Manuel Antonio and Central Pacific Coast
Quepos is primarily a gateway town into the popular Manuel Antonio National Park. It is very tourism-oriented, having many bars, restaurants, and a vivacious night life. Here you can also find world-class big game fishing.
Manuel Antonio National Park, on Costa Ricas’ Pacific coast, is a favorite for both nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. The national park is famous for its white sandy beaches and adjacent evergreen forest which grows right down to the high tide mark. Fortunately, these beautiful shores were made a National Park, protecting them from the environmental hazards of tourism.
Facilities at the park include an information center, a museum, and a variety of trails. One of the most interesting trails leads you through the jungle to the top of Cathedral Point where you can look down the vertical cliffs to the crystal clear water below. Other activities in the park include snorkeling, horseback riding, boat rides, and fishing programs.
More than 100 species of mammals have been identified here, including the endangered squirrel monkey. The park is also home to two and three toed sloths, common raccons, white-nosed coati, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and tree squirrels. Many of these species can be observed right from the beach. Also frequenting the beach are several species of turtles. Manuel Antonio is a paradise for birdwatchers and snorkelers.
Some of the most common species of birds in the park include the Brown Pelican, Gauco, Black-Collared Hawk, White Ibis, White-Collared Cuejo, Fiery Billed Aracari, Green Kingfisher, and the Northern Jacana. The six main communities of marine life are home to 10 species of sponge, 19 of coral, 24 of crustacean, 17 of algae, and 78 of fish. Especially interesting is the Mouthless Crab, a medium sized crab with a light blue shell, very strong bright yellow claws, and red legs.
Manuel Antonio Local Tours and Excursions
Manuel Antonio local nature-focused tours and excursions include canopy walks, horseback riding, sea kayaking, and white water rafting - and that's just for starters!
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The Best of Patagonia Argentina Tour Package
Start in Buenos Aires, Argentina and a day to explore the city. From Puerto Madryn you will visit the Punta Tombo Penguin Colony and the quaint welsh village of Gaiman. On the following day you will spend the day on the wild Valdes Peninsula, home to wildlife such as the Southern Right Whale, sea lions, sea elephants and the mighty Orca.
3 Day Salkantay Lodge Getaway
This trip combines high-altitude trekking, Inca history and the comfort of a mountain lodge. Based at Soraypampa beneath the towering Salkantay Peak, the journey offers a chance to experience the dramatic beauty of the Andes without committing to a longer point-to-point trek.
Chapada Diamantina National Park Brazil
Chapada is like an oasis in the wilderness. Located in the heart of Bahia, Brazil - Chapada Diamantina has flat-topped mountains, canyons, valleys, trails, caves and the most impressive Brazilian waterfalls.
Hidden Spots of the Costa Rica Pacific Coast
From the misty highlands of a renowned coffee plantation to the pristine, boat-access-only beaches of the Golfo Dulce, and culminating in the lush, wildlife-rich hillsides of Manuel Antonio, this itinerary is crafted for the traveler seeking both adventure and tranquility. You’ll move beyond the typical tourist trails to discover hidden waterfalls, remote coastal paths, and pristine coral reefs, all while staying in boutique accommodations committed to sustainability and unparalleled comfort.
