Manuel Antonio National Park
The park is constituted by beautiful beaches and by the surrounding vegetation of the forest that grows right next to the coastline. The four beaches are: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondido and Playita. Visitors can walk on the beach or in the cooler trails in the forest, where they can spot animals including monkeys (capuchin, howler and squirrel for the most part) sloths, raccoons and quatamundis or “pizotes.” One can see caimans, river otters, pacas, and even ocelots. The best time for spotting most animals is early in the morning. The park also offers tidal pools and a marine life which is seen clearly mostly during the dry season, since during the rainy season sediment in the water will ruin a snorkeler’s expedition.
Journal
Many feel Manuel Antonio was the highlight of the trip. Many trip participants surfed for the first time, while some of us completed a 3 mile kayak and snorkled at a spot off Quepos beach. The squirrel and capuchin monkeys were awesome to watch up close in the reserve, and we watched two picture perfect sunsets on consecutive evenings. The place is gorgeous. We also had the opportunity at night to star gaze on the beach as the Milky Way, Orion, and many constellations could clearly be seen.
Capuchin monkey digging into Marc's bag
Capuchin Monkeys by Billy Faulkner
Squirrel Monkey by our hotel
Toucan friendly with Mr. Chiafulio
Sloth in the forest
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