La Mariposa Hotel

Nestled atop the highest point in the Manuel Antonio area is La Mariposa, a boutique hotel surrounded by gardens and rainforest.

Comfortable and family-friendly, this hotel offers an award-winning 280-degree view overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the city of Quepos, and the Manuel Antonio National Park.

With an unbeatable location on the Pacific coastline, La Mariposa is an excellent option for a budget-friendly Costa Rica vacation.

It’s a 10-minute drive from the national park, and it has such awe-inspiring views that it was featured in Patricia Shultz’s best-selling book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

Expansive Ocean Views in a Relaxing Ambiance

La Mariposa Hotel boasts a Spanish-Mediterranean architectural design that blends seamlessly with the tropical gardens and trees. As it’s located on the very top of the hill, Conde Nast Traveler has even described it as “Eden on a ridge.”

Its peaceful atmosphere is perfect for those in search of relaxation, making it an excellent destination for families and couples alike.

Everything about La Mariposa highlights the views that make it so famous - the lobby and dining areas open to the terrace where you can see the Manuel Antonio National Park to the left, Espadilla Beach at the front, and the town to the right.

The main pool area is accessible from the terrace via a spiral staircase, providing a second space where you can admire the view from. The ocean, the nearby rainforest, and towns are also visible from several of the rooms’ balconies.

Make sure to sit with a cocktail to enjoy the sunset from one of the two pools or the jacuzzi. One of the pools is adult-only, complete with a wet bar where you can try a freshly mixed Bloody Mary. Lounge and sunbathe while breathing the warm ocean breeze, unwinding your worries away.

The surrounding trees are an attraction for local wildlife, and often monkeys and iguanas visit. The hotel also has a gift shop and massage service to get souvenirs.

If you want to go out and explore, the hotel provides a free shuttle service to the nearest beach and the town four times a day. Take a 20-minute walk down a steep hill from the hotel if you prefer walking.

Keep your eyes open because monkeys and sloths often linger in the trees that shade the trail.

Abundant Wildlife & Outdoor Activities

Wildlife abounds in Manuel Antonio, and La Mariposa encourages it. The well-kept gardens and fruit trees attract various visitors throughout the day.

Wake up in the morning with howler, squirrel, and capuchin monkeys patrolling the surrounding trees. Also, watch out for the countless tropical birds that populate the area, like scarlet macaws and hummingbirds. Iguanas also come out to warm under the sun in the pool area, so make sure to have a camera in hand for these resident divas.

The hotel is also a good home base for your outdoor activities. If you want to explore the jungle and see more wildlife, take a hiking tour across the national park.

Suppose adventure is more your calling, canopy, whitewater rafting, ATV, and horseback riding tours. If you want to explore the waters of the Pacific, sportfishing and mangrove kayaking are also available.

Top-Notch Dining at Sunset

Dining at La Mariposa is a whole experience of its own. The Sunset Bar & Lounge honors its name correctly - this is the place to enjoy snacks and drinks during the twilight hour. Make sure to try the margaritas and the quesadillas for a quick bite.

Le Papillon Restaurant offers both international and national dishes with an expansive view of Manuel Antonio as a background.

Breakfast is served on the terrace 1,000 ft above the ocean every morning. Make sure to try the mixed juice to get a dose of energy, and enjoy the omelets, plantains, and loaves of bread set for you.

Both a-la-carte lunch and dinner are available as well. Since Manuel Antonio is right at the coast, seafood is always fresh, so don’t miss out on the Mai Mai!

The menu has been designed and prepared by an internationally recognized chef, allowing you to try authentic Costa Rican flavors with high-quality standards.

La Mariposa is the place to sit back, admire the beautiful Costa Rican landscape, and relax.