Costa Rica Nationalpark Manuel Antonio

National Park Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular of the country, because of it´s beautiful white beaches. It is located about 4 miles south of Quepos at the Pacific. The street leading from San José to Quepos got finally fixed now. Drive from San José to Alajuela (airport), Orotina and Jaco or take the other way passing Santa Ana, Ciudad Colon and Puriscal. The first street goes along the pacific coast after passing Orotina. You will need about 3 hours.

If you take the other way via Puriscal, you will see a beautiful scenery with jungle, canyons, mountains and valleys. A big part behind Puriscal is unpaved, but sometimes gravel is better than one whole after the next in the asphalt. You save about 20 miles but will need the same time to get to Quepos. Take your time, make breaks and enjoy the scenery.

In Quepos, you will find many hotels, which are listed under accommodations in the province of Puntarenas. Many of them are owned and operated by US citizens and you will find something for your taste. The better hotels are located at the street between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, crossing the hill. If you go during the main season, make your reservation early, because hotels are often booked out during christmass and new year as well as eastern.

You will not find hotels directly at the beach, because the hill is steep and the first 50 yards can not be used to construct. The only place directly at the water is offered by Natures Beachfront Aparthotel. An oasis of peace and quietness with only 4 apartments.

The long public beach in Manuel Antonio can be used free, but the nicer beaches inside the park can be enjoyed only after paying the entrance fee of US$ 6 per person. You ask, if it is worth? I would say yes, if you are here the first time. The park is closed on monday, try to go between wednesday and friday. At the weekends, there are many locals and on tuesday visit the one´s who couldn´t get in on monday.

The entrance to the park is at the end of the street to Manuel Antonio, where the street makes a loop. You will find people selling souvenirs, coconuts and drinks along the beach, as well as small local restaurants (sodas), where you can get a good breakfast. Prices vary much. Always compare, even if it is not easy when you are on vacation. Locals, as well as foreigners with residency in Costa Rica pay only about US$ 1 in all the parks, but have to bring their "Cedula de Residencia" or a similar document. Try to visit the park in the early morning. You have to pass a river, which has about 10 inches of water during low tide. If you should leave the park during high tide, a small boat waits for you to make the transfer. However, do not think it is free. For the small distance of 100 yards, they charge about US$ 1. If you have suitable clothes, walk through without having doubts, the water will reach until your belt or maybe up to your chest.

Walk along the trails very quiet and try to see some animals. Iguanas and monkeys are always at the beach. They try to steel bananas from the tourists. Please do not feed them since it disturbs their natural scence of surviving and even can get aggressive. Maybe you even see a sloth or an armadillo. The biggest attraction are the secluded beaches. Especially beach number 3 is suitable for swimming and snorkling.