Manuel Antonio
From World travel guide
Manuel Antonio is a national park on the mid-pacific coast of Costa Rica, just south of the city of Quepos. The park is open Tu-Su 07:00-16:00.
Contents |
Understand
History
- Created in November of 1972, to an extent to protect it from development as the area's tourist industry began to boom.
Landscape
- The park is 682 Hectares in size; partly land, partly sea. It is Costa Rica's smallest park.
Flora and fauna
- In the park there is a lot of wildlife to be seen, for instance: Squirrel monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crabs, toucans, bats, birds.
- Please DO NOT feed the monkeys As tempting as it may seem and even if others are doing it, please do not feed the monkeys. The reasons to avoid this are endless and doing so contributes to the endangerment of the animals in and around the park.
Climate
- The dry season lasts from December through March, but it is commonly rather humid year-round.
Get in
By car
- About 3 hours by car from San José.
If you go by car or shuttle service you should really stop at Puente Río Tarcoles (the bridge over Tarcoles river) about halfway between San José and Manuel Antonio. This is a favorite spot for crocodiles that come here to warm up before hunting at night. You will normally be able to see at least 30 crocodiles here. The reptiles pose no threat (unless you plan to jump down to them), but you should pay attention to the traffic, especially when you cross the road to see the crocodiles on the other side.
By bus
- There is a bus driving the route Quepos-Manuel Antonio that leaves every 30 minutes. You can catch the bus at any of the many stops along the way. Fare 200 colones (US $0.50) each way.
Fees/Permits
- Entrance fee $7.
There is a limit of 600 allowed (simultaneous) visitors on weekdays and 800 on weekends, but this tends only to be a problem in the Easter week and the last week of the year. At these times you might have to stand in queue and wait for someone to leave before you are let in if you arrive late.
Get around
See
Do
- Hiking in the national park. There are 4 short trails in the park (1-3 km).
- Wildlife watching with guide. $20 per person.
- Relax at the beautiful beaches inside the park.
Buy
Eat
- It is not possible to buy food or drinks inside the park.
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
Camping
Backcountry
Stay safe
Get out
External links
| This article is still a stub and needs your attention. Plunge forward and help it grow! |
