Where to stay
Hotel San Bada is one of the few hotels next to Manuel Antonio National Park. This four-star hotel has three pools and is a short walk to the beach and to town. Rooms start at about $200 (hotelsanbada.com).
Where to eat
Falafel Bar: Delicious falafel offerings in a casual atmosphere for less than $8 (011-506-2777-4135).
Los Gemelos: A lively cafe and bar across from the ocean. Authentic Costa Rican meals for less than $12. In front of the entrance to Orotina on the main road to Quepos.
Sol Frozen Yogurt: Serves creative ice cream concoctions and frozen drinks. (I recommend the "Orange Dream" for about $6.) On the road from Manuel Antonio National Park (011-506-8444-0014; solfrozenyogurt.com).
What to do
Aguas Azules Costa Rica:
Parasailing sessions start at $75 for one ($140 for two) for a 15-minute parachute ride attached to speedboat. On Manuel Antonio beach next to Mary's Chairs (011-506-2777-9192; costaricaparasailing.com).
Rancho Los Tucanes: Whitewater rafting — moderate, 2½-hour raft trips start at $98 for adults and ages 8 and older (011-506-2777-0775; tucanestours.com).
Information
manuelantoniocostarica.com
