If you are visiting Costa Rica, Manual Antonio is a must-see destination. Although small in size, this national park is a treasure, offering one of the most attractive and picturesque natural settings in the entire country. In fact, Forbes listed Manuel Antonio as one of the most attractive national parks in the world in 2011.
Located along the Pacific Ocean, and approximately 1,700 acres in size, Manuel Antonio National Park is just over 80 miles from San José. Founded in 1972, the park is designed to offer a safe haven for several endangered species.
There are many reasons why you should take the time to visit Manual Antonio National Park while in Costa Rica. Here are 7 reasons why you will enjoy this special national park.
- Surfing someone? Manuel Antonio is a great place to enjoy crystal clear waters and great surf. Competitive surfers can even take advantage of various surf tournaments. If you prefer to explore the water in some other way, like snorkeling, sea kayaking, snorkeling, or just swimming, you can certainly do all of that too.
- Bird watchers delight. If you like bird watching, this is the place for you! You will have the great opportunity to see more than 150 different species of birds in this national park. Some of the birds you may see during a visit include tanagers, parakeets, toucans, pothos, and motmots.
- Wild life you read about. How about an afternoon with a two- or three-toed sloth or a day watching troops of squirrel monkeys swing from tree to tree? The variety of animals you will see at Manual Antonio is sure to delight people of all ages.
- Walking on clean white sands. The beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio are covered in clean white sand … creating a magnificent contrast to the clear blue sky and deep blue ocean. This special park includes four beaches: Payita, Teloro, Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio.
- Catch your dinner! Fishing is a favorite activity for many in Manuel Antonio. The best time to fish is between November and April.
- Take a hike through the lush forests. The rich tropical forests of Manuel Antonio create a beautiful landscape for hiking.
- See some history. Enjoy a blast into the past with a look at some ancient stone turtle traps.
Whether you are traveling to Costa Rica for business or pleasure (or a combination of both), a trip to Manuel Antonio will not disappoint. Before your visit, it is important to know some of the park regulations. The early morning is usually one of the best times to visit and avoid tourist congestion in this popular destination. Also, there are some rules to restrict the number of visitors per day. There is a small fee for adults to enter the park, but children 12 and under are free.