Manuel Antonio National Park is home to more than 352 species of birds, beaches and a wide variety of flora and fauna

Manuel Antonio National Park is home to more than 352 species of birds, beaches and a wide variety of flora and fauna

Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National Park has a great flora and fauna richness, there have been registered approximately approximately 352 species of birds, 109 species of mammals, varied marine fauna and 346 species of plants, according to the National System of Conservation Areas of Costa Rica (SINAC).

Among the most outstanding species of wildlife can be observed the titi monkey (emblem species), white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, 2 and 3 fingers sloths, raccoon, birds like the toucan and many other species. 

This tourist attraction offers a very humid tropical forest where endangered species of flora and fauna coexist, mangroves, marine environments, islands and a 14-hectare lagoon.

In addition, in Manuel Antonio Park, is one of the most popular beaches in the world called Manuel Antonio Beach, occupying a place among the 25 highlighted in the Traveller’s Choice of TripAdvisor 2021.

Manuel Antonio Beach have 22nd place out of the 25 position. This beach is the only one of a Central American destination and is chosen by the votes of thousands of users.

In a short trip you can cross several paths that will take you through a primary forest. You will also have stunning views of the sea and you can enjoy the wildlife that is possible to find at any time.

Hiking trails and attractions

Punta Catedral: This site was formerly an island that due to sediment accumulation joined to the coast by a sandy strip called “Tómbolo”. On the trail you will find three sightseeing places, where you can see several islands, some are home to seabirds.

The Waterfall: made up of a small waterfall, observable only during the rainy season. Refer to the park entrance.

 Mangroves: it consists of a body of fresh and salt water covering about 18 hectares, it is observed along the trails parallel to the beaches Manuel Antonio and South Espadilla. Here there are the following species of mangroves: red, piñuela and gentleman.

 La Trampa: another attraction that can be seen to the right side of Manuel Antonio beach next to Punta Catedral, at low tide you can appreciate a kind of circle formed with archaeological remains, which according to its history this Trap (Trampa) was a tool used by indigenous to capture turtles and fish.

Punta Serrucho Sightseeing place: it is volcanic type or Chalky (calcium) rock formation, whose name Punta Serrucho is given by its broken and irregular shape due to the movements of the earth’s crust as this formation is on a tectonic fault.

Puerto Escondido Sightseeing place: this Sightseeing place allows to appreciate one of the most beautiful park coastal seascapes. You will also have the opportunity to appreciate at low tide, one of the small sand bridges linking some islands to the mainland coast.

Gemelas Beach: beach divided in two by a rock formation that over the years has come to meet the sea, making possible in their areas to see small fragments of stone that were detached from the bedrock. The waters of streams with ocean currents, winds and the movements of tectonic plates have given life to Gemelas Beach, causing it keeps changing with time.

Manuel Antonio Beach: famous beach by its scenic beauty, known for being one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, very appetizing for snorkeling, mainly to the sides where you can see lots of marine life and some corals.

Espadilla Sur Beach: a wide beach at low tide, although it is in a bay it presents some strong waves in some seasons and it less crowded than Manuel Antonio beach.

Hours and rates 

Informatión The entry and stay in this National Park is regulated by different regulations, Manuel Antonio National Park is open to visitors from Wednesday to Monday from 7:00 a.m. at 3:00 p.m. tuesday closed. 

Tickets are only obtained through the link  https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr visitors must present their identity card when entering the park when they show the entry ticket, which is valid only once.

Services:

  • Drinking water
  • Showers and dressing rooms (not allowed to use soap or shampoo)
  • Health Services
  • Interpreted trails (labeled)
  • Sightseeing places
  • Local guides (they are not part of park staff)

How to get there?

located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, in the Canton of Quepos, province of Puntarenas. The park is located about 157 km south of the city of San José capital of Costa Rica and 7 km south of the city of Quepos. 

Map of the Central Pacific Coast: Go visit Costa Rica. 

Source: Costa Rica National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), Carara National Park

Back to Top