Manuel Antonio and Quepos
It’s got the beaches, it’s got the rain forest, it’s got the wildlife, and it’s got your heart-Manuel Antonio is the total package. The name Manuel Antonio refers to any area that has been designated as National Park-including the rain forest, portions of beach and miles of pure jungle terrain. If you’re a snorkeler you’re bound to see anything from sea turtles to spiny lobsters, though if it’s views you like, hike up a mountain for “one of the finest views of the Pacific Ocean in the world” (Washington Times).
The beachfront town itself is packed with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Just a ten minute cab ride will take you to Quepos for some mid-afternoon shopping. Photographers — keep your lens ready to catch a sloth basking in the morning sun outside your hotel room or a troop of spider monkeys interrupting your lunch. Whatever you decide to do in Quepos and Manuel Antonio, you’ll always be in good (wild) company.
Things to Do:
1. Monkey Around!
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest, yet most beautiful national parks of Costa Rica. Rich green jungles filled with wildlife, blend into beautiful white beaches and the blue pacific. The park includes plenty of good hiking trails and beaches perfect for swimming. The entrance fee is $10, and it is common to get guided tours for $25 to $35 a person. Be sure to take advantage of the Cathedral Trail, with two incredible look out points. It is also a great place to see armadillos, anteaters and other wildlife that people don’t see on the larger more heavily used trails.
2. Hike to the look out tower
Just past Hotel California is a hidden dirt road that was built to install the cell phone tower. If you hike up the hill and pass the tower you will find an incredible wooden lookout tower. You can climb the tower (it’s safe with wooden steps and rails) and see the entire peninsula, 360 degrees. It’s an awesome view of Quepos, Manuel Antonio, the surrounding forest and country side and the mountains in the background. For bird lovers it is superb for swifts and swallows and the trails are home to poisonous dart frogs and blue jean frogs too!
3. Wrestle with a marlin!
Quepos is one of the best places to depart for a day at sea, pursuing some of the best deep sea fishing that Costa Rica has to offer. Usual targets include sailfish, marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, roosterfish, and yellowfin tuna. The dry season is the best time to plan your fishing trip. Try Hooked Up Sport Fishing to organize your full or half-day tour.
| Written by rbexon |
This post's rating:
Related Stories
Filed under: Beach on December 9th, 2008
Leave a Reply