Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park (Cantón de Aguirre, Puntarenas) this park is just south of Quepos on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast (located 132 km from San José). Perhaps it is so popular because of its expansive white sand beaches, backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. The principal habitats are primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamps, lagoons and beach vegetation. There is quite a varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. The park includes 12 little isles just off the coast these are often visited by a number of dolphins and, at times, migrating whales can be spotted. With the opening of Manuel Antonio National Park in 1972, the people of Costa Rica decided to preserve, for future generations, one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the world. Although it is the country’s smallest national park, the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife within its 683 hectares is unequaled. Hours: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (daily). Admission: $16 (adult), $5 (children ages 6-12), free for children under 6 years of age.