Retirees don’t have to leave Costa Rica to visit one of the most beautiful places in the world
If you intend to live or retire in Costa Rica, there are many gorgeous natural wonders to see. Manuel Antonio is one of them and is the second most visited national park in the country.
The park lies just south of the city of Quepos, Puntarenas, and is 82 miles from the national capital of San José. Established in 1972 with an area enumerating 4,014 acres (the smallest of any Costa Rican national park), it is the destination of as many as 150,000 visitors annually and well-known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Four beaches are contained within the limits of the park: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Teldoro, and Playita. With their large light sand berms, it is easy to see why they attract beach goers of all ages.
Although Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, the diversity of wildlife in its 3 square miles is unequaled with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.Both Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth and Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth (perezosos) are a major feature, as are three of Costa Rica’s four monkey species — the Mantled Howler monkey, Central American Squirrel Monkey, and White-headed Capuchin monkey. Black Spiny-tailed Iguana, Green Iguana, Common Basilisk, White-nosed Coati and many snake and bat species are also common in the park. Included in the 184 bird species are toucans, woodpeckers, Turkey Vulture, parakeets and hawks. Dolphins can be observed there, as well as the occasional migrating whale. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking are some of activities you can experience at Manuel Antonio.
Most recently Forbes Magazine chose Manual Antonio as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world and number one in central America.
If you choose to live or retire in Costa Rica Manuel Antonio is just one of the countries 28 national parks you can visit. The country has designated large part of its territory as protected areas. As I have mentioned in previous articles there are hundreds of interesting activities you can participate in to stay busy while living in Costa Rica. Visiting the country’s national parks is just one of the things you can do in your spare time. Because the country has so much to offer you can take scores of mini-vacations within the country.





