Manuel Antonio is a national park, located on the mid-Pacific coast, close to the town of Quepos. The park is open daily, except on Mondays, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica. It’s advisable to plan your visit early in the day. Entrance to the park costs US$10 and you can hire a guide to show you around.

Before reading about what you can do in Manuel Antonio, make sure to also read about the Things to do in Quepos , as this is where you’ll most likely be looking for accommodation.

Here is a list of some of the things to do while visiting Manuel Antonio

Spend some time at the beach

There are quite a lot of beaches within the national park where you can spend your time but Playa Manuel Antonio is ,by far, the best within the park The waves are gentle and the current is not strong. You can spend some time soaking up the sun or enjoying a picnic after you’ve hiked in the jungle. Just make sure that someone is guarding the backpack all the time as the coatimundi really like to try to get to any food you might carry.

Hike in the jungle

There are four short trails (1-3 km) which can be tackled easily by anyone. Just make sure you wear comfortable and appropriate shoes.

Take a wildlife watching tour

Such tours cost from US$20 per person and the guide will tell you more about the animals you spot.

However, it is possible to see the animals on your own. The Capuchine Monkeys are known to move fast from one place to another , while the arboreal porcupines are high in the palm trees (use the zoom option for best photos). You may even spot some iguanas in some logs near the beaches.

Try some water sports

You can book an adventure trip and enjoy whitewater rafting on Rio Savegre or Rio Naranjo. Or if you’d rather stay away from the extreme sports, try snorkeling or sea kayaking.

Take a horse ride on the beach…or mountain

Horse riding on the beach can be a lovely, romantic way to explore the nature. While riding a horse on a mountain gives the opportunity to see views you might have not experienced otherwise.
There is a ranch located about 40 km from the park where you can book such tours. You don’t even need to have riding experience to try this.

A day at the spa

There are quite a lot of spas to choose from , all located close to the National Park. After a day exploring the park, you can invest some money for you own pleasure and relaxation.

Learn to surf

Kids and adults alike will have a lot of fun learning to surf. There are several companies which offer surf lessons.

Sport fishing

If you like to spend your time waiting for a fish to bite, then the park is a perfect place to nail a marlin or a sailfish. There are tour companies which offer sport fishing options.

Sunset Sail

There are companies which offer the possibility of sailing at sunset. The boat makes a stop along the way and you can swim or snorkel in the calm waters. The sunset sail also includes dinner. So you can easily turn this activity into a romantic escape with your loved one. Such a sunset cruise costs US$75 for an adult.

Ziplining in the rainforest

There are four companies which offer such activities. For example, Canopy Safari’s adventure includes 17 platforms, 19 zip lines and 3 rappels. The 5 hour safari costs US$75 for both adults and children. A meal is included in the price. Along the safari you’ll be able to spot different tropical birds, plants and flowers. A visit to the butterfly farm and serpentarium are also included in the price.

Photo credits:Playa Manuel Antonio , Wildlife , Horse ride on the beach , Surf lesson , Zip line

Original article can be found here: Things to Do in Manuel Antonio

San Jose is the most cosmopolitan city in Costa Rica. Anyone visiting the country will have to travel through or stay for a while here, as it’s the main transportation hub in Costa Rica. But, don’t worry, you won’t be getting bored. At most you’ll get tired of the urban life and want to get somewhere relaxing pretty fast.
The city is filled with quality museums , the parks which offer the best option for unwinding, while the many restaurants offer the traveler the possibility to enjoy the local cuisine.

Here is a list of some of the things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica:

Visit the Jade Museum

For someone who loves jewelry and precious or semi-precious stones, this is heaven. The museum is located on the 11th floor of the Institute for National Security and exhibits the largest American jade collection in the world. You can see over 6,000 items of pre-Columbian art and jewelry.
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A day trip to the La Paz Waterfall

The waterfall is located about 50 km from San Jose, so rent a car and drive there in the morning. The River La Paz forms the waterfall after traversing 8 km of volcanic terrain to continue through a rainforest.
Upstream from the fall, there is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens , which features a hotel and a park (where you can see the local wild life). There are also hiking trail available for those who want to spend more time in the nature.
Admission to the park is US$35 for an adult and US$20 for a child. Tours are available.

Half a day at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

If you like jade, chances are you also like gold, so don’t miss this museum either. It is located in a subterranean building underneath the Plaza de la Cultura and features over 1,600 artifacts of pre-Columbian gold dating back to AD 500.
You can see the first coin minted in Costa Rica , as well as amulets, figurines, earrings and erotic sculptures.
Entrance is US$10 (5500 Costa Rica colones) for International visitors. The museum is open year round from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The same building houses the Central Bank Museum , the Numismatic Museum , temporary Exhibition Galleries and various cultural activities.

Day trip to the Arenal Volcano

It takes about 2 hours (137 km) to drive from San Jose to the La Fortuna Entrance of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal used to be the most active volcano in Costa Rica but has been dormant since late 2010. However, no one knows when it might erupt again. While you cannot see the eruptions now, take the time to explore the area , spend time on the bank of Lake Arenal and visit the near-by waterfall.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Hostels in Arenal
>>Cheap Hotels in Arenal

Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral

Where you visit churches because you want to stop and pray for a while, or because you want to see the beautiful architecture, don’t miss the Metropolitan Cathedral. It was built in 1802 but was destroyed by an earthquake. It was rebuilt in 1871 and in the interior you can see the fine colonial style tiled floor and stainless windows.

The morning at Mercado Central (Central Flea Market)

The market spans over 3 blocks near Coca-Cola train station and it’s the best place to shop for variety. You can find anything from fruits to t-shirts, crafts and baked goods.
It may fell into the “tourist trap” badge, but if you are careful and watch your back, it should be fun and fine.

Take a break at Parque National

This park provides a green “escape” for those who spend most of the time in the city. Pick some food at the market and then head to the park for a short lunch break in between sightseeing. Concerts are held here on Sundays.

A weekend in the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

Rent a car and drive to Liberia (or grab a local bus, but it takes longer) and set your base for further explorations. Most travelers come to Parque Nacional Santa Rosa for a chance to surf the Playa Naranjo.
Since the access to the park is quite difficult, you won’t need to worry about the crowds especially during the week days. In the wet months (July to December) you surely feel like you have the entire park for yourself.

>>read more about Getting from San Jose to Libera

>>read more about What to do in San Jose


Photo credits:Jade Museum , La Paz Waterfall , Pre-Columbian Gold Museum , Arenal Volcano , Metropolitan Cathedral , Mercado Central , Park , Playa Naranjo

Original article can be found here: Things to Do in San Jose

Hotel Arenal Manoa

Hotel Arenal Manoa has 40 rooms and every one of them offers a stunning view of the volcano. That’s right, no paying extra for a room with a view here. Aside from the view, the rooms are equally as stunning. Spacious bathrooms and spotless rooms with huge sliding glass doors mean you don’t even have to leave your room to enjoy your surroundings.

Arenal Volcano Inn

The Arenal Volcano Inn might not look like much from the road, but one look at the rooms and you will be asking how to make a reservation. The rooms here are wide open, well-decorated, and as always, provide great views of the volcano. They even have a suite with a private jacuzzi.

Arenal Kioro Suits & Spa

If you are looking for a hotel in the La Fortuna area that is more chic than rustic, check out the Arenal Kioro hotel. The rooms here have just a touch of rustic Costa Rica, but offer plenty of luxury amenities. Each room comes with a breakfast nook, views of the volcano, in-room jacuzzi, and private terrace.

Hotel Magic Mountain

One of the newer, larger hotels in the in the area, Hotel Magic Mountain is a first class joint. Every room in this hotel is luxury and the service is top notch. Like many other hotels in the area, they offer views of the volcano, but the views here offer something extra. On this side of the volcano you get a front row seat to the lava flows.

Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica

Fancy hotels or resorts not your thing? What about a tree house? The Tree House Hotel offers a number of private tree houses. Your room will consist of a multi-level tree house complete with bathroom and kitchen.

Hotel Silencio del Campo

This hotel is a little piece of luxury situated just a short distance away from the main strip of La Fortuna. The hotel might be close to it all, but as soon as you step on the hotels grounds, you would never know it. The private bungalows are situated on winding trails through the property’s beautiful landscaping.

Leaves & Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat

The Lizards and Leaves Retreat is a small and very personal accommodation. The facility includes three cabins, two barns, and one main lodge. The retreat sits on an impressive 26 acres of land. On that land you will find a wealth of springs, rivers, waterfalls, and more. The staff at the hotel will be more than happy to show you around the grounds.

Volcano Lodge & Gardens

No matter where you stay at the Volcano Lodge, you will be able to appreciate the panoramic view of the volcano right from your own private terrace. The lodge also offers a wealth of services including spa treatments and an on-site restaurant.

Hotel Vista del Cerro

For the price, you can’t beat the Hotel Vista del Cerro. The rooms might not be rustic or volcano themed, but they are clean and spacious. The hotel is ideal for families and couples who will be spending a lot more time outside of their room than in it. If you need a clean, safe place to rest at the end of hard day’s adventure, this is it.

Hotel Lomas del Volcan

Located on a 125 hectare farm, Hotel Lomas del Volcan offers visitors rustic, private bungalows. With so much land, you feel far away from the hustle and bustle of La Fortuna. You can enjoy the peace and quiet, as well as views of the volcano, from one of the bungalow’s two terraces.

Original article can be found here: Top 10 Hotels in La Fortuna