If you’re looking for an amazing Costa Rican vacation, you need to check out Manuel Antonio! This tiny but stunning town is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the natural beauty of the country.
There are so many places to visit in Manuel Antonio – from the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park to the iconic beach and coastline. And there are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, like hiking through the rainforest or rafting down a beautiful river.
Of course, if you just want to relax in a beachfront villa or take in some stunning views, Manuel Antonio has that too.

National Park Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio National Park)
You don’t have to go far to see some of the best views on the planet. This national park, located on the Pacific coast, is just a one-hour drive from San José. The park is filled with lush vegetation and waterfalls, and the area is also home to one of the largest concentrations of tropical birds in the world. On a clear day, you can see for miles and miles across the Pacific.
The park is also home to one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio Beach.
Cerro Chato Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge is located on the Pacific coast in the north of Costa Rica. This is a great place to go bird watching and to see some of the rarer species of birds. The refuge is home to many endangered animals, including the Guanaco (a type of Llama), the Red Howler Monkey, and the White-lipped Peccary (a type of wild pig). There are also many species of parrots and other birds that are less endangered.
The refuge is also located next to the Manuel Antonio National Park, so you can easily combine a trip to both parks.
Mirador Del Queso
Located in the Central Valley, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Central Valley and the Pacific Ocean. The viewpoint is located about 30 minutes from San José, so you can easily combine it with a visit to other interesting attractions in the area.
Manuel Antonio Beach
This beach is located on the Pacific coast and is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches. It is also one of the most dangerous beaches for swimming, as it is surrounded by waves that can be very strong. It’s a great place to relax, but it’s not a place to spend much time because of the waves. If you do want to stay at the beach more than a day or two, make sure you rent a car so you can get around easily.

Torre Del Reloj
This viewpoint is located in Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, which is a national park in Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The park has many interesting features, including beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as some of Costa Rica’s more famous beaches, such as Tamarindo Beach. The viewpoint is only a short walk from the beach, so it’s a great place to combine your visit to both areas.
Rancho Grande
This ranch was founded in 1950 by writer Carlos Eire in order to preserve and protect native plants and animals. The ranch is located about 40 minutes outside of San José and has been called one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful ranches. The ranch is home to many species of birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. The ranch also has a restaurant and camping facilities.
Oasis Caballos Del Mar (Horses of the Sea Ranch)
This ranch is located about 20 minutes outside of San José near Lake Nicaragua. The ranch offers guided horseback riding tours around Lake Nicaragua and through the area’s jungle. You can ride through areas that are very close to nature, such as a waterfall and a waterfall that feeds into Lake Nicaragua. The ranch also offers overnight camping facilities so you can spend your Costa Rican vacation in this beautiful area. Oasis Caballos Del Mar was one of my favorite places on my last trip to Costa Rica.
There are many great places to visit on your Costa Rican vacation, and there are a lot of different things you can do depending on what your interests are. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Manuel Antonio National Park is a great option. If you’re interested in seeing some of the country’s more famous attractions, try visiting San Jose. If you want to experience some horseback riding, Oasis Caballos Del Mar is the place for you.