Attractions in Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio)
Where the rainforest meets white sand beaches 🐒🏖️
Showing 23 attractions · Sorted by importance
Camino de Costa Rica
📍 Parismina
🥾 Hiking & Cycling280km expert 16-day cross-country trek from the Caribbean to the Pacific with approx 9,000m total elevation gain. This world-class long-distance trail concludes its final stage in the Central Pacific town of Quepos.
Costanera Sur (Pacific Coastal Highway)
📍 Orotina
🚗 Road TripA 210km fully paved coastal highway, with the most iconic 104km section (approx. 2 hours) spanning from Orotina to Quepos. Highlights include the famous 'Crocodile Bridge' over the Tárcoles River, the surfing hubs of Jacó and Playa Hermosa, and vast African oil palm plantations bordering the road.
Manuel Antonio National Park
📍 Manuel Antonio
⛱ BeachA world-renowned coastal park combining lush tropical rainforest with pristine white-sand beaches and abundant wildlife like sloths and monkeys.
Cathedral Point
📍 Manuel Antonio
🏛 LandmarkA magnificent forested ridge and iconic natural landmark within the national park that offers spectacular views of the Pacific coastline and twin white-sand beaches.
Cathedral Point Trail (Sendero Punta Catedral)
📍 Manuel Antonio
🥾 Hiking & Cycling1.4km moderate loop trail, approx 1 hour, 65m elevation gain. Located in Manuel Antonio National Park, this trail circles the high point of the peninsula, offering multiple viewpoints of the ocean and nearby islands.
Playa Jacó
📍 Jacó
⛱ BeachA wide, energetic gray-sand beach famous for its consistent surf breaks and vibrant coastal town atmosphere.
Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Pacific
📍 Jacó
🧗 AdventureAn eco-adventure park featuring an aerial tram through the rainforest canopy, ziplining, and a butterfly garden.
Tárcoles Bridge (Crocodile Bridge)
📍 Tárcoles
🏛 LandmarkA world-famous landmark on the coastal highway where visitors can safely observe dozens of large American crocodiles from a pedestrian walkway above the river.
Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation
📍 Quepos
🐄 FarmAn educational and sensory tour through a certified organic spice farm featuring vanilla vines, cacao, and cinnamon trees.
Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park
📍 Herradura
🧗 AdventureA popular activity hub offering high-adrenaline ATV tours, horseback riding, and ziplining with views of the Pacific coast.
Carara National Park
📍 Tarcoles
🏔 Scenic ViewA vital biological transition zone known for its dense rainforest, scarlet macaws, and diverse bird species along accessible trails.
Playa Espadilla
📍 Manuel Antonio
⛱ BeachThe main public beach of Manuel Antonio, offering a long stretch of sand perfect for swimming, surfing, and family relaxation outside the national park.
ADR Adventure Park
📍 Quepos
🎢 Theme ParkAn action-packed destination featuring a series of canyoning activities, waterfall drops, and zip lines designed for families seeking a high-energy rainforest experience.
El Santuario Canopy Adventure
📍 Quepos
🧗 AdventureHome to Central America's longest twin zip line, providing thrilling flights over the rainforest with views of Manuel Antonio.
Kids Saving the Rainforest
📍 Quepos
🦁 ZooAn educational rescue center and sanctuary that offers guided tours to see sloths, monkeys, and other rescued native wildlife.
Laguna Meandrica Trail
📍 Tarcoles
🥾 Hiking & Cycling4.5km moderate out-and-back trail, approx 2 hours, 40m elevation gain. Located in Carara National Park, this trail passes through rare transition forest to a scenic oxbow lake, famous for sightings of Scarlet Macaws and crocodiles.
Los Campesinos Reserve
📍 Quepos
🐄 FarmAn authentic rural community cooperative offering suspension bridges, waterfall pools, and traditional Costa Rican farm-to-table meals.
Manuel Antonio Scenic Drive (Route 618)
📍 Quepos
🚗 Road TripA breathtaking 7km paved winding mountain road (15-20 minutes) that ascends from the port town of Quepos to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. The route is famous for its dramatic cliffside panoramas of the Pacific, high-end eco-resorts, and frequent sightings of squirrel monkeys and sloths in the overhanging canopy.
Playa Hermosa
📍 Playa Hermosa
⛱ BeachA designated World Surfing Reserve known for its powerful Pacific swells and dark volcanic sands, ideal for professional surfing and sunset views.
Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls
📍 Bijagual
🌿 GardenMeticulously manicured tropical gardens featuring one of Costa Rica's tallest waterfalls and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Sendero El Miro
📍 Jacó
🥾 Hiking & Cycling3.2km moderate out-and-back trail, approx 1.5 hours, 160m elevation gain. This route leads to the iconic ruins of an abandoned mansion decorated with street art, providing the most famous panoramic view of Jacó Bay.
