# 1 Playa La Macha

Playa La Macha is one of Manuel Antonio’s best-kept secrets — a hidden, jungle-wrapped cove reached only by a steep hike that keeps the crowds away.

The reward? Calm turquoise water, soft sand, and a wild, untouched vibe that feels worlds away from the main beaches.

If you’re craving a secluded spot where monkeys might be your only company, this is the beach you don’t skip.

#2 Rain Maker

Rainmaker is the place where Manuel Antonio’s wild side shows off — a sprawling rainforest reserve with hanging bridges, crystal-clear pools, and trails that feel straight out of a nature documentary.

It’s less crowded than the national park, making it perfect for spotting frogs, birds, and butterflies in a truly untouched setting. If you want a deep-in-the-jungle adventure with waterfalls, canopy walkways, and that “I can’t believe this is real” energy, Rainmaker delivers every time.

#3 Los Compensinos

Los Campesinos is an unforgettable immersion into rural Costa Rican life — tucked deep in the mountains where the air feels cleaner and time moves slower.

Suspension bridges, waterfalls, and natural pools make it one of the most scenic day trips near Manuel Antonio, with views that look too perfect to be accidental.

If you want authentic culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a true off-the-tourist-path experience, Los Campesinos is the spot that steals the show.

#4 Playa Linda in Matapalo

Playa Linda in Matapalo is the kind of beach locals try to keep quiet — endless soft sand, gentle waves, and miles of untouched coastline where you can actually hear yourself think.

It’s about 35 minutes from town, but absolutely worth the drive for its calm, clean stretch of paradise perfect for long walks and quiet mornings.

If you’re craving solitude, beauty, and a true “where has this been all my life?” moment, Playa Linda delivers.

#5 Quepo Canyoning

Quepo Canyoning is where adventure meets pure jungle adrenaline — rappelling down waterfalls, climbing through river canyons, and slipping into hidden pools you’d never find on your own.

The guides are top-tier, making even the nervous first-timers feel like seasoned explorers as you navigate some of the most stunning terrain in Manuel Antonio.
If you want a heart-pumping, brag-worthy experience that pulls you deeper into the wild, Quepo Canyoning is the one to book.

#7 Manuel Antonio Beach

Manuel Antonio Beach is the classic postcard moment — white sand, turquoise water, and jungle cliffs that make you wonder how this place is even real.

It’s inside the national park, which keeps it pristine and full of wildlife, from curious monkeys to slow-moving sloths overhead.
Come early, stay long, and let this iconic beach remind you why Manuel Antonio is one of the most famous spots in Costa Rica.

#9 Cascada El Pavon

Cascada El Pavón is the kind of waterfall you stumble upon and immediately wonder why it isn’t world-famous — a jungle-hidden cascade crowned by a massive boulder perfectly wedged between the rocks.

It’s refreshing, photogenic, and far enough off the beaten path to feel like a true discovery. If you want a cool swim, a striking natural wonder, and a little adventure without the crowds, El Pavón is absolutely worth the trip.

#10 Playa Arco

Playa Arco is a secluded, crescent-shaped beach tucked inside Marino Ballena that feels like a secret carved out just for you.
Reaching it takes a bit of a scramble — rocky steps, tide timing, and a short hike through the jungle — but that effort is exactly why it stays so untouched.
Once you step onto the sand and see the cliffs, caves, and wild beauty, you’ll know instantly: absolutely worth it.