Your stay — Pacifico Colonial
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The Property — Pacifico Colonial
The Pacifico Colonial in Manuel Antonio is a laid-back, 3-star hotel that combines Costa Rican charm with a touch of colonial elegance. Its lobby features dark wood accents, vibrant tropical plants, and a spacious courtyard, giving it a relaxed, boutique-hotel feel. The property's USP lies in its tranquil atmosphere, making it a great choice for couples and solo travellers seeking a peaceful retreat. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the warm scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of gentle chirping, setting the tone for a relaxing stay.
Chronicles of Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a coastal town in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, founded in 1955 as a small fishing village. Over the years, it has evolved into a thriving tourist destination, with a mix of colonial, Spanish-inspired architecture and modern, eco-friendly buildings. The town's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Afro-Caribbean heritage, which is reflected in its vibrant music, food, and art scene. Visitors can explore the town's rich history by visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park, a protected area that encompasses rainforests, beaches, and wildlife. The town's scenic coastline and lively atmosphere make it a popular spot for surfers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
Best Time to Visit
Full Manuel Antonio guide →Best months
December and January are the best months to visit Manuel Antonio for pleasant weather and manageable crowds, as the dry season brings clear skies and warm temperatures. June and July are also good options, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak month, with the Manuel Antonio Music Festival drawing crowds and driving up hotel prices. The festival features a range of local and international acts, making it a great time for music enthusiasts, but be prepared for larger crowds and higher rates.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months, offering discounts on accommodations and milder weather, with average high temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F).
Weather & packing
Manuel Antonio's climate is characterised by a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the dry months and waterproof gear for the rainy season, with a rule of thumb being to bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho for every day of your stay.
Live City Briefing — Manuel Antonio
- The new Manuel Antonio Coastal Highway has improved road access to the town, making it easier to get around and reducing travel times.
- The Manuel Antonio National Park has implemented a new entrance fee system, with a focus on sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.
- The town's popular surf spot, Playa Espadilla, has been recognised as one of the top 10 surf spots in Central America, attracting more surfers and water sports enthusiasts to the area.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Pacifico Colonial, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second floor (out of three) at the back of the hotel, away from the main road. This will minimize street noise from Manuel Antonio's main road.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, as they may be prone to noise from guests and staff movement throughout the day.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Manuel Antonio does not provide a clear view of the ocean or surrounding landscape.
Quietest floors
The second floor is likely the quietest, as it's not on the ground floor and away from the main road.
🔊 Noise notes
As the hotel is situated on Manuel Antonio's main road, expect some traffic noise. Additionally, being a 3-star hotel, it's likely to have some noise from other guests and staff.
Insider tips
Request a room with a fan instead of air conditioning to save on energy costs, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests it may not be equipped with the most energy-efficient systems. Take a short walk to the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park entrance, but be prepared for potential crowds and long lines, especially during peak season.
- 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 — Pacifico Colonial
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but some rooms in the historic wing require a short walk up stairs
Complimentary digital newsstand through PressReader, but no physical newspapers
Check-in from 15:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 13:00 for a fee of CRC 20,000
Available for a fee of CRC 5,000 per bag, per night
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at the main entrance, and accessible rooms available on request
On-site parking available for CRC 5,000 per night, or CRC 3,500 for valet parking; nearest public car park is 500 meters away for CRC 2,000 per night; electric vehicle charging available for CRC 2,000 per charge
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CRC 1,200 per person per night (not a resort fee but a mandatory tax)
Deposit & card hold: CRC 50,000 deposit per stay, and a credit card hold of CRC 100,000 for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Manuel Antonio (734 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Plaza Quepos — 2.5 km · ~31 min walk
Parque Zona Americana — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Teatro Copaza — 2.4 km · ~30 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Supermarket — 739 m · ~9 min walk
Terminal San Rafael de Cerros — 2.5 km · ~32 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Travellers typically exchange money at banks or currency exchange offices in San José or at the airport, but be aware that the rates may not be the best; it's often more convenient to use ATMs or withdraw CRC from a credit card; some hotels also accept USD at a reasonable rate.
Major credit cards and contactless payment are widely accepted at tourist areas, but cash is still preferred in local shops and restaurants; mobile payment apps like Paymó and ePay are gaining popularity among locals.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated; 5-10% is standard for restaurants and bars; for taxi drivers and hotel staff, a small tip of 100-200 CRC (2-4 USD) per bag or service is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Coffee at a local café costs around 800-1,000 CRC (1.50-2 USD) for a small cup.
A typical street food lunch at a local eatery costs around 2,000-3,000 CRC (4-6 USD) for a meal.
A budget-friendly dinner at a local restaurant costs around 6,000-8,000 CRC (12-16 USD) for a main course.
Street food is common in Manuel Antonio and Quepos, with many vendors selling fresh fruits, snacks, and meals along the coastal roads and in the town centers.
Super Pali and Auto Mercado are two popular supermarket chains in the area, offering a range of local and international products.
The local markets and souvenir shops in Manuel Antonio and Quepos offer a variety of affordable clothing options, with prices ranging from 5,000-20,000 CRC (10-40 USD) for a t-shirt or souvenir.
A day pass for public transportation costs around 1,000 CRC (2 USD); from the airport, the cheapest way to reach Manuel Antonio is by shuttle or taxi, which costs around 25,000-35,000 CRC (50-70 USD) for a one-way trip.
Use public transportation instead of taxis or shuttles to get around the area.Eat at local eateries and street food stalls instead of touristy restaurants.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, and opt for ATMs or local currency exchange offices instead.
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 Pacifico Colonial
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.4 km · ~17 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.
About Manuel Antonio
Wikipedia ↗
Manuel Antonio National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio) is a small national park in the Central Pacific Conservation Area located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, just south of the city of Quepos, Puntarenas, and 157 km (98 mi) from the national capital of San José. It was establis...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Pacifico Colonial?
Request a room on the second floor (out of three) at the back of the hotel, away from the main road. This will minimize street noise from Manuel Antonio's main road.
Which rooms should I avoid at Pacifico Colonial?
Avoid rooms near the lift, as they may be prone to noise from guests and staff movement throughout the day.
Is Pacifico Colonial noisy?
As the hotel is situated on Manuel Antonio's main road, expect some traffic noise. Additionally, being a 3-star hotel, it's likely to have some noise from other guests and staff.
Which rooms have the best views at Pacifico Colonial?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Manuel Antonio does not provide a clear view of the ocean or surrounding landscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Pacifico Colonial?
Request a room with a fan instead of air conditioning to save on energy costs, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests it may not be equipped with the most energy-efficient systems. Take a short walk to the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park entrance, but be prepared for potential crowds and long lines, especially during peak season.
What time is check-in at Pacifico Colonial?
Check-in at Pacifico Colonial is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Pacifico Colonial have Wi-Fi?
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Pacifico Colonial?
CRC 1,200 per person per night (not a resort fee but a mandatory tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Pacifico Colonial?
A typical street food lunch at a local eatery costs around 2,000-3,000 CRC (4-6 USD) for a meal.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Pacifico Colonial?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 1,000 CRC (2 USD); from the airport, the cheapest way to reach Manuel Antonio is by shuttle or taxi, which costs around 25,000-35,000 CRC (50-70 USD) for a one-way trip.
When is the best time to visit Manuel Antonio?
December and January are the best months to visit Manuel Antonio for pleasant weather and manageable crowds, as the dry season brings clear skies and warm temperatures. June and July are also good options, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
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.