El Reto Mae - The Best Hike in Manuel Antonio

Finding The Trail

From Marina Pez Vela - Quepos

The main trail head starts near Marina Pez Vela in an area called Zona Americana. To find this trail head you have to climb the hill behind Pez Vela Marina near "La Policia Touristica de Quepos". There is a nice sign at the trail head.

From Playa La Macha Parking

The second trail entrance starts near playa La Macha parking area or Bongo Hostel. Using this entrance can shorten your hike by 1 - 2 km, but you also miss a beautiful part of the hike. If you take the bus from Quepos to this trail head, you need to get off the bus after El Mono Azul Hotel.

The Trail



This trail is pretty well marked by colorful ribbon or yarn. Keep your eyes peeled for the color pink as you look to head south down the coastline on this rugged and beautiful hike.  Even though there are many trail markers, this trail can feel difficult to follow and has the ability to make hikers feel a bit lost from time to time. Our suggestion is to have confidence in knowing that this hike parallels the coastline from start to finish, never detouring inland more than a few hundred meters.  If you feel lost at any point, consider retracing your steps back to the last trail marker and reevaluate from there. Your mission is to make it to the last beach of this hike, which is Playa Biesanz.         

The Hike



What makes this hike spectacular is the mix of epic mirador viewpoints and its numerous private secluded beaches. Make sure you pack a towel and beach supplies, as its great to stop at a few of your favorite beaches to enjoy the majestic beauty around you. Bring your camera as the mirador viewpoints give you epic coastline views that are great backdrops for photos. 

The first beach you can visit on this hike is Playa La Macha and the last beach you should end on is Playa Biesanz. Between those two beaches take your time enjoying Playa la Vaca, Playa Tulemar, and Playa Pará. Be aware that when you get to these beaches, it can be hard to locate the continued trail and that at some points you have to climb some rocks to get you back on the trail.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Writers Tips:

1. Waterproof hiking boots or water shoes are very helpful for this hike as you could find yourself walking through mud, a stream, or the ocean.
2. Remember to always stay near the coastline. At no point does the trail divert more than 300 meters from the coastline so as long as you stay near the coastline, you are safe and near the trail.
3. Use Maps or All Trails to download a map to keep track of there you are and where you are going.
4. Make sure you bring plenty of water as this hike can be difficult and hot.
5. Do this hike early in the morning when more animals are out and active.
6. Try to do this hike at low tide so that you have a lot more beach to play/walk on.