Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica - Top Attractions

The mainstay of Manuel Antonio is by far the Manuel Antonio National Park. The Manuel Antonio National Park is home to everything you're visiting Costa Rica for -- the $10 admission (as of Spring 2010) gives you access to several beaches and hiking trails, which are populated with wildlife galore.

If you're interested a hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, start early! Around late morning, the temperature rises to a point that's unbearable for a comfortable hike. On your hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, you'll run into white-face monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. The white-faced monkeys aren't shy -- they will actually approach you and try to unzip your backpack and search for food if you leave your bag unattended. There are several trails in Manuel Antonio National Park -- some lead to one the park's several beaches, and others lead you deeper into the jungle.

Although the hikes are scenic and enjoyable, the main attractions of Manuel Antonio National Park are the beaches. The jungle-lined beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park provide a prime backdrop to observe beach wildlife. Hermit crabs roam the sand, iguanas slither by in the sun, colorful crabs will skuttle past your towel, and even monkeys swing from the trees that line the beach once in a while. If you head out early in the morning, you can also snorkel a few feet off shore to catch a glimpse of several species of tropical fish that populate the Manuel Antonio National Park's coral reefs. Bring your own snorkel gear -- snorkel gear is not offered at this park.

Manuel Antonio National Park contains several different beaches, only a short walking distance from one another. If you're looking to relax and swim in calm waters, head to Playa Manuel Antonio. Playa Manuel Antonio's smaller waves make this beach a prime spot to lounge and snorkel. If you arrive early and want some privacy, head to the more secluded cove off that's off to the side of Playa Manuel Antonio. Want to body surf instead? Head to Playa Espadilla Sur. Playa Espadilla Sur features a more vigorous tide and medium sized waves towards the afternoon, perfect for body surfing. Manuel Antonio National Park does not supply umbrellas, so if you want shade, you'll want to claim your ground underneath one of the trees that line the beach.