Though I consider Manuel Antonio quite a touristy area, it's an incredible place to see all sorts of wildlife, which is probably why it's so popular. Admittedly, I have a preference towards plants, fungi, insects and spiders, but I saw quite a number of other creatures too, including spider monkeys, sloths, and reptiles.
Before heading out to the National Park, I managed to pop by the Spanish school where they were making traditional Costa Rican fare, which was basically corn meal and veggies wrapped and cooked in banana leaves. It was precisely what I needed before heading out on a little jaunt through the park.