Protected Areas

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Manuel Antonio National Park’s 683 hectares boast some of the country’s most varied and breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by lush, very wet tropical forest, the park’s trails offer sightings of white-faced monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and many bird species, as well as the Costa Rican squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus), which is endemic to Manuel Antonio—that is, it is found only in this part of the world. Increasingly endangered, at last count these monkeys numbered only 1,500.
The park also protects 12 islands that serve as excellent refuges for several seabird species, as well as several stunning beaches (Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido), a 14-hectare lagoon and a mangrove swamp. Connecting Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur beaches, Punta Catedral is a place of great natural beauty. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, drinking water, signage and several natural viewpoints.

Located two kilometers north of Dominical, this private refuge shelters a mangrove swamp in which crocodiles and caimans may be observed. Birds abound, including herons (boat-billed and others) and brown pelicans. Sea turtles such as the olive ridley and hawksbill nest on the beach, which is named after the park. Several kayaking and horseback riding tours are available for enjoying everything this refuge has to offer