costa rica manuel antonio national park quepos costa rica

Less than 100 miles from San Jose, on the central Pacific coast ( see map ) of Costa Rica, are the towns of Manuel Antonio and Quepos. These two completely different but interdependent coastal pueblos are appealing to the visitor because of their separate and unique charms. Quepos, to the north, is a former banana shipping port and the current sports fishing Mecca of Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio on the other hand is famous for it's national park, beautiful beaches, scenic drive and luxurious accommodations. Forming the best one two punch in the country, this area has become a popular destination for both backpackers and jet-setters alike.

Quepos is one of the larger coastal communities in Costa Rica with a population of over 7000 permanent residents. Along with it's size comes all of the amenities one would expect such as a modern hospital, banks, markets, stores, hotels, restaurants, bars and night clubs. The night life in Quepos is lively, especially on the weekends, with five dance clubs, numerous bars and a casino from which to choose. Sports fishing has become extremely popular and the harbor is littered with small private and commercial fishing boats. The catch, shoot (with a camera) and release policy of the local sports fisherman ensures the continued health and population size of the areas giant blue marlins, yellow finned tuna, dorado and world famous sail fish. Quepos appeals to the low cost traveler with plenty of available rooms, most of which can be had for less than $10 a night. The cultural mix of the town is dynamic with residents from all over the world seamlessly blending into the local Tico community. It is common to meet people in both Quepos and Manuel Antonio who initially came only to visit and upon seeing the beauty of the area decided to stay.

Manuel Antonio is truly a different, tropical world. This fact is immediately apparent upon turning the last corner out of Quepos and starting up the hill south of town. As you rise up into the forest canopy that straddles both sides of the road, all the sounds and hustle and bustle of civilization simply dissolve away. Passing the hotels and resorts, they seemingly meld into the surrounding hillside, the seven kilometer drive down to the park offers one of the most scenic views in the country. To the west, between the hills and trees, is a vista of the deep aqua-blue sea, dotted with a dozen small islands. With the establishment of Manuel Antonio National Park in 1972, the people of Costa Rica decided to preserve for future generations one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the world. Although it is the country's smallest national park, the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares is unequalled. Visiting the park, one is treated to an abundant diversity of wildlife, lush green primary forest and stunning beaches. Cathedral Point, with it's forest topped cliffs was once an island, but it is now connected to the coast by a thin strip of land. This land bridge now forms the spine separating the parks two most popular beaches, Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. The southern facing beach, Playa Manuel Antonio, is a picturesque half mile long, white sand crescent bisecting deep green foliage to one side and a private, secluded cove to the other. Standing with your feet dug into the sand and watching the wave crash against the rocks on either side of the lagoon, it is easy to believe that you are a thousand miles from anywhere. Today, the park and the surrounding area are home to many species of plants and animals, a number of which are endangered.

One of the best examples of how these two communities have come together in order to protect their precious natural resources is Jardin Gaia Wildlife Rescue Center. This center's mission is three fold: (1). Rescue, rehabilitate and re-release injured or abused animals into the wild. (2). Captive breading programs for native species of both flora and fauna. (3). Education of the local population to the importance of conservation. These, along with training, research and enforcement of wildlife protection laws, will not only help to keep the areas ecosystem healthy, but insure its survival.

How To Get There:
Travel to the area is easy and can be done in a number of different ways. Regularly scheduled air service is available through Sansa Airlines, the cost is $25 and the flight takes 15 minutes. It is a three and a half hour or more,depending on weather and traffic, drive by car or bus from San Jose. Direct buses leave Coca Cola bus terminal in San José three times a day and are in large and comfortable Mercedes buses. If you are renting a car it is advisable to rent a 4x4 vehicle because certain sections of the road can be difficult. Bus service between Quepos' main terminal and the national park departs every half hour from 5:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. and is less than $.40. Quepos/Manuel Antonio, the little slice of paradise for all interests and pocketbooks.