Gay Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio/Quepos)

A June 2003 trip to Manuel Antonio by kjun12

Restaurant Grand EscapeMore Photos

A Gay man's paradise. Manuel Antonio and its environs offers many adventures and fun things to do. Places to stay vary in offerings and prices. Restaurants are plentiful and most are good.

  • 8 reviews
  • 6 stories/tips
  • 2 photos
Do not miss the park!

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

If you don't have a car there is a bus service from Capos to the end of the road in Manuel Antonio. It will stop to let you off about any place you ask. Taxi is your other choice. They are not very expensive.

Mono AzulBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

The rooms here are OK. Some have air conditioning and others have fans. Those with A/C cost a bit more.

The restaurant is open-air and offers anything from sandwiches to full meals. The two swimming pools and monkeys in the trees make the place fun to be around. The staff is helpful. Internet is available.

The main problem with the place is the owner, Chip. He is a cross between flaky and immature.

  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by kjun12 on April 28, 2003

Mono Azul
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
(506) 777-2572

This place is exclusively gay/lesbian. It was just a bit rich for my blood, being one of the most expensive gay/lesbian hotels I've ever visited.

Still, it is very nice, and the rooms and open area are well decorated. The hotel has an excellent ocean view and the grounds are beautifully planted. The overall atmosphere is very comfortable.

There were some local boys hanging around the pool who appeared to be available.

  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by kjun12 on April 28, 2003

Big Rubys (La Plantacion)
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
(506) 777-1332

This place was primarily gay/lesbian and another nice place that is just a bit expensive.

The ocean views were truly beautiful. The rooms are all very nice and they also offer a private bungalo (which costs more, of course). There are two pools, a sundeck, and a very nice garden.

My only hold back in recommending it is due to the cost.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kjun12 on April 28, 2003

Hotel Casa Blanca
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
(506) 777-1316

Grand EscapeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Restaurant Grand Escape
This is the best restaurant in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area, with a menu that includes food from Tex-Mex to excellent seafood. It also has one of the best and nicest bars in Costa Rica. The bartenders are knowledgeable and have some interesting concoctions. Give them a try.

The place was clean and neat, with a great bar and super food.

They served me the largest tuna steak I've ever eaten and it was done to perfection.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kjun12 on April 28, 2003

Grand Escape
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Cafe MilagroBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This place sells fine coffee, sandwiches, souvenirs, magazines, and newspapers. It's a nice place to relax and hang out, and one of the only places where you can find English language reading material.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kjun12 on April 28, 2003

Cafe Milagro
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
(506) 777-1707

MarlunaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Located on the right side of the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Do not be deceived by the exterior of this place. From the outside it looks subpar. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The interior is more appealing, but this is not it's finest feature.

The attraction is what is served. The food is excellent and the portions exceptional. Seafood and steak are the specialty. I had a tuna steak that was done to perfection. The person seated next to me ordered a beef filet mignon. The size of this steak could not be believed. He is a large man and could eat only half of it. Everyone in our group said that they were very satisfied with the food served and the quantity.

A really nice touch was the live music provided by the gentleman playing an acoustic guitar. The music was jazz with a Central American flavor. A fine accompanment to the meal.

The best part was the most reasonable price for all food served. Almost any entre can be had for $10 or less.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by kjun12 on July 10, 2003

Marluna
Right Side of the Road from Quepos to Manuel Anton Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

L'AngoloBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "L'Argolo"

Restaurant L'Argolo
Excellent Italian fare served by the Italian chef/owner. The place is like a small cafe in Italy. Hams hanging from the ceiling with the cheese fragrance in the air.

Great antipasta served on a minimum of two plates. The small tables can hardly handle the meal if much more is ordered. Sandwiches in varying sizes as well as many different pasta dishes are offered.

The only downside is the size of this establishment--too small. Only six tables with two chairs at each. The place is packed from 11:45am to 1:30pm. Eat an early or late lunch here.

Wine, beer, and other beverages are available.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kjun12 on July 10, 2003

L'Angolo
Premera & Fifolo Streets Quepos, Costa Rica 70059
+39 0803582111

Cockatoo BarBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

A top notch gay/lesbian bar located on the left side of the road on the way to Manuel Antonio National Park. Any city would be proud to have this architechturally fine place located there. The primary bar in on the first floor. It is complete with a full bar, nice art, flower arrangements and fountains. The roof top bar on the second story is nicely done and also has a full bar.

Previously located on the second story of a restaurant, it has moved to its present location, which is a large very nice-looking structure. Special parties are heldon holidays.

The crowd is mixed and a bit off in the slow season. The bartenders are nice-looking gents. Local boys willing to to home with you are always present. Just make eye contact and start a conversation. No problem.

Canopy SafariBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Swinging through the trees was something I always wanted to do -- this is the next best thing. While tethered to a cable, you travel at varying speeds through the forest. Unfortunately, the area is visited so much that one would indeed be fortunate to see any wildlife. You do it just for the thrill. Our guides did provide some interesting information about the vegetation and the area. Lots of fun!

Phone: 506/777-3079

What a fine place. Just drive to the end of the road coming from Quepos and you're there. You will be directed where to park your vehicle.

Getting into the park requires a walk through a small stream, so be prepared to take your shoes off or walk in them while they are wet. This park is beautiful, if not pristine. Going through it can be a strenuous hike, but not overly so, because you do not have to hike all of the trails. It is also safe and people of all ages are found here.

The wildlife is the park's most outstanding feature. You are sure to see animals here. We viewed monkeys, sloths, birds, iguanas, and snakes. Please heed the signs and do not feed them. It only causes them problems.

Admission is only $7. You're in for a real treat.

Jungle Room BarBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

A new disco in Manuel Antonio. Open on Friday through Sunday beginning at 8pm. The place is exciting with a flare for good music. The crowd moves between here and Cockatoo on weekends.

Tutu barBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

A bar/disco in the same location where Cockatoo bar was previously. Above the resturant Gato Negro. This is on the left side of the road on the way to Manuel Antonio park. Rather small but fun. Possible pick-ups here and dancing.

Arco Iris barBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Located on the left side of the road just before you get to Quepos. Promoted as a Gay bar/disco but it is mixed. Meeting people is easy and pick-ups are possible. The place is somewhat large and not nearly as nice as Cockatoo. It is a late night bar.

About the Writer

kjun12
kjun12
Lafayette, Louisiana

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