The most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica are right here in Manuel Antonio - a variety of private beaches and the famous "Main Beach" next to the National Park!
La Macha Beach
Follow a 25 minute shaded jungle trail hike from Casa Maravilla down to this secluded, very private cove. For maximum enjoyment try and go to the beach during low tide. We recommend secured shoes and bring drinking water for the hike.
Directions
Go out the main gate and walk toward the parking area for Villa Teca Hotel. Before you reach the parking hang a sharp right toward Villa Kristina and follow this road down until it ends. The road then narrows to a walking trail. Continue on this trail always following forks to the right all the way to the beach.
Hiking Trail
On your trip to La Macha Beach there is also an excellent hiking trail that takes you out on a ridgeline 50 meters above the beach. You will see great views of the beach below as well as further up the coast from several lookout points.
Directions
Follow instructions above to La Macha Beach. Before you get to where the road narrows there is a house built directly on the main road on your left-hand side. Directly across from this house (to your right) you will see the entrance to the path. Follow this path on to the end of the ridgeline. It’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes round trip from the house. We recommend secured shoes and bringing drinking water for your hike.
Manuel Antonio Beach
These three beaches are separated by headlands and are some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica and quite possibly - the world. It’s a long stretch of white sand beach that offers you a great place to just relax under a beach umbrella on a lounge chair, with several waiters walking around to serve you lunch or your favorite Cocktail, or you can surf with the locals. This beach is also where you will find our local Art Street Fair. You will discover an abundance of jewelry, T-shirts and many other crafts prepared by our local artist.
Only a few minute drive away from any of our Luxury homes, this beach will be a highlight of your stay in Manuel Antonio.
Directions
Located next to the National Park, the main beach is on the main road before you get to the park. You can turn to the right down a dirt road and park at the end for free or go left and park in one of the numerous designated parking areas.
Beisanz Beach
Only a few minutes drive from each of our homes, this beach is a picturesque cove with white sands and a stunning jungle view. Its calm waters are great for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking and for children.
Directions
Off the main paved road, turn toward the ocean on the road across from Café Milagro in the center of Manuel Antonio. About half way down you will come to a fork on the road. Go right, toward the El Parador Hotel. Drive about 1 mile. You will pass Issimo Suites but if you arrive at the El Parador Hotel you have gone too far. You will not see beach from parking area. Walking trail starts between two concrete posts. It’s about a 3 minute walking trail to this beautiful cove beach. Often times on your walk you will be visited by Monkeys.
National Park Beaches
Inside the National Park adjacent to Manuel Antonio Beach, you will come across numerous cove beaches to choose from. Playa Espindilla is just one of these beaches. With its stunning jungle backdrop this beach is full of wildlife and its calm waters truly makes this beach Paradise on Earth.
Directions
Drive to the National park and continue on the road till it ends and park. There will usually be a parking attendant guiding you to parking area.
Entrance Fee
$7.00 per person.
***Park is Closed on Mondays***
Las Palmas Beach
Off the beaten path drive 30 minutes outside of Quepos through an African Palm Plantation to this very secluded palm lined beach.
Directions
Go back through Quepos and out the same road you came in from San Jose. Past Café Milagro (in Quepos not in Manuel Antonio) over the small bridge driving North up the coast. (Toward Jaco) Drive about 25 minutes and you will cross a big metal bridge and enter the town of Parrita. Go through Parrita and a few minutes outside of town. Passing a soccer field on your right, turn left on a dirt road before the Autocolor Los Angeles Auto Body Shop. The road will wind you through the African Palm Plantation. Right past the restaurant Kay Camiones the road curves to the left, a ways up to the right, and then a left again. Follow the curves and tire tracks staying on the main part of the road. You will drive through a small town and follow the Cabina sign turning left. This road ends at the beach and you can drive right up and park anywhere among the palms. Stopping at Las Brisas Del Mar Restaurant, if you with to enjoy a typical Costa Rican meal. The road paralleling the beach goes for miles in either direction. Making this a great site seeing route with numerous beaches, a small river and restaurants.