Exotic Fruits in Manuel Antonio (What to Try and When)
Manuel Antonio is one of the best places to taste Costa Rica through fresh fruit. You will see familiar names and a few that feel completely new, especially if you visit local markets or order fresh juices and fruit plates. This guide covers the most interesting fruits to try, what they taste like, how to choose them, and the easiest way to enjoy them without overthinking it.
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The easiest way to try exotic fruits in Manuel Antonio
If you want a simple approach, start with fresh juices, smoothies, and fruit plates. You get variety without having to guess how to cut, peel, or select each fruit. If you enjoy exploring, local markets and fruit stands are the best places to see what is in season and try something new.
Top fruits to try (and what they taste like)
Costa Rican fruit is all about bright flavors, fragrance, and texture. You may want to start with something easy and then go more adventurous. Look for fruits with a clean aroma and a little softness, and avoid anything with heavy bruising or a fermented smell.
Mango
Rich, fragrant, and sweet. When perfectly ripe, it is soft and juicy with a tropical perfume.
Pineapple
Crisp, bright, and sweet-tart. Fresh pineapple here can taste more aromatic than what many people are used to.
Papaya
Soft and mellow with a gentle sweetness. Many people love it in smoothies or with lime.
Passion fruit
Intense and aromatic with a sharp tang. Best scooped into yogurt, fruit bowls, or drinks.
Guava
Floral and slightly tart. Great in juice, and also common in local sweets.
Soursop
Creamy texture with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Often enjoyed as juice or smoothie.
Star fruit
Crisp and refreshing with a mild, slightly citrus taste. Best chilled.
Dragon fruit
Mild, clean, and lightly sweet. More about texture and freshness than strong flavor.
Rambutan
Sweet and juicy with a grape-like feel. Easy to love if you want something fun and refreshing.
How to choose ripe fruit (quick tips)
Smell matters. A ripe fruit usually has a fresh aroma rather than a sharp or sour one. Touch matters too, but it should feel gently ripe, not mushy. Ask what is best today if you are buying from a stand or a market. In the tropics, the best fruit often changes week to week.
How to enjoy fruit comfortably (and avoid stomach surprises)
If you are sensitive to new foods, start slow and keep it simple. Choose freshly cut fruit from clean, reputable places and avoid fruit that has been sitting in heat for a long time. Wash fruit if you are preparing it yourself. Keep hydrated, and if you are doing a national park day, fruit is great when paired with water and something salty for balance.
A simple fruit tasting plan for a 3-day stay
Day one: start with mango, pineapple, and a fresh juice. Day two: try passion fruit and rambutan, or guava in juice. Day three: go for one “new” fruit you have never tried, and keep the rest familiar. This approach gives you variety without overloading your stomach or your schedule.
How to plan a fruit day if you’re staying at Makanda
The easiest plan is to keep it effortless: enjoy fresh fruit at breakfast, then explore during the day, and come back for a slow lunch, pool time, and sunset. If you want recommendations for what is best in season during your dates, our team can point you toward the best options.
Direct booking tips before you travel
If you like to plan with zero surprises, review our official Reservation Policy before arrival so you know exactly how deposits, payments, and cancellations work.
Useful links for planning your stay:
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