Tag Archives: Playa Palo Seco

Capuchins in Quepos

My first week in Costa Rica flew by as we began to make our drive south towards the Pacific Coast.  It felt great to arrive at our beach house for an afternoon of relaxation and then to host a bonfire for our neighbors in the evening.  Cheffy cooked an amazing meal for us and we watched a couple of movies before turning in.  We had a big day planned with a day of surfing and exploring Manuel Antonio Park in Quepos, about an hour drive from Playa Palo Seco.

We stopped by to see our neighbor Maria to see if she needed us to pick up anything from the grocery on our way back.  She had decided that she had a freezer full of quick and easy prepackaged meals and a a refrigerator stocked with Imperial beer.  She should be good for a couple of days.

Known for its white sandy beaches and outdoor bars, the sleepy town of Quepos is most known for its local park full of monkeys and sloths.  We were so excited to take a few hours to explore Manuel Antonio National Park to interact with the white faced capuchin, hired a local guide and broke out our binoculars to find the elusive three-toed sloth.

As we walked the main path through the park, we felt as though we were being followed by the same troop of monkeys at the start of our adventure.  These cheeky capuchins have become accustomed to humans and love to interact.  Whether you find it charming or a bit invasive, the adorable primates are determined to be center stage.

Most white-faced monkeys travel together in numbers that reach between 18 to 20.  We learned from our guide that it was mating season and that the gestation period lasts for close to 160 days.  Their diet consists of both plants and animals such as nuts, fruits, insects, birds, squirrels, lizards and tree rats.

The two-toed sloths, on the other hand, could care less about their surroundings and stay high towards the top of the trees to maintain their privacy.  Because they are nocturnal, these “smiling” sloths are very difficult to find.  The sloths are synonymous with laziness, but in fact, they do as least they can to conserve energy.  It takes nearly two weeks for a meal to be digested for the sloth and lucky for them, their diet consists of tree leaves and branches.  It is rare to find a sloth near the ground as they only leave their treehouses about once a week to relieve themselves.  One of the easiest ways to spot a sloth is to hire a guide, while some find sloth spotting easier on a night hike when they are wide awake.

Hiking the Punta Catedral brought us to the park’s island, where we could easily see the diversity of the park.  From its snow white beaches, life sustaining rain forest and colorful coral reefs, we decided to cross over a small stream of water to reach the stunning isle.

Nearly a half a million visitors explore Manuel Antonio National Park each year and it has recently opened its elevated trail.  Each year we would make our pilgrimage to one of Costa Rica’s most visited attractions to practice spotting sloths and tracking monkeys.  We would end the day watching the sunset from our local friends’ home and reflecting on our spectacular adventure would agree that this is Pura Vida.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Manuel Antonio National Park?  What was your favorite part of the day?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading through one of my favorite places to visit in the world and wishing you many Happy Travels.

 What to See and What to Do: 

Manuel Antonio National Park
Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 2777 3339 or 800 280 2597

  • Admission Fee:    $18.08 for adults; $5.65 for children ages 2 – 12; children under the age of 2 is free
  • Hours:  Daily from 7AM to 5PM with the exception of Tuesday.  The park is open on holidays unless the holiday falls on a Tuesday.  The nearby beach closes at 3 and the park rangers will notify the remaining visitors that they will need to leave the park by 4PM, starting towards the exit by 3:30PM.
  • Amenities:  Guided tours ($51 for adults, $35 for children); Private tours ($71 for adults and $55 for children) The tours last for about 2.5 to 3 hours.   You can purchase your tickets through a third party (i.e., Viator) that will provide a guide.  Guides are available to show you around the park.  They will tell you about the flora and fauna as well as show you were the animals are hiding within the parks. Most tours will last only a couple of hours, but should you want to stay longer, the guide can explain how to take the bus back or where to grab a taxi.  Independent guides should wear their badges showing their ICT certification. For 2, expect to pay $20 per person for 2 hours and if they charge more, you can easily find another guide that will accept the $20 per hour/per person rate.
  • Parking: Parking is available at the park and there are several parking lots.  Follow the sign at the entrance and an attendant will assist you with parking.  Remember to note which parking lot you have parked your vehicle. Do not leave valuables in the car, roll up your windows and ensure the doors are locked.  Pay for parking in Costa Rican colones, not American dollars.  Depending on the season, you can expect to pay 3000 to 6000 colones. On your way to parking, look for restaurants and shops on the left and this will let you know that you are close.  There may be attendants that will tell you that you must park in their lot, but this is a scam.  After passing the shops and restaurants, you will see the Super Joseth convenient store.  You will notice a small road to your left, so turn left here and past the Hotel Vela Bar to reach the parking lots. Drive carefully as this is a narrow road.
  • Scenic View:  The park’s animals…the sloths and monkeys in the wild.
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours to include the beach
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early before the crowds.  Tickets must be purchased online as they are not available at the entrance.  If you arrive without a ticket, you will not be able to enter.  The park only sells approximately 3000 tickets per day. December through April and June through August are high season, so purchase your tickets well in advance. The website provides instructions for purchasing the tickets and you can select the English language.  The tickets are only valid for one day as there are no multi-day tickets available.  Your ticket can only be used once, which means you will need to purchase multiple tickets for the dates you would like to enter.  Ensure that you hire a certified guide who can point out the elusive sloths.  You should ask for their ICT (Institute of Costa Rica Tourism) credentials.  There will be scammers dressed in park ranger uniforms or fake badges and name tags.   When you arrive at the park, bring a printed copy of your reservation (the reservation number or barcode) in addition to your passport.  Should you not have your passport, you can show a copy of your passport for entry.  Alcohol, guns, cigarettes, drugs and speakers are prohibited.   Set your GPS or Google Maps to “Welcome Center Manuel Antonio” or “Hotel San Beda” for the correct directions.There are three bathrooms at the entrance of the park and three additional bathrooms within the park.  There is one facility where you will find bathrooms, showers and changing booths.   Visitors are not permitted to being food into the park. In 2023, the park added a cafeteria where visitors can purchase sandwiches, salads and drinks. There are also restaurants at the entrance of the park.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at our private residence located at Playa Palo Seco during our stay

Where to Eat:

Rico Tico Jungle Grill
Near Manuel Antonio Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2777 0777

What to Eat:

  • Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
  • Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
  • Ceviche is raw fish that has been “cooked” with citrus juices.
  • Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
  • Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
  • Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

What to Drink:

  • Agua Dolce (sweet water): which is sweetened with cane sugar
  • Cerveza (Beer): Imperial
  • Guaro: sugar cane liquor which sneaks up on you. Cacique is the most popular brand.

What to Read:

  • It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
  • Oro by Cizia Zyke
  • Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
  • Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
  • Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
  • The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
  • Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
  • Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Exploring Central Costa Rica

We spent a couple of days hanging out on the beach, cooking fresh seafood and making daily trips to the grocery store.  It was time for us to travel inland towards the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and spend a night at Tabacon Hot Springs.  Our route took us northwest up the coast where we would make a quick stop in Jaco before making the trek towards our first stop at the waterfall.  We crossed the bridge saying goodbye to the alligators before stopping at the market for some road snacks then hopped on route 34 passing quaint little coastal towns along the way.

La Fortuna was an impressive 200 feet tall and we couldn’t wait to see one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls.  The roar of the falls could be heard before we reached this magnificent cascade.  This spectacular force of nature is one of the most popular sites in Central America.  It didn’t take us long to descend the steps to the rocky base but took note that somehow we would have to make our way back the way we came down.

We had packed a picnic, so we found a space to admire the waterfall and the incredible mist that called us to take a swim.  I couldn’t help but test out the water, but even in the tropics, I was surprised the water was so cold and decided against jumping in.

It was difficult to break away from this magical spot, but we wanted to hike up to the Arenal Volcano where we would find several viewpoints and scenic lookouts.  The national park is the second most visited in the country and for so many reasons.  This was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica, but it has remained dormant since 2010.  The last time Arenal exploded was 1968 which destroyed the towns of Tabacon and Pueblo Nuevo.   At the time of my visit in 2006, there were rumors that the top could blow off at any moment, but we decided not to let that stop us.

I was pleasantly surprised that there were only two trails and that they were so short with the maximum length measuring 2.1 miles.  Hikers can pass through lava beds from blasts from the volcano’s past and capture scenic views of Lake Arenal.

While the hike in the park has a beautiful scenic area we decided to visit the Arenal Observatory for views of the volcano and lake.  Both were stunning, impressive and worth the detour.

Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest lake measuring 33 square miles.  There are a wide range of activities that revolve around this large, man-made body of water such as boating, windsurfing, hiking, biking and of course spectacular fishing.  Arenal is known for its guapote, a local fish with sharp teeth and aggressive attitude.  I was surprised to learn that the ancient villages of Tronadora and Arenal are actually below the current lake, while newly built hotels around the volcano offer spectacular views and luxury accommodations.

It was getting late and we stopped at the Tabacon Hot Springs before checking into the Thermal Resort & Spa for the night.  Sitting under the grandeur of Arenal Volcano, this gorgeous hideaway is the perfect location for exploring and experiencing the natural pools of Costa Rica. Visitors are not required to stay at the resort to enjoy a day of pampering and can book a day pass.  While the Resort and Spa are family friendly, the Shangri-La Gardens is more private and accommodating for an adults-only experience.

The thermal spa was perfect for soothing our muscles after a long ride in the car and the luxurious bed was the perfect spot for an amazing night’s sleep, and what a restful night it was.

Have you visited Costa Rica?  What was your favorite place and do you have any recommendations for where to spend my next stay in this beautiful country?  I would love to hear from you if you would leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my journey through central Costa Rica and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

La Fortuna Waterfall
Alajuela Province
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 2479 9515

  • Admission Fee:  18 US dollars to enter
  • Hours:  All year around from 7AM to 5PM
  • Amenities:  third party tours provide more details;  check Viator for more information
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking.  The busiest time is midday and early afternoon, so it is suggested to arrive in the morning.

Arenal Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Lake Arenal
Arajuela Province, Costa Rica

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos 13 Km
Provincia de Alajuela, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Telephone:  877 277 8291

  • Admission Fee:  No charge to visit the hot springs at the resort.
  • Hours:  Check with the resort for hours of operation
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bathing suit for enjoying the hot springs.

Where to Stay:

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos 13 Km
Provincia de Alajuela, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Telephone:  877 277 8291

Where to Eat:

Jaco:
Los Mahi Tacos de Cholo
Centro Commercial Urena, Local 3
Avenida Pastor Diaz Diagonal a Calle El Bohio
Jaco Central, Jaco, Garabito Municipality
61101 Costa Rica
Telephone:  506  8741 0562

La Fortuna:
Spectacolar Cantina
Meters west from La Fortuna Church 125
Arenal Volcano National Park
La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 8569 7676

What to Eat:

  • Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
  • Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad.  In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
  • Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices.  The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano.  It is a popular breakfast dish.
  • Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup.  Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
  • Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping.  In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

What to Read:

  • It’s Every Monkey for Themselves:  A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
  • Oro by Cizia Zyke
  • Green Phoenix:  Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
  • Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
  • Costa Rica:  A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
  • The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
  • Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
  • Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano

Costa Rica’s Jaguar Rescue Center

It was another incredible day of surfing and water sports before we packed up our belongings to continue our journey towards Panama.  We made one last stop at the bar to thank our bartender and host for the last couple of days and to say good bye to the friendly toucan.  We each ordered an Imperial for the road, took a few photos of the spectacular view of the endless coffee fields and confirmed our route for Playa Chiquita.

The Casas del Caribe in Playa Chiquita was perfect for our short stay.  Situated on the beach, we could also reach the little town for dinner, shops, grocery and bars. We were interested in visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center for the day and then make a few stops before arriving back to the house in Playa Palo Seco.

Jaguar Rescue Center is located on the beach of Playa Chiquita and we did not have a difficult time finding it.  The refuge was founded by Encar Garcia of Spain and the late trained biologist Sandro Alviani.  Built as a temporary home for injured and orphaned animals, there were several other native Costa Rican animals such as sloths, monkeys, birds and reptiles that were briefly held here for veterinary care to ensure their health and safety before returning to the wild.

The highlight of my trip was seeing a black jaguar at the center.  Also known as panthers, these amazing creatures are nearly extinct due to illegal hunting and habitat loss.  Seeing these elusive big cats are rare and are protected in the country’s reserves and national parks.

In addition to the jaguars, we were able to see the ocelots, wooly possums, baby monkeys and a few sloths.  I had the opportunity to feed one of the baby sloths.  He was such a tiny little guy and so docile.

A baby monkey had just been brought to the rescue during our visit, too small for human interaction.  He had been found on the side of the road without its mother and a motorist rescued him and brought him in for medical care.  We learned that his survival rate was excellent and that the reserve would keep him under medical surveillance until he was well enough to thrive back in the wild.

We spent a few hours at the reserve, purchased some Imperial, Cacique Guerra and juice before setting up a chairs on the beach.  We had a few drinks before dinner and decided to try out another amazing restaurant and nightclub on the beach.  We turned in early that night because we had a long drive ahead of us the next day.  It was amazing to fall asleep with tunes of Bob Marley in my mind along with the sounds of crashing waves from the beach.  It was one of the best night’s sleep I had experienced in a long time.

Have you visited Costa Rica?  What was your favorite place and do you have any recommendations for where to spend my next stay in this beautiful country?  I would love to hear from you if you would leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my journey through Costa Rica and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Jaguar Rescue Center
In front of Villas del Caribe
Punta Coclas
41001, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 2750 0710

Where to Stay:

Casas del Caribe
Oficinas Caribe Sur Limon
Playa Chiquita
70403, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 8976 7543

Where to Eat:

Paradise 2.0 Beach Hub
25 meters al norte y 100 mts.
al oeste del Supermarcdo El Duende Gourmet
Playa Chiquita Limon Province, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
70403, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 2750 0544

What to Eat:

  • Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
  • Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
  • Ceviche is raw fish that has been “cooked” with citrus juices.
    Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
  • Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
  • Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

What to Drink:

  • Agua Dolce (sweet water): which is sweetened with cane sugar
  • Cerveza (Beer): Imperial
  • Guaro: sugar cane liquor which sneaks up on you. Cacique is the most poular brand.

What to Read:

  • It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
  • Oro by Cizia Zyke
  • Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
  • Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
  • Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
  • The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
  • Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
  • Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano

Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park

Leaving Playa Palo Seco, my friend Melissa and I were excited to visit Manuel Antonio National Park.  About an hour from our home base, it was the first time I had visited the park and I was so excited for the opportunity to see sloths and howler monkeys.  Located in the town of Quepos on the Pacific Coast, the park is known for its wildlife and beautiful beaches.

We needed to find the “Beach Trail” to reach the entrance, so we stopped at one of the refreshment stands before entering the park.  We found a sign directing us towards the entrance, then after passing over the bridge, there was another sign directing us in the right direction.   From the bridge, it took us about 5 minutes until we had arrived.

The first hike we took was the Sendero el Perezoso Trail (sloth trail).  We did not realize that this would have taken us deeper into the park, but we were so excited to see sloths with our guide.  This trail runs parallel to the main trail within the park and we spent about 30 minutes on this trail because there were several 2-fingered and 3-fingered sloths.  Be careful if you find yourself looking up often as you would not want to trip over anything or miss any of the other amazing wildlife in the park such as crabs scurrying along the trail.

The Punta Catedral trail is just under a mile and leads to Punta Catedral which was once an island  I remember when we would visit here in the mid-90s and we would schlep through the water to reach the island.  Since that time, a strip of beach has been formed from several years of sand and sediment build up.  We always loved the amazing views by hiking the perimeter of the island.

The Sendero Playa Gemelas leads to the beach for which it is named.  This trail and beach is less crowded and provides some great tropical views.  It is also a great place to relax for a swim.  The trail is short and connects with other trails, so no need to worry about getting lost.  At the end of the trail is one of my favorite views to see Playa Puerto Escondido.  This is the place where we always find little geckos and I have heard some say that they have seen iguanas here though I have never seen them.

My favorite trail is the one that connects the Sendero Playa Gemelas and the Sendero Mirador known as the Sendero Congo. Although it is a short path, it is where I can find the most howler monkeys in one place,  it is so exciting to see these small little creatures chasing each other in the trees.

While there may be time where you can’t find the howlers on the trail, you may be able to hear them.

According to the park map, there are eleven separate trails. Don’t worry as the trails are clearly marked and posted placards are available along the way.

A visit to Manuel Antonio National Park is always an exciting time, so arrive early and spend as much time as you can exploring the trails, searching for howler monkeys and spotting sloths.

Have you visited Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leaved a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to the national park and wishing you amazing adventures!

What to See and What to Do: 

Manuel Antonio National Park
Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 2777 3339 or 800 280 2597

  • Admission Fee:    $18.08 for adults; $5.65 for children ages 2 – 12; children under the age of 2 is free
  • Hours:  Daily from 7AM to 5PM with the exception of Tuesday.  The park is open on holidays unless the holiday falls on a Tuesday.  The nearby beach closes at 3 and the park rangers will notify the remaining visitors that they will need to leave the park by 4PM, starting towards the exit by 3:30PM.
  • Amenities:  Guided tours ($51 for adults, $35 for children); Private tours ($71 for adults and $55 for children) The tours last for about 2.5 to 3 hours.   You can purchase your tickets through a third party (i.e., Viator) that will provide a guide.  Guides are available to show you around the park.  They will tell you about the flora and fauna as well as show you were the animals are hiding within the parks. Most tours will last only a couple of hours, but should you want to stay longer, the guide can explain how to take the bus back or where to grab a taxi.  Independent guides should wear their badges showing their ICT certification. For 2, expect to pay $20 per person for 2 hours and if they charge more, you can easily find another guide that will accept the $20 per hour/per person rate.
  • Parking: Parking is available at the park and there are several parking lots.  Follow the sign at the entrance and an attendant will assist you with parking.  Remember to note which parking lot you have parked your vehicle. Do not leave valuables in the car, roll up your windows and ensure the doors are locked.  Pay for parking in Costa Rican colones, not American dollars.  Depending on the season, you can expect to pay 3000 to 6000 colones. On your way to parking, look for restaurants and shops on the left and this will let you know that you are close.  There may be attendants that will tell you that you must park in their lot, but this is a scam.  After passing the shops and restaurants, you will see the Super Joseth convenient store.  You will notice a small road to your left, so turn left here and past the Hotel Vela Bar to reach the parking lots. Drive carefully as this is a narrow road.
  • Scenic View:  The park’s animals…the sloths and monkeys in the wild.
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours to include the beach
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early before the crowds.  Tickets must be purchased online as they are not available at the entrance.  If you arrive without a ticket, you will not be able to enter.  The park only sells approximately 3000 tickets per day. December through April and June through August are high season, so purchase your tickets well in advance. The website provides instructions for purchasing the tickets and you can select the English language.  The tickets are only valid for one day as there are no multi-day tickets available.  Your ticket can only be used once, which means you will need to purchase multiple tickets for the dates you would like to enter.  Ensure that you hire a certified guide who can point out the elusive sloths.  You should ask for their ICT (Institute of Costa Rica Tourism) credentials.  There will be scammers dressed in park ranger uniforms or fake badges and name tags.   When you arrive at the park, bring a printed copy of your reservation (the reservation number or barcode) in addition to your passport.  Should you not have your passport, you can show a copy of your passport for entry.  Alcohol, guns, cigarettes, drugs and speakers are prohibited.   Set your GPS or Google Maps to “Welcome Center Manuel Antonio” or “Hotel San Beda” for the correct directions.There are three bathrooms at the entrance of the park and three additional bathrooms within the park.  There is one facility where you will find bathrooms, showers and changing booths.   Visitors are not permitted to being food into the park. In 2023, the park added a cafeteria where visitors can purchase sandwiches, salads and drinks. There are also restaurants at the entrance of the park.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at our private residence located at Playa Palo Seco during our stay

Where to Eat:

Rico Tico Jungle Grill
Near Manuel Antonio Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2777 0777

What to Eat:

  • Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
  • Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
  • Ceviche is raw fish that has been “cooked” with citrus juices.
  • Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
  • Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
  • Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

What to Drink:

  • Agua Dolce (sweet water): which is sweetened with cane sugar
  • Cerveza (Beer): Imperial
  • Guaro: sugar cane liquor which sneaks up on you. Cacique is the most popular brand.

What to Read:

  • It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
  • Oro by Cizia Zyke
  • Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
  • Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
  • Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
  • The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
  • Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
  • Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.