Manuel Antonio

I knocked out on the bus until we arrived on the lower Pacific coast in the tiny beach town of Manuel Antonio. We went first through the larger town of Quepos which lies a 15 minute ride inland in the mountains. We got off the bus and were immediately approached by a Tico hawking hotel rooms. We followed him away from the beach and checked out a few places, one of which was still being built but declined. We ended up staying at Hotel Manuel Antonio for a pricey $12 a night, directly across from the beach and at the actual end of the road before the national park. Below is the view From our hotel and our hotel.



We had a delicious breakfast, mine was Huevos Rancheros, at one of the 5 restaurants in time, despite the slightly jacked up tourist prices it was still only about $7. I also enjoyed my favorite Batido de Mora; blackberry milkshake. (just milk and fruit).
Our next stop was across the street to the beach. We took turns laying in the sun and swimming. We made friends with the waiters who walked along the beach bringing drinks right to your towel.





That evening Eric and I got delicious dinner at another restaurant and were told that the ceviche is highly recommended by another patron who had sampled it in several countries. I am still not quite used to eating fish but I found the lime and hot sauce flavoring quite tasty. I then made friends with some more happy dogs on the street.



The next morning we woke up and caught the bus to Quepos to get money since there was no ATM in manuel antonio, and to purchase our bus tickets for the next day. Eric and Chris who managed to arrive late Friday after missing the 5am pickup opted for their budget breakfast favorite of the Banana Sandwich.

We then got off the bus halfway through the mountain road in order to enjoy the view. We wandered into a gorgeous building that had a sign out front saying it was an Open House. We took some pictures of the amazing view before the owner came and asked if he could help us, clearly not pleased at seeing a few backpacking gringos taking advantage of his lovely property. We excused ourselves and had a delicious breakfast at La Barba Roja. This restaurant offered the best view in town looking out over the bay. We were the only customers and I enjoyed hearing them blending my strawberries and milk for a Batido de Leche, and we could then see into the kitchen while they made my pancakes.