Playa Playitas
Discover Costa Rica's stunning Pacific coast, known for its lush rainforests, abundant wildlife, and beautiful beaches like Playa Biesanz.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Playa Playitas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Costa Rica's stunning Pacific coast, known for its lush rainforests, abundant wildlife, and beautiful beaches like Playa Biesanz.
"A paradise in Costa Rica, chosen annually among the most beautiful beaches in the world."
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
A 4x4 vehicle is often needed for certain beach access roads, especially in the rainy season.
🐒 Wildlife is Everywhere!
Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and macaws. Drive slowly and never feed the animals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playa Biesanz
Near Manuel Antonio National Park
A serene, white-sand beach with calm waters, ideal for families and relaxation. Crystal clear water and gentle waves make it a hidden gem.
Wildlife Spotting
Along the roads and near almond trees
Encounter playful monkeys, sloths, and colorful macaws in their natural habitat. Drive slowly and be observant for a truly wild experience.
Manuel Antonio National Park Beaches
Within the park boundaries
Discover pristine beaches with soft sand and perfect water, often ranked among the world's most beautiful. Great for swimming and photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Manuel Antonio's Roads
Wildlife Encounters & Beach Bliss
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
A 4x4 vehicle is often needed for certain beach access roads, especially in the rainy season.
🐒 Wildlife is Everywhere!
Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and macaws. Drive slowly and never feed the animals.
💰 Free Parking Available
Look for free parking areas on packed sand, especially at public beach access points.
☀️ Natural Shade is a Plus
Many beaches offer natural shade from trees, perfect for a relaxing day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
A 4x4 vehicle is often needed for certain beach access roads, especially in the rainy season.
🐒 Wildlife is Everywhere!
Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and macaws. Drive slowly and never feed the animals.
💰 Free Parking Available
Look for free parking areas on packed sand, especially at public beach access points.
☀️ Natural Shade is a Plus
Many beaches offer natural shade from trees, perfect for a relaxing day.
🌊 Water Can Be Rough
Be aware that ocean conditions can vary; some beaches may have rough waves.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and the serene atmosphere of beaches like Playa Biesanz. The opportunity to see monkeys, sloths, and macaws is a major highlight. However, some find the main road less walkable and recommend a 4x4 for certain access points, especially during the rainy season.
"Parking here is free! And any area in this road!
Don’t let any one to charge you,
Watch the almond trees you’ll find sloths, macaws, monkeys.
Drive slow there are animals crossing too.
Some times the road is bad because the rainy season so be sure ur car can climb back. 4x4 preferable or with our off road scooter is more fun"
Mango Scoot
"This beach is clean, with low foot traffic and with lots of great sea shells and hermit crabs which the kids loved seeing. We found this quiet, peaceful beach spot only after trying out the main public beach area which we found chaotic. It’s a steep hill down but if you have a 4WD car you’ll be fine. You can park on the packed sand area for free since it’s a public beach. Lots of cars were parked there and so we just joined them and had no issues."
Jen Thompson
"Love it - there's natural shade by the trees where you can see monkeys and sloths. Dogs allowed. The water can be rough though. May need 4X4 in rainy season to go all the way down but it's a very nice walk otherwise."
pat barroero
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa Biesanz is about a 3-hour drive from San Jose. You can drive yourself, take a bus, or arrange for a tour. Many tours offer transport from the GAM (Greater Metropolitan Area).
The main road in Manuel Antonio is not very walkable, with attractions spread out. Local buses and taxis are common for getting around.
Local buses are frequent and affordable for getting between Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park, and various beaches. Taxis are also readily available.
While not strictly required for all areas, a 4x4 is highly recommended, especially during the rainy season, for accessing some beach spots and navigating potentially rougher roads.
There are no direct flights to Manuel Antonio itself. The nearest airport is Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP), which has limited service. Many visitors fly into San Jose (SJO) and then drive or take a shuttle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Biesanz is generally accessible without an entrance fee, as it's a public beach. However, some tours might include access or transportation.
Manuel Antonio National Park is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, usually from 7 AM to 4 PM. It's closed on Mondays. It's advisable to check the official park website for the most current hours.
Entrance fees for Manuel Antonio National Park vary for locals and foreigners. Foreign adults typically pay around $18 USD. It's best to purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry.
Yes, booking tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
Yes, Manuel Antonio National Park has daily visitor limits to manage crowds and protect the environment. Purchasing tickets in advance is crucial.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Playa Biesanz is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the calm waters. It's also a great spot for a peaceful walk along the shore.
Absolutely! Manuel Antonio is famous for its abundant wildlife. You can spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and numerous bird species.
Yes, the beaches within Manuel Antonio National Park, like Playa Manuel Antonio, offer beautiful conditions for swimming.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, and a camera. Comfortable walking shoes are also a good idea.
Some beaches, like Playa Biesanz, are known to be dog-friendly, offering a great experience for pet owners.
📸 📸 Photography
The large rock formations at the beaches offer dramatic photo opportunities. The lush rainforest trails and abundant wildlife also provide stunning shots.
Yes, wildlife photography is a major draw. However, maintain a safe distance and avoid using flash, which can disturb the animals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Professional photography or videography might require special permits. Always respect wildlife and avoid intrusive behavior.
A versatile zoom lens is great for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens is useful for landscapes and beaches. Waterproof gear is advisable due to humidity and potential rain.
Lookout points along the main road and within the national park offer breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for monkeys and sloths in the trees near the beach, which can be an exciting educational experience for children. Remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities can be limited. The drive to Manuel Antonio can be long, so consider breaking it up or ensuring comfortable travel arrangements.
🚗 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own food and drinks for beach days, as on-site options can be pricier. Many accommodations outside the immediate park area offer better value. Flights from the US can be around $150, and beach stays can be as low as $120, with meals around $3, making it a viable budget destination.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Consider joining a guided tour for Manuel Antonio National Park to learn more about the flora and fauna and to ensure you don't miss key sights. It's also a great way to meet other travelers. Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and always let someone know your plans.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Playa Biesanz: A Tranquil Escape
Beyond swimming, Playa Biesanz is also known for its natural beauty and opportunities for wildlife observation. Keep an eye on the surrounding almond trees, as they are frequent hangouts for monkeys and sloths. The beach is also reported to be dog-friendly, making it a great option for travelers with pets.
While the journey to some beach access points might require a 4x4, especially during the rainy season, Playa Biesanz is generally accessible and offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a quieter coastal retreat near Manuel Antonio.
Wildlife Encounters in Manuel Antonio
Beyond primates and sloths, the area is also home to iguanas, coatis, and a vast array of tropical birds, including vibrant macaws. The presence of wildlife is so significant that visitors are consistently advised to drive slowly and be aware of animals crossing the roads. It's a reminder that you are a guest in their natural habitat.
Remember that while these animals are accustomed to human presence, it's crucial to maintain a respectful distance and never feed them. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural behaviors and diets, and some animals, like the monkeys, can become quite bold and even mischievous, as seen with instances of them attempting to take belongings.
Navigating Manuel Antonio: Roads and Transport
The local bus system is a popular and affordable option, running frequently between the town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. This is often the easiest way to access the park entrance and various beaches without the hassle of parking. Taxis are also readily available, though they can be more expensive.
For those who prefer to drive, a 4x4 vehicle is often recommended, particularly during the rainy season (May to November). This is because some of the access roads to beaches and accommodations can become rough or muddy, making them challenging for standard vehicles. Parking can also be limited, and while free public parking exists, it's wise to be prepared for various road conditions.
Social
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