Manuel Antonio Trips & Tours

With two whole coastlines to boast about, Costa Rica is blessed with its fair share of postcard-perfect beaches. But how many of them are backed by chattering, animal-filled rainforests? Enter Manuel Antonio, a stunning crescent of blonde on the Pacific Coast where ferns touch the sand and lime-green palms stand proud against the jungle. At 1,700 acres on land and just under 136,000 acres out to sea, it’s the country’s smallest national park yet its diminutive size is certainly not a reflection on the wildlife that’s in store. Here, the trees buzz with butterflies, sloths and iguanas crawl amongst the lianas, squirrel monkeys swing, white-faced capuchins leap, and there are a variety of hummingbirds, kingfishers and toucans to spot overhead. Borrow the eyes and ears of a naturalist guide for the most informative of walks, then wind your way out of the jungle and straight into the shimmering waters of the Pacific for a dip. And whilst you’re there, why not try a spot of snorkelling, paddle-boarding or surfing?