When you travel to Costa Rica, one of the places you will definitely have to visit is Manuel Antonio. Located about three hours from the capital of San Jose, the national park is famous for its scenery and wildlife. Forbes Magazine ranked Manuel Antonio the 11th most beautiful park in the world.
Manuel Antonio is publicized widely in tourism information about Costa Rica. The park features idyllic white sand beaches surrounded by forest – spectacular landscapes worthy of the best photographs – and a great diversity of wildlife.
We recommend a guided tour for your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park to enjoy all the park’s features. You should wear comfortable clothes for hiking since it is a natural park and vehicles are not allowed. You can also go swimming at the beaches; outdoor showers are available for rinsing off afterward.
We share four must-see things in Manuel Antonio that will make your trip memorable.
- 1 Playa Manuel Antonio
Named after the national park, this beach is a paradise where you can enjoy white sand, turquoise sea, and lush green vegetation. It is one of the most popular in the park.
- 2 Playas Gemelas
These twin beaches in the national park are surrounded by a rocky area on both sides. They are easily accessible via a trail where you can appreciate the fauna and beautiful vegetation.
- 3 Playa Puerto Escondido
This small beach is surrounded by dense vegetation with diverse flora and fauna. Unlike the other beaches in the national park, you have to be more careful with the tides because they can leave you isolated when they rise. For this reason, it is essential to go with a guide.
- 4 Mangrove tour in the Damas Island Estuary
An excursion through the mangroves is another option when visiting the Manuel Antonio area. You can take a boat tour to the Damas Island Estuary, about 10 minutes from the Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can see fantastic biodiversity. This tour will be unforgettable for nature lovers.
From Portasol, you can easily access this incredible natural jewel of Costa Rica.