Manuel Antonio National Park
A new wonderful morning brought our expedition to the realms of Manuel Antonio Park. After a “rock n’ roll” night, we must say all of our guests were quite happy to set foot on firm land. Therefore, a little early wake up for our canopy riders was definitely not a problem. Breakfast was announced by our diligent Hotel Manager and everyone proceeded to replenish energies for another fantastic adventure in wonderland!
Our most adventurous group took off while all other guests were already getting ready for disembarkation in a very wet landing. Our naturalists were already at the beach expecting the Zodiacs that graciously approached the land drawing their way among the high water crests that accompanied the arrival to the park.
As soon as everyone was ready to go, some of the guests decided to take a moderate walk that will normally bring awesome wildlife rewards such as sloths, monkeys or coati mundis. The sloth valley hike was not disappointing at all for our group since the white-throated capuchin monkeys, as well as some howlers and sloths were right there to please the demanding audience.
Manuel Antonio was established back in 1972 with only 683 hectares or something close to 2000 acres. Obviously, that restricted extension would never be enough to contain such incredible collection of natural species. Nowadays, we can proudly announce that Manuel Antonio has grown to nearly 4000 acres. This park is perhaps one of the most popular areas in Costa Rica probably because of its exclusive white sand beaches backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. The principal habitants are primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamps, lagoons and beach vegetation. There is quite a varied fauna with about 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.
Ponce de León, the famous Spanish explorer, whose unsuccessful search for the Fountain of Youth became his signature expedition, is rarely recognized for one of his greatest discoveries - Quepos and Manuel Antonio - which he put on the charts in 1519.
During the afternoon and right after a delicious lunch, our beach party departed for more of the mind blowing biodiversity of the park. A baby three-toed sloth was caught in the middle of his quite particular “ounce every week” defecation process down on the ground. After concluding with his arduous task, the little critter went right back to the safety of his home up on the forest canopy.
The family joy and fun was the distinctive attribute that could best describe our precious time in this journey along Costa Rica and Nicaragua lands!
