Our journey from San Jose to Manuel Antonio was really easy by road. I had anticipated that a long vehicle trip would be unpleasant, roads full of pot holes and narrow cliff hanging edges!
How wrong could I have been. The roads are modern, calm and our driver Henry was skilled, talkative and engaging over the 5 hours to Manuel Antonio.
There is no direct route, you travel north west out of the city to then gradually swing round so that you travel down the Pacific coast.
We stopped a couple of times on route for photo opportunities. The second of the two being a high bridge over a shallow river bed full of crocodiles.
We arrived at Si Como No a resort set amongst the rain forest over looking the Pacific Ocean.
Our first room was very poor, limited views, a kitchen area and made up camp bed that took pride of place as you walked in and a room at the rear with a bed and wardrobe. The balcony had limited views of a car and trees.
The staff here were very accommodating and moved us to another room, higher up and with magnificent views.
The following morning at 7.20am we started a half day group excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park.
This leisurely hike took us through the tropical rain forest in one of the national treasures of Costa Rica. The abundance of wildlife was everywhere! Here we saw sloths, iguanas, various birds, other animals and insects.
As you break out of the rain forest you emerge onto a white sandy beach overlooking the pacific ocean.
Manuel Antonio was relaxing, very hot and humid, but full of colour and natural beauty.
Opposite the hotel was a small wildlife and butterfly enclosure.
The following day we went on a boat tour of the mangroves to Damas Island.
More wildlife, birds and nature surrounded us and the camera never stopped.
When we finally left Si Como No resort the road journey was long and at one point very bumpy as we detoured avoiding demonstrators.
Si Como No was a delightful resort set amongst the vegetation of the rain forest. The ambience was magical, the staff friendly and helpful.
Nothing is particularly cheap in Manuel Antonio but this resort ticked the boxes for us. You can find out more about it here
