Manuel Antonio National Park – Experience The Magic

Manuel Antonio national park is one of the finest reserves in Costa Rica. The rain forest is tropical in nature and includes the white-sand beaches. The park has different species of monkeys, parrots, toucans, and sloths. There are more than 350 different species of birds. This makes it a paradise for nature lovers. Once in the park, you are never lost because of the presence of walking trails.

The Manuel Antonio national park lies to the south of Quepos on the Pacific Coast. The evergreen forest spreads till the line marking high tide. The park contains primary and secondary forests, mangroves, swamps, lagoons, and beach habitats. The park comprises of 12 isles. Numerous dolphins and whales inhabit the sea.

The creation of the park in 1972 inculcated the feelings of preservation among the local population. The park is rich in biodiversity. Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest parks in the country. However, its diversity is hard to match and unparalleled.

The park has a healthy balance of rain forests, beaches, and coral reefs. The beaches are stunning and provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling. Sloths, iguanas, squirrel monkeys have made the forests their home. Multi-colored crabs, too, abound in number. The trail that leads to Punta Catedral offers some bedazzling views. A number of quality hotels and restaurants are lined near the beaches.

Cathedral Point was initially an island, but is now well connected to the coast. Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonia are two famous beaches. The latter faces south and stretches to half a mile. The white crescent divides the green foliage to one side and a cove to the other.

The Manuel Antonio National Park serves as a biological peninsula. It is home to many activities, including agriculture, cattle, and tourism. The average, annual temperature is 27 degree Celsius. It can reach a low of 20 degree Celsius.

The park offers numerous activities to keep you busy. Surfing contests, hiking, kayaking, canopying, and fishing are some of them.

Getting There

There are numerous ways to reach Manuel Antonio. Sansa Airlines has numerous flights to the park. Through car, it takes nearly three and a half hours from San José. Mercedes buses are also available. Buses leave from the Coca Cola terminal.

If you are considering the option of renting a car, go for the 4×4 as the road can get difficult.

The entrance fee to the park is USD 10 per person. Children below the age of 12 are allowed free entry. On the downside, the park is closed on Mondays.