Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio. Home of Mischievous Monkeys
Central America Part II - Costa Rica
After visiting Guatemala, we took a flight over to San Jose, Costa Rica. Our one way ticket through Copa Airlines cost about $80 and took about 2 hours to get there. At our arrival Costa Rica Travel Group, was waiting to take us to Manuel Antonio. The journey was long. Took us about 5 hours to get to our hotel, but we got to enjoy the lushes scenery along the way.
A night in the jungle.
We stayed at a beach front hotel called KARAHE HOTEL. Though we weren’t lucky enough to get a room right by the water, we got to stay at a Casita at the top of the hill that came with a breath taking view. One thing you need to prepare yourself for when visiting Manuel Antonio is that you are in the MIDDLE of the jungle. Nights at the casita were extremely loud, and we were always fearful to even look at what was going out there. If I had to guess, I’d say it was an army of bugs fighting snakes, and yes there are tons of snakes at Manuel Antonio.
Mornings were usually calm and being surrounded by nature was all I could ask for. During my stay I saw tons of monkeys and a sloth hanging from a tree!
Now don’t be fooled! These monkeys are not friendly. One thing I didn’t know before approaching these monkeys was that you should NEVER smile at a monkey. Showing teeth to a monkey is a sign that you want to fight them. Well.. I had no idea. As we were headed back to our Casita, I was trying to photograph the monkeys. I was so excited to see them I had a HUGE smile on my face. As I photographed them, I noticed one of the monkeys slowly getting close to me. First I thought he must be curious about my phone. Two seconds later 4 other monkeys had joined him as well. Unsure of what was happening I turned around, and slowly started going down the stairs. Picking up the pace every time I took another step down. As I turned to my right, I saw the monkeys right next to me, so I continued to walk down faster, but so did they. I freaked out and started running down the stairs and that’s when one of the monkeys jumped on my back, I yelled so loud, I think I scared him off. Everyone near the lobby who saw me running down the stairs being followed by 5 other monkeys quickly ran in and hid in the lobby. One of the ladies, came out with an umbrella and tried to scared them away, but I knew they were waiting for me to come out. I laugh so hard every time I tell this story, and still can’t believe it happened, so moral of the story do not smile at the monkeys.
Must do’s.
Manuel Antonio State Park: Entry is about $16, unless you are looking to splurge do not get a tour guide, you definitely don't need one. The park is beautiful and inhabited by a variety of species. The park also has some of the most amazing beaches I have ever seen. So be ready! Bring a towel and your swimsuit. Not that I have anything against them but BEWARE of the monkeys! Do not leave your stuff unattended! The monkeys will take your stuff. Before you leave the park, take the hike around Punta Catedral. The trail starts and ends at the beach, and you get to see some of the most spectacular views.
White Water Rafting
We booked our white water rafting trip through our hotel. I want to say I am adventurous. I’ve been parasailing, skydiving, but for some reason I was extremely nervous about rafting.
I have to admit, it was so much fun! Probably my favorite part of the trip.
Quepos: If you have time to escape to Quepos, do it! Go to the market, enjoy the food, the fresh fruits and even do some souvenir shopping. It’s super easy to get from Quepos to Manuel Antonio. It's a short bus ride and there's a bus stop right outside the Karahe Hotel.
Costa Rica’s Cuisine
The food at Manuel Antonio is amazing. You cannot leave Costa Rica without trying the Gallo Pinto and Tostones, my favorites. The coolest place to eat while visiting, is “El Avion”. The restaurant has a spectacular view, perfect for sunsets. Not to mention the bar is inside a plane!
QUICK LINKS:
Airlines: Copa Air https://www.copaair.com/en/web/us
Transportation: Costa Rica Travel Group: https://shuttles.transportation-costarica.com/
Hotel: Karahe Hotel https://www.karahe.com/
Restaurants: El Avión http://costaverde.com/elavion/our-menu/
OVERALL COSTS
Copa Airlines: $80 PP One way
Transportation from San Jose to Manuel Antonio: $54PP
Transportation Manuel Antonio to San Jose (via Hotel): $49PP
Hotel Karahe: $497.20 for 4 nights 2 people ($62 PP)
Manuel Antonio Park Entry: $16
White Water Rafting: $80
Total: $1,055 ($527 PP)