Costa Rica Adventures - Manuel Antonio

After we left Monteverde, we traveled to the central Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio. We picked it because in addition to the beach, we read about the highly visible animals at Manuel Antonio National Park. Plus, the beaches are pretty calm in this area so the kids could swim without being knocked down by big waves. We split our time between two places: La Posada, a small joint right on the edge of the national park and Si Como No, the fairly swanky eco-lodge perched on the hill with great views of the Pacific. They were both fabulous for different reasons. At La Posada, we stayed in a thatched roof bungalow (there were only six) and were visited by troops of monkeys and iguanas. At Si Como No, we enjoyed a spectacular view, the big pool with a slide, and the most comfortable bed on the entire trip.

Our jungle bungalow at La Posada.

The kids loved the hammock.

The neighbor monkeys and lizards.

The kids enjoying the beach. This was the first time Semira has experienced the ocean. Needless to say, the waves were a big hit!

Coconut milk and snow cones Costa Rica style.

Our place at Si Como No.

More amazing flowers.

This was the most relaxing part of the trip because we mostly rotated between the beach and pool. We did hire a guide one day to take us into Manuel Antonio National Park to view the animals. It was well worth it. We would have missed a lot of things without his knowledge and spotting scope. We also explored the butterfly garden and reptile center operated by Si Como No. In addition to being an official eco-lodge, they run a wild life sanctuary across the street. The chance to see two toed sloths, three toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and many types of iguanas, lizards, birds, crabs, frogs, butterflies, etc. was spectacular!

Here we are back at the airport and ready to head home. Lily conned me into buying her a travel pillow at the airport. They look sort of cheerful, but Steve and I don't. I have to say that even after two weeks away, we dreaded going home. We knew we would be walking into cold, wind, and snow...which was exactly what happened! Costa Rica was everything we thought it would be and more. We will be going back!