Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park was established in 1972, by decision of people in Costa Rica who wanted to preserve nature and wildlife for further generations. With the pass the years Manuel Antonio National Park in one of the most beautiful bio-diverse area in the world, 683 hectares cover of diverse, stunning and beauty wildlife are one of the several attractions Manuel Antonio National Park has.

The zone of Manuel Antonio counts with great beaches, coral reefs great for snorkeling and a dense rain forest. Manuel Antonio beaches are considered by Costa Ricans as the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The rain forest is the home of several species, including iguanas, sloths, a lot of squirrel monkeys and thousands of little crabs.

Visiting the park, one is treated to an abundant diversity of wildlife. Cathedral Point, with its forest topped cliffs was once an island, but is now connected to the coast by a thin strip of island. This land bridge now forms the spine separating the parks two most popular beaches, South Espadilla Beach and Manuel Antonio beach.

The southern facing beach, Manuel Antonio beach, is a picturesque half mile long, white sand crescent bisecting deep green foliage to one side and a private, secluded cove to the other.

Standing with your feet dug into the sand and watching the wave crash against the rocks on either side of the lagoon, it is easy to believe that you are a thousand miles from anywhere.

Park Attractions

Manuel Antonio National Park is perhaps the most visited park in Costa Rica. The picturesque Punta Catedral was once an island off the coast. Over the years, sedimentation filled in a bar of sand, connecting it to the mainland. The locals call this stretch of white sand beach Tombolo.

The volcanic-sedimentary cliffs rise steeply from the shoreline, providing scenic vistas and hiking trails. The forested hillsides are home to many of the animals, plants and flowers that are Costa Rica's unique attractions: Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans and scarlet macaws.

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 and frigate birds. The three primary beaches of the park are South Espadilla beach, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido. The mouth of the Naranjo River forms the southern border of the park.

Manuel Antonio National Park Facilities and Hours

Near Quepos Costa Rica, the Manuel Antonio National Park ranger station is open for visitor attention from 8am to 4 pm, and has drinking water and restrooms. An extensive trail system winds through the Manuel Antonio Park, see the trail map above. The Sendero Serrucho offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.