Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tails the dance floor is a blast. It has theme parties every night of the week and a raucous
annual 'Mr Liquid' competition.
Manuel Antonio Village
As you travel the road between Quepos and Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, the din
from roaring buses, packs of tourists and locals hunting foreign dollars becomes increas-
ingly loud, reaching its somewhat chaotic climax at Manuel Antonio Village, whose beer
advertisements and barkers have inched right up to the gates of the park. Hordes descend
on this tiny oceanside village at the entrance to one of the country's most celebrated tourist
destinations. Don't show up all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, expecting deserted beaches
and untouched tropical paradise. Higher primates tend to be the most frequently sighted
species, especially during the congested dry season, when tour groups arrive en masse.
While it can be difficult at times to have a quiet moment to collect your thoughts, the
environs here really do look as glossy and polished as the travel brochures suggest. And,
when troops of monkeys climb down from the forest canopy to the tropical sands, you can
get up close and personal with some marvelous wildlife. The moral is to arrive in Manuel
Antonio with some realistic expectations, though you're likely going to have a memorable
visit.
Sights & Activities
Body boards and kayaks can be rented all along the beach at Playa Espadilla. White-water
rafting and sea kayaking are also popular in this area. Don't worry about finding a place to
rent equiptment; they'll find you. The possibility of good snorkeling in the area is nearly
nonexistent due to crowded waters and low visibility.
Also, don't be fooled - you do not need to pay to use the beaches, as they're outside the
park.
Playa Espadilla
BEACH
