Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park’s long, sandy beaches fringed by forest are much photographed. The park includes lagoons, mangrove swamps and 12 small islands.

It is the smallest national park in the country, at 736 hectares, but has high numbers of animals and birds, many of which are endangered. There’s a network of marked trails making it easy to explore. One of these routes leads up to Cathedral Point, connected to the mainland by a narrow land bridge, with great views.

There are four beaches, Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondito and Playita, among the best in Costa Rica, ideal for sunbathing and swimming although some are safer from strong currents than others.
You are likely to see squirrel monkeys here which is one of their last remaining natural habitats in Costa Rica. There are white-faced capuchins here too. Small mammals include agouti, coati and two-toed sloth. There is a good variety of birdlife with toucans and parrots as well as kingfishers and pelicans.