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Manuel Antonio: The Emerald of the Pacific Coast...
Manuel Antonio in a Nutshell...
They say there's a place for everyone--and Manuel Antonio is that place. There is no other beach destination in Costa Rica that brings together so many things for people of every walk of life. From pristine beaches and world-famous national park to the rugged, rainforested mountains, the area is perfect for families, adventure-seekers, beach-layers, nature-lovers and magic-bean-buyers alike.
After all, from generation to generation, culture to culture--who doesn't enjoy being on a beautiful beach? Who doesn't enjoy watching a white-faced monkey creatively try to steal a banana from your backpack? Who doesn't enjoy great restaurants, a vibrant culture and a myriad of activities?
If you answered yes to any of these questions--Jaco is for you!!!
The Talamanca Mountains
What it really breaks down to is the Talamanca mountain range--the nearby mountains create the cyclical weather that feeds the rainforest, and the presence of such biodiversity of flora and fauna keeps the area flourishing year-round, even when other parts of the country shrivel and dry up like little, desiccated frijoles. The mountains create rivers and waterfalls, which are some of the highlights of the area. The presence of the forests allows for great biodiversity, and sustains the animals we so cherish.
What Animals? You mean, like--snakes?
Well, we don't cherish the snakes so much--but they're rare. Common are the 3 local kinds of monkeys: the brutish, white-faced 'capuchins', the cute & tawny squirrel monkeys (otherwise knows as 'titis'), and the aloof 'congos'--howler monkeys that sound like an amalgamation of a lion, a tiger AND a bear. Common are 'perezosos'--for both translations of the word: 1) Sloth (both 2-and-3-toed), and 2) Lazy Ass. Common are scarlet macaws, chestnut-mandibled toucans, snowy egrets and peaceful pelicans. Common are iguanas, geckos and Jesus lizards (Amen!).
But consider yourself lucky if you see a snake!
In truth--there are fewer dangerous pests than most people imagine, and even fewer non-dangerous ones. For example--mosquitoes. Since Manuel Antonio has some elevation, there aren't many mosquitoes (beware the sand fleas on the beach at dusk!). Granted--there is always one person who is like a fresh serving of coconut flan to them--but compared to other beachfront destinations, the bugs aren't bad!
What to Do While You're Here...
Once you're done fretting about snakes, you'll want to spend some time planning your activities. There is more to do here than you can possibly accomplish in a single trip--so don't even try--but this makes it all the more important to choose your tours and activities wisely. Visiting the national park is a must for everyone--and given the fact that it is closed on Mondays, and that it can get crowded on the weekends--planning a day around this gem is a good place to start.
From there, the world is your 'ostra'. There are plenty of ocean-based activities for the sea-lovers out there. There are plenty of adrenaline-pumping tours for thrill-seekers. There are plenty of educational tours for knowledge-seekers, and plenty of kid-friends things to do for anyone who is kid-friendly. However--taking into account people's diverse tastes and abilities, we can make a couple of general recommendations:
1. Try to get at least 1 'ocean' activity (not including beach) and 1 'mountain' tour in. Experiencing the area from the calm of the Pacific ocean gives you a beautiful perspective of the coast, while experiencing the wilds of the rainforested mountains is unparalleled.
2. If you haven't done a canopy tour yet--do it. There are a couple of great canopy tours in the area, and are safe for young and old alike.
3. Leave your last day to chillax on the beach and/or by the pool. Don't try to cram too much into your vacation without getting some good R&R, or you'll need a vacation after your vacation!
Quepos
Quepos is to Manuel Antonio as an armpit is to an arm--necessary for existence, but a little stinky.
In all fairness--Quepos is the actual municipality of the area, and the commercial hub of the area. It's hot, smelly, and has a few unsavory types (Flaca not included), but it's also the best place to stock up on groceries. There's a central market, a couple of fish markets, cevicherias, a handful of 'sodas' (ie local diners), and a lively farmer's market on Friday night / Saturday morning. There are a few shops, too--and a waterfront promenade that runs all the way to the marina...
The Pez Vela Marina
In stark contrast to Quepos is one of Costa Rica's newest and most luxurious marina--Pez Vela. It's the gateway to most of the area's ocean-based activities, home to a few good restaurants, and the host of frequent events--including free community movies on Friday evenings on its 20-foot x 30-foot inflatable screen. If you're going on a sunset sail, catamaran tour, deep sea fishing, jet-skiing, or scuba diving, you'll leave via Pez Vela.
The restaurants here are just so-so--but the marina makes up in ambience what lacks in gustatory delight. And there's nothing wrong with just getting an Imperial and watching sunset...