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Manuel Antonio Discovery: A Private Costa Rica Journey

Manuel Antonio Discovery

Love

Duration

6 Days

Starts In

San Jose

Route

San Jose , Manuel Antonio NP

This six-day itinerary is a focused, unhurried introduction to Costa Rica's Pacific coast, centered almost entirely on Manuel Antonio — a rare stretch where rainforest and white-sand beaches sit directly beside each other. After a brief cultural stop in San José, you'll spend four days based in Manuel Antonio, starting with a guided walk through its celebrated national park to spot sloths, monkeys, and vivid birdlife, then moving into open days built for however you want to spend them: surfing, catamaran sailing, mangrove kayaking, snorkeling, or simply time on the beach. It's a shorter, single-destination trip that trades ground covered for depth, letting Manuel Antonio's wildlife and coastline fully sink in.

Includes

Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Private transfers with English-speaking driver as per the itinerary
Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
Accommodations of your choice
Sightseeing tours and/or activites of your choice
Airport Meet & Greet Service

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Welcome to San José

You land at Juan Santamaría International Airport and a private transfer carries you into San José, Costa Rica's lively capital, set in the heart of the Central Valley. Once settled in, there's time to take in the city's cultural side — the National Theater's ornate 19th-century interior is worth a look, and the Central Market rewards a slow wander with its maze of produce stalls, spice vendors, and small local eateries. San José's mix of history, art, and everyday street life makes for a genuinely lively introduction to the country. Spend the evening at leisure, easing into the trip before tomorrow's shift toward the coast.

Day
2

Day 2: Onward to Manuel Antonio

After breakfast, a private transfer carries you south to Manuel Antonio, home to one of Costa Rica's most celebrated national parks and a coastline where rainforest runs almost directly into the Pacific. Once you've settled in, the rest of the day is left open for leisure — time by the pool, a walk along one of the nearby beaches, or an early dinner at one of the area's well-regarded restaurants. The combination here is rare even by Costa Rican standards: dense tropical wildlife and postcard beaches within a few minutes of each other, and today is simply about settling into that rhythm.

Day
3

Day 3: Into Manuel Antonio National Park

A guided tour today leads you through Manuel Antonio National Park, a compact but remarkably dense reserve combining rainforest trails with some of the country's most photogenic white-sand beaches (note that the park closes on Tuesdays). Your guide has a sharp eye for what's easy to miss — sloths tucked motionless in the canopy, capuchin and squirrel monkeys moving through the branches, and a steady stream of colorful birdlife along the trails. After the tour, the park's beaches are yours to enjoy at your own pace, whether that means a swim or simply stretching out in the shade. Few parks anywhere pack this much into so small a footprint.

Day
4

Day 4: A Day at Leisure in Manuel Antonio

Today is entirely open, and Manuel Antonio offers plenty of ways to fill it. Spend the day on the beach, take a surf lesson if the waves are calling, or choose from a range of optional excursions — catamaran sailing along the coast, mangrove kayaking through quiet estuary channels, or a canopy zip-line tour through the surrounding rainforest. If a slower pace suits you better, the nearby town of Quepos makes for an easy outing, or a spa treatment is a perfectly reasonable way to spend an afternoon. Either direction works here — Manuel Antonio's setting rewards adventure and stillness in equal measure.

Day
5

Day 5: Another Day in Paradise

A second full day unfolds at whatever pace you choose. Hike one of the area's scenic coastal trails for ocean views through the trees, snorkel in the clear water just offshore, or simply settle by the pool for a slower morning. Manuel Antonio has a way of making both ends of that spectrum feel equally worthwhile — there's no wrong way to spend a day here. As your final full day, it's worth closing with a sunset walk along the beach, watching the light shift over the Pacific one last time before tomorrow's departure.

Day
6

Day 6: Departure from San José

After breakfast, a private transfer returns you to San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport for your flight home. Looking back over six days, Manuel Antonio delivers an unusually concentrated version of what draws people to Costa Rica in the first place — genuine wildlife encounters, beaches that rival anywhere in the country, and a pace that never feels rushed. It's a shorter trip than some, but one that leaves a lasting impression of Pura Vida done well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the Manuel Antonio Discovery package?

The Manuel Antonio Discovery package includes two main destinations: San José and Manuel Antonio National Park. You will spend 1 night in San José, where you can explore the vibrant capital, followed by 4 nights in Manuel Antonio, renowned for its stunning beaches and rich biodiversity.

How many days and nights does this itinerary last?

This itinerary lasts for 6 days and 5 nights. You will spend 1 night in San José and 4 nights in Manuel Antonio, allowing ample time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wildlife of Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

What is included in the Manuel Antonio Discovery package?

Included in the Manuel Antonio Discovery package are: - Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance - Private transfers with an English-speaking driver as per the itinerary - Private arrival and departure transfers - Accommodations of your choice - Sightseeing tours and/or activities of your choice - Airport Meet & Greet Service.

Are there optional activities available during my stay in Manuel Antonio?

Yes, this itinerary offers several optional activities during your stay in Manuel Antonio. You can choose to go catamaran sailing, mangrove kayaking, take a surf lesson, or enjoy a canopy zip-line tour. Additionally, you can spend time relaxing on the beach or exploring the nearby town of Quepos.

Can I customize the accommodations or activities in this package?

Yes, you can customize the accommodations and activities in this package according to your preferences. Keytours Vacations can assist you in selecting different hotels or adding specific excursions to enhance your experience in Costa Rica.

How do I get from San José to Manuel Antonio?

In the Manuel Antonio Discovery package, a private transfer with an English-speaking driver is included to take you from San José to Manuel Antonio. This ensures a comfortable and convenient journey to your destination.

What should I know about travel insurance and personal expenses for this itinerary?

Travel insurance is not included in the Manuel Antonio Discovery package, but you can inquire about it with your Keytours travel consultant. Additionally, items of a personal nature, such as meals outside of those specified and gratuities for drivers and guides, are not included and should be budgeted for separately.

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Include Flights?

Yes

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