Costa Rica - Manuel Antonio - Day 6

This morning, we woke early to catch the city bus (250 colones or $0.50) to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park*. By this time, we felt like park tour pros. Instead of paying for a guide, we decided to proceed alone, at our own pace, and stop to look at whatever a group of people would excitedly be pointing at in the jungle. We trekked the two kilometers to the first beach, Playa Manuel Antonio. The view and ocean were beautiful. However, a little further on, Playa Espadilla Sur is truly breathtaking and much less crowded.

Since the peninsula was closed on the day we visited, we hiked the Sendero Mirador trail to the only open lookout. On the way, we saw a large pack of howler monkeys hanging out in the trees. There was even a baby monkey hanging onto it's mother's back as the adult traveled from tree to tree. The hike out to the look-out, while hot and humid, afforded us another beautiful view of the ocean. Back on the trail to the entrance, we saw a two-toed sloth slowly making it's descent from a tree, to the excited pointing and exclamations of all of us tourists. By that time, entire families were walking to the beach, carrying coolers of food, blankets and towels. It was impressive seeing grandparents making the hike over the gravel roads and down a steep slope to spend a day at the beach with their children and grandchildren.

*For those looking to purchase tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park, purchasing in the city of Quepos at Coopealianza saves waiting in line at the park entrance. Tickets are good for any day (except Monday, when the park is closed). There is no specific date on the tickets. Instead, the tickets are stamped upon entrance. The Coopalianza entrance is a barred door with a security guard, as Coopealianza is also a bank. Just knock on the bars; and, the guard will let you inside. $10.