My family just returned from our first trip to Manuel Antonio. All I can say is WOW! I had to share. The drive from Puriscal to Manuel Antonio was a breeze. No pot holes or bad roads and not at all congested. It was actually a very beautiful drive. It reminded me of my initial arrival to Costa Rica. I had been gobsmacked by the natural beauty. I would wonder how the locals could possibly get any work done with views like this just waiting to steal your attention considering there were many times I couldn't help but stop dead in my tracks to marvel at some spectacular tropical view. I never thought I'd reach a point where I could go out for the day and not notice such splendor because my mind was so filled with chores. Apparently I did reach that point. This drive reminded me of what I had forgotten. How beautiful Costa Rica and her people are (natives and extranjeros alike) and how lucky I am to have this experience.

There was one annoyance on the drive. This tourist van with a badly smoking tailpipe tailgating everyone and driving like a maniac in the Jaco area. Strangely enough we encountered him on the way to Manuel Antonio AND on the way back to Puriscal. I move over and just let him pass but still end up frustrated because now I have to watch him tailgating the poor car in front of me and it's not like traffic is moving slowly. Besides driving under the influence and passing on a curve, tailgating has to be one of the dumbest driving stunts someone can pull. You're putting yourself at risk, the person you're tailgating and any cars behind you that are trusting you to drive responsibly.

Anywho, we made it to Manuel Antonio in under four hours. We were originally prepared to stay at some cabinas in town. I had contacted them (and a few others) ahead of time so I knew they had space but chose not to make reservations opting for a little spontaneity. We ended up being really glad we didn't have reservations; though I wouldn't recommend this approach to anyone not within a short driving distance to get back home. The cabinas were available for only one night and after seeing the location we didn't really want to stay there. It was too busy for my taste. It was located just off a fairly narrow bustling strip with tons of shops and restaurants and tourists in central Manuel Antonio.

After stopping at a few other places we were directed to Hotel Verde Mar which ended up being perfect (pues casi). It wasn't in the middle of everything and was still right on the beach so we didn't have to hike or drive to get there with a three year old toddler. The location was perfect for our situation and the beach was the most beautiful beach I've seen in Costa Rica. The water was crystal clear and the waves were good but not scary for our group of non-swimmers. The white sand beach was surprisingly well kept for so popular a spot. No garbage or other debris and a life guard nearby.

I would have to ding the hotel for a couple of things. No T.V. (though many people would like that), the maid didn't tidy up for the time we were there (not good with so much sand), and one of the front desk guys was kinda flippant though another was awesome so it kinda balanced out I suppose.

Eating in Manuel Antonio was an absolute pleasure. There was a little restaurant 30 seconds from the hotel right there on the beach. The prices were good for such a touristy area and the food was pretty good too. The monkeys raided people's plates! Cute little things (the monkeys) but I wouldn't have been impressed with monkey fingers in my breakfast. Goodness knows where those fingers have been. The raided parties didn't seem to mind and everyone got a good laugh over it. The guy at the next table warned that the monkeys didn't just take your food but they would take your non-edible belongings as well.

On the last day we decided to try something different. We dined at "Kapi Kapi" and it was THE best dining experience in my four plus years living in Costa Rica. The prices were definitely more than what I'm use to paying in Puriscal but it was worth every cent. The service was Excellent (capital E intentional), the decor was tasteful, and the food was beyond.

Another great place was "La Hacienda Restaurant & Bar". They don't serve breakfast normally but whipped me up the perfect North American breakfast. Fluffy pancakes, bacon, eggs, and toast. The helpings were very generous and the prices were good and the food was delicious.

I know this is getting long but I have to throw out one more thing that I didn't put anywhere else but was pretty cool. Sand dollars! All over the beach. Every third handful or so would gift you a sand dollar. I've seen them in bead shops and such but kinda like the elusive sea horse (but not at all like the common sea monkey), I've never seen a live one.

Well I was impressed. Manuel Antonio left nothing to be desired. If you have not been, I would highly recommend it as a "must do". I can't wait to go back.

For a variety of Manuel Antonio and Quepos pictures be sure to visit the online Costa Rica photo albums at http://BienvenidosCostaRica.dotPhoto.com

After many years of traveling to and from Costa Rica, Bill and his nine year old son (a Costarricense native) made the decision to move permanently to the wonderful country of Costa Rica.

Interested in more honest, unbiased information about visiting, vacationing, moving to, or living in Costa Rica?! Visit Costa Rica Blogger at: http://www.CostaRicaBlogger.com