lot tin can besides find musical artifacts like flutes and maracas. I personally remember it's a great way to become a look into the past and I recommend a visit.

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4.v ( 1180 )

y 13 bis, Av. Fundamental, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

National Museum of Costa Rica

National museum

Museums

History Museums

Costa Rican national museum with archaeological, wildlife, cultural & armed services exhibits.

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This museum has an interesting history as well; when you visit, be sure to ask near the museum itself and not merely its contents!. Though located today near the Legislative Assembly, since the 1950's, the museum was kickoff opened in the 1880's in the Universidad de Santo Tomas edifice with a focus on science. Today'southward location is a former armed forces barracks; another relic of a fourth dimension when my state was at war.

Go Visit Costa Rica : Allow's Go for a Museum Tour in San José

Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's illustrious history and spend a day exploring the National Museum of Costa Rica. The museum is housed in the Bellavista fortress, originally a military barracks built in 1917. Discover the country'southward natural and cultural heritage as you see artifacts, cannons, and ornate piece of furniture dating back to pre-Colombian times.

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Little precious museum of Costa rica history. A small butterfly conservatory inside the museum also! Admission fee around CAN $12.00. It's definitely worth it! RECOMMENDED!

Non large, but nice multifariousness of exhibits. If you lot stop to read all the fabric (English language and Spanish) you lot get a adept appreciation for the history of Costa rica from pre-Columbian menstruum through the independence of the country. Butterfly exhibit at the beginning is a fun start, the grounds are calm and cute.

Very informative, starts from the beginning (pre-Columbus history) to the present twenty-four hours. Good information regarding the whole of America, not merely Costa Rica. Must visit when going to San José. Entry is also cheap!

4.7 ( 6391 ) •

4.0 ( 1277 )

Cuesta de Moras, Av. Primal, Bella Vista, San José Province, San José, Republic of costa rica

Jaco Beach

2.5-mi. palm tree–lined beach for surfing & relaxing, with nearby nightlife options.

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Very dainty beach! The sand is a nighttime grayness but the views are beautiful!

Incredible vistas to end doing the road. Walk downwardly to the rocky beach for crabs and breaking waves along the coast.

Was much nicer when it was a quiet baking hot beach with a fishing village and no tourist infrastructure when I first visited there in 1990. Now an ugly mix of old new and unfinished, ugly casinos and everything grim that goes with it. Some dainty parts and it'due south close to San Jose

iv.five ( 1216 ) •

iv.0 ( 1437 )

Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

The Riding Hazard

Horseback riding service

Tours

Horseback Riding Tours

Nature & Wild animals Tours

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Magic. Pure magic. The best thing nosotros did on our honeymoon- Gustavo and Adrian ensured we had the best sunset ride catered to me every bit a lifetime passenger and my husband on his 2nd ride ever. If y'all only get ane place and do i thing on your Costa rica vacation - please do this.

Such a not bad feel while we were in Costa rica. Gustavo went the extra mile to make our feel wonderful.

It was 4 of united states of america, nosotros all had a great time. The guide/possessor took a lot of pictures and videos. Very well behaved horses n piece of cake to ride. Highlight of the trip.

4.7 ( 56 ) •

5.0 ( 471 )

Puntarenas Province, Esterillos Este, Costa Rica

Rainmaker

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

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The perfect cocky-guided tour! While have the guides is nice, this was a fun hike you can take at your own pace. There are quite a few bridges which are perfect photo ops, pond holes in the h2o fall, and nosotros even saw a poison dart frog! Brand certain to pay a petty extra for the lunch, they volition have it ready for you when you become back! It was succulent!

It's nice to find preserves like Rainmaker. This is a cute jungle setting. The paths are great for stopping, listening and finding bully flowers, butterfly'due south and small wild life. The environs is peaceful. This is for people in average to good wellness. Some of the paths and stairs tin can take a little effort to climb. It's worth the work if you want to give information technology a endeavor and get a dissimilar experience from the park. Also try Narcarcosta. They are also a preserve working on sustainable tourism. This is for any wellness level

I almost don't want to rate this magical place because I don't want it to get crowded! We went at 4PM (terminal time you can enter the park), and we were the Simply people in the park. What a fantastic experience. Swimming in the falls and pools was so refreshing after the hike. We saw toucans and lots of lizards. Side by side time, I'd love to go with a guide to point out all the wild animals our untrained eyes missed! The website says you can volume a guide in advance. Prior to arriving, I contacted the owner/managing director (?) via the WhatsApp number on the website, and they quickly answered all of my questions! Some of the bridges and trails are a bit on the shaky side, so I wouldn't do the hanging bridge route if y'all don't like wondering "volition these ropes agree" while you're crossing. (I thought it added to the excitement and experience! I don't think there'southward actually a safety event!) You could become at that place without a 4x4/SUV, but the last 2km are definitely easier with ane.

4.6 ( 521 ) •

4.v ( 461 )

Red Vial Cantonal 100, Puntarenas Province, Costa rica

Biesanz Beach

Tree-shaded sandy beach in a crescent-shaped bay with shallow waters for swimming.

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Beautiful vibe with calm waters for beach and swimming. Effectually the corner looking out to the left are rocks and buoys to swim out, paddle board or kayak to see some fish with a snorkel.

Squeamish location, just I smashed my feet into multiple rocks. This made me sad.

Great footling beach. Enter on the far right side to avert rocks

4.4 ( 398 ) •

4.five ( 963 )

Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica

Park Entry, Parque Manuel Antonio

Park

Nature & Parks

National Parks

four.iv ( 79 ) •

4.0 ( 1330 )

Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa rica

xxx

Manuel Antonio Embankment

Sandy stretch inside Manuel Antonio National Park, with swimming, birds & trees full of monkeys.

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Bit touristy, but definitely worth a visit. I don't think information technology is necessary to have a guide, you lot can run across sloths, monkeys, lizards and birds on your own too. The beach is lovely on both side, only the food sucks in the buffet, but that'due south is the only selection.

Clean beaches. They really take care of them. You lot can also come across monkeys and other animals running around. Make sure to watch your holding though. We even saw some infant turtles on the sad then watch your steps. Just downwards side is that you can't bring nutrient to the park so information technology's hard to hang out all 24-hour interval. They do accept a cafe but the lines are long.

Embankment gorgeous . Warm Dec swim , cloudy with sand so non adept for snorkelling - but good swim and soft sand . Proficient facilities ie shower Loos and snack cafe upwardly the hill. The park wardens stop the pond at iii pm - and start to shoo anybody out of the park at that time . Probably the best swim in Manuel Antonio

4.6 ( 558 ) •

4.5 ( 11176 )

Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica