A Family Adventure in Manuel Antonio – Nature, Beaches, and Unforgettable Moments

Hi! I'm Elena, a mom of three (ages 5, 8, and 11), and this year my husband and I decided to take a long-awaited family trip to Costa Rica. We love nature, animals, and adventures that bring us closer as a family. After some research, we chose Manuel Antonio—and I can confidently say it was the perfect destination.

This blog is for other parents who dream of showing their children the magic of the world without the stress of planning every little detail. Here's how we did it—and why you should consider it too.

Why Manuel Antonio?

Because it’s wild and safe. You get beaches, monkeys, and hiking trails, but also family-friendly hotels, guided tours, and great infrastructure. The park itself is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen: white sand beaches inside the rainforest, monkeys jumping from tree to tree, and sloths slowly climbing above us.

It felt like we stepped into a nature documentary.

What We Did

1. Hiking in the National Park

We took a guided tour with a naturalist, and wow—it made a huge difference! Our kids spotted frogs, birds, and a baby sloth (which they still talk about). The trails were easy enough for little legs, and the beach at the end was a reward we all loved.

2. Beach Days

We spent lazy afternoons at Playa Espadilla. The waves were gentle, there were shaded spots, and vendors sold everything from fresh fruit to handmade bracelets. My youngest made friends with a local boy and played for hours in the sand.

3. Wildlife Encounters

We saw monkeys every single day—from our hotel balcony to the beach trail. One morning, a troop of white-faced capuchins passed right over our heads as we ate breakfast. It was unforgettable.

4. Day Tour to Nauyaca Waterfalls

A local company helped us book a full-day tour with transport, food, and guides. The hike was a bit challenging, but our 11-year-old loved it, and the swim under the falls was a highlight of the trip.

Family Travel Tips for Costa Rica

• Bring extra snacks. Hungry kids + tropical heat = chaos.

• Always carry water, sunscreen, bug spray, and wet wipes.

• Choose accommodations with a pool—it makes early mornings or downtime so much easier.

• Don’t over-schedule. One adventure per day is plenty.

• Ask locals for family-friendly restaurants—we found hidden gems this way.
  

Why This Trip Meant So Much

We disconnected from screens and connected as a family. We told stories under the stars, explored the jungle by day, and laughed like kids ourselves.

Costa Rica reminded us that the best memories aren’t made in fancy resorts or crowded cities—they happen when you slow down, get a little muddy, and share something magical with the people you love most.

Manuel Antonio, we’ll be back.