Get off the beaten track in Manzanillo
Fringed by golden sand, Manzanillo is a hidden gem on Costa Rica's sun-drenched Caribbean Coast. The laid-back village has an "off-the-beaten-track" vibe, which makes it a mecca for bohemians, free-spirits and expats alike. The town is brimming with Afro-Caribbean charm, from its colorful clapboard shacks to its rainforest-fringed beaches. Spend your days exploring the jungle, visiting wildlife sanctuaries or simply relaxing with a good book on the deck of your Manzanillo vacation rentals bungalow.
Explore rainforests and wetlands in Manzanillo
Founded in 1985, Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is one of Costa Rica's most-treasured national parks. Inside, you'll find a wonderland of rainforests and wetlands. You can hike along lush trails or snorkel at the colorful coral reef just offshore. Just a few kilometers up the coast is Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo's free-spirited sister town. Head across the tiny bridge and you'll find Finca La Isla, a sprawling farm turned botanical garden. Guided tours offer a glimpse at its organic pepper, cacao and tropical fruit orchards. You could also spot toucans, poison-dart frogs and howler monkeys. The Jaguar Rescue Center is another Puerto Viejo icon, saving exotic animals since 2008.
Escape to the Manzanillo jungle
For most people, Manzanillo is all about sun, sand and melting into vacation mode. Life is simple and slow-paced, which means one of the best ways to pass the time is by doing nothing at all. Manzanillo vacation rentals make it easy, with serene hideaways just steps from the beach. If you feel like stretching your legs, the surrounding rainforests are laced with hiking trails. You can also cool off with snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. There are plenty of beachfront cafes and eateries to explore, serving up local specialties like red snapper, gallo pinto and Caribbean-style lobster.
Sun-drenched vacations in Manzanillo
Thanks to its Caribbean climate, Manzanillo enjoys sultry weather throughout the year. Temperatures hover around the high 80s, which means it's always warm enough to swim and top up your tan. September and October offer the best chances of sunny weather, with February and March also coveted as drier months. US school vacation times can get busy, as Manzanillo is quickly emerging as a sanctuary for free-spirited families. Planning a rainforest retreat? From hidden tree houses to oceanfront bungalows, Manzanillo vacation rentals provide an idyllic setting for family adventures.
Exploring the natural features in Manzanillo
Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, Manzanillo is a great place to get outside. Here are some of the area’s most stunning sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Punta Uva Beach (2.7 mi / 4.3 km)
- Playa Chiquita (3.6 mi / 5.8 km)
- Black Beach (8 mi / 12.9 km)
- Cahuita National Park (13.2 mi / 21.2 km)
- Negra Beach (15.4 mi / 24.8 km)
- Grand Beach (0.6 mi / 0.9 km)