|
|
Quepos &
Manuel Antonio
Quepos and Manuel Antonio are two separate but
completely interdependent central Pacific coast
towns.
Quepos is a fairly good sized town with about 7,000
permanent residents, a large hospital, banks,
markets, stores, hotels, bars, restaurants and main
bus terminal.
Manuel Antonio to the south is much smaller and
extends along both sides of the road that stretches
4 1/2 miles up the hill and them down to the Manuel
Antonio National Park.
Even though there are hotels and restaurants of many
nationalities on this hill between Quepos and the
park. It is still common to walk along the lush
green, tree lined road and see two toed sloths,
bright green parrots and large iguanas. In the hills
overlooking the ocean are some of the most
picturesque and stunning views in the country along
with accommodations from luxurious to basic.
Quepos
In Quepos you will find a bevy of opportunities for
experiencing the "pure life" of Costa Rica.
The town is small therefore making it a great place
to walk around. From the outer edges, you can walk
to the pier in about 20 minutes, taking into
consideration that you will be wandering in and out
of souvenir shops!
The town's residents are friendly and will go out of
their way to point you in the right direction should
you happen to get disoriented.
|
Quepos has long been a hotspot for fishermen
interested in rolling out over the waves and
fishing for marlin and sailfish. The marina
boasts state-of-the-art boats run by top notch
operators. If you're on the pier at sunset
you'll see several boats coming in after a day
of fishing. Just look at the smiles of the
passengers as they disembark and you'll know
they had a good day! |
 |
Near the oceanside,
you'll find several restaurants serving up tasty
seafood dishes. There are also a few bars where you
can enjoy you're favorite cocktail while listening
to good music. Both travelers and locals, hit the
streets after sunset and walk around looking in shop
windows or grabbing a bite to eat.
 |
Quepos lies at the foot of a small hill and the
road leading out of it south towards Manuel
Antonio winds up and over the hill. Along this
route, you will find an abundance of hotels,
restaurants and tour operators. There is one
restaurant in particular that boasts a terrace
where you can look out from the hilltop over the
ocean. It is a great place to watch the sunset
and have a bite to eat. Another small café
offers Internet services so you can catch up on
the latest in news or send e-mail to family and
friends (probably boasting about your
location!). |
Many of the hotels are
situated on large properties that extend into
forest. For a small fee, you can enter the grounds
and go for a hike along trails looking for the
ubiquitous sloth or a chattering troop of titi
monkeys.
The activities available in the area include
horseback riding, kayaking, bird watching and
trekking. There are several good operators that
offer daily outings and need only a reservation in
order to ensure you're included.
Even when walking or driving along the road, keep
your eyes open because chances are you'll spot
either capuchin monkeys or sloths in the surrounding
trees.
Of course, if it's wildlife you're interested in,
then head out over the hill and go to Manuel
Antonio. You won't regret it.
Manuel Antonio
Everyone who travels through the mid Pacific zone,
must visit Manuel Antonio. Not only is it easily
accessible, but it is truly one of the most
beautiful parks in Costa Rica.
It sits along the Pacific Coast and boasts an
estuary, mangroves, a lagoon, beaches and winding
paths. All this on 638 hectares of land and 55.000
hectares of protected marine environment.
Take
a walk through the tropical forest and find
mosses, ferns, flowers and epiphytes growing
thickly on every tree. One trail leads you to an
observation tower with a breathtaking 360° view.
Throughout the park, you will find the famous
wildlife Costa Rica is known for. Licensed local
guides are available at the park's entrance and
are worth the investment. |
 |
Knowledgeable and
professional, they enable visitors to understand the
habitat they are visiting and the roles of the
animals, plants and insects.
By following logical eco-sensitive advice, you can
enjoy the park to the fullest. Ensure you don't
scare away the furry residents by keeping voices low
and stepping quietly. Although the capuchin monkeys
are quite comfortable in coming close and gazing at
you quite inquisitively, retrain from feeding them.
Take along a small pack and make a day of it! There
are fresh water showers and bathroom facilities
along the trail as well as picnic areas. You can
hike for a while and stop for a refreshing swim at
Third Beach or Gemelas Beach.
Be sure to get your hand stamped at the park
entrance which allows you to come and go as you
please for the day.
The town of Manuel Antonio offers restaurants,
lodging and souvenir shops. Aside from the park,
there are several activities that you can enjoy in
the area. Horseback riding, volley-ball, and sea
kayaking are just a few.
 |
Beachcombing is not only a good way to explore
the beaches, but it's also inexpensive!
Public buses run promptly from Quepos to Manuel
Antonio and will let you out wherever it suits
you. |
|
