| If you've never been to Costa Rica, Manuel | | | | monkeys, birds, sloths, iguanas, toucans and much |
| Antonio is the perfect introduction. It offers plenty | | | | more. There are 3 gorgeous white sand beaches |
| of options ranging from beachcombing to | | | | within the park and a waterfall you can hike to. |
| rappelling off the side of a waterfall. If you're | | | | Hiring a guide is optional. |
| planning a return trip but have yet to visit Manuel | | | | One amazing perk of having a national park in the |
| Antonio, it's a must-do. But don't make the | | | | neighborhood is several Manuel Antonio vacation |
| mistake of making your stay too short. Many | | | | rental homes are within the natural foraging |
| vacationers save Manuel Antonio for a couple of | | | | routes of 3 different species of monkeys. |
| days at the end of their trip and regret not going | | | | Monkeys in your yard - how cool is that! |
| there first and staying longer. | | | | Enticement #5 - There's an Abundance of |
| Enticement #1 - Costa Rica is Ranked the #1 | | | | Activities |
| Happiest Country on the Planet. | | | | If you prefer to get in touch with your |
| A British nonprofit group, New Economics | | | | adventurous side you can dangle from a zip line |
| Foundation, prepared a comprehensive report | | | | from the forest canopy, rappel off the side of a |
| comparing countries according to the population's | | | | waterfall, go white water river rafting or enjoy a |
| life expectancies, satisfaction with their lives and | | | | number of other activities that will make the hair |
| ecological footprint. NEF used these combined | | | | on the back of your neck stand up and say |
| factors to create a "Happy Planet Index" score. | | | | howdy. |
| The newest report ranks sunny, tropical, | | | | Enticement #6 - There's a Wealth of |
| fun-loving Costa Rica as the number one place on | | | | Accommodations |
| the planet to live. | | | | Manuel Antonio has several charming boutique |
| Enticement #2 - The Views are Spectacular | | | | hotels, each with its own flavor. A popular option |
| The beaches are awesome and the main bay is | | | | is vacation rental homes, which far outnumber the |
| dotted with picturesque islands. The rain forest | | | | hotels. At last count there were 120! They range |
| grows right down to the sand. Local businesses | | | | in price from a few hundred dollars a week for a |
| make the most of the views, so you can enjoy | | | | modest cabin or to several thousand for a |
| them from your hotel, vacation rental home or | | | | spectacular luxury home complete with concierge |
| from a local restaurant. | | | | and chef. Many have incredible hillside ocean views. |
| Enticement #3 - There's a Great Selection of | | | | There's also a handful of luxury vacation homes |
| Restaurants | | | | right on the beach. |
| There are more than 25 restaurants to choose | | | | The many choices Manuel Antonio has to offer |
| from ranging from inexpensive local owned spots | | | | make it the ideal destination in Costa Rica. You |
| that serve "casadas" (local fare consisting of | | | | could stay for a month and still not exhaust all |
| beans, rice, fried plantains, salad and your choice | | | | your options. Just be sure and leave your tux and |
| of chicken, fish or beef) to fine dining. This | | | | prom dress at home because this beach town is |
| seafood Mecca specializes in fresh fish dishes but | | | | the epitome of laid back casual. Flip flops, shorts |
| you can also find Italian, Sushi, Fusion cuisine and | | | | and sundresses are the local attire. It's the |
| more. | | | | perfect place to get away from stress, traffic |
| Enticement #4 - Manuel Antonio has its Own | | | | and life as you know it. The national motto is |
| National Park | | | | "Pura Vida" and translates to mean: living the pure |
| Manuel Antonio National Park is known as the | | | | life. Or in Bob Marley's words, "Don't worry, be |
| "jewel of Costa Rica" and is the most popular of | | | | happy. |
| the country's 32 national parks. Its wildlife includes | | | | |