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The
word "paradise"
may come to mind as you view the panoramic vista of blue ocean
and palm fringed white sand beach from the hills above Manuel
Antonio National Park.
Manuel Antonio National Park in Quepos
has three beaches and hiking trails. |
One of the
smallest parks in the country, it is certainly a jewel. The park
is one of the last remaining habitats for the squirrel monkey.
Manuel Antonio possesses one of the most perfect examples of the
tombolo, an island that has joined the mainland over millions
of years of erosion. You can hike from one beach to the top of
Cathedral point to the beautiful view, and descend to the other
beach. Hundreds of bright blue and red mouthless crabs scurry
along the trail. The village just outside the park offers several
restaurants, surfboard rentals, clothing vendors, jewelry kiosks,
and youth selling fresh-picked green coconut drinks. Manuel Antonio
is a family friendly beach. The winding road into Quepos is lined
with hotels perched along the cliffs and a variety of restaurants.
The road from Quepos to Monteverde has recently been paved, making
the 5 hour trip a pleasant one. Pass through several beach towns
such as Playa Hermosa, Playa Jaco, and Playa Herradura as you
hug the coastal cliffs and pass by African Palm Oil plantations.
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