Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
About Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
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What people say
Alex Ayling
Available for hire
"Manuel Antonio National Park is a breathtaking natural treasure located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, near the town of Quepos. Covering an area of approximately 682 hectares (1,686 acres), this small but incredibly diverse national park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and pristine beaches.
Key features of Manuel Antonio National Park:
Biodiversity: Despite its compact size, the park boasts an impressive array of wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of animals, including white-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, coatis, iguanas, and numerous bird species. The park's diverse ecosystems, which include primary and secondary rainforests, mangroves, and beautiful beaches, support this incredible biodiversity.
Hiking Trails: The park offers a network of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through lush rainforests, leading visitors to scenic viewpoints and secluded beaches. The trails are of varying difficulty levels, making it accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels to explore the park's natural wonders.
Pristine Beaches: The park is home to four stunning beaches – Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Escondido, and Playita. With their crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and lush surroundings, these beaches offer a picturesque setting for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in nature.
Marine Life: Beyond the coastline, the park's waters are teeming with marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities abound, allowing visitors to encounter colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles.
Conservation Efforts: Manuel Antonio National Park is committed to conservation and sustainable tourism practices. In the past, it faced issues related to over-visitation and environmental impact, but efforts have been made to limit the number of daily visitors to protect the fragile ecosystems.
Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park is like stepping into a natural wonderland, where the meeting of the rainforest and the sea creates a paradise for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. It's a place where the beauty of Costa Rica's wildlife and landscapes combine to create an unforgettable experience for all who venture into its embrace.
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Maelys Travels
Available for hire
"EN: Manuel Antonio is the perfect place to see animals, so get ready and open your eyes. If you are lucky, iguanas, parrots, sloths, etc. will be there. If you like you can also book a guide.
If there's one national park to visit in Costa Rica, it's Manuel Antonio. The park runs along the beach and offers incredible views.
Entrance costs $20 and it's essential to book in advance, with or without a guide as you wish. Personally, I visited it without a guide and saw more animals than those who visited with one, as the guide doesn't take you on all the trails.
The park is very large, so I recommend going when it opens and staying all day. It's forbidden to take your picnic with you, so you'll be able to buy food directly on-site.
FR : Manuel Antonio est l'endroit idéal pour voir des animaux, alors préparez-vous et ouvrez les yeux. Si vous avez de la chance, vous verrez des iguanes, des perroquets, des paresseux, etc. Si vous le souhaitez, vous pouvez également réserver un guide.
S'il y a un parc national à visiter au Costa Rica, c'est bien Manuel Antonio. Le parc longe la plage et offre des vues incroyables.
L'entrée coûte 20 $ et il est indispensable de réserver à l'avance, avec ou sans guide selon vos envies. Personnellement, je l'ai visité sans guide et j'ai vu plus d'animaux que ceux qui l'ont visité avec, car le guide ne vous emmène pas sur tous les sentiers.
Le parc est très grand, je recommande donc d'y aller dès l'ouverture et d'y rester toute la journée. Il est interdit d'emporter son pique-nique, vous pourrez donc acheter de la nourriture directement sur place. "
Taylor Blair
Available for hire
"YOU CANNOT MISS Manuel Antonio National Park on your trip! Here are some things you should know:
Entrance tickets cost $16 USD. make sure to buy your ticket in advance (they only sell 1,200 a day) and arrive early, this place can get crowded!
Parking costs 4000 colones but BEWARE
of people dressed as park officials telling you to park at the 'official' entrance even though the park is a mile away!! JUST KEEP DRIVING until you see the entrance to the park— there will be plenty of parking there!
I recommend booking a tour guide if you want to learn and get a closer look at the wildlife or do a self-guided tour if you want more flexibility to explore different spots by yourself!
The park is famous for its four white sandy beaches: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondido, and Playita.
Be sure to wear good hiking shoes, a swimsuit and change of clothes to take advantage of all the activities the park has to offer!
This park is rated the top 12 national parks in the world and should be a bucket list destination on your trip! "
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