Manuel Antonio National Park is a small park (16.24 km2) and is the destination of around 265,922 visitors annually. It is well-known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
Quick Facts
History
Established in October, 1972.
In 2000 a decree was issued to triple the park's size to just under 1800 hectares.
In 1994 the Park Service began limiting the number of visitors to 600 per day (800 on Saturdays and Sundays) to protect habitat. The park is now closed on Mondays.
Flora and Fauna
Fauna: The diversity of wildlife is outstanding, with 109 species of mammals, 352 species of birds and an undetermined number of marine species.
Both The brown throated, three-toed sloth and two-toed sloth are major attractions, as are three of Costa Rica's four monkey species — the howler monkey, squirrel monkey and white-headed capuchin monkey.
The black spiny-tailed iguana, green iguana, common basilisk, white-nosed coati and many species of snakes and bats are also common in the park. Included in the 352 bird species are toucans, woodpeckers, potoos, motmots, tanagers, turkey vulture, parakeets and hawks.
Flora:
The park is located in a very humid tropical forest zone. It protects primary and secondary forests, mangrove, beach vegetation and marine ecosystems. Guacimo colorado, pilon, maria cedar, guapinol, sura, guarumo and guacimo are among the most common tree species.
Getting there
From San Jose to Quepos Manuel Antonio, it takes about four hours by car.
Take the Pan American Highway west to the Atenas exit. Take the Jaco turnoff and drive south to the city of Quepos. From there it's 5 miles to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Plane and bus services are available from San Jose to Quepos. Buses and taxis run between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
Bus services:
Daily from San Jose´s Coca Cola Market terminal, 6 am, noon and 6pm.
Daily from Puntarenas´ central bus station, 5 am, 11 am and 2:30pm.
Services
Administration and information office doubles as headquarters for environmental research.
Picnic tables, restrooms, showers, potable water and a pay phone.
Several Trails that are well marked and maintained.
Small open-air natural-natural museum and information center on Manuel Antonio Beach.
There's secure parking by the creek near the park entrance.
Recreational Activities
The park has four beaches: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Puerto Escondido, and Punta Catedral.
Hiking Trails:
|
Punta Serrucho Lookout Trail Length: 950 meters. Time: 15 minutes. |
Cascada Trail Length: 730 meters. Time: 20 minutes. |
Playa Tres Trail Length: 380 meters. Time: 3 minutes. |
Los Congos Trail Length: 270 meters. Time: 10 minutes. |
|
Playa Gemela Trail Length: 80 meters. Time: 5 minutes. |
Puerto Escondido Trail Length: 460 meters. Time: 15 minutes. |
Punta Catedral Trail Length: 1.407 meters. Time: 30 minutes. |
El Perezoso Vehicular Trail Length: 1.240 meters. Time: 30 minutes. |
Interesting facts
Starting a few years ago, the sheer number of visitors to Manuel Antoniothreatened to overrun the thriving habitat they come to see. Ex-Park Director José Antonio Salazar believes the park can withstand no more than 300 visitors per day.
In 1994, the park service began limiting the number of visitors to 600 per day.
Litter and pollution are additional problems.
Corridors that once allowed animals to access areas outside the park have been blocked by hotels. This has effectively transformed the park into an "island".
Contact information
Phone numbers:
Manuel Antonio Ranger Station: 2777-0644, 2777-0654
Website: http://www.sinac.go.cr
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