After 3 action packed days in Monterverde we decided that another stint at the beach would be ideal. We had heard many travellers along the way talk about a place called Manuel Antonio so we arranged a shuttle to take us there from Montervede. Leaving at 8am, the drive took just under 4 hours.

This small town on the beach is busy and lively. There are lots of small markets stands selling hats, beach dresses, t-shirts and souveniers as well as funky bars and cafes. Along the beach are vendors hiring out bikes, surfboard, body boards or beach chairs.

This bloke can surf - clean waves and a water temp that kept him there all day

There are also so many hotels or hostels to choose from – some that sit on the beach or others that are a quick walk across the road.

Elissa relaxing in the hotel pool

While the beach is beautiful, what makes this place even more beautiful is the National Park situated at the very end of the beach. A great place to take nature walks or to pack your towel and sit on a smaller more private beach. There are so many monkeys swinging from the trees and small tortoises making there way along the path.

A beautiful national park is only a short walk away from the beach in Manuel Antonio

This is a fabulous place to chill out for a few days.

In total we spent a week in Costa Rica which is definitely not enough time as there are so many other places that were recommended to us. However we got a taste of this fabulous country and will definitely return one day.

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