On the way to the Manuel Antonio town, are many of Costa Rica’s top luxury hotels in the hills surrounding the park.

Many of the best luxury Costa Rica hotels are right at the top of the hills, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Manuel Antonio National Park isn’t large compared with other National Parks in Costa Rica, but offers a huge variety of wildlife and beautiful beaches.

There are four beaches; Manuel Antonio, Playita, Espadilla Sur and Escondido each of which has surf breaks.

Manuel Antnonio has islands close to the shoreline, coral reefs, a dense rainforest with hiking trails where it’s possible to see several species of monkeys such as white-faced monkeys, squirrel monkeys and other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Manuel Antonio is also a perfect location for Costa Rica birding tours. Due to the small size of the Park, attendance is restricted to 600 visitors per day from Tuesday to Friday, and 800 on weekends. The Park is closed on Mondays.

Accommodation near San Gerardo de Dota

Accommodation near San Gerardo de Dota is limited to a handful of eco-lodges, including the 22 room Trogon Lodge in the Savegre Valley, the pleasant Dantica Lodge and Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa.

San Gerardo de Dota is about 2 or 3 hours by car to Manuel Antonio and Dominical on the coast and makes a great stop en-route from San Jose to the beach and National Park.

Activities & Climate

Walkers will love the trails in the National Park here, which are of varying lengths and normally very quiet.

One of the best short walking trails here follows the course of the Rio Savegre through the Cloud Forest, crossing a few rickety bridges to a beautiful little waterfall.

Bear in mind that the altitude here (in the Cloud Forest) means things are much wetter and cooler here, so come prepared for both.

Especially if coming straight from the coast, the cooler climate here can come as something of a shock.