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Manuel Antonio National Park: Costa Rica's Coastal Gem

Explore Costa Rica's iconic Manuel Antonio National Park: rainforest trails, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife await your discovery.

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Manuel Antonio National Park, established in 1972, is a small yet incredibly biodiverse park on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, near Quepos. It features rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs, offering diverse wildlife sightings and stunning landscapes in a compact area.

A brief summary to Manuel Antonio National Park

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance through the official SINAC website to guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
  • Arrive early, ideally between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
  • Bring binoculars to enhance wildlife viewing, as many animals are high in the trees.
  • Be aware of individuals impersonating park staff selling overpriced services; purchase tickets and parking directly.
  • Adhere to park rules: no food, and only natural drinks or water in reusable bottles are allowed.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Quepos, take the local bus to Manuel Antonio National Park; buses depart frequently (every 30 minutes) from the Quepos bus station. The bus is marked 'Quepos - Manuel Antonio National Park'. The ride costs approximately ₡380. The bus will drop you off at a roundabout near Playa Espadilla Norte, from there, walk along 'Beach Trail' for about 5 minutes to reach the park entrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Quepos and Manuel Antonio. A taxi ride from Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park typically costs between $5 and $10, depending on your location. Ensure the taxi is official and agree on the fare before starting the journey. The ride is short, approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Driving

    Drive south from Quepos towards Manuel Antonio. Follow the main road (Route 618). As you approach the park, be prepared for traffic, especially during peak hours. Several private parking lots are available near the park entrance. A recommended parking lot is 'Manuel Antonio National Park - Official Parking'. Parking costs approximately ₡4000-₡5000 for the day. Be cautious of unofficial parking touts.

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Discover more about Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park, established in 1972, is a jewel of Costa Rica's national park system, located on the Pacific coast near the city of Quepos. Despite its relatively small size at 1,983 hectares (4,900 acres) of land and 25,634 hectares (63,340 acres) of water, it is the most visited park in the country, drawing visitors with its stunning combination of rainforest, beaches, and coral reefs. The park's history is rooted in the local community's desire to protect the area from development and ensure public access to its natural beauty. In 1519, Ponce de León charted the territories of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The park is named for a conquistador who, according to legend, is buried within its borders. In the 1970s, locals protested restrictions imposed by foreign owners, leading to the park's creation. Manuel Antonio is renowned for its biodiversity. Visitors can spot two and three-fingered sloths, various monkey species including squirrel monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and colorful crabs. The park features several well-maintained hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels, including an adapted trail for wheelchair access. These trails lead through lush rainforest and offer panoramic ocean views, especially from the path around Punta Catedral. The park's beaches, including Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio, are considered some of Costa Rica's most beautiful, framed by dense forests and offering clear waters for snorkeling. Cathedral Point, with its forest-covered cliffs, was once an island but is now connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, separating the two main beaches. Important for visitors: tickets must be purchased online in advance. The park has strict rules regarding food and single-use plastics to minimize environmental impact.

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