Things to do in

Quepos

Discover Manuel Antonio National Park, a small biological island established in 1972 by the Costa Rican government to preserve its precious wildlife. Though Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest park in the country, it’s also the most visited due to its charming combination of rain forests, beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife. After being picked up from your hotel by your excerpt driver-guide, get ready to explore a diverse range of fauna spanning 109 species of mammals and 184 birds. As you explore, look out for raccoons, coatis, agoutis, sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, and the famous Titi monkey, an endangered subspecies unique to the park. Be led by your guide on a breathtaking walking tour through the jungle and experience the secrets and wonders of this amazing ecosystem. See kingfishers, the yellow crowned night heron and many more bird species. Benefit from assistance taking high-quality nature photos using your own digital camera combined with professional telescopes provided on the tour.

This rainforest night tour is operated in the amazing Rainmaker Park. Rainmaker is one of the most important and impressive rainforest ecosystems in Costa Rica, this is where the extinct harlequin frog reappeared and was rediscovered thus becoming an important field of research and scientific studies for herpetologists worldwide. This night walk takes about 2-hours to 2.5-hours and is led by a professional and expert certified guide. During the expedition you may see bats, Jesus Christ lizard, spiders, owls, high varieties of frogs, snakes and many interesting insects. You will use special equipment for the night and a flashlight for a better appreciation during the activity to help you see the jungle life more clearly.

The mangrove forest is one of the most vital and astounding ecosystems in the world. Damas Island, located just 10 minutes from Manuel Antonio is currently one of the most important remaining mangroves in Costa Rica. Covering thousands of acres of protected forest, this amazing biodiversity is home to a large number of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects. Our experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable boat tour through the channels of the mangrove forest, far away from civilization. You can discover an abundance of species native to the area such as white-faced monkeys, anteaters, boas, iguanas, birds and thousands of colorful crabs. Our boats have the capacity to hold 12 passengers and are fully equipped for your comfort and security.

The Savegre River is about an hour away from the main Manuel Antonio hotel area. It's an easy drive and your guides will turn it into an extremely informative ride. Along the way, you’ll see parts of Quepos history such as the little towns known as Cuadrantes, the cultural and architectural inheritance of the United Fruit Company presence in the area. Once at the river, you’ll start the tour, but not without a safety briefing and some practice first. Besides you expert river guide, a safety kayaker will join the trip. Have a little over 2-hour to enjoy occasional riverside stops and the stunning views. This amazing journey will end in the best way possible with a change of clothes and an exquisite typical Costa Rican homemade meal.

During your 2-hour journey, you will be perched on one of 20 platforms high above the jungle floor with dramatic views of the valley. A series of 10 zip line cables reaching up to 450 meters (1,475 ft) take guests throughout the unspoiled rainforest canopy on an exclusive tour. Breathtaking mountain and valley views can be captured while resting at a vista high upon the hill. At the end of the tour, you will be given the choice to finish on the last cable or to do the Rappel platform and Tarzan Swing at no additional charge. Upon conclusion of your canopy tour, guests gather for a full Costa Rican meal, fruit and drinks. While resting and refueling your bodies, guides will share photos of your exhilarating zip line adventure on the large screen TV.

On your way to Manuel Antonio, stop to have breakfast in a local restaurant located next to the biggest fruit market in the country where you'll be able to observe the large variety of tropical fruits in Costa Rica. Continue your journey with a stop at the popular crocodile bridge where you will have the chance to observe one of Costa Rica’s biggest crocodile’s populations.    Search for scarlet macaws in their natural habitat on Tarcoles Beach, a common sight in the area. Then, stop at the Jaco Bay lookout point and take pictures of Costa Rica’s most popular coastal town. Once in Manuel Antonio, hike the rainforest trails of the national park with your guide for about 1 hour and search for local wild animals commonly observed here, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, agoutis, and more.   After hiking, enjoy free time to relax on the pristine beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park, swim in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, or continue hiking on the longer rainforest trails in the park. The longer trails are a little challenging, but they provide amazing lookout points with views of islands and coves along the beautiful coastline, as well as further opportunities to observe more of the local wildlife.   Next, savor a delicious typical lunch in a restaurant that provides great jungle and ocean views, the perfect environment to enjoy your meal. Lunch will be served in the early afternoon around 2 PM, after which you will be taken back to your hotel in San Jose.

As you quietly watch this unique environment your guide will describe everything concerning the flora and fauna found in this amazing area. This tour goes throughout the mangrove wetlands and offers a great chance to observe migratory marine birds. The Damas Island kayaking tour takes you through the natural canals and provides an ideal opportunity to observe many birds such as herons, kingfishers, ospreys, and frigates birds.This Manuel Antonio tour lasts about 2 hours, and refreshing Costa Rican meals are arranged before or after the excursion, depending on the tides. This tour does not require prior experience. Single or double kayaks are available. Youngsters should be at least 8 years old to paddle their own kayak alone.

Get picked up from your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos and set off for the Rainmaker Park. Begin your experience with a walk through the rainforest in search of all kinds of native birds, insects, and amphibians. Then, cross over a network of suspension bridges through the mountains that hang above the primary forest. Hike to the top of the mountain, for the opportunity to marvel at an incredible view of the sea. After this, continue to walk along the trail network until you arrive at the Canopy Bridge system section - a network of suspension bridges, built to U.S. engineering standards. The 6 sections total 250 meters, spanning from platforms attached to massive hardwood trees to create the most impressive canopy walk in Costa Rica. The design permits minimal forest impact, giving participants an opportunity to explore the majesty of the forest canopy from an unobtrusive bird's eye view. Gaze down at the jungle below and admire views of the beautiful pristine river of Rainmaker Park. Use the handrails and easy-to-follow footpaths, making stops at the observation platforms that allow you to observe the waterfalls. Capture incredible photographs of the rich biodiversity this unique site has to offer. Towards the end of this walk, arrive at a pristine waterfall pool where you are welcome to enjoy a refreshing dip. End the tour with an outstanding and delicious typical Costa Rican lunch served in the Rainmaker Park Restaurant. Finally, get transferred back to your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos where your memorable tour will finish.

The park alone offers 3 unique hiking trails that differ in level from smooth and flat to quite sharp and steep. On this tour you will have the best nature guides with you who will help you understand the environment. The track you’ll take is actually smooth and charming and is around 2 miles long. During the walk your guide will describe the species you’ll see, and you’ll be able to take beautiful pictures or simply enjoy the scene. Among the best parts of this excursion is that the Manuel Antonio National Park hosts 3 of the 4 current monkey species of Costa Rica. Half way through the hike you’ll enjoy a relaxing break at the 3rd Beach situated on the southern part of the national park. You’ll have around twenty minutes to relax on the beach or in the calm waters of the bahía. During the hike it is very possible to see birds, reptiles, and sloths, as well as plants and insects such as orchids and butterflies. Your guides use Pentax and Swarovski telescopes that you can use to view wildlife and take photos under an alternative point of view. Transportation back to your lodging will be provided after you concluded the tour.

You will leave the pier and take a relaxing yet adventurous 2.5 hour round trip in your kayak. During your nautical journey you will navigate past islands where you can observe many types of marine birds and their nesting grounds. You are also able to snorkel and  spot amazing wildlife living below the water.  Water visibility depends on the season. You are most likely to spot parrot fish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a sea turtle or two! This adventurous tour allows you to discover stunning examples of nature, above and below the ocean’s surface; from pelicans to flying fish, you can see it all. Upon returning to the pier, you’ll head back to base camp to enjoy a little conversation over a delicious homemade meal.