Travel/Lodging

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

How to get there

  • Take a flight from your destination into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)

  • The wedding is in Manuel Antonio in Quepos, Costa Rica (it’s a 17-minute flight from SJO to Manuel Antonio airport (~$40) or a 2.5-hour scenic drive from the airport)

  • Our wedding planner can help you coordinate the drive from SJO to Manuel Antonio - it’s about $200 per private car, and she’ll offer that people arriving around the same time can share the cost.

 

Accommodations

Nearby hotels and Airbnbs start at $35/night … check out our research for ideas! 

If you’d like help, we’re happy to help, can connect you with other people who might want to grab a place with others.

What to Do

Activities in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is known for its spectacular views, its wildlife (monkeys and sloths!), and its beaches!

ADVENTURE

There are tons of different activities to chose from in Manuel Antonio, including: boat tours, boat rentals, dolphin and whale watching (October is whale watching season!), zip lining and canopy tours, kayaking, canoeing, parasailing, paragliding, river rafting, tubing, scuba diving and snorkeling.

  • Sailing: Set sail across the ocean on a pleasure cruise when you book a catamaran tour.

  • Waterfalls: Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls and listen to the roar of nature and enjoy the refreshing mist across your fact.

  • Hike: Check out the Rainmaker Hike, and discover how it got its name.

ANIMALS

Manuel Antonio National Park was created in 1972 to protect the rainforest and animals that inhabit it from private development.

Manuel Antonio is one of the best parks to visit for wildlife observation. Howler, squirrel, spider and white faced monkeys all inhabit the park. Two-toed and three-toed sloths are abundant as are raccoons, coatis, pacas, anteaters, and occasionally ocelots. There are many reptiles including crocodiles, iguanas, boa constrictors and many lizards. Over 350 bird species have been identified within the park including toucans, aracaris, various parrots and parakeets, hummingbirds, trogons and more.

BEACH

There are hiking trails in Manuel Antonio National Park that lead through the jungle and to one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Manuel Antonio.

The park consists of (4) beaches — the namesake Playa Manuel Antonio, Playa Espadilla Sur, La Playita, and Playa Teloro. You can indulge in plenty of fun in the sun at each of these beaches, but two in particular are especially popular — Manuel Antonio Beach for its views, and Espadilla Sur Beach for being family friendly and relatively uncrowded; each is great for snorkeling.

There are also beaches lining Manuel Antonio, so find your spot in the sun!