Manuel Antonio National Park

I. General Information

• Location: Central Pacific Coast, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

• Coordinates: 9.4282° N, 84.1452° W

• Established: 1972

• Size: 1,983 hectares (4,900 acres)

• Closest Town: Quepos

• Climate: Tropical, with a dry season (December to April) and a rainy season (May to November)

• Visitation: 150,000–200,000 visitors annually

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II. Main Attractions

1. Beaches

   • Playa Manuel Antonio: The park’s most famous beach, featuring soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.

   • Playa Espadilla Sur: A quieter beach perfect for sunbathing and relaxation.

   • Playa Gemelas: A remote beach, ideal for those seeking peace and seclusion.

2. Hiking Trails

   • Main Trail: A short, easy-to-walk trail that loops through primary and secondary forest, leading to stunning viewpoints and beaches.

   • Catarata (Waterfall) Trail: Leads to a small waterfall and provides a scenic hike through the forest.

   • Punta Catedral Trail: A moderately difficult trail that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, providing a deeper immersion in the park's biodiversity.

3. Wildlife Watching

   • Observation Points: Several lookout points are scattered throughout the park, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

   • Wildlife Spotting Locations: Areas where visitors commonly spot sloths, monkeys, birds, and other species.

4. Coral Reefs & Marine Life

   • Snorkeling Areas: Near Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, these spots are home to coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and more.

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III. Most Common Species

1. Mammals

   • White-faced Capuchin Monkey (Cebus imitator): Frequently seen in the park, especially in the forest and near trails.

   • Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata): Known for its loud vocalizations, often heard from the treetops.

   • Sloth (Bradypus variegatus): The park is home to both two-toed and three-toed sloths, often found hanging lazily from trees.

   • Coati (Nasua narica): A member of the raccoon family, often seen scavenging or foraging in groups.

2. Birds

   • Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao): One of the most iconic birds in the park, known for its vibrant red, yellow, and blue feathers.

   • Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus): A brightly colored bird often seen near the trails and beaches.

   • Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis): Commonly seen diving for fish along the coastline.

   • Road Side Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris): A medium size bird of prey, often spotted in the canopy.

   • Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea): Often found in coastal wetlands or on beaches.

3. Reptiles & Amphibians

   • American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus): Often seen in the mangrove areas or the mouths of rivers.

   • Green Iguana (Iguana iguana): Commonly seen basking in the sun on rocks or trees.

   • Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobatoidea family): Brightly colored amphibians found in the park's moist, humid areas.

   • Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor): Occasionally spotted in the park’s dense underbrush or hanging from trees.

4. Insects

   • Blue Morphos (Morpho peleides): Large, iridescent butterflies commonly found in the park.

   • Leaf Cutter Ants (Atta cephalotes): Fascinating to observe as they march in long lines carrying leaves back to their nests.

5. Marine Species

   • Sea Turtles: Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles nest on the park’s beaches.

   • Tropical Fish: A variety of species can be seen while snorkeling in the park’s coral reefs, including parrotfish, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish.

   • Dolphins: Bottlenose and spinner dolphins are commonly spotted in the waters around the park.

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IV. Services Inside the Park

1. Guided Tours

   • Certified Bilingual Guides: Knowledgeable guides who offer walking tours, explaining the park’s biodiversity, geology, and conservation efforts.

   • Bird Watching Tours: Specialized tours focused on spotting and identifying the many bird species that call the park home.​

2. Visitor Center​

   • Restrooms: Clean, eco-friendly restrooms located near the park entrance.

   • Souvenir Shop: Selling locally made crafts, park-related merchandise, and educational materials.

3. Transportation

   • Shuttle Service: Available from nearby towns like Quepos and Jaco, providing easy access to the park.

   • Private Transportation: Available for groups or individuals who prefer a more personalized travel experience.

4. Snack Bars and Refreshments

   • Snack Stands: Located near the park entrance and main trails, offering refreshments like water, juice, and small snacks.

   • Picnic Areas: Designated spots for visitors to rest and enjoy packed meals while surrounded by nature

5. Safety and Emergency Services

   • First Aid Stations: Available at the visitor center and main access points.

   • Park Rangers: Staffed to ensure safety and enforce regulations within the park.

   • Lost and Found: A service available at the entrance for misplaced items.

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V. ​ ​Conservation Efforts and Projects

1. Wildlife Protection

   • Efforts to protect endangered species such as the scarlet macaw and sea turtles through habitat restoration and monitoring programs.

2. Education and Awareness

   • Programs to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the park’s biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

3. Research and Monitoring

   • Ongoing scientific research focused on understanding the park’s ecosystems and species, contributing to global conservation efforts.

This database provides a comprehensive guide to Manuel Antonio National Park, including key attractions, species, services, and regulations, as well as practical details for visitors.