Manuel Antonio Growth – Where Will it Go?

Where Manuel Antonio growth will go is a very good question. The road that leads from Quepos down to the National Park is about as densely developed on either side as it can be. To the west of that road is the Pacific ocean. Much of the immediate east side, behind what’s already there, is not developable, nor really even accessible.

There’s not a whole lot of room for Quepos to expand. The pueblo itself is getting a shot in the arm, economically, by the new Pez Vela Marina, which is undergoing rapid commercial development. But area-wise, the only direction really for the entire Quepos/Manuel Antonio are to grow in is to the east of Quepos and the Costanera.

Currently there’s not a whole lot going on in those locations. To the east of the Costanera, the area behind the hospital and the Quepos airport (Aeropuerto La Managua), there are popular tico barrios, such as Lomas del Cruce and Lourdes. Could those barrios one day become “gentrified” gringo enclaves, the way many tico barrios up in the mountains around places like Dominical, Ojochal and Uvita have become?

Well, it’s certainly a possibility!

One thing’s for sure, the impetus for growth is there. More and more expats will be looking at this area, with its easy flights from San Jose and its 5-star marina, as the place to call home. Developers will surely take notice and be on the lookout for good, cheap and plentiful land. I believe the locations where they will find that available are those tico barrios to the east of the Costanera. Developments on the “high ground” in those areas will feature easy airport access, ocean views, and quick access to Quepos and, of course, the gorgeous beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Recently I had a conversation with my old buddy Cornelius. I’ve known Cornelius since way back during my first visits to the area in the early 2000’s. Back then he was first a bartender and later manager at the famous La Mansion Inn, which was always one of my favorite places to stay while in the area. It still is, by the way, and has always been a favorite of many of my vacation customers. There’s nothing like the views of the bay from the pool area and I love the cool bat cave bar!

Cornelius, or Corky, is now the marketing manager at Hotel Kamuk, the largest and one of the oldest hotels in Quepos. Over the years he has become a real VIP, politically and otherwise. Someone you definitely want to know. Plus, he’s just an all-around great guy. He told me that growth in the area will definitely go in the direction of those tico barrios out behind the airport and hospital. He took me for a quick tour as I had never had reason to go over there before. That’s where Manuel Antonio growth has to go, Corky informed me!

There is only so much density that the “jungle road” that leads to the park can handle before it begins to really take a toll on the rich biodiversity that draws people to Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio growth needs to spread out a little and going east is the way that can happen without damaging the biodiversity and ambiance with too much additional high density.

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