This is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Manuel
Antonio National Park and was designated as one by the efforts and interest
of the people of Quepos. The National Park has 2 of the most beautiful white
sandy beaches in the country. It is a romantic place of incredible beauty surrounded
by a lush rainforest which imitates paradise.
The National Park is a small biological oasis weighted down
under the pressure of many and conflicting local enterprises such as: agriculture,
livestock and a highly developed tourism. The humid tropical forest is home
to many species of flora and fauna that are in danger of extinction. The wildlife
is varied; 109 mammal species and 184 bird species have been observed. One mammal
that is very interesting for its small distribution range and the fact that
is threatened with extinction is the beautiful and amusing squirrel monkey,
endemic to Costa Rica. Besides enjoying the sun and sea, there are good trails
where you can see white-faced monkeys, sloths, coatimundis and other animals
and birds.
At one time, much of this area was logged using a system called
selective extraction to cut high quality lumber without clearcutting. Now, these
areas of the forest are in a regeneration process.
The park was established on November 15, 1972. Its area encompasses
687 hectares ( 1,700 acres ) of land mass and 55,000 hectares ( 135,905 ) of
marine reserve. This region was once inhabited by the Quepos indians from which
comes the name of the city of Quepos. With the arrival of Europeans, the region
was converted into cultivated cropland which later was purchased by the United
Fruit Company. The which constitutes the park today, was acquired by foreigners
who prohibited local people entering. This precipitated the formation of a pro-national
park commitee which convinced the municipal and national authorities to declare
this area a national park.
The park is located in a region of high precipitation and temperature.
The average annual rainfall is 3,875 mm ( 151 inches ). The dry period is from
January through March while the rainiest months are August through October.
The average annual temperature is 27 C ( 81 F ) with a minimum of 20 C ( 68
F ). The park is situated in a Humid Tropical Forest life zone. It protects
primary and secondary forests, mangroves, beach vegetation and marine resources.
The most characteristic species of flora in the primary forest are the "
guacimo colorado ", bully tree, cedar, locust "surá",
black locust a tree in danger of extinction, cow tree, "madroño",
"cenizaro" and silk cotton tree.
The mangrove swamp which covers 18 hectares ( 44,5 acres ) is compossed of three
species: red mangrove, buttonwood and white mangrove.
The beach vegetation consists mainly of manzanillo, which produces a milky extract,
latex and poisonous berries, almond, tree mayflower and coconut.
Within the wildlife, some of the most common but impressive
species are the raccoon, white-nosed coaties, agouties, the two toed sloth,
white-faced capuchin monkeys and squirrel monkeys. In this area you can also
observe birds such as the Fiery-billed Aracari, Brown Pelican, Laughing Falcon,
Black-collared Hawk, Green Kingfisher and the Northern Jacana. Iguanas, snakes
and thousands of insects also abound.
In addition to the flora and fauna, one of the main features of this area is
the overwhelming beauty of the following attractions:
Playa Espadilla Sur: Extends between the northern limit of the park and Punta
Catedral ( Cathedral Point ). During the low tide is has long wide beach, great
for strolling or sunbathing. And although the can be quite strong, is poses
no real danger to swimmers.
Playa Escondida: Is a small beach that can be found south of the administration
buildings. Because one has to wade through some areas bounded by steep cliffs,
accessibility to the beach depends on the tides. Please inquire with the park
guards as to when and whether you should enter.
Punta Catedral: Is an interesting geological phenomena. It once was an island,
and with the accumulation of sediments, over time, is united with the continental
landmass forming a sandy strip called a "tómbolo". The interior
boasts primary and secondary-growth forest and excellents lookout points from
which to view the various islands off the coast, Playa Blanca ( White Beach
), and the exquisite turquoise sea.
Manuel Antonio is a perfect place to spend the day, enjoying the sun and beach,
or just lying down under the shade of a tropical tree watched by shy iguanas!
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