Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica's Most Prized Jewel

There are four beaches within the park's boundaries: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Teldoro and Playita. With their wide berms of light sand, it's easy to see why they attract beach lovers of all ages. The first is separated from the second by a "tombolo", or a natural land bridge formed by sand deposits. Visitors can enjoy a walk of approximately one hour from Espadilla to the top of Punta Catedral (100 m). Both Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur contain tidal pools ideal for snorkeling.

Although Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's smallest national park, the diversity of wildlife in its 6.83 km2 (3 square miles) is unparalleled, with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds, including the Fiery-billed Aracari, the Brown Pelican, the Laughing Falcon and the Kingfisher.

Both Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth and Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth (perezosos) are a major feature, as are three of Costa Rica’s four monkey species: the Mantled Howler monkey, Central American Titi (Squirrel) Monkey, and White-headed Capuchin monkey. Black Spiny-tailed Iguana, Green Iguana, Common Basilisk, White-nosed Coati and many snake and bat species are also common in the park