Hotel in Manuel Antonio, Unknown, Unknown
Hotel Costa Verde
A quirky and beloved hotel featuring converted Boeing 727 fuselages as accommodation units in the jungle canopy. Rooms range from standard to unique aircraft suites. The location is surrounded by wildlife and the grounds are excellent for spotting monkeys and sloths.
Hotel Costa Verde occupies a forested ridge above Manuel Antonio National Park in Puntarenas province, Costa Rica, approximately 5 km from Quepos town and 3 km from the national park entrance along the main coastal highway. The property is one of the most recognizable mid-range hotels in Manuel Antonio, combining an unconventional accommodation concept with strong wildlife access and Pacific Ocean views through the jungle canopy.
The hotel's signature feature is a pair of converted Boeing 727 aircraft fuselages elevated on steel pylons within the jungle canopy and fitted as two-bedroom suite accommodation. The 727 Congo Suite and 727 Fuselage Suite each sleep up to four guests in fully furnished cabin interiors with kitchenette, private bathroom, and wraparound terraces overlooking the rainforest. These aircraft suites are the most sought-after units at the property and require reservations well ahead of intended travel dates. Beyond the aircraft suites, the hotel's 70 rooms and studios are distributed across several jungle-ridge buildings with standardized furnishings, balconies or terraces, and varying views of the Pacific Ocean or the surrounding rainforest.
Four restaurants serve the property. El Avión, occupying a converted C-123 military cargo aircraft on the grounds, specializes in Pacific seafood and international cuisine and has developed a reputation as one of the better seafood restaurants in Manuel Antonio independently of its hotel association. Additional outlets cover casual breakfast service, poolside dining, and quick-service meals throughout the day.
Two swimming pools are positioned on the hillside to take advantage of Pacific views through the canopy. The property's grounds are dense with primary and secondary forest, and howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, and coatis are regularly observed from room balconies and the pathways connecting accommodation buildings. Scarlet macaws and dozens of tropical bird species frequent the tree canopy throughout the grounds.
The location on the main Manuel Antonio road places the hotel within walking distance of the national park entrance — approximately 15 minutes on foot along the paved highway. Quepos town is a 10-minute taxi ride. The hotel's tour desk arranges national park guided tours, kayaking, snorkeling at Playa Biesanz, white-water rafting on the Naranjo River, dolphin watching excursions, and canopy zip-line activities throughout the central Pacific area.
Hotel Costa Verde represents strong mid-range value within Manuel Antonio, a destination where luxury accommodation typically commands significantly higher nightly rates. The property suits guests seeking a distinctive jungle experience, reliable wildlife access, and proximity to the national park at a price point below the boutique eco-resorts and five-star properties that dominate the immediate area.
Amenities
- Converted Boeing 727 suites
- 2 restaurants
- Pools
- Jungle trails
- Wildlife viewing
- Ocean views
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
9.3967, -84.1667 — View on map
Highlights
- Unique aircraft accommodation
- Excellent wildlife access
- Great value for Manuel Antonio
Tips
- Reserve the Boeing 727 fuselage suites at least 3–4 months in advance — they are the most in-demand units in Manuel Antonio's mid-range category and are rarely available on short notice during the dry season.
- El Avión restaurant, housed in a converted C-123 military aircraft, is open to non-guests and considered one of the better seafood dining destinations in the Manuel Antonio area; a reservation is advisable on weekends and throughout the December–April high season.
- Rooms on the upper floors of the ocean-view buildings offer the best Pacific vistas through the forest canopy — specify a high-floor ocean-view room when booking rather than expecting an upgrade at check-in.
- Howler monkey groups regularly traverse the hotel grounds in the early morning (6–8 AM) and late afternoon; guests spending time on room balconies during these windows typically observe the closest wildlife encounters.
- The hotel is within walking distance of Manuel Antonio National Park entrance — the 15-minute walk along the paved main road is safe during daylight hours and avoids the cost of a shuttle or taxi.
FAQ
What are the Boeing 727 suites at Hotel Costa Verde?
The 727 Congo Suite and 727 Fuselage Suite are two-bedroom accommodations built inside decommissioned Boeing 727 aircraft fuselages elevated on steel pylons within the jungle canopy. Each unit sleeps up to four guests with private terraces, a kitchenette, and a full bathroom.
How far is Hotel Costa Verde from Manuel Antonio National Park?
The hotel is approximately 3 km from the main national park entrance, reachable on foot in about 15 minutes along the paved coastal road or by a short taxi ride from the hotel entrance.
Does Hotel Costa Verde have on-site dining?
Yes. Four dining options operate on the property, the most notable being El Avión restaurant housed inside a converted C-123 military cargo aircraft. El Avión specializes in Pacific seafood and international cuisine and is open to both hotel guests and outside visitors.
Is Hotel Costa Verde suitable for families?
Yes. The hotel accommodates families in standard rooms, studio units, and the 727 aircraft suites, which sleep up to four guests. Wildlife-rich grounds, multiple pools, and proximity to the national park make the property a practical family base in Manuel Antonio.
Accessibility
The hotel's hillside layout and jungle terrain involve stairs and inclined pathways between accommodation buildings and main facilities, with no elevator access on the property. The aircraft suite units are accessed via a raised gangway with steps. Guests with limited mobility should contact the hotel in advance to discuss the most accessible room configurations within the standard room inventory.