Manuel Antonio, the Once Hidden Gem of Costa Rica

People have been flocking to Manuel Antonio for many years and it has become the number one tourist destination in Costa Rica.  Manuel Antonio National Park is located in the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, just south of the city of Quepos, only 82 miles from the national capital of San Jose.  Established in 1972 with an area enumerating 4,014 acres (16.24 km) (the smallest of any Costa Rican national park), it is the number one park destination with as many as 150,000 visitors annually and well known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. In 2011, Manuel Antonio was listed by Forbes for being amongst the world's 12 most beautiful national parks.

This park has one of the most impressive landscapes of the world and has several coves with many white sand beaches and lush foliage amidst great mountains and forests that reach the beaches. Additionally, it is located in the tropical forest.  

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Costa Rica with easy access, and with a variety of services including all meals and accommodation and wide range of flora and fauna in such a small place, the park is amongst the most visited in the country.  Among the main attractions are the beaches surrounded by rainforest. Because of this, the park attracts surfers, swimmers, birders and eco tourists.  It has a large land and marine biodiversity with beautiful coral reefs.

For its excellent climate and scenic beauty it is visited by large number of national and international tourism, for which it is currently developing an adequate infrastructure, with emphasis on harmony with nature.  Near the park abounds all trade with facilities at all levels for tourism including typical regional and international food and lodging for all tastes and economic conditions.