| My family just returned from our first trip to | | | | everything and was still right on the beach so we |
| Manuel Antonio. All I can say is WOW! I had to | | | | didn't have to hike or drive to get there with a |
| share. The drive from Puriscal to Manuel Antonio | | | | three year old toddler. The location was perfect |
| was a breeze. No pot holes or bad roads and not | | | | for our situation and the beach was the most |
| at all congested. It was actually a very beautiful | | | | beautiful beach I've seen in Costa Rica. The water |
| drive. It reminded me of my initial arrival to Costa | | | | was crystal clear and the waves were good but |
| Rica. I had been gobsmacked by the natural | | | | not scary for our group of non-swimmers. The |
| beauty. I would wonder how the locals could | | | | white sand beach was surprisingly well kept for so |
| possibly get any work done with views like this | | | | popular a spot. No garbage or other debris and a |
| just waiting to steal your attention considering | | | | life guard nearby. |
| there were many times I couldn't help but stop | | | | I would have to ding the hotel for a couple of |
| dead in my tracks to marvel at some spectacular | | | | things. No T.V. (though many people would like |
| tropical view. I never thought I'd reach a point | | | | that), the maid didn't tidy up for the time we |
| where I could go out for the day and not notice | | | | were there (not good with so much sand), and |
| such splendor because my mind was so filled with | | | | one of the front desk guys was kinda flippant |
| chores. Apparently I did reach that point. This | | | | though another was awesome so it kinda |
| drive reminded me of what I had forgotten. How | | | | balanced out I suppose. |
| beautiful Costa Rica and her people are (natives | | | | Eating in Manuel Antonio was an absolute pleasure. |
| and extranjeros alike) and how lucky I am to | | | | There was a little restaurant 30 seconds from the |
| have this experience. | | | | hotel right there on the beach. The prices were |
| There was one annoyance on the drive. This | | | | good for such a touristy area and the food was |
| tourist van with a badly smoking tailpipe tailgating | | | | pretty good too. The monkeys raided people's |
| everyone and driving like a maniac in the Jaco | | | | plates! Cute little things (the monkeys) but I |
| area. Strangely enough we encountered him on | | | | wouldn't have been impressed with monkey |
| the way to Manuel Antonio AND on the way back | | | | fingers in my breakfast. Goodness knows where |
| to Puriscal. I move over and just let him pass but | | | | those fingers have been. The raided parties didn't |
| still end up frustrated because now I have to | | | | seem to mind and everyone got a good laugh |
| watch him tailgating the poor car in front of me | | | | over it. The guy at the next table warned that |
| and it's not like traffic is moving slowly. Besides | | | | the monkeys didn't just take your food but they |
| driving under the influence and passing on a curve, | | | | would take your non-edible belongings as well. |
| tailgating has to be one of the dumbest driving | | | | On the last day we decided to try something |
| stunts someone can pull. You're putting yourself at | | | | different. We dined at "Kapi Kapi" and it was THE |
| risk, the person you're tailgating and any cars | | | | best dining experience in my four plus years living |
| behind you that are trusting you to drive | | | | in Costa Rica. The prices were definitely more |
| responsibly. | | | | than what I'm use to paying in Puriscal but it was |
| Anywho, we made it to Manuel Antonio in under | | | | worth every cent. The service was Excellent |
| four hours. We were originally prepared to stay at | | | | (capital E intentional), the decor was tasteful, and |
| some cabinas in town. I had contacted them (and | | | | the food was beyond. |
| a few others) ahead of time so I knew they had | | | | Another great place was "La Hacienda Restaurant |
| space but chose not to make reservations opting | | | | & Bar". They don't serve breakfast normally |
| for a little spontaneity. We ended up being really | | | | but whipped me up the perfect North American |
| glad we didn't have reservations; though I wouldn't | | | | breakfast. Fluffy pancakes, bacon, eggs, and |
| recommend this approach to anyone not within a | | | | toast. The helpings were very generous and the |
| short driving distance to get back home. The | | | | prices were good and the food was delicious. |
| cabinas were available for only one night and after | | | | I know this is getting long but I have to throw |
| seeing the location we didn't really want to stay | | | | out one more thing that I didn't put anywhere |
| there. It was too busy for my taste. It was | | | | else but was pretty cool. Sand dollars! All over the |
| located just off a fairly narrow bustling strip with | | | | beach. Every third handful or so would gift you a |
| tons of shops and restaurants and tourists in | | | | sand dollar. I've seen them in bead shops and such |
| central Manuel Antonio. | | | | but kinda like the elusive sea horse (but not at all |
| After stopping at a few other places we were | | | | like the common sea monkey), I've never seen a |
| directed to Hotel Verde Mar which ended up being | | | | live one. |
| perfect (pues casi). It wasn't in the middle of | | | | |