Manuel antonio park, the crown jewel of the region. This is a pretty well known and visited park. Its a piece of beachfront property, the government restored with wild beaches, cliff hikes, and flora and fauna flourishing. Specifically, monkeys, the main attraction :)
Playa Escondido
Playa Escondido
When I found out the park doesn't have a Tiki bar or even a place to buy water I had mixed feelings.
We paid $16 a piece to get in, per day (no reentry). And walked to the further beach. The absence of all humanity, makes this a really special place. You kind of feel like your plane crashed and you are on a beach somewhere. We got here early and got to enjoy a few hours of private beach. Slowly, more and more people showed up and the tide eventually ate the beach away.
Monkeys
The monkeys was the most fascinating part about this park. Watching them in action is an experience. The two monkeys below, were being all cute about 40 ft away from the backpacks, all the tourists, rushed to them to take pictures and one of the girls left her suitcase unattended.
So, the monkeys swoop in, one unzips and start going through her shit looking for food and the other is defending and hissing as people try to get close. Eventually, the monkey takes off w/ the loaf of bread and shares with the accomplice. The level of intelligence in this animal is amazing, it is really intimidating when they come in a pack close to you and start howling and showing teeth.
Throughout the second day, I realized that these monkeys move out around noon and start the dog and pony show across the whole park.
Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur
The next day we went to the main beach (to the right) and hiked the loop in that section of the park. Even though this is the more popular beach, there are way more options on this side of the park, you can hike out and get a money spot for a few hours. All in all, this is heaven.
Our flight was at 1am Fri night in San Jose. We casually left the beach around 2-3p, had an amazing seafood dinner and hopped on the bus back to San Jose and eventually, home... As always a bittersweet moment....
First days beach
First days beach
Me and Dad at the sign
The monkeys was the most fascinating part about this park. Watching them in action is an experience. The two monkeys below, were being all cute about 40 ft away from the backpacks, all the tourists, rushed to them to take pictures and one of the girls left her suitcase unattended.
So, the monkeys swoop in, one unzips and start going through her shit looking for food and the other is defending and hissing as people try to get close. Eventually, the monkey takes off w/ the loaf of bread and shares with the accomplice. The level of intelligence in this animal is amazing, it is really intimidating when they come in a pack close to you and start howling and showing teeth.
Throughout the second day, I realized that these monkeys move out around noon and start the dog and pony show across the whole park.
Monkeys attacking a backpack
Loaf of bread. Success!
Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur
The next day we went to the main beach (to the right) and hiked the loop in that section of the park. Even though this is the more popular beach, there are way more options on this side of the park, you can hike out and get a money spot for a few hours. All in all, this is heaven.
Views from hikes
These weird Racoon like things that were pretty aggressive :)
Beaches
Views from hikes
Dinner and the trip back home...
Our flight was at 1am Fri night in San Jose. We casually left the beach around 2-3p, had an amazing seafood dinner and hopped on the bus back to San Jose and eventually, home... As always a bittersweet moment....
Coconut with Rum Guy
Dinner Time @ Marlins
One of the most delicious seafood dishes Ive had
Mahi
Marlins on the beach
Both of my flip flops gave out last few hours of the trip. It was only proper to bury them in one of the most awesome places ever. Flip Flops - Manuel Antonio 2010 - 2015.
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