MANUAL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

                                                                                                                                          Manual Antonio National Park is just south of Quepos on the Pacific Coast, 132 km from San José. Perhaps it is so popular because of its expensive white sand beaches backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. The principal habitants are primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamps, lagoons and beach vegetation. There is quite a varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. The park includes 12 little isles just off the coast; these are a number of dolphins and, at times, migrating whales can be observed.

With the establishment of Manuel Antonio National Park in 1972, the people of Costa Rica decided to preserve, for future generations, one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the world. The stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in Manual Antonio's 683 hectares is totally unequaled. 

This beaches are the most beautiful in the country, lined with lush forest, and the snorkeling is excellent too. The forest is home for sloths, iguanas, the rare and adorable squirrel monkeys and millions of colorful little crabs. And the trail that winds around Punta Cathedral affords some spectacular views. The park is easy to reach, south of the town of Quepos, and it is near a good selection of hotels and restaurants that we would be happy to assist.

The volcanic sedimentary cliffs rise steeply from the shoreline, providing scenic vistas and hiking trails. The forested hillside is the home to many of animals, plants and flowers-- that are native to Costa Rica. Some of the unique wildlife that can be viewed are sloths, iguanas, monkeys, toucans & scarlet macaws.

The three primary beaches of the park are Playas Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido Costa Rica. The mouth of the Rio Naranjo forms the southern border of the park. The islands and islets of Manuel Antonio provide an important refuge for a variety of sea birds. Olocuita and Mogote Islands are mating and nesting sites for brown pelicans, frigate birds and ahingas.

Manuel Antonio offers several kilometers of very well maintained trails offering the easiest access in Costa Rica to the lowland rainforest. The park also has an extensive education program for schools, organizations, and independent visitors.