Though small in size, Manuel Antonio is considered to be the most beautiful park in Costa Rica, famous for sparkling beaches that emerge from its wondrous tropical rainforest.

Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer remembered for his quest to find the Fountain of Youth, discovered Manuel Antonio in 1519.  We don’t know which of the park’s lovely white sand beaches he first set foot on, but he was no doubt as inspired by their beauty as visitors are today. Manuel Antonio is one of the world’s most renowned beach destinations, and each of its lovely white sand beaches -- Espadilla, Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondido and Playita – is unique in its own way. All are perfect for swimming or surfing.

Manuel Antonio is the natural habitat of hundreds of species of wildlife and birds, any number of which may be seen on any of the park’s network of hiking trails. The area offers an array of ecotourism and adventure options , and the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica has some of the best sport fishing anywhere, with charters available from the nearby fishing town of Quepos.

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