Costa Rican Road Trip Episode 9: From Drake Bay to the Hills of Manuel Antonio
Our morning in Drake Bay started with a sunrise stroll. This secluded paradise has been more than kind to us, and saying goodbye wasn’t easy. I couldn’t help but hope we’ll come back one day to walk these trails again, meeting the creatures and breathing in the lushness of this place once more.
Today, we’re heading north toward our next stop: Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio, located on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, is one of the country’s most popular destinations, celebrated for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The heart of the area is Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but ecologically rich park featuring lush rainforests, white-sand beaches, and vibrant wildlife. Beyond the national park, Manuel Antonio offers a vibrant coastal town atmosphere with plenty of eco-lodges, restaurants, and tour options. Manuel Antonio’s unique blend of rainforest and beach ecosystems, coupled with its family-friendly vibe and eco-conscious tourism approach, makes it an appealing spot for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
This time, we opted out of the mountainous route and decided instead to cross the river by the car ferry through Sierpe again. From there, we took a detour to drive through Piedras Blancas—a change of scenery and a slightly shorter path. It was a long drive, nearly five hours with a quick break, and along the way, we passed some quirky sights, including a roadside diner with massive dinosaur displays. Why dinosaurs? I have no idea. Perhaps they’re meant to lure in drivers, but it certainly added some surprise to the journey.
By the time we arrived in Manuel Antonio, it was well past lunch. This area has changed quite a bit since the last time I visited; it’s far more commercialized now, and the crowds, even mid-pandemic, made it feel almost bustling. It’s easy to imagine this place completely packed in non-pandemic times. But the draw here isn’t the crowds—it’s the wildlife, and that’s what we came for.
Before we could dive into the nature reserve, we had another task. Just ten minutes from central Manuel Antonio, we headed to Marina Pez Vela for COVID testing at CAMP Pez Vela. Some hotels do offer on-site testing, but availability can be unreliable, and results may take longer due to transportation delays. It’s a good idea to check with your hotel, but I found it easiest to simply book at a local clinic to ensure the results arrive on time for travel.
Testing complete, and although the results weren’t in yet, I joked that if we tested positive, it would just mean a “forced” extended vacation and quarantine in Costa Rica. There are worse fates, and in a country this beautiful, the thought of a little extra time didn’t sound bad at all.
Our hotel for the night, Parador, sits on a hill overlooking Manuel Antonio and looks a bit like a palace with its elegant architecture and sprawling grounds. In Costa Rica, the temperature remains stable and warm all day, making it perfect for a swim no matter the hour. Parador’s expansive pool, ideal for kids, made for the perfect way to wind down before bed.
Tomorrow, we’re off to explore Manuel Antonio National Park. I can’t wait to see what kind of wildlife will cross our path in this vibrant sanctuary!
