Highlights and main attractions of Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a small biological reserve set on a peninsula atop an enchanting expanse of tropical rainforest, with spectacular views out to far-reaching white-sand beaches of the Central Pacific Coast. Just a three hour journey from the capital, San Jose, and one of only two spots in the country where you can see all four monkey species, it is also a great place for sloth-spotting. The smallest of Costa Rica’s nature reserves but by no means the least rewarding, Manuel Antonio offers the visitor a tantalising and unusual mix of incredible beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, varied wildlife and one of the best spots for relaxation in natural splendor.
Once a small fishing town, Manuel Antonio soon became the centre of this region and the area is now the country’s second most visited conservation zone, spread over 1,700 acres of land and 135,000 acres of marine reserve. The centre of the town is well-established for tourism and is not an undiscovered destination.
The beaches along this coastline are rugged and vast, making it a popular spot for surfers, and they become less busy the further you head away from Manuel Antonio town.
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