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Manuel Antonio National Park: A Costa Rican Gem

Discover Costa Rica's natural beauty in Manuel Antonio National Park: stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife await!

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Manuel Antonio National Park, established in 1972, is a small yet incredibly biodiverse national park on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife, it's a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance through the official SINAC website to guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
  • Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Hire a local guide to enhance your experience and learn about the park's flora and fauna.
  • Bring water and snacks, as food is limited inside the park.
  • Be cautious of unofficial vendors selling overpriced tickets or services.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Quepos, take the local bus to Manuel Antonio National Park. Buses depart frequently from the Quepos bus station, approximately every 30 minutes, from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. The bus will be marked “Quepos – Manuel Antonio National Park”. The ride costs around 385 colones. The bus stops near the park entrance, after which you will need to walk on the “Beach Trail” to the national park entrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Quepos and can take you directly to Manuel Antonio National Park. A taxi ride from Quepos to the park typically costs between $5 and $10, depending on your location.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available near the park entrance. There are several parking lots managed by locals. Parking costs approximately 3000-4000 colones for the day.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its natural beauty. Established in 1972, the park encompasses 1,983 hectares of land and 55,000 hectares of marine area. Despite being the smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular, drawing visitors with its impressive landscapes, white-sand beaches, and lush tropical forests. The park's history dates back to 1519 when Ponce de León charted the territory. The area was once inhabited by the Quepoa indigenous community. In 1972, the local community sought conservation to prohibit development and destruction of the natural environment, which led to the park's establishment. Manuel Antonio is renowned for its biodiversity, boasting 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Visitors can spot brown-throated three-toed sloths, Hoffmann's two-toed sloths, mantled howler monkeys, Central American squirrel monkeys, and Panamanian white-faced capuchin monkeys. The park is also home to various reptiles, including black spiny-tailed iguanas and green iguanas. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting toucans, woodpeckers, and tanagers. The park features several beaches, including Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio, known for their clear waters and snorkeling opportunities. The trail around Punta Catedral offers panoramic views. Scuba diving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking are popular activities. To ensure the park's preservation, visitors are advised to purchase tickets online in advance. The park has limited capacity, and tickets are required for entry.

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