As explorinCA says, walking won't be much fun, lots of hills, and true, MA is certainly not a city/town/burg/whistle stop to explore. A rental will let you be a little flexible, and perhaps one day a drive up or down the coast to Jaco or Dominical if the mood strikes. In MA there is a Super Joseth(?) mercado/small grocery store to help you stock up, as liquor and beer, snacks, and some N/American treats are found there. I also recommend Cafe Milagro in MA and Quepos for a (full bilingual) snack, excellent coffee, and banana bread to die for. Maybe a Sat morning trip into Quepos for the farmers market, a small yet goody filled place near the waterfront.

Have a great trip.

Would it be better to stay somewhere else then? Are there other options that might fit the scenic beauty/beaches and the shopping my wife desires?

El Parador has free shuttle to the beach that you can use it has scheduled times. Other areas check Tamarindo in Guanacaste.

El Parador has free shuttle to the beach that you can use it has scheduled times. Other areas check Tamarindo in Guanacaste. It is flat and lots of shops, restaurants

Parador is located within walking distance Playa Biesanz, which is an absolutely beautiful beach and usually not crowded. Most of the hotels in Manuel Antonio are not within walking distance of shops and restaurants due to the hills and jungle. Keep in mind, the hills and jungle are what makes Manuel Antonio unique and home to so much wildlife.

We stayed at Mango Moon and were able to walk to restaurants from there - Cafe Milagro, Barba Roja, Cafe Agua Azul, and Salsipuedes. You have to be careful walking along the road though.

The public bus goes up and down the main drag frequently and is dirt cheap. For excursions transportation ss usually incluuded. Maybe rent a car for a day or two just to explore.

Bus, Taxi or Hotel Shuttle. Save your money.

No need for car rental in Manuel Antonio. El Parador offers a free shuttle 5 times a day to the public beach by the park which you can use and once there if y ou want to go into town (Quepos) you can take the very inexpensive public bus. Taxis in the area are also not expensive. If you are taking tours, they already include pick up at your hotel.