Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica Tours (HD)
Manuel Antonio National Park - Costa Rica Tourism (HD)
Travel Videos HD, World Travel Guide
Located 120 miles (192 km) from San Jose on the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is internationally recognized as being one of the most biodiverse parks on the planet. Lush tropical forests, lagoons, mangroves and pristine white sandy beaches make up one of the most diverse ecosystems imaginable. Among the 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds, some of the frequently viewed residents include white-faced and howler monkeys, two and three toed sloths and iguanas. The endangered squirrel monkey calls the park home as well.
The park contains a great system of well marked trails to allow visitors to explore (maps may be purchased at the park entrance). The four beaches in the park, Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondito and Playita, are some of the best in the country. Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio offer very good snorkeling when the water is clear, which is best during the dry season. At 236 feet (72 m) high, Cathedral Point lies between Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow land bridge and if you&re up for the hike, provides a memorable view. Playa Manuel Antonio offers a glimpse into the past with pre-Columbian turtle traps made of stone. Surfing, swimming or just relaxing under the sun are favorite activities for park goers.
Manuel Antonio National Park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Regulations have been in effect to limit the amount of visitors to 600 on weekdays and 800 on weekends and holidays. To avoid large crowds, early morning from May to November may be the best time to experience the park. Peak months are from December to April. The entrance fee is $6 and free for children 12 and under. Petty theft is common around the park so be sure not to leave your possessions unguarded.
Landscape in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
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The park is 682.7 Hectares in size; partly land, partly sea and mostly known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife. It is Costa Rica's smallest park. There are four primary beaches in Manuel Antonio: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondido and Playita. This national park is located on the pacific coast of Costa Rica in the province of Puntarenas.
Flora and fauna
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In the park there is a lot of wildlife to be seen: Squirrel monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crabs, toucans, bats, birds and golden orb spiders.
Please do not feed the monkeys As tempting as it may seem and even if others are doing it, please do not feed the monkeys. The reasons to avoid this are endless and doing so contributes to the endangerment of the animals in and around the park. Do not feed any of the wild anaimals. They are devloping a tatse for Human food and will steal your lunch. You will be thrown out. The signs warning you of this are in English.
See in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
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The beach. The prettiest beach is the furthest from the park entrance by the cul-de-sac. You enter the park and walk past two beachs in the natational park untill you make the turn to the left. It is a white sand beach about ½ mile in length, in a small crescent. The beach is about 40 feet from the jungle to the water. The waves are gentle and the current is not strong. The beach itself is free of trash and litter, as are most beaches in CR. There is no life guard.
Outside the National park there is another beach, which you will pass on the way to the National park, it is free to enter. One this beach one can rent chairs, surf and boogie boards, and purchase a massage. The waves are siginificantly larger. There is no life guard. There are no life guards at these beachs and one swims at their own risk. There are no marker bouys signling how far it is safe for one to go. There is not a dangerous current, as of summer 2007, at Manuel Antonio, but any person should familarize them selves with how to swim out of a rip current when going to a new beach that has no life guard.
Do in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
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1 - Hiking in the national park. There are 4 short trails in the park (1-3 km). You can do the most common one with a guide and then once your tour is over, take time to follow one of the other trails, and also go swim.
2 - Wildlife watching with guide. $20 per person.
3 - Fishing Best place in the world to bend a rod. Huge sailfish and Marlin caught nearly every trip.
4 - Relax at the beautiful beaches inside the park. Water is normally clear-blue in color.