Manuel Antonio National

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most visited destinations in Costa Rica, and one of the largest national parks of scenic beauty in the country. The area is famous for its beautiful national park; easily accessible because it is located a short distance from the capital, San Jose. Undoubtedly, Manuel Antonio is one of the most famous places in the country.

Manuel Antonio is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Puntarenas. It is located about 157 km (97.56 miles) south of San José by road, and 7 km (4.35miles) south of the city of Quepos; covering a land area of 1,625 hectares (4015.46 acres), and 55,000 hectares (135907.75 acres) of ocean.

The Park protects 12 islands that serve as excellent refuges for several seabird species. It has excellent beaches: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido, and an important attraction – very humid tropical forest where species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction reside: the raccoon, coati, the agouti, the two-toed sloth, the white-faced monkey and marmosets, for example.  This park also protects patches of primary and  secondary forest, mangroves, beach vegetation, marine environments, islands and a lagoon.

The climate is characterized by high temperatures with an annual average temperature of 27° C (81ºF), and a minimum temperature of 20°C (68ºF). Average annual precipitation is 3,875 mm. The dry months are January, February and March; the rainiest are August, September and October.

This area has the most beautiful white sand beaches, and trails where you can appreciate the nature of tropical forests.

Tourist activities that you can participate in: fishing, diving, snorkeling, whale and dolphin tours, bird watching tours, biking, guided hiking in the National Park and protected areas, white water rafting in the Naranjo and Savegre river (levels II, III and IV – half-day or full day), and horseback riding in private forests with waterfalls.