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.

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