Hola 👋
Costa Rica has multiple towns named Manzanillo, and the more well-known is on the Caribbean Coast near Puerto Viejo. However, this guide to Manzanillo is for the town on the Nicoya Peninsula, located just north of Santa Teresa.
Unlike its bustling neighbor, Manzanillo is a quiet, rural beach town with almost no crowds. There’s no real downtown, just scattered homes and small businesses along dirt roads. We visited as a half-day trip from Santa Teresa and found it to be a peaceful escape from the chaos of the busier beaches. This quick guide will highlight a few of our experiences. Let’s go!
Peaceful Playa Manzanillo
How to Get to Manzanillo
Getting to Manzanillo can be an adventure in itself. Unlike more developed beach towns, Manzanillo is rural and remote, with dirt roads and limited infrastructure. Most visitors arrive by car from Santa Teresa or Cobano, and a 4×4 is strongly recommended, especially in the rainy season. While shuttle services and buses can get you close, having your own transportation is the best way to reach this quiet beach town.
By Car
- The only real way to get here is by car, and a 4×4 is highly recommended, especially in the rainy season.
- Route 160 connects Manzanillo to Santa Teresa (15 min), Playa Hermosa (10 min), and Cobano (30 min).
- Expect dirt roads, potholes, and no major infrastructure. This is a very rural area.
A day trip from Santa Teresa
Beachfront parking
Things to Do in Manzanillo
Relax at Manzanillo Beach
We visited Manzanillo Beach to escape the crowds of Santa Teresa, and it was nearly empty. It’s wide, beautiful, and peaceful, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just unwinding. The beach has rocky reef mixed into the sand, so watch your step when swimming. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards, and because it’s so secluded, you should be cautious in the water. With a few exceptions like Playa Espadilla in Manuel Antonio, that’s the general rule in most of Costa Rica.
Mermaid Anna 🧜♀️
Explore the Tide Pools
At low tide, tide pools form along the rocky coastline. You can easily park on the roadside and walk up and down the coast.
It’s a great area for spotting small fish, crabs, marine life and sea shells. Remember not to take the shells from the beach. It’s against the law and airport security will likely take them from your carry-on baggage when leaving the country.
Coastal tide pools
Go Cruise
This is a TINY town. After the beach we decided to go cruise the dirt roads. We ended up at Passion Bakery, a small local bakery in Manzanillo. We grabbed coffees and fresh fruit pastries, which made for a great mid-morning snack. Since there aren’t many restaurants in town, this is a nice place to refuel before heading back.
Simple and delicious
Where to Stay in Manzanillo
Since we only visited for a half-day, we didn’t stay overnight. If you really want to stay in Manzanillo instead of Santa Teresa, the main option is Calamocha Lodge. It’s tucked away on 74 acres of untouched jungle at the northern tip of Manzanillo, offering panoramic ocean views and total seclusion. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
How Long to Stay in Manzanillo?
It’s great as a stopover if you’re exploring the Nicoya Peninsula. 1–2 nights is plenty if you want a quiet beach getaway. We found a half-day trip was enough, but if you love seclusion and nature, a longer stay might be perfect.
An undeveloped gem 💎
Travel Tips for Manzanillo
- Bring cash, as there are no ATMs around (the nearest ones are in Santa Teresa). The local sodas (traditional Costa Rican restaurants) likely won’t take credit cards.
- 4×4 is highly recommended—the roads can be rough, especially in the rainy season.
- Very few restaurants, so plan to eat in Santa Teresa or bring your own food.
- Best time to visit: Dry season (Dec–April) for easier road conditions.
Let’s go!
Thanks for reading our guide to Manzanillo. We loved how peaceful and empty the beach was, especially compared to the chaotic Santa Teresa beaches. While it’s not a major destination, it’s worth a visit for those seeking seclusion, nature, and relaxation.
For us, it was a perfect half-day escape, and we’d recommend it as a stopover when exploring the Nicoya Peninsula. Just be ready for rural roads and minimal amenities!
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For more tips on car rentals in Costa Rica, check out our Guide To Renting A Car in Costa Rica.
