Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Your guide to Quepos and Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica

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Getting Around Manuel Antonio

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Getting Around Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

The following is adapted from WikiTravel

Get in
By car

About 3 hours by car from San José.

If you go by car or shuttle service you should really stop at Puente Río Tarcoles (the bridge over Tarcoles rivser) about halfway between San José and Manuel Antonio. This is a favorite spot for crocodiles that come here to warm up before hunting at night. You will normally be able to see at least 30 crocodiles here. The reptiles pose no threat (unless you plan to jump down to them), but you should pay attention to the traffic, especially when you cross the road to see the crocodiles on the other side.

By bus

There is a bus driving the route Quepos-Manuel Antonio that leaves every 30 minutes. You can catch the bus at any of the many stops along the way. Fare 200 colones (US $0.50) each way (tel.777-03-18).

Fees/Permits

Entrance fee $7. There is a limit of 600 allowed (simultaneous) visitors on weekdays and 800 on weekends, but this tends only to be a problem in the Easter week and the last week of the year. At these times you might have to stand in queue and wait for someone to leave before you are let in if you arrive late.

You can also pay for a guide to show you around, and point animals. It is worth the money, as some animals are right in front of you, but you do not see them until they are pointed out to you. They carry lenses and you can see through them and even take pictures.

Get around

Once close to Manuel Antonio, it is possible to walk from most hotels to the beach and to any restaurants/attractions in between. Take care to carry a flashlight at night, though, for the dark and windy roads can spell disaster for pedestrians after hours. The Parque Nacional de Manuel Antonio is discovered quite easily by foot, but at high tide a ferry is (often) required to reach it, costing a nominal fee. The intrepid traveler could, of course, ford the waters by swimming it...