Beach town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio
Rainforest, monkeys and sloths beside beaches on the central Pacific coast, with a lively town in nearby Quepos. Good for short stays; hotels and meals cost more, and the park is crowded.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,630–4,160Comfortable, one person · ₡1.2M–1.9MDetails
- Value for money13/100Better value than 12% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Mar, 32°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is generally safe in Quepos and the main hotels.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$77–153Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Manuel Antonio hillside | Hotels, restaurants and views between Quepos and the park |
| Quepos | Cheaper stays, supermarkets, buses and local life |
| Playa Espadilla | Beach strip; busy, with surf lessons and bars |
Apps that work in Manuel Antonio
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Works in Quepos and nearby; supply is thin late at night |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Limited coverage around Quepos and the hillside |
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis wait at Quepos and along the hillside; agree the fare first. Buses stop running by about 9 pm.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. Carry colones for buses, markets and small stalls.
- Currency: Colon (CRC). US$1 ≈ ₡456.71 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense colones or US dollars; foreign cards need a four-digit PIN. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: Restaurants add a 10% service charge by law, so extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers on tours.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted. SINPE Móvil transfers need a Costa Rican bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Bring an onward or return ticket and proof of funds; airlines often check before boarding.
- The officer sets your permitted stay at entry; overstays are fined about US$100 per month.
- The air departure tax (about US$29) is included in most tickets.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Kölbi has the widest rural coverage. Buy SIMs at the airport or any carrier store with your passport; prepaid monthly plans are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Costa Rica
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.