GENERAL INFORMATION

The Manuel Antonio National Park is a small biological peninsula found within an area devoted to different productive activities, such as agriculture, cattle and high tourism development. It is one of the country’s most scenic and beautiful national parks. The mean annual temperature is 27°C, with a minimum temperature of 20°C.

LOCATION

This wildlife area is located in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Puntarenas, some 157 km south of the city of San José and 7 km south of the city of Quepos. It forms part of the Central Pacific Conservation Area.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

The most characteristic species of flora in the primary forest are guácimo colorado (luehea seemannii), pilón (hieromyna alchomeoides), cedro maría (calophyllum longifolium), guapinol blanco (hymeneae courbaril), surá (terminalia oblonga), guapinol negro or stinkingtoe (cynometra hemitomophyla), lechoso (cow tree/brosimum utile), cenízaro (pithecelobium saman)and ceiba (silk cotton tree).

Of its most important fauna we find the raccoon, coatamundi, agouti, two-toed sloth, the white-faced and squirrel monkey.

You can also enjoy the beauty of beaches like Espadilla Sur, Puerto Escondido and Manuel Antonio.

SERVICES OFFERED

General information, potable water, restrooms, showers, lunch area, swimming area, trails, look-outs, local guides, Ecological Blue Flag.

REGULATIONS

• If you need help or have questions, please ask the rangers; they will kindly help you.
• All the living things, plants and animals alike, share this planet with you. Please respect them. : Enjoy the peace and natural sounds of the forest. Do not play radios or make loud noises that might disturb the tranquility you will find here.
• Please keep to the trails. The signs are for the benefit of all, do not deface or destroy them.
• This area is a natural preserve. We invite you to observe, enjoy and take as many pictures as you like. But please do not remove plants, animals, stones or other materials as souvenirs.
• Please collect your garbage and deposit it in the appropriate containers.
• Do not feed the wildlife. They can suffer serious health problems if they eat people’s food.
• In spite of its biological diversity, many animals living in Costa Rica are hard to observe because of their migratory or reproductive habits, because they are nocturnal or because the forest is too dense to see them clearly. Move quietly and sharpen your observation skills in order to better appreciate the richness of this area.
• All protected wildlife areas have rules that regulate resource protection and visitors’ activities. This park operates under these rules for public use and all visitors must respect them.