Manuel Antonio: Costa Rica's all-in-one vacation destination

[Danny Solano Alvarez]

The Central Pacific region of Costa Rica is one of my favorite places in the country. Glittering jade and turquoise on the Pacific Ocean, Manuel Antonio is the Central Pacific's crown jewel of destinations.

Why is this area so intensely popular? Easy. You can find so many of Costa Rica's top activities and attractions all in one jaw-dropping, gorgeous place. Thick, verdant rainforest spills down steep hillsides to white sand beaches and the azure Pacific Ocean. A scalloped coastline begets coves, bays and isolated beaches. Monkeys jump through the trees, dolphins and humpback whales swim offshore, and wildlife packs the Manual Antonio National Park, named one of the world's most beautiful national parks by Forbes Magazine.

All in one area there are canopy zipline tours, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, catamaran sailing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, hiking, waterfall rappelling, and a host of nature tours.

Manuel Antonio is full of hotels – from rustic backpacker cabins to posh penthouse suites. The area also is making a name for itself on the culinary scene with scores of gourmet restaurants on hand.

What is there to do in Manuel Antonio?

Manual Antonio National Park is one of the most visited destinations in the country. An extensive network of hiking trails wind through tropical rainforest that protects a host of wildlife, including 109 mammal species and 184 species of birds. The park sports four pristine beaches along with primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamps, lagoons and beach vegetation. Guided tours are highly recommended, or it's likely you won't see half of the interesting wildlife and plant life possible.

• Damas Island mangrove estuary – by boat or sea kayaking tour
• Horseback riding to the Tocori Waterfalls
• Canopy zipline tours
• Waterfall rappelling
• Whitewater rafting on the Savegre or Naranjo rivers
• Catamaran sailing & snorkeling tours
• Scuba diving
• Jet ski tours
• Parasailing
• Surfing

Get a fantastic deal on 4 nights in a Rainforest Ocean View Suite (double occupancy) at Los Altos Beach Resort and Spa for $954, with tax and continental breakfast included, from Costa Rica Special Deals. The special offer is valid from September 1, 2013 to December 19, 2013; there are also select rates for families.

Costa Rica Special Deals is a dependable online travel service, based in Costa Rica, that offers top Costa Rica vacation and tour deals.

By Shannon Farley