Manuel Antonio National Park, Central Pacific

National GeographicOct 22

This Country is Central America’s Ultimate Nature Escape

Discover a land where rainforest meets reef, volcanoes tower above cloud forests, and pura vida is a way of life. Here’s our guide to where to stay, what to eat, and what to know before you visit ...

Pairs biodiverse jungle trails with white-sand coves.

16 things in this story

Manuel Antonio National ParkSightPairs biodiverse jungle trails with white-sand coves.
Elsewhere
Hotel BelmarHotelMonteverde, Costa RicaMountain retreat with on-site microbrewery and zero-waste restaurant.
The Springs Resort & SpaHotelLa Fortuna, Costa RicaHot springs resort with views of the Arenal volcano.
Arenal Volcano National ParkSightLa Fortuna, Costa RicaHike trails through old lava fields and forest.
Sarapiquí RiverPlaceLa Fortuna, Costa RicaThe area around the river is mostly lowlands tropical rainforest, having lush vegetation with a large variety of plant,…
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological ReserveSightMonteverde, Costa RicaSee the canopy via suspended bridges and elevated platforms.
OstionalNeighborhoodGuanacaste, Costa RicaAttracts do-gooders to turtle nesting grounds.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural ReserveSightNicoya Peninsula, Costa RicaPreserves dry tropical forest alive with wildlife.
Cahuita National ParkSightPuerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa RicaOffshore reefs protect vibrant coral ecosystems.
Soda y Mirador CinchonaRestaurantAlajuela, Costa RicaMakes the best tortilla aliñada.
El RemansoHotelOsa Peninsula, Costa RicaEco-lodge with open-air villas overlooking the Pacific.
Camino de Costa RicaTrailCosta Rica16-day cross-country hiking trail.
Balsa RiverPlaceLa Fortuna, Costa Rica
Rincón de la Vieja National ParkSightGuanacaste, Costa Rica
Santa TeresaNeighborhoodNicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
NosaraNeighborhoodNicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

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Manuel Antonio National Park

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This Country is Central America’s Ultimate Nature Escape