Sights in Quepos & Manuel Antonio
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Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio was declared a national park in 1972, preserving it (with just minutes to spare) from being bulldozed and razed to make room for a coastal development project. Although Manuel Antonio was enlarged to its present-day size of 16 sq km in 2000, it is still the country’s second-smallest national park. Space remains a premium, and as this is one of Central America’s top tourist destinations, you’re going to have to break free from the camera-clicking tour groups and actively seek out your own idyllic spot of sand.
With that said, Manuel Antonio is absolutely stunning, and on a good day, at the right time, it’s easy to convince yourself that…
reviewed
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Playa Espadilla
There’s a good beach, Playa Espadilla, near the entrance to the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, though you need to be wary of rip currents. There are some lifeguards working at this beach, though not at the other beaches in the area.
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Fincas Naturales
Belonging to Hotel Sí Como No and situated just across the street is this private rainforest preserve and butterfly garden. About three dozen species of butterfly are bred here. The garden has a sound-and-light show at night (US$35 per person) and is surrounded by nature trails.
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Turtle Trap
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La Playita
At the far western end of Playa Espadilla, beyond a rocky headland (wear sandals), is this gay beach frequented primarily by young men and offering nude sunbathing (use lashings of sunscreen). This point is inaccessible one hour before and after the high tide, so time your walk well or you’ll get cut off. Don’t be fooled – you do not need to pay to use the beaches as they’re outside the park.
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