Monkeys, Sand, Coconuts, Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio — Costa Rica By Chojnacki Caroline

Are you looking for a “Monkey Island Adventure?”
Visit Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica experience monkeys, surf, coconuts, rainforests and more.
Manuel Antonio is in the Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica. It is known for its lush rainforest, beautiful surf, stealthy Reese monkeys and friendly locals. I was travelling in the Spring- during the dry season. It was apparent in San Jose, but not when I arrived at the tropical destination in Manuel Antonio.
Transportation
I began my trip on a bus leaving from San Jose.
FUN FACT: They often change their bus pick up locations, so make sure you ask someone near a bus station where the bus is for Manuel Antonio.
The bus was full. I was glad I got to the station early enough to be on my bus. But if I didn’t make it on the bus; I was not to fret- there would be another one- as they ran every hour.
The bus journey was hot, no air conditioning, no bathrooms. They did have two pit stops. So the passengers could have the option to purchase food, cold drinks, and bathroom breaks. Make sure you go to the bathroom even if you don’t want to.
It took about 3 hours to get to Manuel Antonio. It felt longer due to the heat. So I would suggest you pack water and dress light.
Hostels and Hotels
I booked a hostel online. Hotels.com is my go-to booking site for last-minute cheap deals.
The Beachpacker Hostel was a few feet from the beach, rancher style, and has a patio deck around a lush succulent garden. There was wifi, and free breakfast cooked by a local woman. It was usually pancakes with pineapple chunks, delicious.
The Beachpacker Hostel was expanding when I was there, that’s why it was only USD 10 a night. (The cost would be more now, but not too high) The two lovely American owners who own the hostel greeted me, showed me around and they also provide towels.
FUN FACT: Bring Costa Rican colónes, it comes out cheaper than using American dollars. The towel has a deposit; they will give it back to you- when you return it.
The travellers who were staying there were from all over the world, Germany, Venezuela, Canada, India, etc. I met two doctors from Venezuela, they were backpacking up the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and then back down the Atlantic Coast.
I thought I booked a single suite at the Beachpacker Hostel, but I ended up sharing a room with about ten travellers. I had my bed. But there was no air conditioning and my night was humid, hot, loud and brutal. Snoring on my left, and a lively beach party that lasted all through the night.
So in the middle of the night, I took out my phone, typed in a search at hotels.com and booked the cheapest hotel I could find.
El Faro Beach Hotel one night was USD 130. I needed a night of good night sleep.
I didn’t want to end my stay at the Hostel, as I liked that the location was near the beach. I utilized my space, and I would walk to the hostel as often as I needed to — I would take a shower at the hostel, after a swim in the warm ocean.
El Faro Beach Hotel was on top of a relatively good-sized hill, I was not looking forward to the walk-up with my luggage, but thankfully they provide an escorted golf-cart ride up to the Hotel.
This place was stunning; it has a nice pool that faces the ocean, and the view is breathtaking. My room had an ocean view, it was clean, a fantastic bathroom, and it had air conditioning!!!
I like to boast about bathrooms; I love a good, clean bathroom because it makes my trip more enjoyable.
Walking back down to the ocean was more comfortable than walking back up; I would suggest jumping into the pool after you hike back to your hotel room.
I walked up and down the beach a lot; I was going back and forth from the hotel and the hostel. But this allowed me to spot many local and exciting places. Like a nearby bed and breakfast, lodging up in the rainforest, even a campsite location along the beach. So if you want variety, Manuel Antonio offers many options.
For my return visit I would book a few nights in a hostel- in the rainforest, and then end my trip at the bed for breakfast- near the beach.
Food
When I arrived and got off the bus, it was just after lunch. I left all my belongings at the Hostel, and I walked to the small city centre. It’s about a 10 min walk along the beach from The Beachpackers Hostel.
I passed a local beach camp-site, and I spotted Spider monkey’s stealing the campers' food. (Another place you could stay and save some money.)
The small city centre offers a clothing shop, a restaurant called El Sol, and a little grocery store.
I went to El Sol for a local meal; I had satay chicken in a creamy sauce and some local steamed vegetables. It was delicious and filling. I paid about 15 USD for the meal it was not cheap - but it was good.
After my meal, I knew I would need some snacks for the next couple of days; I went to the market and purchased a few snacks for the beach.
The market was small and had a good assortment of snacks. I would recommend plantain chips, coconut water, and ice cream sandwiches.
People and Money
The locals are friendly and kind. As a single white female, you will get hit on by the staff, and the outside merchants; they sell the usual coconuts or ice slushies.
The merchants like it when you negotiate lower prices. But they’re bright, and they have raised their prices for this very reason. One coconut is two mill, but in San Jose, they sell a bunch for just 500 colonies.
The currency is a bit confusing as it’s in millions written on the bill. Your not a millionaire but you feel like one; holding a colourful, plastic, sweatproof note.
FUN FACT: I was warned by the American women to be wary of some of the locals. They apparently tell you they’re a guide for the rainforest, and they want to show you the animals, But then surprise- their private parts are on display.
I was thankful for this very tip as I had a young man tell me he wanted to show me an iguana. Yeah, I’m sure he did.
Wildlife and Nature

The tropical rainforest is gorgeous, filled with wildlife, and fantastic fauna.
I was disappointed that I had to pay to go to Manual Antonio Regional Park. And a guide is assigned, and you go in a group.
FUN FACT: It’s only open during the day, and you will get fined if you travel on your own.
But even if you can’t manage to get into the park, you are surrounded in the rainforest and will run into many creatures like an iguana, various monkeys, parrots, and some strange looking birdlife.
FUN FACT: Cover your belongings and food when you’re on the beach, and hide your backpack, the spider monkeys are smart thieves. And they travel in huge packs, about 10 to 20 monkeys in one group.
Sports and Leisure
You have everything right in front of you in Manual Antonio. You can surf, ride horses, parasail, hang glide; you name your adventure it’s yours. All available at the main beach across from the El Sol restaurant.
I did not have the pleasure to partake in any of these activities, but the two Venezuelan doctors went parasailing, and they said the view was spectacular.
It’s a relaxed town to manoeuvre in, and you won’t get lost. Everyone is happy to help you, and the locals offer advice if needed.
Regret
I didn’t bring a good enough camera- I had my cell phone, so next time I will bring my Nikon. Scroll down-enjoy some pictures of my trip.







