Manuel Antonio and More

When my dear friends came down to Costa Rica, I had to take them to Manuel Antonio National Park. They did not know what to expect of the place, so we started the journey from San Ramon to Quepos CR., For the most part, the trip should last three hours, but we went slowly taking all the time we needed.


Before coming to Jaco  Beach on the way to Manuel Antonio, we stopped at a river famous for its crocodiles. The name of this rives is Tarcoles, They took pictures of these magnificent animals. If you are visiting and would like to take an excursion to see the Crocodiles, these excursions can be purchased at Jaco.


This place is well liked by tourists and police are guarding the movement of people walking on the edge of the bridge to see the Crocodiles. We were there about 15 minutes taking photos as you see here.


From there we traveled to Manuel Antonio, and we got to the Hotel Flor*Blanca located close to the National Park. We stayed 3 there nights; the place is very nice the owners are attentive and friendly. If you are looking to stretch your money, this place would be a good alternative to stay in. Other hotels in the area cost more.

The hotel has air conditioning and a refrigerator, and a pool where you can relax after the beach. Breakfast is included in the price. I think it’s worth it. I almost forgot to tell you that right next to Flor*Blanca hotel, there is small restaurant called “ANGEL” if you want a good burger and fries ....well, that is the place to go; Something to think about if you get hungry.

We arrived at the park the next day and paid our way in for $10.00 USD per person. That is what you would have to pay if you are a tourist. Unless you're a Tico, you would have to pay $5.00 USD. I am sorry but I personally think it’s not fair to charge tourists twice as much just because they are visiting.

 
Once you access the park you have to walk about 20 minutes before reaching the beach. The road is a stone path not very nice I must say, you'd think with all the money that they get from the tourists they would have sufficient funds to make a paved road, but no. Not so.



It is always exciting to hear the sound of the waves as we approached. Finally, the beach was in sight ... what about this beach? Well, it's a matter of opinion ... For many tourists the place is good since they have trees near the beach and swimming baths where to take your sand off.
However, for others, it's too much for so little. Each person has a right to choose what they like.


Even so, I have to give to Caesar; What belong to Caesar's; The beach does have a relaxing atmosphere. However, be careful as there are rocks on the sand bed of the beach and is uncomfortable for the feet and if you're not careful you can get hurt. That's why I recommend bringing some kind of water shoes so you will not hurt yourself.

My friend said this about her experience in Manuel Antonio: "My recent visit to Manuel Antonio national park and beach was a very pleasant experiece I enjoyed the nature preserve and the efforts to regenerate the natural enviroment. The water was very pleasant and the vista of the beach from cathedral point was magnifecent. The cultural diversity of visitors was very enjoyable.Needless to say I would recomend this park."




If you walk the sand trail you will be able clime up and find a gazebo where you can take a few photos. In the way there you will find many tourists from South America and Europe; while we were there we met people from Brazil, Chile, Argentina and some Europeans.

According to a tourist guide in the last four years, tourism has fallen sharply. Not only, because of the economic challenges that exist in the United States but by the increase in crime in places like Quepos and Manuel Antonio. If you ask me, the subject about crime its not be touch in front of visitors from other countries it will be bad for their business, so they just don’t talk about it
unless you will bring it up.

In Manuel Antonio, you can enjoy watching the monkeys jumping back and forth near the beach, of course before entering the park we were warned to be careful because the monkeys can steal your food if you're not careful. Here is a proof that this is true.

 

Overall the place is expensive; restaurants in the area are just as expensive as in the United States. Also, be careful when you pay with your credit card in restaurants since there are cases that charge more than they should and if you do not realize it you could end up paying more than you expect.

Make sure you do your mental math before you pay your bill.

You can have a good time in this place just remember to be alert and take good care of yourself