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Our Newest 3 off-the-beaten-path things to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Posted on April 18, 2019 · Posted in Manuel Antonio, News, Things to Do, Travel Tips

Manuel Antonio is renowned for being one of the most visited destinations in Costa Rica. The National Park of Manuel Antonio and its postcard-perfect beaches are listed by the Forbes Travel Magazine as one of the most beautiful in the world. More than 20 diverse activities can be experienced in the area ranging from Canopy Zip lining, Catamaran Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Tours to ATV off-roading adventures. Almost all excursions offer pick up and drop off from the hotel as well as a light lunch or early, light dinner which makes it very convenient to discover the area overall.

However, based on its international fame at times some excursions might feel slightly congested and as we, at GAIA Hotel & Reserve, are known for boutique-style and personalized experiences – we have hand-picked for you the newest and by us now most recommended 3 Top off-the-beaten-path excursions.

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1.     Waterfalls, swimming holes and beach caves

There is no other tour like this in Costa Rica. A full day adventure which will take you deep into the jungle, to waterfalls and the day will be rounded up by a visit of the beautiful Playa Ventanas and its caves. You will visit multiple waterfalls, each waterfall has a swimming hole, places to explore, areas to jump from and 1 waterfall even has a 20ft natural water slide. Ready to step into the footsteps of Tarzan and Jane ;)

2.     Chocolate Farm Tour

For all the sweet-tooth’s of you! This tour introduces you to the collecting, fermenting, grinding and finally to the making of chocolate, the drink of the gods.

You will also learn about coffee and its importance for Costa Rica’s economic and cultural development. In a showroom, demonstrating you coffee picking instruments and real producing plants, you will be explained the process of coffee production. You will also learn how to prepare a Café-Chorreado, which is the real Costa-Rican practice of preparing coffee. At least, you will be able to witness a “trapiche”: A sugar cane mill run by two beautiful oxen. The mill grinds sugar cane to extract the juice which in Costa Rica is used to make all kinds of local candy.

Of course, there will be many opportunities to taste all these amazing, local flavors.

3.     Manuel Antonio Bee Farm

#SaveTheBees – This tour we definitely love and feel very passionate about. If you are aware of the news – the worldwide bee colonies are collapsing due to pesticides used in agriculture, droughts, habitat destructions, air pollution and global warming. So why not use your stay at GAIA to learn more about this very important species which ultimately is responsible for 80 percent of all pollination worldwide.

On the Manuel Antonio Bee Farm tour you will have the opportunity to get to know several species of native stingless bees, as well as the bee species “Apis mellifera”. All species that are located on the farm are essential for pollination of flowers in Costa Rica and the farm owners work consistently to prevent the extinction of these precious insects. They also produce 100 % natural honey products and cosmetics in harmony with the bee’s natural habitat.

Manuel Antonio remains to be one of the best destinations in Costa Rica due to the great combo of a world-renown National Park, beautiful beaches, and abundance of excursions to, but we want you to experience unique moments and each of these new options will give you a taste of authentic Costa Rica. To contact our Concierge Desk and get some of these adventures scheduled for you email us: conciergeservice@gaiahr.com