Manuel Antonio National Park

• Address: Cantón de Aguirre, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Phone: +506 2777 5185
• Website: http://manuelantoniopark.com/
• Opening hours: 07:00 - 16:00, closed on Mondays from July to November
• Ticket price: $ 16

It is the smallest park in Costa Rica with an area of ​​only 6.38 square meters. km. But despite its modest size, this is one of the most beautiful places in the world, which amazes with a variety of wildlife. In the Manuel Antonio National Park, there are more than 100 species of mammals and nearly 200 bird species: capuchins, thistle iguanas, white-capped coats, crocodiles, toucans, parrots and other representatives of the local fauna are found here at every turn.

What to see and what to do?

Lush rainforests, blue lagoons, mangroves and white sandy beaches make this place a real paradise on earth. Let's find out what else you can do in the park:

1. Walk into the jungle . Admire the diversity of flora and fauna of tropical forests can be independently on foot or on an ATV. And you can get a guided tour. If you first came to Costa Rica , the second option is preferable, because guides not only tell the history of the park, but also show places where sloths, toucans, coats and other rare animals and birds live. Each guide has a telescope, in which you can observe the feathered and tailed. The walk lasts 2.5-3 hours and includes visits to not only tropical forests, but also beaches. The cost of the excursion varies from $ 51 to $ 71.
2. Diving . The ocean near the coast is famous for its beautiful reefs, bright marine life and calm waters, which makes snorkeling fascinating and safe. Duration - from 3 to 4 hours. The cost is $ 99. By the way, in the National Park Manuel Antonio the best beaches in the country. These are Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondito and Playita. Bury your feet in white sand, take sunbathing, swim in the ocean - for these pleasures do not need to pay extra.
3. Kayaking, rafting, tubing . Fans of surface swimming, too, are not offended. In the park, you can ride a kayak along the coast and admire the dolphins and even whales, rush along the river with tubing and see the tropical thickets from a different angle, or raft along the rushing river and get a dose of adrenaline. Duration - from 40 minutes to 3 hours. The cost is from $ 64 to $ 75.
4. Visit mangroves . A quiet walk by boat through the mangrove channels is a special pleasure. Despite the fact that the tour lasts 3-4 hours, it will not be boring. Mangroves are distinguished by a unique ecosystem, color diversity of the landscape and exotic inhabitants. The cost is $ 65.
5. Canopy tour . If traditional ways of movement do not appeal to you, then go to travel through trees in a special cradle that "swims" on the cables between the platforms, set in the crowns of trees. A great opportunity to look at this protected world from a different angle.

Where to stay and how to get there?

The territory of the Park Manuel Antonio is really huge, so before planning a trip here, it is necessary to determine the place of residence.

1. Hotels near the park . Prices are quite high, but the park and the coast are within walking distance. If you decide to stay here, then pay attention to the world-famous Costa Verde hotel-plane. The cost of living in it is relatively low and the cuisine is wonderful.
2. In the village of Manuel Antonio . Prices are lower and the village is not far, but still have to climb and go down to the beach, which is quite tiring in the heat. You can drive a car, but be prepared for problems with parking. There are few places and most likely it is necessary to pay for parking. Some hotels organize free transfers to the beach, in this case it is necessary to adjust to the schedule.
3. In the city of Quepos (Quepos) . Hotels, restaurants and shops in Quepos are much cheaper and the choice is richer. You can get to the park by car, taxi or by bus, which runs from the bus terminal to the beach of Playa Espadilla. The ticket costs only $ 1.5.

Good to know

1. At the entrance there is a detailed scheme of the park with all its observation platforms, paths and beaches.
2. In the reserve you can not touch and feed animals, use soap or shampoo, take pictures with a flash, drink alcohol and smoke.
3. The territory of the park admits no more than 800 visitors a day, so it's better to come to the very opening. The bulk of tourists arrive by 11:00.
4. Bring a couple of sandwiches and water. Of course, there are several cafes in the park where you can have a snack or buy drinks, but the prices "bite". If you are planning to purchase one of the tours, you do not have to worry about lunch. Almost every tour includes lunch.
5. Look after things and do not leave them unattended. Curious Capuchins like to take something to remember about tourists.