One of the coolest parts about traveling around Costa Rica was running into other travelers again and again. We spent our much of our time in Manuel Antonio with a couple from California that we had met briefly at our hotel in Arenal. After we had gone our separate ways, we suddenly found ourselves sharing a bus to the very same hotel in Manuel Antonio a few days later.
Our hotel, Karahe, had a bunch of little houses scattered all the way up a hill so high it made me lose my breath. Our rooms were at the very top, but the view was worth every step.
Our first night the four of us spent walking along the beach. The water was so warm and apparently, uncharacteristically calm. Not far from our hotel we came across an opening in the trees, which we later found out was right near the exit of the National Park. The opening revealed a street lined with shops and restaurants and it was lit up with Christmas lights – reminding us it was actually December. Immediately a man came running toward us to tell us about their happy hour specials. We asked if zapatos were necessary and when he said no, we grabbed a table and bunch of two-for-one margaritas.
In addition to taking a tour of the National Park, we also sailed on a Sunset Cruise on a catamaran.
Drinks, dinner and snorkeling were included! And of course, the view was amazing. As it is so rare for me to view the sunset over water, I really wanted to take it all in. I probably have enough photos to make a flip book of the entire sunset.
That night we encountered another couple that we had met on a tour around the Arenal volcano. We all had dinner at El Avion, an actual airplane that jutted right out of the side of the cliff, offering an unbelievable view. While we ate, we were able to see the final setting of the sun over the ocean.
I was on the verge of getting really sick toward the end of our trip, which is when we were in Manuel Antonio. Despite that, my mood and the time I had wasn’t impacted at all. Manuel Antonio was peaceful and beautiful. Like the way a restaurant owner turned a plane whose history is tied to scandal into something so welcoming, Manuel Antonio seems to bring out the best in everything.
Ohh the water and sunset look so heavenly! You know, your blog inspired me to take a trip this weekend?:D nowhere far, I’m going to Bali. I wanna lay on the sand sipping drinks
We ate at El Avion too!! And also kept running into other tourists – even in different cities!
Wow! That sunset!
That looks gorgeous! I’ve never been to the Caribbean, and I definitely want to check it out. That sunset… wow!
sailing around on a sunset cruise sounds heavenly.
Great post. Such a large area, must have been enjoyable to run into familiar faces. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful sunset, maybe you should make a flipbook!