Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Breathtaking at Every Turn

A visit to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, means living in the jungle surrounded by amazing exotic animals that swing through the trees.

Manuel Antonio is a jungle. Literally a jungle. Speaking to all the locals and foreigners about Costa Rica, I quickly found out this is one of the best places in Costa Rica to visit.

This ecologically diverse area is home to one of the largest variety of flora and fauna in the world.

If you want to guarantee seeing animals such as the sloth, a range of different species of monkeys, racoons and overwhelming amount of birds, you must check out Manuel Antonio National Park. Although the park is small, it’s filled to the brim with these occupants of the land. Be sure to join a professional tour with a guide during your visit as they will disclose some of the most interesting facts about the wildlife and Costa Rica. Having the tour guide find the animals for you in the jungle is priceless.

Within the park, you will also find one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. They filmed parts of Jurassic Park here and it’s no guesses why. The jungle trees’ hugging the ocean shoreline is a sight that must be witnesses.

Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica may be a tourist town, however it’s a very quiet tourist town. People that visit this area of the country are interested in relaxation, surfing, wildlife watching, dining, lounging at the beach and live music.  

The perks of being a tourist village however is that there are many activities to occupy you if you want some adventure in your day.

From zip lining through the tree canopies, riding an ATV through the jungle and rivers, swimming underneath waterfalls, hiking, catamaraning next humpback whales and their calf (during the right season), abseiling from waterfalls, tasting freshly made chocolate or real vanilla beans at the local Vanilla Spice farm, fishing, horse riding, water rafting or jet skiing – there’s always going to be something for you to do. 

My visit to Costa Rica occurred during the rainy season and a common misconception is that the rain never stops. This is very far from the truth. The rain always started in the late afternoon for about 3 hours and that was it.

The result – luscious greenery everywhere, perfect temperatures, less tourists around and beautiful rain pouring whilst you’re enjoying your dinners.

So whether you’re looking to go during the dry or wet season, you’ll be guaranteed a memorable time in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

To all of you that already have Manuel Antonio on your list of places to visit, you’ve got the right idea.

-Sorelle Amore

During her trip to Costa Rica, Sorelle stayed at this beautiful home, Villa Punto de Vista, in Manuel Antonio. Click here to view all THIRDHOME properties in Costa Rica.

Sorelle Amore won THIRDHOME‘s “Best Job On The Planet,” which garnered more than 17,000 applications from around the world. In her position as a Luxury Travel Connoisseur for THIRDHOME, she is traveling the world, staying in 12 luxury homes.

THIRDHOME is the exclusive luxury property and travel club that enables second home owners to exchange time in their home for stays in spectacular destinations around the world. Click here for more information on how to become a member.