Explore Playa Espadilla Beach

The beach just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park is called Playa Espadilla and you can camp here for free if you have a tent or hammock. This is a safe place, accustomed to tourists, but be careful with valuables while camping on the beach - always a good idea, anyway.

The alternative would be to stay in one of the hotels or hostels that are on the other side of the street in front of the beach. The Backpackers Paradise Hostel is only $15 a night and is a good place to get a cheaper than most places breakfast. Although the outside beach is fun and nice, I highly recommend entering the national park where you can see lots of Monkeys, Iguanas, and other animals, more beautiful beaches, and hike in the jungle, along cliffs, and around the peninsula.

The park's entrance fee for foreigners is 8,500 Colones (about 15 bucks), which is a little steep but so worth it. If planning to spend the day in the park (keep in mind that the park closes at 5:00 PM), I would recommend packing a lunch, just keep it safe from the Monkeys!