Costa Rica Manuel Antonio
Situated 87 miles (140km) from San Jose, Quepos and the adjacent
Manuel Antonio National park is perhaps the most internationally
known destination in the country. This is not without reason.
The beaches are close to white sand, the weather is perfect for 8
months of the year, with steady but tolerable rain showers June
through October. The wildlife, flora and fauna are spectacular
and there are a wide variety of hotels, tours and restaurants to
keep travelers happy.
The National Park is a top tourist destination whose jungles are
inhabited by sloth, three types of monkeys, over 200 birds
(including toucans) and other exotic animals. The village of
Manuel Antonio is situated on a hillside, which affords
spectacular views from hotel terraces, restaurant decks, and often
your own bedroom window. While these panoramic views of the
Pacific ocean and the rocky islands that breakup the blue expanse
are what makes this destination so popular, it means that your
hotel room will most likely be a short walk, taxi or bus ride to
the beach. There are few beach settings that offer the unique
views of Manuel Antonio. Hotels and restaurants at the highest
points provide such incredible backdrops that even novice
photographers can usually come home with professional quality
shots.
The downside of
Manuel Antonio is that it can be somewhat muggy due to the fact
that it is, after all, a tropical rainforest. The emerald green
forests are a result of the humidity and off season rainfall.
During peak months the beaches and park can get somewhat crowded
(by Costa Rican standards) and the huge popularity of the area has
caused prices to rise steadily. Despite all this, Manuel Antonio
is a must see for the first time visitor to Costa Rica.
Manuel
Antonio National Park:
The wedge
shaped piece of land inside the National Park known as Cathedral
point was at one time an island. A deposit of sand built up over
thousands of years and eventually connected it with the mainland.
A walking trail leads through the dense rainforest to the top of
this point, which offers stunning views down the 300 foot vertical
cliffs to the ocean. The entire looping trail through the park
takes about one hour to complete and leads by three pristine
beaches. Snorkeling here is among the best in Costa Rica. The
waters are calm and perfect for swimming. You are sure to see
monkeys, birds, butterflies and bizarre insects along the route.
It’s a biologists dream and a must see while in the area.
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