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Updated by Olga Greentraveler on Apr 16, 2015
Headline for Six things to know about Manuel Antonio National Park
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Six things to know about Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is the most popular tourist area of Costa Rica... and there are several reasons for that... Now... When you want to go in the National Park, there are certain things to know that are quite important.

1

Manuel Antonio National Park is, indeed a National Park... Not a public beach.

Manuel Antonio National Park is, indeed a National Park... Not a public beach.

Somehow people expects Manuel Antonio to be a beach where there will be restaurants, bars and fruit stands. NO. It is a National park and made to protect its rich wilderness. You will NOT find any commerce in it. Not one single place to buy a bottle of water. So bring your own and when you exit please take the bottle to put it in your waste basket back at the hotel.

4

The beach is beautiful, but the rainforest and its wildlife are its true purpose.

The beach is beautiful, but the rainforest and its wildlife are its true purpose.

Manuel Antonio beaches are absolutely beautiful. However, there are so many more things to watch and enjoy there. Take a walk in the trails... the rainforest is magnificent! You will see racoons, and coatimundis, agoutis, sloths and probably some groups of monkeys. And yes... we know you might not know what an agouti or a coatimundi is... Isn't that marvelous?

3

Manuel Antonio National Park is better with a tour guide.

Manuel Antonio National Park is better with a tour guide.

The fact is, actually, that the tour guides know their business. They are always there, they know where the monkeys are, they know where the sloths are... And most important they know where to find the invisible stuff... Like that amazing colorful cricket! And much more! They know so much about the natural history, by the end of your tour you will feel like a star in an Animal Planet or Discovery Channel documentary. Ask us about guides if you are on your own... Not all people you see walking with a scope is really good... Please ask us!

6

Every now and then, yes... there are sea fleas... and other uncomfortable creatures in the ocean.

Every now and then, yes... there are sea fleas... and other uncomfortable creatures in the ocean.

If, you get to Manuel Antonio National Park... and nobody is swimming in the ocean... there is something wrong! The water in this area is very warm, and it is almost like a pond... Such a pleasure to get in there!.... SO! If you see nobody is swimming ask about the reasons and don't get in until you find them (There are several park guards and guides all over the place). There are sea fleas every now and then... or there can be jelly fish... and even bigger stuff... Please be alert to this.

5

It is a rainforest... so, yes, it rains every now and then.

It is a rainforest... so, yes, it rains every now and then.

We would not recommend though an umbrella... Better a poncho if you are planning to see the rainforest and enjoy its nature. There are some areas where the walk is made on a wide sort of dirt road, but there are some other trails that are very narrow. And then the umbrella is very uncomfortable.

2

There is actually a walk to take to get to the beach.

There is actually a walk to take to get to the beach.

The National Park entrance is "sort of" behind the beach... Not in front (It used to be, but not anymore!). So, you have to purchase the tickets ($16 pp) at one place and come with your ticket to the entrance. And from there you have to walk for about a half a mile to get to the famous third beach. However, this walk, if made with the right guide can turn into an amazing amusement park. Again ask us about that... tour guides and entrance tickets can be arranged by our staff!