Renowned internationally for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and eco-tourism, Manuel Antonio is a thriving destination with an international community, increasingly modern and just a 25 minute flight from the San Jose International Airport. Established in 1972, the Manuel Antonio National Park is credited by Forbes as being one of the “World’s Most Beautiful National Parks.” According Trip Advisor “Traveler’s Choice” Manuel Antonio is also home to the best beaches in Central America. And of course, the locals have always known Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful places in the world – long before the internet came along! It is with great pride and joy that this paradise is shared with travelers from all over the world. Geographically limited by the ocean, protected tropical forest and mountain ranges, Manuel Antonio and the entry town of Quepos are surrounded by beautiful vistas. Downtown Quepos used to be entirely comprised of entangled mangrove systems, which were gradually cleared away for infrastructure as banana plantations and later African palms helped bring the port town to prominence. However the town center today features about six-blocks of restaurants, bars, tour operator offices, small hotels, bakeries, pharmacies, clothing and book stores, art galleries and gift shops. The local Farmers Market is held on the ocean boardwalk every Friday night and Saturday mornings. Popular with one-and-all, the weekly market offers fresh organic produce, cheeses, artisan soaps, jewelry and crafts, delicious baking, herbs, spices and natural remedies, sugar cane drinks, freshly squeezed orange juice and cold coconuts to sip on, as you peruse the stalls of brightly colored vegetables and tropical fruits, sampling unfamiliar tastes and smells that are authentic to Costa Rica. The Marina Pez Vela is within walking distance from the Farmers Market, where at “Sunset Place” you can check out the restaurants, catch a movie on the big screen in the open-air amphitheatre, listen to bands, rent your own boat, go catamaran cruising, and of course, access world class fishing grounds year-round. From downtown Quepos to the Manuel Antonio National Park and public beach area, it’s about a 7 km drive, where “Monkey highways” run throughout, connecting the surrounding trees so that monkeys, sloths, squirrels, anteaters and other wildlife can travel safely to and fro. This main road is dotted with the area’s luxury villa rentals, hotels, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, and offers excellent ocean views. You’ll encounter menu selections from all over the world and can spend jovial evenings with live music, energetic dancing and laid-back locals. Be sure to visit the different hiking trails that Manuel Antonio offers and the innumerous different beaches, such as Biesanz Beach, that each offer something unique. For day trips from Manuel Antonio, visitors can head South to Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal and enjoy waterfalls, the Marino Ballena National Park and whale watching as well as fine dining in the French-community of Ojochal. For a round of golf, the La Iguana golf course at Los Suenos is located 50 minutes North of Manuel Antonio. With so much to see and do around in and around Manuel Antonio, it will be hard to choose between activities!