October is the last full month of the rainy season, making it another affordable and crowd-free time of year to visit Manuel Antonio. Many hotels are closed in October, and tourists are at a minimum. While that can be a downside for some visitors, it also means you’ll have fewer visitors clogging the beaches and the hiking trails! Just pack plenty of rain gear, because being in Manuel Antonio in October means experiencing almost daily rain.
Mornings are still typically warm and dry Manuel Antonio in October, so it is best to plan your outdoor trips for the first half of the day.
In the afternoons, a great way to spend your time is by doing a little souvenir shopping. While there are plenty of fantastic vendors and shops to choose from, one of the best is the Meli Melo Boutique in Quepos.
Just two miles north of Manuel Antonio, Meli Melo Boutique is a great place to pick up handmade souvenirs like pillowcases that are sewn and painted by hand one at a time and colorful beach bags. The items are affordable and unique, unlike some tourist-focused gift shops. While you’re in Quepos, stop at Soda Sanchez for an incredibly cheap meal. Whenever you see the word “Soda” in front of a restaurant name, you can expect inexpensive local food without pretense.
The biggest event you’ll encounter in Manuel Antonio in October is Founding Day, held on the 8th. The festival is unique to San Isidro de El General, a destination just an hour south of Manuel Antonio.
It’s worth visiting for the day in order to experience the dancing and sporting events held in honor of the founding of the town. Back in Manuel Antonio, get a great night of sleep without breaking your budget at Hotel Coco Beach. Just a mile outside of town, the hotel boasts an inviting swimming pool, a shuttle to the airport and a convenient onsite restaurant.
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