Costa Rica is a stunning Central American country known for its jaw-dropping beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, its unique biomes that harbor rare and beautiful animals, and its fierce commitment to eco-tourism, which nurtures its special habitats so they will thrive for generations to come. It’s no wonder that Costa Rica has rocketed to the top of so many travel lists, attracting vacationers from all across the world.
Because there are countless things to do and see in Costa Rica, it can be difficult to decide where to make the crowning jewel of your vacation, but fret no more: the choice is simple. Manuel Antonio, in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, is your best bet if you want to enjoy both beauty and culture during your trip. Let’s explore why you should select this charming town to relax and play while visiting Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio isn’t just the name of the city where you’ll be staying, but also the national park nearby: 680 hectares of pristine wilderness, all yours to explore. The Manuel Antonio National Park is threaded through with easy hiking trails that everyone can enjoy, one of which leads to a private beach where visitors can frolic in the Pacific surf. It’s home to over 100 mammal species, including the adorable white-faced capuchin monkeys and fascinating coatimundis, which are intelligent and sociable animals similar to raccoons.
While visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park, you can hike to the gorgeous Manuel Antonio Waterfall, which is a highly cinematic place for a great vacation selfie.
As Manuel Antonio overlooks the majestic Pacific Ocean and is near several large rivers, those who love feeling the sea breeze on their face have countless opportunities to get up close and personal with these beautiful bodies of water. On the ocean, vacationers can enjoy kayaking, surfing, and boat tours that will show off this lovely city to its greatest advantage. If you’d prefer to slip under the waves and see all the bountiful fish species, you can go snorkeling or SCUBA diving, where you can see yellow surgeonfish, pufferfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. You may even be lucky enough to see one of Costa Rica’s iconic sea turtles lazily flapping its way through the waves: a site to behold, and a memory you will treasure for the rest of your life.
If you want a bit more high velocity watersports, you can go rafting on the Savegre or Naranjo rivers, which offer rapid classes from II to IV. Those with less experience can visit the Savegre River for Class II and Class III rapids, while those who want something faster and more exciting can visit the Naranjo River for Class III and IV. Really up for a challenge? Try out “El Chorro,” which offers breakneck Class IV rafting that will take your breath away.
Costa Rica is famous for many things, but one of the best experiences on vacation is ziplining, where you can zoom through its majestic forests and get to see an aerial view of the ground below. There are zipline tours all throughout Manuel Antonio, including several in the national park nearby. You can even enjoy a fun couple’s experience on the longest twin zipline in Central America, which runs for over a mile.
After a long day of adventuring, there’s nothing better than returning to a gorgeous home away from home: a luxury villa with a private chef. Costa Rica’s luxury villas are well worth the price: you get access to some of the best views in the country, all in the comfort of a grand estate nestled in the lush trees. Better yet, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality meals made just for you by a private chef, who will create a menu that exactly matches your specifications. This is especially invaluable for anyone who has food allergies or dietary restrictions, because you can be guaranteed that your meal will never contain any allergen or unwanted ingredient. That peace of mind - and the beautiful scenery of a luxury villa - are invaluable on this once in a lifetime vacation.
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful and eco-friendly countries in the world, and it has something for everyone hidden in its pristine and well-managed forests. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or honeymoon, reconnecting with family, or solo adventuring in style, you can find endless opportunities to escape the daily grind. Consider booking a luxury villa with a private chef to really see why Costa Rica draws tourists in, year after year, with its hospitality and unique ecosystem.
