Are you ready to explore more of Costa Rica’s stunning destinations beyond Manuel Antonio? Epic Adventures is excited to guide you through some of the top destinations to visit, offering unique experiences that will enrich your Costa Rican adventure.
If you want to check part 1 of this article, please click here.
San Isidro del General
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting San Isidro del General in the southern region of Costa Rica. This charming town is surrounded by lush rainforests and offers a glimpse into authentic Costa Rican life.
Explore nearby waterfalls, enjoy spelunking, go horseback riding through the countryside, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. If you’re looking to connect with nature and escape the tourist crowds, San Isidro del General is the perfect destination.
San Isidro del General is located in a big valley and surrounded by gorgeous mountains. In those mountains, you will find a lot of off-the-beaten track destinations.
You may also be interested in a guided hike in the remote Rainmaker Rainforest Reserve!
Probably the most recognized and worth the effort to go if you have the time and the disposition is the Chirripó Mountain (the highest peak in Costa Rica). Its gateway is a small but breathtaking town called “San Gerardo de Rivas.” If you want to see a raw rainforest with great accommodations, I totally recommend going to the Talamanca Reserve Hotel.
A gorgeous upscale choice in the region is Hacienda Altagracia Auberge, a place as stunning as it is calming.
Driving:
Route: Take Route 34 south from Manuel Antonio to Route 243, then continue to San Isidro del General.
Distance: approximately 100 km (62 miles).
Time: Around 2 hours.
Public Bus:
Route: direct buses from Quepos to San Isidro del General.
Time: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Shuttle:
Route: Various shuttle services are available.
Time: Typically around 2 hours.
The Area of Los Santos
Venture off the tourist trail and discover the beauty of the Los Santos region. This area is known for its stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, coffee plantations, and charming rural towns. It is extremely popular for birdwatches, as this is the area of Costa Rica where you can find the Resplendent Quetzal, the neotropics most stunning bird.
Check our Corcovado National Park One Day Experience, a perfect setting to watch birds!
Take a scenic drive through the countryside, visit local artisan workshops, and savor the fresh flavors of traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Los Santos offers a tranquil retreat where you can truly unwind and connect with the natural surroundings.
Consider the region of San Gerardo de Dota in Km 80 in the Pan American Highway, and for an off the beaten track Costa Rican experience, the Mirador de Quetzales in Km 70.
Driving:
Route: Take Route 34 north from Manuel Antonio to Route 27, then merge onto Route 23, and finally Route 2. Continue on Route 226 to reach Los Santos.
Distance: approximately 140 km (87 miles).
Time: Around 3 to 4 hours.
Public Bus:
Option 1:
Route: Take a bus from Quepos to San Jose, then transfer to a bus heading to Los Santos.
Time: approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Option 2:
Route: Take a bus from Quepos to San Isidro del General, then transfer to a bus heading to San Jose. You will need to get off at the kilometer where you are staying in Los Santos.
Time: approximately 4 to 5 hours (depending on the exact location in Los Santos).
Shuttle:
Route: Various shuttle services are available.
Time: Typically around 3 to 4 hours.
Dominical Beach | Best Destinations in Costa Rica
Southern Pacific Region: Dominical, Uvita, and a bit on the South.
For beach and surfing lovers and nature enthusiasts, the southern Pacific region is a paradise waiting to be explored. From the laid-back surf town of Dominical to the pristine beaches of Uvita and the untouched wilderness of the Burica Point at the very South, this area has something for everyone.
Wouldn’t you want to check the majestic Nauyaca Waterfalls with us?
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Marino Ballena National Park, go whale watching off the coast of Uvita, or embark on a the longest left wave in the world in Pavones Beach. The southern Pacific region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a closer connection to nature.
Driving:
Route: Take Route 34 south from Manuel Antonio to reach Dominical and Uvita. For the Osa Peninsula, continue on Route 34 to Route 245.
– Distances:
Dominical: approximately 45 km (28 miles). Around an hour
Uvita: approximately 53 km (33 miles). Around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Public Bus:
Route: direct buses from Quepos to Dominical and Uvita.
– Time:
Dominical: approximately 1.5 hours.
Uvita: approximately 2 hours.
Shuttle:
Route: Various shuttle services are available.
– Time:
Dominical: Around 1 hour.
Uvita: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Osa Peninsula, and Golfo Dulce.
The Osa Peninsula, accessible via Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez, is a pristine wilderness teeming with biodiversity. Home to Corcovado National Park, it offers unparalleled wildlife encounters, including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.
Both Drake Bay and Jiménez boast stunning lodges, from luxurious eco-resorts like Lapa Rios to budget-friendly options like Cabinas Jiménez.
Nearby Golfo Dulce, accessible via Golfito, is a tranquil haven known for its calm waters and marine life. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, dolphin watching, and exploring lush rainforests. Accommodations range from upscale retreats like Playa Cativo Lodge to charming, affordable stays, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.
You can choose to fly from Quepos to Golfito, Jimenez or Drake Bay
Quepos to Drake Bay
Driving:
Route: Take Route 34 south from Quepos to Route 245. Continue on Route 245, then take a boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay (this is the most common way, as roads to Drake Bay can be challenging).
Distance: approximately 150 km (93 miles) to Sierpe.
Time: Around 3 to 4 hours by car to Sierpe, plus about 1 hour by boat to Drake Bay.
Public Bus:
Route: Take a bus from Quepos to Palmar Norte, change to a bus or taxi in Sierpe, and then board a boat to Drake Bay.
Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours by bus and taxi, plus about 1 hour by boat.
Shuttle:
Route: Various shuttle services are available to Sierpe, followed by a boat ride to Drake Bay.
Time: Typically around 4 to 5 hours, including the boat ride.
Quepos to Puerto Jiménez
Driving:
Route: Take Route 34 south from Quepos to Route 245. Continue on Route 245 directly to Puerto Jiménez.
Distance: approximately 200 km (124 miles).
Time: Around 4 to 5 hours.
Public Bus:
Route: Take a bus from Quepos to Palmar Norte, then transfer to a bus heading to Puerto Jiménez.
Time: approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Shuttle:
Route: Various shuttle services are available.
Time: Typically around 5 to 6 hours.
Quepos to Golfito
To go to Golfo Dulce, as you arrive in Golfito, your lodge or hotel and Golfo Dulce must have arranged a boat to their property.
Driving:
Route: Take Route 34 south from Quepos to Route 2, then continue on Route 2 to Golfito.
Distance: approximately 180 km (112 miles).
Time: Around 4 to 5 hours.
Public Bus:
Route: Take a bus from Quepos to Palmar Norte, then transfer to a bus heading to Golfito.
Time: approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Shuttle:
Route: Various shuttle services are available.
Time: Typically around 5 hours.
These routes should help you plan your journey from Quepos to Drake Bay, Puerto Jiménez, and Golfito, whether you’re driving, taking a bus, or using a shuttle service!
7. San Vito
Located up in the southern mountains, San Vito offers a unique opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s lesser-known gems. This area is known for its incredible biodiversity and is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Visit Wilson Botanical Garden to discover a wide variety of plant species, including rare orchids and bromeliads. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and keep an eye out for colorful bird species that call this area home.
Driving
Route:
Take Route 34 south from Quepos.
Continue on Route 34 until you reach Route 2.
Follow Route 2 south towards San Isidro del General.
From San Isidro del General, continue on Route 2 towards Paso Real.
At Paso Real, take Route 237 towards San Vito.
Distance: Approximately 200 km (124 miles).
Time: Around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Public Bus
Option 1: Via San Isidro del General
Quepos to San Isidro del General
Take a bus from Quepos to San Isidro del General.
Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
San Isidro del General to San Vito
From San Isidro del General, take a bus heading to San Vito.
Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Total Time: Approximately 5.5 to 7 hours, including transfer time.
Option 2: Via Palmar Norte
Quepos to Palmar Norte
Take a bus from Quepos to Palmar Norte.
Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Palmar Norte to San Vito
From Palmar Norte, take a bus heading to San Vito.
Time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Total Time: Approximately 5 to 7 hours, including transfer time.
Shuttle
Route:
Various shuttle services are available that can take you from Quepos to San Vito. These shuttles typically follow the same route as driving.
Time: Typically around 4 to 5 hours.
Taxi or Private Transfer
Route:
You can hire a taxi or arrange a private transfer from Quepos to San Vito. This option provides the most flexibility and comfort.
Time: Around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, serene natural beauty, or cultural experiences, these destinations are perfect additions to your Manuel Antonio itinerary.
As you plan your trip with Epic Adventures, consider incorporating these incredible places into your Costa Rica adventure for an unforgettable experience. With so much to see and do in this diverse country, your journey through Costa Rica is sure to be filled with unforgettable memories and endless discovery.
If you want to check part 1 of this article, please click here.
And if you want to book one of our adventures, fill the form below and enjoy the Pura Vida Spirit!
