Serving Costa Rica and Nicaragua
1-800-517-2430
We are in Costa Rica!
We are in Costa Rica!
|
COSTA NICA TOURS Serving Costa Rica and Nicaragua |
1-800-517-2430 We are in Costa Rica! |
 |
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica |
||
Hotels in Manuel Antonio |
||
Tours in Manuel Antonio |
||
 |
Many who visit Costa Rica are attracted to a particular destination in the country, Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is a community only 5 miles (8 km) from the port town of Quepos on the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. This community's most well known asset is Manuel Antonio National Park. Ironically one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica is also the smallest. Manuel Antonio National Park is 1,685 acres (682 hectares) in area but in it you will find amazing beaches, lush rainforest, abundant wildlife and a setting of islands offshore. The four pristine beaches in the park live to their reputation. White sands are bordered by lavish vegetation these beaches offer breath-taking scenery. Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondido and Playita make up Manuel Antonio's beach compound. The park also includes a network of trails that will guide you through an amazing humid tropical rainforest. Howler monkeys bounding from branch to branch, sloths peacefully hanging form branches, and macaws flapping by make it a lovely hike. There are several signs warning you about not to feed the monkeys since recent studies show that they are prone to high cholesterol levels when fed sandwiches or chips. From Quepos to Manuel Antonio buses run constantly along the 2.5-mile (4 km) paved road. Along the way you will find hotels strategically located on the hills offering breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean. International food restaurants stand along the road serving delicious dishes and offering "cabinas". You can also take a taxi from Quepos to Manuel Antonio; try to travel as a group to reduce the costs. Once you get to Manuel Antonio, at the park’s entrance you will find numerous activities available to you. Vendors offer different types of tours such as scuba diving tours, canopy tours, fishing tours, ATV rentals and local guides offer their professional services to walk you through the park. In addition, rafting, dolphin and sailing excursions can all be booked through local travel agencies, or by your hotel. Small eateries and fruit stands are located near the park’s entrance. There is so much to do in Manuel Antonio that what most visitors do is spend the entire day in the park or near it and return to their lodgings late at night. At night a few discos and bars offer a friendly atmosphere where both Ticos and foreign visitors can share a few drinks. An American bought the land that today makes Manuel Antonio National Park in 1968. This person protected the entrance to his property but the locals objected to this measure. Since the law in Costa Rica grants beach access to all, the municipal council ruled that access to the beaches had to remain open. In 1972 an investor had the idea of constructing a resort in the area and this triggered the locals to lobby to create a national park. The government expropriated the land and created Manuel Antonio National Park in November 1972. Since then Manuel Antonio has been the most visited park in the country. Tourists who enjoy walking along its trails that lead to the beaches or one that leads to a viewpoint where you can take in the beauty of the ocean and the lush tropical vegetation. Manuel Antonio National Park includes several islands not far offshore that serve as bird sanctuaries. When you visit Manuel Antonio and the national park you will understand why Costa Rica is said to have no artificial ingredients. Buses depart daily from San Jose to Quepos/Manuel Antonio. You can also take a charter flight to Quepos and then rent a car here to travel in the Central Pacific Region. |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
| |
| Costa Nica Tours, US and Canada:Toll free 1-800-517-2430, Costa Rica:Tel (506)2240-3120 Fax (506)2240-3597
|