Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park offers 4000 acres of shear abundance and breathtaking beauty. Smallest in size among the national parks, it ranks first in both beauty and in the diversity of wild birds and mammals. Four picturesque beaches are within the park boundaries. The beaches Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur are separated by a natural sandy land bridge, or tombolo, which allows the visitor to walk to the rainforest covered ‘island’ Punta Catedral, and hike around the island or climb 100 meters above the Pacific Ocean to the top.
With 184 recorded bird species and 109 species of mammals, each visit is punctuated by Toucans and Macaws, White Headed Capuchin Monkeys, Great Mantled Howler Monkeys, Three-toed and Two-toed sloths, Iguanas, Coatis, and much, much more. Visitors to Manuel Antonio have spotted migrating whales. The beaches offer sunbathing, snorkeling, and are very popular among surfers. Restaurants and gift shops line the road near the beach.
I always find something new whenever I visit Manuel Antonio. The last time I went, I found a family of Kaqchikel Mayan artisans from Guatemala who come with their looms to make and sell beautiful Mayan handicrafts.
