MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

'Manuel Antonio National Park', in Spanish the 'Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio', is a small National Park in the Central Pacific Conservation Area located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, just south of the city of Quepos, Puntarenas, and 132 km from the national capital of San José. Established in 1972 with an area enumerating 4,014 acres (16.24 km²) (the smallest of any Costa Rican national park), it is the destination of as many as 150,000 visitors annually and well-known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. It is famous as well for being a very gay friendly and oriented area as well.

Contents

Beaches

Biodiversity

External links

Beaches

Four beaches are contained within the limits of the park: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Escondido, and Playita. With their large light sand berms, it is easy to see why they attract beach goers of all ages. The first is separated from the second by a "tombolo", or natural land bridge formed by sand accumulations. Visitors may enjoy a roughly hour-long hike from Espadilla to the top of Punta Catedral (100 m). Both Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur contain tidal pools and offer the possibility of snorkeling. There are good chances that while hiking you will see monkeys and other animals but please do not feed the animals especially the monkeys, as there have been problems with this in the past.
There are no lifeguards and precaution must be taken, as riptides occur.
Similarly, tourists are ordered to vacate the park before 16.00 every day, on the basis that the incoming tide cuts off the park's exit and allows the entry of crocodiles into the area.

Biodiversity

Although Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's smallest national park, the breath taking beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 6.83 km² is unequaled. 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds are present in the park [1]. Both Three-toed and Two-toed Sloths (perezosos) are a major feature, as are the Mantled Howler Monkey, Central American Squirrel Monkey, and White-headed Capuchin Monkey (feeding them is strictly prohibited). Spiny-tailed Iguanas, Green Iguanas, Basilisks, Coatis and many snake and bat species are also common in the park. Dolphins can be observed there, as well as the occasional migrating whale. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking provide great opportunities to experience the tropical wildlife that enriches Manuel Antonio, arguably one of the country's most beautiful and protected costal areas.

External links

★ Surfing In Manuel Antonio Photo Gallery

★ Manuel Antonio Park Photo Gallery

★ Videos and Photos of Manuel Antonio

★ National Parks of Costa Rica, accessed 3 November 2005.

★ Manuel Antonio National Park at Costa Rica National Parks

★ Manuel Antonio Visitor Info Pictures of Manuel Antonio Park and Beach

★ ASCOMOTIASCOMOTI Foundation for Preservation of the Central American Squirrel Monkey (mono titi)

★ Manuel Antonio Beach Beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio