Your stay — Banana Tree
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The Property — Banana Tree
Banana Tree is a modest 3-star jungle lodge set into the hillside above Manuel Antonio. The lobby is an open-air wooden deck with mosquito nets and a ceiling fan, surrounded by howler monkeys and toucans. It suits budget-conscious nature lovers who value wildlife and proximity to the national park over frills. Expect basic, clean rooms, a small pool, and a free breakfast served on a terrace with ocean glimpses.
Chronicles of Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio was a remote fishing village until the 1970s, when the creation of Manuel Antonio National Park turned it into Costa Rica's most visited ecotourism destination. The park itself protects one of the world's most biodiverse lowland rainforests, including white-faced capuchin monkeys and two- and three-toed sloths. The town remains a single, dusty main road lined with soda restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour operators, with no real urban centre. Its contemporary identity is shaped entirely by tourism: a laid-back, Spanish-speaking coastal hub with a strong conservation ethos, but also rising infrastructure pressure from the 500,000+ annual visitors. The architecture is a mix of concrete block guesthouses and elevated wooden cabinas, with few buildings over three storeys, preserving the forest canopy view.
Best Time to Visit
Full Manuel Antonio guide →Best months
December to April: the dry season with blue skies and manageable humidity, crowds are at their peak in January and February but still tolerable in April before Easter.
Peak / festival surge
July: despite being in the rainy season, the first two weeks see the Puntarenas Carnival (mid-July) drawing crowds to the Gulf of Nicoya, and US summer holidays boost domestic travel. Hotel prices jump 20-30% and advance booking is essential.
Budget shoulder season
May: the start of the green season; often sunny mornings with short, heavy showers in the afternoon. Prices drop 15-20%, the park is quieter, and rainforest birds are nesting.
Weather & packing
Manuel Antonio's climate is unique for its 'two-day cycle': clear mornings followed by torrential, short-lived downpours that clear by late afternoon. Pack a lightweight, quick-dry rain jacket (not an umbrella, which is useless in the wind) and water-resistant sandals, not closed-toe shoes that will stay wet for days.
Live City Briefing — Manuel Antonio
- The main road into the park is being resurfaced through mid-2026, causing bus delays and occasional one-lane closures between 9am and 4pm near the entrance.
- A new electric ferry service from Quepos to the park's southern trailhead started in March 2026, reducing road traffic but adding a $5 fee per crossing.
- Squirrel monkeys have become increasingly bold in the hotel zone; front desks now advise guests to keep windows locked and never leave food unattended on balconies.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jun 2026Before you check in to Banana Tree, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floor(s) facing away from the main road. This gives better privacy and less chance of street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Steer clear of rooms next to the lifts, ice machine, or stairs — these are consistently noisier in 3-star properties. Also skip ground-floor rooms near the lobby if the hotel has a bar or restaurant.
Best views
Ask for a room on the higher side of the building that faces the forest or pool, not the car park or neighbouring building. In Manuel Antonio, many 3-star hotels have some rooms with partial ocean or jungle views.
Quietest floors
Top floor is usually quietest, as you won't have neighbours above. Mid-floors away from common areas also work well.
🔊 Noise notes
Manuel Antonio is a wildlife-heavy area, so expect early-morning howler monkeys and birds. Air conditioning units on balconies can be loud — bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Road traffic noise is common if the hotel fronts the main road.
Insider tips
1) Book a room with a ceiling fan plus AC — power outages happen in the rainy season, and a fan helps. 2) Contact the hotel directly after booking to request a specific room category (e.g., 'upper floor, forest side') — 3-star hotels are often flexible and appreciate the personal touch.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Banana Tree
Free WiFi throughout, typical speed 15 Mbps down. No login needed; open network.
No lift. Two-storey building with stairs only. Ground-floor rooms available on request.
No newspapers. TV in lobby tuned to CNN. No digital newsstand.
Check-in from 15:00, early bag drop from 11:00 in reception (free). Late check-out until 13:00 for $30 USD, subject to availability. No 24h front desk; closes at 22:00.
Free luggage storage in locked room behind reception for same-day arrivals/departures
No step-free access. Property has a steep driveway and stairs to all rooms; not suitable for wheelchair users.
Free on-site parking (uncovered, 12 spaces, first-come). No valet, no EV charging. Nearest public parking in Quepos centre (5 km) costs $5/day.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 13% VAT included in rate; no separate city tax
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; at check-in a $100 USD incidental hold on credit card
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Manuel Antonio (1.2 km · ~16 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 849 m · ~11 min walk
MiniPrice Store — 366 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Use ATMs for the best rate; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport and tourist spots which charge high fees and poor rates.
Credit cards widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and larger shops; smaller stalls and taxis prefer cash.
10% service charge often included in restaurant bills, but locals round up; tip porters $1-2, housekeeping $1-2 per night; taxis no tip expected.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of black coffee from a local soda or bakery: about 1,200 CRC.
Casado (rice, beans, salad, protein) at a local soda: about 5,000-6,000 CRC.
A main dish at a casual restaurant: around 8,000-10,000 CRC.
No dedicated street food area; sodas and small eateries along the main road offer cheap local meals.
Super Compro and Más x Menos are common budget supermarkets in the area.
No high-street chains; small shops and stalls sell casual beachwear and souvenirs.
Local bus from Manuel Antonio to Quepos costs about 500 CRC; from San José airport take the direct bus (about $10-12 USD) or shared shuttle ($35-50 USD).
Eat at sodas rather than tourist-front restaurants; buy water and snacks at supermarkets; visit the national park early on weekdays to avoid guide fees.
Emergency Contacts
Manuel AntonioAll emergencies, including police, ambulance, and fire, use 911. For non-urgent tourist police, call +506 2582-0845 (Quepos station). Medical clinic: Clínica de Quepos, +506 2777-0262.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Manuel Antonio, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Banana Tree
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 849 m · ~11 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Manuel Antonio entrance (near Las Tres Banderas) → Quepos bus station
💡 Flag it from the main road just outside the hotel—no official stop, drivers pull over on a wave. Ideal for getting to Quepos for groceries or nightlife.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Las Tres Banderas, Manuel Antonio
💡 Book through your hotel for a fixed rate—avoid touts offering cheaper deals that add tolls or wait fees. Drivers expect cash in USD or colones.
Quepos bus station → Las Tres Banderas, Manuel Antonio road
💡 Wave down red taxis at the Quepos roundabout—they run a fixed route up the hill. Pay in colones for exact change; drivers often round up the fare.
San José (Terminal Atlántico Norte, Calle 12) → Manuel Antonio bus stop (near Las Tres Banderas)
💡 Take the 6:00 AM bus to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. The bus drops you a 10-minute walk from the hotel; turn left at the soccer field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Banana Tree?
Request a room on the upper floor(s) facing away from the main road. This gives better privacy and less chance of street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Banana Tree?
Steer clear of rooms next to the lifts, ice machine, or stairs — these are consistently noisier in 3-star properties. Also skip ground-floor rooms near the lobby if the hotel has a bar or restaurant.
Is Banana Tree noisy?
Manuel Antonio is a wildlife-heavy area, so expect early-morning howler monkeys and birds. Air conditioning units on balconies can be loud — bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Road traffic noise is common if the hotel fronts the main road.
Which rooms have the best views at Banana Tree?
Ask for a room on the higher side of the building that faces the forest or pool, not the car park or neighbouring building. In Manuel Antonio, many 3-star hotels have some rooms with partial ocean or jungle views.
What are insider tips for staying at Banana Tree?
1) Book a room with a ceiling fan plus AC — power outages happen in the rainy season, and a fan helps. 2) Contact the hotel directly after booking to request a specific room category (e.g., 'upper floor, forest side') — 3-star hotels are often flexible and appreciate the personal touch.
What time is check-in at Banana Tree?
Check-in at Banana Tree is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Banana Tree have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout, typical speed 15 Mbps down. No login needed; open network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Banana Tree?
13% VAT included in rate; no separate city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Banana Tree?
Casado (rice, beans, salad, protein) at a local soda: about 5,000-6,000 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Banana Tree?
Local bus from Manuel Antonio to Quepos costs about 500 CRC; from San José airport take the direct bus (about $10-12 USD) or shared shuttle ($35-50 USD).
When is the best time to visit Manuel Antonio?
December to April: the dry season with blue skies and manageable humidity, crowds are at their peak in January and February but still tolerable in April before Easter.
Top Attractions in Manuel Antonio
💡 Bring your own snacks and water. Sellers on the sand charge double. The far south end is quieter. Watch for rip currents after rain.
💡 Go at low tide if you want to walk further out on the rocks. Sunset is busy but worth it. Wear decent shoes—it gets slippery.
💡 The path is hidden behind Hotel Mono Loco. No facilities, so bring a towel and water. Early morning is best for peace.
💡 Walk it on a Saturday morning—the fish market is buzzing. Skip the overpriced restaurants facing the water; eat a block inland.
💡 Go at opening time (7am) on a weekday. You'll beat the crowds and see more animals before the heat sets in. Take cash for the small entry fee; the card machine sometimes fails.