Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The beaches are often numbered - most people call Playa Espadilla (outside the park)
'1st beach', Playa Espadilla Sur '2nd beach', Playa Manuel Antonio '3rd beach', Playa
Puerto Escondido '4th beach' and Playa Playitas '5th beach'. Some people begin counting
at Espadilla Sur, which is the first beach in the park, so it can be a bit confusing trying to
figure out which beach people may be talking about. Regardless, they're all equally
pristine, and provide ample opportunities for swimming or restful sunbathing.
The average daily temperature is 27°C (80°F) and average annual rainfall is 3875mm.
The dry season is not entirely dry, merely less wet, so you should be prepared for rain (al-
though it can also be dry for days on end). Make sure you carry plenty of drinking water,
sun protection and insect repellent. Pack a picnic lunch if you're spending the day.
To exit the park, you can either backtrack to the entrance or follow the trail along Playa
Espadilla Sur to the Camaronera estuary, which can be anywhere from ankle to thigh deep,
depending on the tides and the season. A small trail leads to the shallowest spot to cross.
However, in an impressive display of opportunism, there are boaters here to transport you
100m for the small fee of about US$1.
Getting There & Away
The entrance and exit to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio lies in Manuel Antonio Village.
QUEPOS TO UVITA
South of Quepos, the well-trodden central Pacific tourist trail begins to taper off, evoking
the feel of the Costa Rica of yesteryear - surf shacks and empty beaches, roadside
ceviche
vendors and a little more space. Intrepid travelers can have their pick of any number of
deserted beaches and great surf spots. The region is also home to the bulk of Costa Rica's
African-palm-oil industry, which should be immediately obvious after the few dozen kilo-
meters of endless plantations lining the sides of the Costanera.
Known as the Costa Ballena, the beauteous length of coastline between Dominical and
Ojochal is more accessible than ever since the completion of the Costanera Sur. For the
time being, the area retains an easygoing, unjaded allure despite the growing numbers dis-
covering its appeal.
