Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

The Manuel Antonio National Park is a nature preserve and bird sanctuary located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, about 3 miles south of the town of Quepos.  It is a minimum four hour drive from San José.  The park is home to sloths, iguanas, whitefaced monkeys (also called capuchin)--who will take your food and small belongings if you aren't careful--, and many species of birds including toucans and scarlet macaws.  The land is mountainous so there are four separate beach coves within the park divided from each other by cliffs.  Senderos (trails) through the rainforest lead you to the different beaches. The Sendero Mirador takes you to the top of a cliff from which there is a breath-taking view of Punta Serrucho and the Pacific Ocean.  Snorkeling, horse-back riding, and hiking are just a few of the many activities offered at Manuel Antonio.