Todd Pequeen is a New York Institute of Massage graduate who has been practicing in Manuel Antonio since 2000. He offers Swedish relaxation, deep tissue athlete recovery, Shiatsu hydro therapy, and percussion massage — all available at your accommodation or at Sarahtonin. Clients describe him as simply the best, consistently delivering sessions tailored to exactly what your body needs. He who works with his hands, head, and heart is an artist — and Todd is exactly that.
Todd Pequeen is a certified massage therapist trained at the NY Institute of Massage with over two decades of experience in Manuel Antonio. Available at Sarahtonin for guests and visitors alike. The perfect way to decompress after a day on the beach or the trails.
A full day of pampering right at the property — massages, manicures, pedicures, body wraps, champagne, and appetizers. Take in the hilltop jungle and sea views while you restore. One of the most indulgent ways to spend a Pride weekend afternoon.
Manuel Antonio National Park guided hiking tours through Costa Rica's most visited park. A knowledgeable local guide reveals the jungle's incredible flora, fauna, and wildlife — monkeys, sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, and more. A grounding experience that reconnects you to something larger than yourself.
Private guided excursions to the most intimate and less-trafficked beaches in the area. Beach chairs, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and great conversation included. Your local hosts know which spots to avoid and which ones to seek out.
Half-day inshore or full-day offshore from Quepos Marina — home to World Championship fishing tournaments. Exceptional variety of sport fish year-round. Catch and eat tonight. Sailfish and marlin are catch-and-release so others can enjoy the bounty.
Manuel Antonio is an excellent beginner beach for learning to surf. For more experienced surfers, many different breaks and beaches are within 20 minutes in any direction. SUP options available for a more relaxed way to explore the coastline.
Head out on the Pacific with a guide on jet skis — solo or as a pair. A thrilling way to explore the diverse coastline from Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park. Fast, exhilarating, and unforgettable.
Spend a morning or afternoon enjoying the coastline on a relaxed ocean cruise. Possible dolphin and whale sightings depending on season. Multiple options from half-day to full sunset cruises. A beautiful, slower way to experience the Pacific.
Jump into a boat and explore the rich mangroves of Quepos. A twilight-zone experience through one of nature's most unique ecosystems — the filtering system between land and sea. Extraordinary birdlife and a completely different side of the region.
Multiple rivers and sections to choose from. Travel into the mountains and spend the day on the rapids. If you've never experienced white water, this is an absolute must-do. Pure adrenaline, pure fun, pure Costa Rica.
Fly through the treetops of the jungle on one of many zip-line tours available in the area. Learn about the extraordinary flora and fauna of the rainforest from your guides. A perspective on Manuel Antonio that most visitors never experience.
Get picked up in custom open-air jeeps and explore the mountains, a waterfall, and local country life. Wind in your hair, incredible scenery, and a real look at the back roads and mountain communities beyond the tourist trail.
Head south by bus to explore waterfalls and rivers beyond Quepos. A full day of exploration with lunch included. An excellent way to see more of the country without needing a rental vehicle. Stunning scenery guaranteed.
Head off to a waterfall on horseback and learn about the jungle around you. A beautiful, unhurried way to explore the terrain surrounding Manuel Antonio. Suitable for most experience levels.
Spend half a day exploring an organic spice farm learning about herbs, spices, and the medicinal uses of local plants. Each tour is unique and hands-on. A fascinating look at Costa Rica's agricultural heritage and biodiversity.
Head out to the mountains for a night of glamping along a river, waterfall, and rainforest. Bonfire, locally cooked meal, and a night under the stars. African-style tents with electricity, a kitchen, a yoga deck, and a waterfall. Comfort and adventure in perfect balance.
When the sun sets, a completely different world awakens. Go explore the jungle after dark with an expert guide. Nocturnal animals, insects, and sounds you would never encounter during the day. A truly different experience of Manuel Antonio's extraordinary ecosystem.
Sarah Yunker is Manuel Antonio's most established lifestyle and portrait photographer — featured in publications and magazines for over 15 years. Whether it's a Pride weekend portrait, a couple's session, family photos, or wildlife photography, Sarah captures moments that last a lifetime.
Sarah Yunker is Manuel Antonio's most established photographer — Columbia College Chicago graduate with a BA in Photography, shooting professionally since age 13. Based in Manuel Antonio for over 15 years, she photographs portraits, couples, families, weddings, wildlife, architecture, food, and everything in between. Her work has appeared in advertising and editorial publications across the USA and Central America. Guests rave about her ability to capture the most special moments with ease. She also offers private camera tutorial sessions for all levels — a perfect way to get the most out of your camera while on vacation in one of the world's most photogenic settings.
Glen Castro is Manuel Antonio's most celebrated surf instructor — a local legend on Playa Espadilla Norte who has been teaching visitors to surf for many years. Look for the beach tent with the "Glen Castro Surf Lessons" sign. Glen runs a tight, professional operation with his wife Angelina and a team of experienced instructors including his brother Derek and instructor Isaac. Lessons are tailored to each person, with a heavy focus on safety and technique — and reviewers consistently say they were standing up on waves by the end of their first 2-hour session. After your lesson, free board use is included for the rest of the day. Beach chair and umbrella rentals, boogie boards, surfboard rentals, and drinks available on-site. One of the most consistently five-star experiences in Manuel Antonio — guests call it the highlight of their entire trip.
H2O Adventures is Manuel Antonio's dedicated rafting and river experience operator — a Tico-gringa family business based near the national park. Every trip is private: on the day you book, their entire staff is there just for you. No shared boats, no rushing to match a schedule. Friendly, experienced guides who know every rapid, every eddy, and every good swimming hole on the Savegre and Naranjo rivers. Rave reviews across the board — guests consistently call it the highlight of their trip.
The most extreme rafting experience in the area — the legendary Chorro section of the Naranjo River. Available January through April when water levels peak. 4.5 hours. Not for the faint of heart. This is the one serious paddlers come to Quepos for. Minimum 4 paddlers.
The Naranjo adventure trip — strong rapids, great scenery, and an adrenaline rush without the extreme commitment of the Chorro section. Available May through December. 4 hours. Perfect for active adventurers who want a real challenge.
The Savegre adventure — beautiful river through the rainforest with enough rapids to keep your heart rate up. Year-round availability. 5.5 to 6 hours. Guides prepare fresh pico de gallo, chips, and drinks riverside. Ends with a traditional Costa Rican meal.
A relaxed float through the jungle — wildlife, birds, and gentle rapids make this perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants to experience the river without white knuckles. 4 hours. Year-round. Your guide points out everything living in the canopy above.
Float the Savegre River on a tube through the rainforest. Rapids just crazy enough to be thrilling, swimming holes at a waterfall, snacks prepared riverside by the guides. 4.5 hours. One of the most consistently five-star experiences H2O offers — guests say it's the highlight of their entire trip.
A family heart project — tent camps in the jungle mountains of Esquipulas, 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park. Rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, and real Costa Rican mountain life. Built by a Tico-gringa family who wanted to share the part of Costa Rica most visitors never see. Completely off the beaten path.
Luna Vida is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and discover the magic of Costa Rica in a more meaningful way. Founded by Cara Naylor — a woman with two decades of trip design experience — Luna Vida crafts intimate day tours that weave together the wild beauty of the rainforest, the rhythm of the ocean, and the warmth of Costa Rican culture. Every experience is kept small and personal. Meals are prepared with love by local Costa Rican women, bringing tradition, heart, and pura vida to every plate. Adventure here isn't about checking boxes — it's about the journey itself: the laughter, the connection, and those moments you'll carry home forever.
A hands-on chocolate-making experience deep in the rainforest — learn how Costa Rica's finest cacao becomes the world's most beloved treat. Includes a guided waterfall hike and a traditional cultural lunch prepared by local women. Sweet, delicious, and completely unforgettable.
A one-of-a-kind sensory experience — wine and chocolate pairing in the middle of the Costa Rican rainforest. Cara's two decades of experience in crafting meaningful moments shine through in this uniquely indulgent tour. Perfect for couples, groups, or anyone who wants something truly different.
Walk through the rainforest canopy on suspension hanging bridges with views of the jungle stretching endlessly below — then descend to hidden waterfalls for a swim. A cultural lunch prepared by local Costa Rican women rounds out the day. One of the most visually stunning experiences in the region.
The ultimate wellness day in the jungle. Start with yoga in the forest, then experience a blue clay body treatment at a waterfall — a naturally occurring volcanic clay with remarkable skin properties. A cultural lunch follows. Your body, mind, and spirit will all thank you. Luna Vida's most talked-about experience.
Can't choose just one? Luna Vida's combo packages let you stack experiences across multiple days — mixing rafting with H2O Adventures, chocolate-making, hanging bridges, jungle yoga, waterfall hikes, and overnight glamping at Chorro Ecolodge into a single seamless adventure package.
Plan your own private group retreat with Cara's two decades of expertise behind it. Whether it's a yoga retreat, a wellness weekend, a family gathering, or a friends trip, Luna Vida designs every detail. Accommodation at Chorro Ecolodge available. Experiences curated entirely around your group's interests and energy.
Nestled in the jungle mountains of Esquipulas just 25 minutes from Manuel Antonio, Chorro Ecolodge is the ultimate Costa Rica adventure retreat. Safari-style luxury tents with private bathrooms, hot showers, electricity, and ceiling fans — glamping done right. The Naranjo River runs steps from your tent. An on-site private waterfall is yours to explore. The elevated teak jungle yoga platform is one of the most extraordinary places to practice in Central America. The Rancho communal kitchen, dining area, fire pit, and hammock lounge create a natural gathering space where guests quickly become friends. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and private group retreats.
Safari-style tents with private bathrooms, hot showers, electricity, and ceiling fans. Beautifully appointed bedding. The Naranjo River is steps away. Wake up to birdsong, jungle sounds, and one of the most peaceful settings in Costa Rica.
Practice on an elevated teak open-air yoga platform surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. One of the most extraordinary yoga settings in Central America. Group classes and private sessions available during your stay.
The Naranjo River runs through the property — swim in natural pools, jump from boulders, or just sit on the rocks and listen to the jungle. A private on-site waterfall is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. No crowds, no tickets, no schedule.
Book the entire Chorro Ecolodge for a private group retreat, yoga retreat, wellness weekend, or family gathering. The Rancho communal kitchen, dining area, fire pit, and hammock lounge create a natural gathering space. Fully equipped for events.
Chorro Ecolodge sits along El Camino de Costa Rica — the country's iconic multi-day hiking trail that crosses from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific. Use the lodge as a base camp or rest stop for a day hike on one of the most spectacular trail systems in Central America.
Coastal cruise along Manuel Antonio's beaches and islands. Search for dolphins and humpback whales, then anchor for snorkeling in a protected cove. Cocktails, soft drinks, and a full meal included. The most romantic way to spend a Pride weekend afternoon.
Certified guides, full equipment, and insurance. Complimentary refreshment before departure, fresh fruit and water on the river, photos available. Two departure times: 8am or 12pm. Transportation from Quepos included. Pure adrenaline, pure Costa Rica.
20 platforms, 11 zip lines, 2 rappel lines, a Tarzan swing, suspension bridge, and a Superman line — plus the Butterfly Garden, Serpentarium, and Crocodile tank beforehand. A hearty meal follows. One of the most thrilling half-days you can have in Costa Rica.
Explore the rugged terrain around Manuel Antonio on ATVs with a bilingual guide. See parts of the landscape most visitors never reach. Soft drinks and a full meal included. Transportation from your accommodation included.
Ride well-trained horses through the countryside foothills east of Manuel Antonio to a spectacular 80-meter waterfall. Swim in the pools below the falls, then return to the ranch for a delicious meal. A bilingual guide leads the way throughout.
Boat or kayak (your choice) through the Damas Island Mangrove between the Pacific Ocean and Paquita River estuary. Four mangrove tree classes, endemic birds, monkeys, sloths, turtles, and crocodiles. Lunch or dinner served at the end.
A 2.5-hour guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park with many wildlife telescope stops. Monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, and insects in their natural habitat, ending at the park's paradise beaches where jungle meets Pacific. The magic of this place in its purest form.
More local activity providers joining soon
As more local hosts join PuraVidaXP, this page will grow. Every activity is offered directly by someone who lives and works in Manuel Antonio — no booking platform markup, no commission.
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