This is one of the most popular parks in all of Costa Rica, and for good reason! It is literally crawling with wildlife.

This coastal park consists of a variety of habitats including mangrove swamps, primary rain forests and marshy woodlands. Over 100 mammal species including the highly endangered squirrel monkey, or titi monkey, make this park their home. It is very common to see white faced capuchin monkeys, two and three toed sloths, white bats and many types of lizards and many other animals.

Unfortunately, the ability to see so much wildlife in this tiny park (687 hectares (1700 acres) of land and 55,000 hectares (135,905 acres) of marine area) is the result of the park being physically isolated from other forested areas. It is surrounded by African palm plantations or other development that literally enclose the park and therefor the wildlife too. They have no where else to go except to remain within the small tract of forest within the Park. Because there are no forest (biological) corridors for the animals to use to migrate and intermingle with other populations, many species, and especially the titi monkey, are at risk of population decline, or extinction, due to genetic isolation.

Contact us to learn more about how you can help or check out the Saving the Mono Titi site.

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Fees and Schedule:

Tuesday – Sunday from 7 am-4 pm.
Closed Mondays.
Fee: $10 adults (non-residents) Ask about the student and group discounts. Guides: Only certified guides that are members of the Aguila Association are permitted to lead tours.

Weather:

The average temperature is 81° - 86°F.
Annual rainfall: 3875mm (151 inches)
The driest months are January and February and the rainiest are August and September.

Beaches

Manuel Antonio National Park has three main beaches: Playa Espadilla Sur (South), Manuel Antonio and Escondido. Manuel Antonio is considered the most beautiful with white sand and because of its close proximity to restrooms, picnic tables, fresh water showers and drinking water.

Playa Espadilla, also know as 'Second Beach' is actually the first one you'll encounter inside the park. It's the least populated beach due to the strong surf, but perfect for strolling along at low tide. All of these beaches are bordered by beach almond and palm trees, so there is always plenty of shade.

All of Manuel Antonio's beautiful beaches are recipients of the Ecological Blue Flag award.

Trails

The park boosts a wide network of nature trails that lead into a tropical forest and pass scenic overlooks and beaches. At times the trail can get steep, muddy and slippery, especially in the rainy season.

• The Perezoso Trail is very popular.
• Punta Cathedral trail ends with a great view of the Pacific. The trail branches off the main trail to several great look out points.
• Main trail (2.2 km) is flat with a sandy path linking you to the beaches. The majority of the guided hikes take you along this trail thru the mangrove forest towards the beaches.
• The short Trampa trail (.2 kms) loops around and links the beginning and end of the Punta Cathedral trail.
• The Playa Gemelas/ Punto Escondido trail (1.6 kms) ends up at two other beaches with the same names.
• The Mirador trail (1.3 kms), the most difficult trail, is worth the hike to a magnificent lookout point.

On your first trip it is recommended to hire a local guide at park entrance. They will give you better insight into the wildlife and plants. Most importantly, they will show you which trees and plants to avoid. Sap from certain plants and fruits will irritate the skin. The most common one is the Manchineel tree (manzanillo).

Facilities

• The administration and info office are located inside the park. This is where the environmental research projects are headquartered.
• Well-marked trails are throughout the park
• Guided tours are available and highly recommended
• Along the shore and inside the park are picnic tables, restrooms, showers, potable water and a pay phone.

Wildlife & Plants

Common wildlife includes 3 species of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, scarlet macaws, marmosets, ocelots and river otters. Monkeys include white-faced (capuchin), howler (mono congo) and the near extinct squirrel (mono titi). The 44 acres of mangrove swamps have 3 types of mangrove, tons of birds and caiman.

Beware: The Manzanillo tree at the park entrance has tempting fruit that look like green crab apples. It's toxic, including the leaves and bark. The black
spiny iguana is the only animal immune to the toxins and is actually a main part of its diet.

On the 12 offshore rocky islands you can get a glimpse of different pelagic birds:
* Brown booby
* Frigate bird
* Pelican

Please Do Not Feed the Monkeys!

This is for the monkey’s own survival. Several illness and diseases are linked to them eating human food. Or food contaminate with human illnesses. In additional the Costa Rican National University has studies showing an increase in heart disease among monkey’s that eat human food.

Learn more about Why NOT to feed the monkeys!

For more information on the Eco Preservation Society's Primate Conservation, Click Here

Activities

• Bird and wildlife watching
• Hiking the well made trails
• Sunbathing on the white sanded beaches
• Swimming in the tranquil waters of the 3 secluded beaches
• Camping is not permitted

Helpful Hints

1. For the easy hikes (the main, sandy trail) you can get away with flip flops and other light footwear. However; for some of the steeper trails, bring good walking shoes, the trails can be steep and slippery.

2. Don't forget a towel and bathing suit.

3. Even though there is potable water in the park, bring your own too - it's really hot and humid.

Contact info:

Contact us! or call us toll free at 1-888-693-7209

Manuel Antonio Ranger Station (506) 2777-0644
or park information (506) 2777-5185