Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park

July 5, 4:47 PMBoise International Travel ExaminerNancy Sathre-Vogel

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Manuel Antonio's turquoise water

Manuel Antonio National Park, nestled along the mid-Pacific coast in Costa Rica is one of nature’s jewels that no visitor to the country should miss.  It is one of the most visited national parks in all of Costa Rica – with good reason.

As you traverse the park’s trails through tropical forest, you’ll see an abundance of wildlife.  Over 100 species of mammal and nearly 200 species of bird have been identified within the boundaries of Manuel Antonio, including:

• Mono Titl monkey (endangered)
• Two- and three-toed sloth
• White-faced capuchin monkey
• Howler monkey
• White-nosed coati
• Iguanas

The park habitat consists of primary and secondary forest, marsh and littoral woodland, a mangrove swamp, and 12 islands off the coast.

In addition to the prolific wildlife, you’ll encounter pristine white sand beaches sloping gently toward crystal clear turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean.

Just a few of the many features you should be sure to see are:

• A blowhole at Escondido Harbor is spectacular as the tide surges in
• An eroded cliff at Serrucho Point that looks like a saw and is honeycombed with sea caves
• A pre-Columbian underwater turtle trap at the western tip of the park

Manuel Antonio National Park is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  It is closed on Mondays.  Admission is 1000 colones for residents and US$10 for tourists.  There are discounts for students and senior citizens.  Guided tours are available.

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Looking for other activities in Costa Rica?  Find lots of them here!

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