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Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio de Vida Silvestre Peñas Blancas Costa Rica

Peñas Blancas Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica is located at the southern slope of the Tilarán Mountain Range. It was created on December 13th 1985 to protect the flora and fauna of the high watersheds of the Ciruelas and Barranca rivers. It includes steep slopes and flat and wavy plains, 64% of which is covered with evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, the remainder being grassland.

Peñas Blancas National Park means “white cliffs’ and refers to the diatomite (diatomaceous) deposits in the canyons of some of the river beds or where there have been landslides in the upper regions. Diatomite is a porous sedimentary rock that is whitish in color and formed by the accumulation of siliceous shells left by diatom seaweeds of marine or lake origin. Indeed, the reserve may be more interesting to geologists than ecologists, as there has been much forest clearance and only around 70 species of birds have been recorded.

Peñas Blancas is an area of very abrupt terrain made up of volcanic rocks from the Aguacate Group with peaks that go from 600m to 1.400m. Most of the refuge is covered by forests that have been altered to some extent, although the original forest mass can still be found in the most remote areas and in the river canyons. The vegetation in the lower areas, towards the south, consists of tropical dry forest. Towards the north and upper areas grows a premontane moist forest. A fairly deep canyon can be found in the Jabonal River, which more or less crosses through the center of the refuge.

In fact, the evergreen forests grow over 1,370 hectares that spread around the river canyons and Zapotal Peak. The semi-deciduous and deciduous forests grow in the lowlands, covering only 7% of the refuge. Typical trees here are the Gumbo-Limbo, Spiny Cedar, Freijo, Mayflower and Spanish Cedar. Other plants that are of interest to the botanists and that have been collected in the refuge include ferns, oaks, epiphytes and bamboo, such as Asplenium Cristatum, Dryopteris, Solandra brachycalyx – a shrub that begins as an epiphyte and grows into a bushy clump covered with large yellow flowers –, the Ceiba rosea, an epiphytic tree with strangler roots and stems covered with razor-sharp thorns, specimens of which are not often collected; the Habenaria, a ground orchid with green inflorescences; the Anthurium ranchoanum, a ground cover with bright green, leathery leaves; and the Rhipidocladum pittieri, a bamboo plant of the understorey which flowers in intervals of several years. The Quercus brenesii oak, a tree that only grows about 25 meters tall, can be found in the upper reaches of the refuge. It grows in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and its wood has traditionally been used to make coal, which has placed it in danger of extinction.

As a result, wildlife is scarce. However the forests provide shelter for several species of butterflies, birds and some mammals, mainly pacas, red brocket deers, collared peccaries, howler and white faced capuchin monkeys, kinkajous, raccoons and opossums. This wilderness area has been set aside to protect the watersheds of several rivers, to conserve the forests and to increase the wildlife.

The waterways are fed by heavy and frequent rains, which in turn also wash away the banks and erode the slopes. In fact the entire zone is one of great instability and proof of it can be seen in the solifluction (slow creeping of soil) manifested in mud and rockslides. The weather here is warm in the lower sector of the refuge and starts cooling as you gain elevation, the rainy season is from May to November. There are a few trails and camping is permitted, but there are no visitor facilities.

Getting to Peñas Blancas Wildlife Refuge?

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway to the Miramar exit (6 km. north of Barranca). From Miramar, take the road out of town to the east (ask directions for Sabana Bonita). Beyond Sabana Bonita, take the left fork at the T-intersection which will bring you to the village of Peñas Blancas. A four-wheel-drive may be necessary, depending on what the current road conditions are. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway, until you get to Miramar, passing through the Puntarenas entrance. The Caldera trip takes about 1 hour from San Jose while the other takes about 2 hours. Or, from San José is 108 km. Between San Ramón and Esparza, at Macacona, follow a 20km road to the refuge. The refuge sits 6km (3.7 miles) to the northeast of Miramar (5 miles, 8 km northeast of the Inter-Americana Highway).

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Miramar exit (6 km. north of Barranca). From Miramar, take the road out of town to the east (ask directions for Sabana Bonita). Beyond Sabana Bonita, take the left fork at the T-intersection which will bring you to the village of Peñas Blancas. A four-wheel-drive may be necessary, depending on what the current road conditions are.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Miramar, which takes about 2 hours to Peñas Blancas Wildlife Refuge (Transportes Miramar, 2248-0045).

Location: 32km (20 miles) northeast of Puntarenas, district: San Jeronimo, canton: Esparza, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 60205.
Miramar GPS Coordinates: 10.092769,-84.729722 (10°05’33.97″N, 84°43’47.00″W)
Size: 2400ha (5930 acres)
Altitude: 600m (2000ft) to 1400m (4600ft)
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +(506) 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Sabana Bonita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Location: 2.5 km (1.5 miles) south from the Tarcoles River bridge, district: Tarcoles, canton: Garabito, in the province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 61102
GPS Coordinates: 9.780475,-84.60685 (9°46’49.71″N, 84°36’24.66″ W)
Size: 4500ha (11112 acres)
Altitude: 10m (32ft) to 150m (492ft)
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Carara National Park Phone: +506 2637-1054
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/pages/Carara-National-Park

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Carara National Park in Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps
  

Carara National Park Costa Rica protects the river basin of the Tarcoles River, near Orotina, on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This exuberant park has Primary and Secondary tropical forest, lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

Carara National Park is well worth a visit. In fact, in terms of visitor numbers it is one of the most popular reserves in the country. There are a number of reasons for this. The first is accessibility, as Carara is a mere 45 minutes from San Jose and right on the main road leading to the coast. Secondly, Carara has a vast range of wildlife because it occupies a transition zone between tropical moist forest and tropical dry forest and has species from both habitats. The word “Carara” is an indigenous term, reputedly meaning “river of crocodiles”. Pre-Columbian archaeological sites are scattered throughout the area. The area in which the reserve is located was occupied by an indigenous culture that is thought to have been allied with groups located in the Central Valley from 300 B.C. to 1500 A.D. Extensive tomb sites have been excavated here and the burial places of people of high status are remarkably complex.

Carara National Park is almost a must for anyone interested in tropical biology, specially birds. The trees, therefore, are mixture of evergreen and deciduous varieties. The park also includes stretches of the Tárcoles River, with its marshy flood plain and particularly attractive oxbow lake covered with water hyacinths.

Carara National Park was established on April 27th 1978 as a biological reserve, but its growing popularity after 1990 forced the government to upgrade its category to national park due to the massive numbers of tourists that visited it. Thus on November 1998 Carara was upgraded to national park category. In fact, Carara was once part of a huge cattle ranch known as El Coyolar. The ranch was taken over by the Costa Rican Land Reform Agency in 1970, and divided into small farms for landless peasants, but fortunately the Agency had the foresight to pass the forested area on to the National Park Service, thus creating the biological reserve.

The park is located between the dry forests of the north and the humid ones of the south, which results in an “ecotone” or melding area that gives Carara its diversity. It is the beginning of the transition zone into the tropical dry forests of the northwest zone. There are two hiking trails in Carara National Park: the Quebrada Bonita, one-half mile south of the Tárcoles River Bridge, as you head towards the rangers station; and the 2.7 mile Araceas Nature Trail, that begins parallels to the Tárcoles River and has short branches to the Meandrica Lagoon and marshes (this trail is ideal for bird watching, as well as some mammals and crocodiles).

Carara is considered a sanctuary of the extraordinary and beautiful Scarlet Macaw, the park’s symbol, which is on the endangered species list. In the park there are approx 200 couples which live and breed in absolute freedom, being the second highest concentration of birds in the country.

Carara has a surprising number of mammal species, including anteaters, agouties or pacas, tayras, three and two-toed sloths, kinkajous, collared peccaries, coaties, raccoons, armadillos, white-tailed deers, opossums, monkeys – howler, capuchin and spider monkeys – margays, jaguarondi and ocelots. Carara National Park is also a stronghold of a number of Costa Rica’s seven species of poison dart frogs and it has also recorded 19 out of Costa Rica’s 22 poisonous snakes. However, it’s the birds what most people come to see, particularly the Scarlet Macaw, which breeds in the park. Other bird attractions include various toucans, trogons and guans, while along the riverside stretch a variety of egrets and herons can be spotted, including the strange Boat-billed Heron, the Anhinga, the Collared Aracari, Fiery-billed Aracari, American Egret, Great Tinamou, Turkey vulture, Long-billed Gnatwren, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Black-hooded Antshrike, Jacanas, Pied-billed Grebe and Mexican Tiger-bitterns.

This is also where many cruise ship’s passengers are bused for a day trip when the liners dock just up the coast at Puerto Caldera, and a common destination for field trips by school children. It is always hot and humid in the forests of Carara. Even during the drier season from late December through April when there is significantly less rain, transpiration keeps the humidity under the canopy near saturation, so it is VERY important to bring mosquito repellent. The wettest months are from August to October when the trails near the river may at times be impassable because of flooding. Camping is not allowed at Carara National Park.

The best time to visit Carara is during the dry season, from December to April, early in the morning, so you can see a higher amount of birds. The ranger station is at the side of the coastal highway, 3km (1.8 mile) south of the bridge. The trails start from there, so guides are available and are highly recommended.

Before entering the reserve, take some time to stop at the nearby Tárcoles River Bridge, which is possibly the best place in the country to see crocodiles – the endangered American Crocodile and the Caiman. Large numbers of these fearsome reptiles can be seen lounging on the tidal mud.

Getting to Carara National Park:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway north passing through Atenas up to Orotina. Take the Tárcoles and Jaco exit. Continue for about 14 km (8 miles), passing the bridge over the Tarcoles River, until the Carara National Park. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27), taking the same exit to Tárcoles and Jaco and following the same directions until you get to the Carara National Park. The Caldera trip takes about 45 minutes from San Jose while the other takes about 1:30 hours.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Interamerican Highway to Puntarenas. From there, take the new Caldera Highway and then the exit to Tarcoles and Jaco. Continue for about 14 km (8 miles), passing the bridge over the Tarcoles River, continue for about 1 mile and Carara should be on your left.

BUS

Take a local bus from the route San Jose – Jacó or Quepos, which takes about 1.5 hours (Transportes Morales, +506 2223-5567). This buses has daily express departures from San José, at the Coca Cola Terminal and are a great option as they will drop you at the ranger station.

PLANE

You can also take a flight from the Daniel Oduber Airport to the Quepos Airport, either with Sansa Airlines or Aerobell every day. From here you can rent a car and drive, or take a bus or taxi to Carara National Park, which is about 1.5 hours.

Photos

See our full Tarcoles River guide

Location: 13 km (8 miles) south of Tarcoles River, district: Tárcoles, canton: Garabito, in the province of Puntarenas. Zone postal code: 61102
GPS Coordinates: 9.711847,-84.635911 (9°42’42.65″N, 84°38’09.28″W)
Size: 20ha (50 acres)
Altitude: sea level
Central Offices Telephone: +506 2231-3131
Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge and Hotel Telephone: +506 2630-1000
Fax: +(506) 2232-0791
In U.S. call us at: +1 888 301-9473
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Website: www.hotelpuntaleona.com

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Punta Leona Wildlife National Refuge in Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Punta Leona has one of the most important reserves on Costa Rica’s central pacific due to its geographic location and conservation plan. It consists of an area of 20 hectares of primary and secondary forest declared a Wildlife Refuge in April 26th 1994, by the MINAE: Ministry of Environment, energy and telecomunications.

MINAE declared Playa Blanca (White Beach) a protected marine land, which is one of the most important and richest ecosystems on the planet where many species reproduce and feed. Its existence is directly related to water resources. Playa Blanca was awarded four stars by the Bandera Azul Ecológica (Ecological Blue Flag) program, the only beach in Costa Rica to achieve this level.

The refuge is of great biological importance because it is one of the few areas that has remained in the transition zone between the dry tropical forest of the North Pacific and the tropical rain forest of the South Pacific. For the last two decades its main function has been as a center for investigation of mammals and birds, as to protect tropical forest and beach areas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

Punta Leona is considered an excellent place for the observation of birds with more than 330 migratory and resident species; including the spectacular Red Macaw, toucans, woodpeckers, fly trappers, owls, among others. This reserve is also the home of white-faced monkeys, raccoons, kinkajous, tayras, anteaters, spider monkeys, iguanas, coaties and a great number of butterflies. In fact, the butterfly farm of Punta Leona represents a viable alternative to protect species and their habitat, and is an example of sustainable use of natural resources in harmony with a tourism project.

Punta Leona’s Wildlife Refuge has many easily accessible trails that are well marked for visitors. Wake up to the sounds to some of the over 330 exotic bird species living in the area. Participate in an early morning nature walk on our private wildlife reserve, rich in plant and animal life. Explore amongst giant tropical trees and hundreds of fascinating plant species.

Getting to Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway north passing through Atenas up to Orotina. Take the Tárcoles and Jaco exit and follow the coastal highway for about 13 km (8 miles). The hotel is located on the right side of the road, about 15 minutes after you pass over the Tarcoles River. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27), taking the same exit to Tárcoles and Jaco and following the same directions until you get to Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge and Hotel. The Caldera trip takes about 1 hour from San Jose while the other takes about 2 hours.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Puntarenas. From there, take the new Caldera Highway and take the exit of Tarcoles and Jaco and follow the coastal highway for about 13 km (8 miles). The Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge and Hotel is located on the right hand of the road, about 15 minutes after you pass over the Tarcoles River.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Jaco, which takes about 1 hour to Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge and Hotel entrance (Transportes Jaco, +506 2223-1109).

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Daniel Oduber Airport to the Quepos Airport, either with Sansa Airlines or Aerobell every day. From here you can rent a car and drive, or take a bus or taxi to Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge, which is about 1 hour.

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Playa Hermosa Costa Rica

In Costa Rica there are several Hermosa Beaches; one of them is in Guanacaste – which is not a surfing beach – and another is in Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge, which is located in the Central Pacific. This recently created refuge, December 2nd 1999, comprises the strip of beach where the mangrove swamp is. Birds and nesting Olive Ridley turtles may be seen here. In fact, the Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge is intended to protect the beach that serves as nesting site for the Olive Ridley turtle. These are one of the smallest sea turtles, weighing in at a mere 90 pounds. Females typically arrive solo or in small groups ashore to lay their eggs between the months of July and December.

Playa Hermosa is a place of undeniable beauty, with a broad grey-sand beach contrasted by pounding white surf. Although it is much less developed than neighboring Jaco, it attracts experienced surfers from around the world for its consistent waves which can reach as tall as 13ft, the annual surf contest and to the air of tranquility. Swimmers are advised to take caution as strong riptides are common. There are no organized turtle tours in this area; however visitors during the nesting season may spot an Olive Ridley come ashore at night. There are no public park facilities at this national wildlife refuge.

Getting to Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge:

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), and continue for about 42 km (26 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right at Hermosa Beach entrance and continue until you reach the Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge, after passing the Jaco entrance. This route requires a total of 1.5 hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Jaco, take it and continue for about 42 km (26 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right at Hermosa Beach entrance and continue until you reach the Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge, after passing the Jaco entrance. This route requires a total of 2.5 hours.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Quepos / Manuel Antonio, which takes about 1 hour to Hermosa beach (Transportes Morales, 2223-5567).

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Daniel Oduber Airport to the Quepos Airport, either with Sansa Airlines or Aerobell every day. From here you can rent a car and drive, or take a bus or taxi to Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge, which takes about 1 hour.

Location: 5km (3 miles) south of Jaco. District: Jaco, canton: Garabito, in the province of Puntarenas. Zone postal code: 61101
GPS Coordinates: 9.574658,-84.602631 (9°34’28.77″N, 84°36’09.47″W)
Size: 68ha (109 acres)
Altitude: sea level
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +(506) 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge in Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica is located on the pacific coast, 7 km south from the town of Quepos, between Damas and Matapalo. It is one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica, but because of its stunning beaches, beautiful trails through the lush rainforest, easy accessibility and a superb range of wildlife, it is one of the country’s most visited parks (probably competing with the Poás Volcano National Park for the top position).

The creation of Manuel Antonio was a triumph for the local conservation, because the area had been in private hands for a long time, although the public has always been allowed to use the beaches. In 1968, the land was bought by an North American, who put up fences and gates to keep the public out. After vandalism by locals, the local council ruled that the road must remain open and access to the beach should not be restricted. The land was then bought by a French man, who planned to develop the land as a resort. In October 23rd, 1972, the area was expropriated by the government and declared a national park, with additional land added in 1980. Today, the park protects a beautiful remnant piece of the tropical forest that once covered a wide variety of marine life.

This is definitely one of the most exuberant places in Costa Rica, with spectacular white sand stunning beaches fringed by thickly forested green hills, a magnificent setting with islands offshore with sanctuaries for marine bird species, fascinating jungle blended with a network of trails and a welcoming and abundant wildlife. There is a huge variety of things to do, like walking the park’s easy trails, whitewater rafting, ocean cruising, horseback riding, fishing, sea kayaking, just to name but a few. And the volcanic-sedimentary cliffs rise steeply from the shoreline, providing scenic views and hiking trails.

The park has four lovely beaches, each with its own personality: Espadilla Sur (South Little Sword Beach), Manuel Antonio Beach, Puerto Escondido Beach (Hidden Beach), Gemelas Beach, and Playita Beach(Small Beach). The prettiest is Manuel Antonio Beach, a small scimitar of coral-white sand with a small coral reef. It’s separated from Playa Espadilla Sur by a tombolo – a natural land bridge formed over the years through the accumulation of sand – tipped by Punta Catedral (Cathedral Point), an erstwhile island now linked to the mainland. The hike to the top of Punta Catedral is 100m along a steep and sometimes muddy trail with various viewing points in route, giving superb views of the offshore islands, which takes about an hour from Espadilla Sur Beach (also known as the Second Beach). This is covered with water at high tide, to enter the reserve it may be necessary to wade through this water. At low tide it isn’t a problem, but at high tide it can be a meter and a half deep. Check with the rangers about the state of the tide. In the same manner be careful with the Capuchin Monkeys, who will steal food and anything else that they can get in their hands. Espadilla Sur Beach and Manuel Antonio Beach offer tidal pools brimming with minnows and crayfish, plus good snorkeling, especially during dry season, when the water is generally clear.

There are trees of interest in the park, such as the the Gaupinol Negro, an endemic species that is in danger of extinction; the Cedro Maria, which produces a yellow resin used as a traditional medicine; the Vaco Lechoso, which exudes a thick white latex that also has medicinal properties, and the Manchineel tree (Manzanillo), or “beach apple”, common along the beaches. The Manchineel is highly toxic and possesses a sap that irritates the skin. It’s tempting apple like fruits are also poisonous. Avoid touching any part of the tree. Also, don’t use its wood for fires; the smoke will irritate your lungs.

At Manuel Antonio national park you will find red, white and brown mangrove forests. Offshore a number of small islands provide nesting sites for sea birds, including the Brown Pelican, Anhinga and the Magnificent Frigatebird. In the inland forest, rich in wildlife, all four species of monkeys – Howler, Spider, Capuchin and Squirrel or Titi – can be seen. Even though it is illegal to feed the monkeys, insensitive people still do it. Note that if you’re caught, you may, quite rightly, be ejected from the park. Recent studies have found a worrisome increase in heart disease and heart failure among the local monkey population. Unfortunately, the animals are much more prone to rises in cholesterol than humans, so please do not leave food lying around. Also Olive Ridley and Green turtles occasionally come ashore at Manuel Antonio Beach.

Other mammals often seen in Manuel Antonio National Park are the Two and Three-toed Sloths, coaties, raccoons, marmosets, ocelots, toed anteaters, pacas, iguanas, millions of colorful little crabs, river otters and spectacled caimans in more remote riverine areas. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded, such as the Green Kingfisher, Laughing Falcon, Lineated and Red-crowned Woodpeckers, Blue-crowned Motmot, Rufus-tailed Hummingbirds, various tanagers, Tyrant Hawk-Eagle or Black Hawk-Eagle, Gray-headed Chachalaca, Slater’s Antbird, Toucans, Scarlet Macaws, Bananaquit and Red-legged honeycreeper.

The popularity of Manuel Antonio has brought its own difficulties. With over 150,000 visitors a year comes the problem of overuse. At one stage the park authorities considered closing the park completely, to let it recover from the pounding of many feet. Eventually it was decided to close the park on Mondays and limit the number to 600 a day. It is essential, therefore, to arrive early, before the quota has been reached.

The climate is hot and humid. Some rain can be expected even in the dry season, which is from January to February. There are no accommodations within the park and no camping is allowed, but there are a lot of hotels in the vicinity to suit all pockets.

Getting to Manuel Antonio National Park:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway north passing through Atenas up to Orotina. Take the Tárcoles-Jaco-Quepos-Manuel Antonio exit. Once in Quepos go further for 7 km (4.4 miles) to Manuel Antonio National Park. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27), taking the same exit to Tárcoles / Jaco / Quepos / Manuel Antonio and following the same directions until you get to Manuel Antonio National Park. The Caldera trip takes about 3 hours from San Jose while the other takes about 4.5 hours.

There is another route from San Jose through the Cerro de la Muerte. Drive south on Pan-American Highway for some 135 km (81 miles) to San Isidro. Continue 37Km on a winding, mountainous road to an intersection where you meet the coastal highway. Take the exit to your right onto the coastal highway heading towards Quepos and go further for 7 km (4.4 miles) to Manuel Antonio National Park. The whole journey takes between 4 and 5 hours.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Puntarenas. From there, take the new Caldera Highway (route 27) and take the exit of Tarcoles/Jaco/Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Once in Quepos go further for 7 km (4.4 miles) to Manuel Antonio National Park.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Quepos / Manuel Antonio, which takes about 4 hours (Transportes Morales, +506 2223-5567).

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – San Isidro de El General, which takes about 4 hours, (MUSOC, +506 2222-2422) and then take another bus San Isidro de El General – Quepos, which takes about 1.5 hours, (Transportes Blanco, +506 2771-4744) and then go to Manuel Antonio National Park, which can take about 15 minutes.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Quepos Airport, either with Sansa or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a car and drive or take a taxi to Manuel Antonio National Park, which takes about 15 minutes.

Location: Pacific coast, 7km (4 miles) south from the town of Quepos, district: Quepos, canton: Aguirre, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 60601.
GPS Coordinates: 9.389633,-84.147428 (9°23’22.68″N, 84°08’50.74″W)
Size: 682ha (1685 acres)
Altitude: sea level to 50m (160ft)
Schedule: from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Monday.
Manuel Antonio National Park Telephone: +506 2777-5185 / +506 2777-5155
Fax: +506 2777-4122
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/parquenacional.manuelantonio

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Manuel Antonio National Park Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

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