Our Costa Rica Guidebook
Sightseeing
Must see. Monkeys. Sloths. Miles of deserted beach. Also Playa Linda, another mile south, across the street from El Patio .. Not to be Missed. Weekends are busy on all beaches because the locals are off work. Be safe driving always!
9 locals recommend
Playa Matapalo
Must see. Monkeys. Sloths. Miles of deserted beach. Also Playa Linda, another mile south, across the street from El Patio .. Not to be Missed. Weekends are busy on all beaches because the locals are off work. Be safe driving always!
The park is amazing. Tip.... Don't fall for the parking scams. None of the guys who try to tell you where to park or try to charge you money are really in charge or can make you do anything. I usually drive right pass the guys telling me to park somewhere.. and park where I like.. If someone tried to tell me I owe them. I tell them I know I don't and maybe offer them 1000 colones. This is different for restaurants in Manuel Antonio. you need to be eating there to park there. But for beaches, park like you're a local and don't get pressured to pay or park anywhere you're not comfortable. Also, buy your ticket at the park, not from someone on the street. Sometimes they are fake on the street. No food or drink allowed inside the park. Always take your valuables with you.
189 locals recommend
Manuel Antonio
The park is amazing. Tip.... Don't fall for the parking scams. None of the guys who try to tell you where to park or try to charge you money are really in charge or can make you do anything. I usually drive right pass the guys telling me to park somewhere.. and park where I like.. If someone tried to tell me I owe them. I tell them I know I don't and maybe offer them 1000 colones. This is different for restaurants in Manuel Antonio. you need to be eating there to park there. But for beaches, park like you're a local and don't get pressured to pay or park anywhere you're not comfortable. Also, buy your ticket at the park, not from someone on the street. Sometimes they are fake on the street. No food or drink allowed inside the park. Always take your valuables with you.
Uvita
Whales Tail
To get here take the dirt road directly across the street from El Patio. To find El Patio go just south of Matapalo approx 1 mile and you will see it and a grocery store on the east side of the road. The dirt road is across the street.
14 locals recommend
Playa Linda
Playa LindaTo get here take the dirt road directly across the street from El Patio. To find El Patio go just south of Matapalo approx 1 mile and you will see it and a grocery store on the east side of the road. The dirt road is across the street.
Portasol
Food scene
Phat Noodle
Fuego Brew Co.
Double Hook Sports Bar
Runaway Grill
Bar Jolly Roger
Tortilla Flats
Cafe Mono Congo
Manuel Antonio Falafel bar
Our favorite restaurant in Manuel Antonio
Just off the main road on the east side in Matapalo. Sushi is amazing
34 locals recommend
La Langosta Feliz
Just off the main road on the east side in Matapalo. Sushi is amazing
Indómitos Cafe
The best Vegan in the country. Try the falafel burger.
Café Ensueño
Great coffee shop/ breakfast
Bar y Restaurante La Reina del Valle
Great place to people watch and have lunch.
Cabinas La Parcela
Views off both sides of the restaurant. Very nice place.
Neighborhoods
The town below the house. Make sure to visit Restaurant/Market de Alex. Alex and Marlin own this true gem of authentic Pura Vida. A great place for lunch or dinner. Tell them Stan sent you.
9 locals recommend
Portalón
The town below the house. Make sure to visit Restaurant/Market de Alex. Alex and Marlin own this true gem of authentic Pura Vida. A great place for lunch or dinner. Tell them Stan sent you.
Dominical
surf town 20 minutes away must see
Amazing restaurants, wildlife, shops and beaches.
For Manuel National Park:
The park is amazing. Tip.... Don't fall for the parking scams. None of the guys who try to tell you where to park or try to charge you money are really in charge or can make you do anything. I usually drive right pass the guys telling me to park somewhere.. and park where I like.. If someone tried to tell me I owe them. I tell them I know I don't and maybe offer them 1000 colones. This is different for restaurants in Manuel Antonio. you need to be eating there to park there. But for beaches, park like you're a local and don't get pressured to pay or park anywhere you're not comfortable. Also, buy your ticket at the park, not from someone on the street. Sometimes they are fake on the street. No food or drink allowed inside the park. Always take your valuables with you.
65 locals recommend
Quepos
Amazing restaurants, wildlife, shops and beaches.
For Manuel National Park:
The park is amazing. Tip.... Don't fall for the parking scams. None of the guys who try to tell you where to park or try to charge you money are really in charge or can make you do anything. I usually drive right pass the guys telling me to park somewhere.. and park where I like.. If someone tried to tell me I owe them. I tell them I know I don't and maybe offer them 1000 colones. This is different for restaurants in Manuel Antonio. you need to be eating there to park there. But for beaches, park like you're a local and don't get pressured to pay or park anywhere you're not comfortable. Also, buy your ticket at the park, not from someone on the street. Sometimes they are fake on the street. No food or drink allowed inside the park. Always take your valuables with you.
We love the drive too and the visit for a day in San Isidro. European Feel. Great shopping and local scene..
La Reina Del Valle is a great place to people watch and have a drink
San Isidro
We love the drive too and the visit for a day in San Isidro. European Feel. Great shopping and local scene..
La Reina Del Valle is a great place to people watch and have a drink