With
a relatively small corner of Costa Rica, tourist
can find Manuel Antonio, surrounded by one of the
countries most beautiful natural environments without
forfeiting life’s modern conveniences. The
area has an unexplainable magic to it and once you’ve
been once you’ll want to come back again.
Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest of Costa Rica’s
National Parks that the country has put aside for
total protection. After Poas volcano, it is the
2nd most visited conservation site.
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa
Rica's most famous and popular destinations, due
to its immense tropical beauty and its ease of
access, via a 25 minute flight or an easy 3 hour
drive. All of the hotels in the area are situated
on the ridge, 550 ft above sea level, providing
some of the best views of the pacific in Costa
Rica, and indeed the world! It is said that these
views are among the top 5 views in the world of
the Pacific Ocean, and one you experience it,
you will understand why!
Within the rainforest there are
a wide variety of creatures to discover. There
are 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. The
park itself includes 12 small islands just off
the coast which are protected in the marine park,
where, if lucky, you can see Dolphins and Whales
as they migrate. Its white sandy beaches hit lush,
green rainforest. The natural habitat is home
to many species such as the endangered squirrel
monkey, raccoons, sloth and brown pelicans to
name a few. The space is shared with primary and
secondary rainforest bursting with cedars, bully
trees, locusts and silk cotton trees. Adding to
the biodiversity, a mangrove swamp covers 44.5
acres of the area.
Manuel
Antonio is also known world wide as one of the top
locations for sport fishing. There is the option
to try both onshore and offshore fishing. Offshore
fishermen will find Sailfish (all year), Marlin
(best in Dec-Nov), Yellow-fin and Black Tuna (Best
in May-Nov), plus many other tropical fish. Inshore
fishermen will find amongst others, Rooster fish,
Spanish Mackerel, Red Snapper, Nail Fish and Ojaran,
all of these year-round. If not interested in fishing
then there are many other activities to do such
as white water rafting, jungle tours and horseback
riding.
The
town of Quepos is the major town in the area and
in order to get to Manuel Antonio you will have
to drive through the town. The town is full with
bars, hotels, restaurants, bakeries, art galleries
and gift shops to occupy you whilst not at the beach
or exploring the rainforest. The best time to visit
Quepos is from December to April, and especially
February when the Festival del Mar is held. There
are numerous activities
to do in the area but the Manuel Antonio National
Park must be explored by any visitor to the area.
