Wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a chance to observe some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular creatures in their natural habitat. From the pristine beaches to the lush rainforest trails, this national park is filled with a wealth of wildlife that makes it a must-visit destination for all types of travelers.
Among the most popular animals to spot in Manuel Antonio are monkeys. This park is home to a variety of monkey species including the rare squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii) and white-faced capuchin monkeys. Visitors can also listen for the booming call of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) which is one of the loudest calls in all of Costa Rica.
The jungle-covered trails that wind through the park are the best way to see the wildlife of Manuel Antonio. Hiking is a great option for travelers of all ages to get up close with the shy rainforest animals and take in the stunning views from a different perspective. However, the trails can become crowded with tour groups and getting too close to wildlife can be dangerous for both you and the animal.
Birdwatchers will be blown away by the diversity Wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park of birds that can be found in Manuel Antonio. The park is home to 350 different bird species, including toucans, scarlet macaws, and hummingbirds. The park is also a good spot to watch sea turtles, as they head to the beach to lay their eggs.
The pristine beaches at Manuel Antonio National Park are the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun. With soft sand and crystal-clear waters, the four beaches within the park are a paradise for swimming and enjoying some beach time. The most popular of the beaches in Manuel Antonio are Playa Espadilla and Playita, which offer a variety of activities including snorkeling and surfing. The other two beaches in the park are Escondido and Punta Catedral, which offer a more secluded and peaceful experience.
Situated just south of Quepos in the Puntarenas province, Manuel Antonio National Park is easy to reach and offers a wide selection of hotels, villas, and restaurants. The park itself contains a charming combination of secluded beaches and lush forests that are home to 2 and 3-fingered sloths, iguanas, toucans, and the rare squirrel monkey.
The town of Quepos is a wildlife-lover’s paradise with several tours that visit Manuel Antonio National Park. If you want to avoid the crowds and get up close with the animals of Manuel Antonio, we recommend booking a guided hike with an experienced and knowledgeable naturalist guide. They will know which trails to take to see the most animals and can help you avoid the most crowded areas where the majority of the guided tours congregate. They can also recommend some of the less travelled trails within the park which are much quieter and often better for viewing wildlife.