Manuel Antonio National Park, laying on the pacific coast 7 kilometers south of the town of Quepos, was created in 1972 and is one of Costa Rica's most spectacular attractions.

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most stunning, picturesque adventure destinations in the country. This is one of the most verdant places in Costa Rica, with spectacular white-grey sand beaches ringed by thickly forested green hills.

The Manuel Antonio area offers fantastic recreational opportunities... You'll find a huge variety of things to do - walking the Park's easy trails, whitewater rafting, ocean cruising, horseback riding, fishing, sea kayaking, to name but a few.

for more information see:
Costa Rica Tourism and Travel Bureau

Quepos is the nearest city to the Manuel Antonio National Park and is the location of the only airport in the area ... your Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica adventure begins here!

This picturesque tropical town is great for shoppers looking for souvenirs of the Central Pacific Costa Rica area.

Home today to a thriving Sports-fishing fleet available for charter, Quepos is easy to reach by regularly scheduled flights from the capital San José on either Sansa or Nature Air.

Numerous cafes, restaurants serve traditional "Tico" dishes as well as a wide range of international cuisine to please everyone's' taste. From burgers to pizza to seafood and steaks, a delicious meal is available for everyone's budget. They are spread along the strip in their uniquely designed structures nestled into the forest.

The area is made up of a series of steep hills covered in lush forest. The road winds its way for 7 kms to Manuel Antonio NP. The paved road is spotted with hotels, restaurants and shops tucked into the vegetation. Everything you need is only minutes away.

About mid way along the strip is the Manuel Antonio School, church, football (soccer) field and community center.

The narrow road climbs sharply over the forest covered Punta Quepos and winds its way south along the coastal ridge before dropping down to the beach and park. Playa Espadilla is a public beach outside the park boundaries over 2 kms long with clean inviting white/grey sand. This is a great place for swimming, surfing, building sand castles or just soaking up the sun's rays. Parking is available along beachside for a small fee.

All public services and amenities are fully accessable to satisfy everyone's interest and needs during their time in the area:

* Banks (Open Mon - Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm, Sat 8:15am - 11:30 am)

* ATM machines are available with 24 hour access

* Post office located in Quepos allows you to mail postcards and letters to friends and family.

* Public Telephones are numerous in Quepos as well as along the road from Quepos to Manuel Antonio. * Internet cafes are in the area providing easy access to the World Wide Web and your emails.

* Medical - Costa Rica has high medical standards and service for Costa Rica residents as well as -foreign travelers; Hospital Dr. Max Teran Tel: 777-0020, Medical Clinic, and Pharmacies.

* Spanish Language Courses are offer for all levels and can be one weekly to several weeks.

* Shopping for any item from food, clothes, medicine to souvenirs are available in small shops, super markets and street vendors which are located in Quepos, along the road to Manuel Antonio and near Manuel Antonio National Park and beaches.g

See the Gallery for more photos...