Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [307]
Steve Wofford at Planet Dolphin (2777-2137; www.planetdolphin.com; Cabinas Piscis) offers dolphin- and whale-watching tours; starlight sailing cruises are also available. Prices vary depending on the size of your group and your itinerary.
The Tico-run Marlboro Horse Stables (2777-1108) rents horses, and can organize trips through the rainforest for variable prices.
White-water rafting and sea kayaking are both popular in this area – Click here for more information.
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Sleeping & Eating
The village of Manuel Antonio is the closest base for exploring the national park, though the selection of eating and sleeping options is not as varied as in Quepos proper (Click here) or the Quepos to Manuel Antonio stretch of road (Click here).
Backpackers Paradise Costa Linda (2777-0304; www.costalinda-backpackers.com; dm or r without bathroom per person from US$10, meals ₡2500-4500; ) While it’s most definitely not in the same class as competing hostels in Quepos and along the Quepos–Manuel Antonio Road, this shoestringers’ crash pad is decent enough for a night or two, especially considering the rock-bottom price tag. The beachside location, however, is excellent, and the small garden cafe serves up some satisfying comfort food, but the rooms lack personality and style, and are in desperate need of an update.
Hotel Vela Bar & Restaurant (2777-0413; www.velabar.com; s/d US$43/53, meals ₡3000-6500; ) Hotel Vela is primarily known in these parts for its justifiably famous bar and restaurant, which serves up some of the freshest seafood in the Manuel Antonio area. However, the hotel is also a surprisingly affordable spot to post up for a night or two – rooms here are fairly basic, but it’s hard to beat the price considering that you can literally wake up, have your morning coffee and stroll over to the entrance to the national park before your caffeine perk sets in.
Hotel Playa & Cabinas Espadilla (2777-0903/416; www.espadilla.com; cabins/r from US$65/160; ) Two properties in one: the hotel is centered on a large swimming pool and tennis courts, but the rooms are fairly bland considering the hefty price tag. The cabins are very affordable, however, and while they’re a bit worn for wear, you have access to all the facilities at Hotel Playa. While there are certainly swisher properties up the road en route to Quepos, you can’t beat the convenience factor that comes with staying here.
La Posada (2777-1446; www.laposadajungle.com; bungalows US$115-225; ) Your private jungle bungalow can accommodate you and several of your friends, though you might have some furry visitors as – quite literally – you’re on the edge of the national park. From the comfort of your fully equipped home away from home, which is jam-packed with modern amenities, including a fully stocked kitchen, you can view wildlife as it scurries across your front yard (or across your rooftop in the middle of the night!).
There are a number of stands on the beach that cater to hungry tourists, though everything is expectedly overpriced and of dubious quality. Plus, it leads to the temptation to feed the monkeys, which isn’t exactly good for their little digestive systems. Here are a few reasons why:
Monkeys are susceptible to bacteria transmitted from human hands.
Irregular feeding will lead to aggressive behavior as well as create a dangerous dependency.
Bananas are not their preferred food, and can cause serious digestive problems.
Increased exposure to humans facilitates illegal poaching.
Once again, while it should go without saying, don’t feed the monkeys. And, if you do happen to come across someone doing so, take the initiative and ask them politely to stop. Gracias.
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Getting There & Away
Buses depart Manuel Antonio for San José (₡3500 to ₡3700, four hours)