Neighbors on the Central Pacific Coast
Jaco and Manuel Antonio are close enough, about 1 to 1.5 hours apart, that many travelers visit both in one trip rather than choosing between them. Still, each has a different focus worth understanding before you plan your base.
Manuel Antonio's National Park
Manuel Antonio's biggest draw is its national park, one of the most visited in Costa Rica, known for easy trails, postcard beaches, and reliable wildlife sightings including sloths, monkeys, and iguanas right along the path.
Jaco's Broader Range of Activities
Jaco offers a wider mix of activities within a short drive, sport fishing, ziplining, ATV touring, and its own access to Carara National Park, plus livelier nightlife than the more low-key Manuel Antonio area.
Basing in Jaco for a Manuel Antonio Day Trip
A popular approach is to base your stay in a Jaco vacation rental and book a guided day trip to Manuel Antonio's park, getting the best of both without needing to pack and move mid-trip. JacoStay can arrange that day trip alongside your villa and other tours.
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