Our Five-Day Itinerary for Manuel Antonio. A Jungle-Laced Love Letter to Costa Rica

Some destinations beg for a packed itinerary. Manuel Antonio gently takes your hand, looks you in the eye, and says, “Slow down.” This is a place where monkeys steal fruit mid-breakfast, sunsets feel choreographed, and coffee becomes part of the story.

Here’s a 5-day Manuel Antonio itinerary designed to feel easy, playful, and just structured enough to let all the magic slip in.

You made it. That alone deserves a moment.

Check into your hotel, drop your bags, and take in the view. Jungle green tumbling into the blue Pacific. Birds doing whatever birds do when they know they live somewhere beautiful.

As evening approaches, dress light and head to La Mariposa for sunset cocktails. This is a view worth planning around. Drinks arrive cold. The sky warms up. The ocean does that endless, grounding thing that quietly tells your nervous system it’s on vacation now.

From there, make your way to El Patio de Café Milagro for dinner only a few steps away. Your first night is the perfect time to tap into the local energy. Live music drifts through the open-air patio, the crowd feels relaxed and welcoming, and the menu showcases some of the best dinner offerings in the area. Thoughtful dishes, fresh ingredients, and a setting that invites you to linger set the tone for the days ahead.

Dinner doesn’t feel rushed here. It feels like an arrival ritual. After that, keep the night easy. Tomorrow, the jungle wakes you early.

Today starts early, and for good reason.

If your hotel or rental doesn’t include breakfast, begin your morning at Café Milagro. It’s the ideal place to fuel up before heading into the park. Fresh coffee roasted in-house, satisfying breakfast dishes, and a relaxed patio make this an easy and delicious start to the day.

From there, head straight to Manuel Antonio National Park. Early hours bring cooler temperatures and the best chance to spot sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds moving through the canopy. Shaded trails lead to white-sand beaches tucked inside the park, where a quick swim feels like a reward.

After your park visit, circle back to Café Milagro for lunch if you didn’t stop in earlier. It’s perfectly timed and perfectly placed. The menu is light, fresh, and exactly what you want after a morning in the sun.

The afternoon unfolds easily from here. Café Milagro’s location makes it a great starting point for a scenic walk down to Playitas. This quieter beach is ideal for a laid-back afternoon of sun, swimming, and letting the day stretch out without an agenda.

As evening approaches, wander back at your own pace. Day two does a lot without ever feeling busy.

Today is about choosing the version of Manuel Antonio that feels most like you.

For a more local, low-key experience, head to Playa Biesanz. This tucked-away cove is one of those places you stumble upon once and then quietly recommend forever. Calm water, soft sand, and just enough shade make it ideal for swimming, floating, and letting the hours blur together. Bring a book or don’t. Both feel right here.

If you’re ready to truly live it up, reach out to Arenas del Mar about their beach day pass. This exquisite resort offers access to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, with attentive service that makes the day feel effortless. The best part? The full value of your day pass is spendable on beachside food and drinks, so lunch, cocktails, and leisurely snacks become part of the experience rather than an extra expense.

However you spend it, today moves slowly. Salt air, warm water, great service or total simplicity. Manuel Antonio excels at both.

By sunset, you’ll understand why beach days here never feel like wasted time.

By now, you’ve found your rhythm. Today is about following it.

If your body is asking for care, book a visit to Spa Holis. This peaceful wellness space is perfect for an indulgent massage, a grounding yoga class, or a restorative body treatment. It’s the kind of place where time softens, muscles release, and you leave feeling noticeably lighter than when you arrived.

If curiosity is pulling you outward instead, connect with Luna Vida Adventures. They specialize in some of the area’s most authentic and thoughtfully curated experiences. From waterfall hikes and chocolate-making workshops to private yoga classes and immersive rainforest experiences, everything feels intentional and personal.

Many of these adventures take place at Chorro Ecolodge, Luna Vida’s beautiful glamping site tucked deep in the rainforest. It’s the kind of setting that reminds you how close nature still feels here, even when comfort is never compromised.

However you spend the day, keep the evening gentle. A relaxed dinner, a quiet drink, and the satisfaction of knowing you chose exactly what you needed.

Mornings hit differently on your final day.

Start with breakfast and coffee at El Patio de Café Milagro, and take your time. This is the moment to stock up on freshly roasted beans to bring home. Coffee tastes better when it carries a memory, and this one brings Manuel Antonio back with every cup.

Before heading out, wander through the Café Milagro gift shop. You’ll find unique, artisanal, and locally crafted items that feel meaningful rather than mass-produced. Small pieces of Costa Rica that fit easily into your suitcase and linger long after your tan fades.

If time allows, squeeze in one last beach walk or dip in the ocean. Let the sound of the waves do a final reset.

Before you leave, pause long enough to share the moment. Post a photo. Send a message. Say something simple that captures the spirit you’ve felt all week. Gratitude, ease, sunshine, connection. That’s pura vida.

You’ll leave Manuel Antonio, but the rhythm has a way of traveling with you.

Since 1994, El Patio de Café Milagro has been part of the fabric of Manuel Antonio. We’ve grown alongside this community, learning from our neighbors, supporting local farmers, artists, musicians, and small businesses, and watching the area evolve while holding onto its soul.

Manuel Antonio’s food scene is richer because of the people behind it. Independent restaurants, family-run kitchens, longtime locals, and passionate newcomers all contribute to the energy that makes this place special. Wherever you choose to dine, we encourage you to eat local, linger longer, and support the community that makes visiting here feel so welcoming.

Emilio’s Café – A longtime favorite for sunset dining with sweeping ocean views. Elevated Costa Rican and international dishes in a relaxed, refined setting.

El Avión Restaurant – Set inside a restored vintage airplane, this iconic spot pairs panoramic views with hearty portions and classic cocktails. A fun stop for lunch or sunset drinks.

Falafel Bar – Casual, affordable, and consistently good. Ideal for a quick lunch or relaxed dinner with fresh Middle Eastern flavors.

Ronny’s Place – Known for its hilltop views and generous menu, this is a solid choice for sunset dining with a laid-back vibe.

Raphael’s Terrazas – Beachfront dining with tables right on the sand. Great for a long lunch, seafood, and ocean breezes.

Cafe Agua Azul – A casual, open-air café known for breakfast, smoothies, and relaxed daytime meals with ocean views.

Manuel Antonio isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about presence. One plan per day. Space for surprises. Trust the rhythm and enjoy the Pura Vida.