Manuel Antonio is a unique jewel. The location, climate, infrastructure, views, topography, wildlife, forests, beaches, and the park, all work together. There is no question that Manuel Antonio provides the highest "quality of life" available anywhere in Costa Rica.
No other destination in Costa Rica has received more international attention than Manuel Antonio. Many first-time visitors to Costa Rica plan their vacation around seeing it, and it's no surprise why: The views from the hills overlooking Manuel Antonio are spectacular, the beaches (particularly those inside the national park) are idyllic, and its jungles are crawling with howler, white-faced, and squirrel monkeys, among other forms of exotic wildlife.
One of the most popular national parks in the country, Manuel Antonio is also one of the smallest, covering fewer than 680 hectares (1,680 acres). Its several nearly perfect small beaches are connected by trails that meander through the rainforest. The mountains surrounding the beaches quickly rise as you head inland from the water; however, the park was created to preserve not its beautiful beaches but its forests, home to endangered squirrel monkeys, three-toed sloths, purple-and-orange crabs, and hundreds of other species of birds, mammals, and plants.
Access to Quepos / Manuel Antonio
The airport is located just out side of town, and is served by multiple daily flights from two commercial airlines. Charter plane and helicopter service is also readily available. Rental cars and 4X4s are available in Quepos when you get here. It is best to reserve a car in advance of your trip.
It is 75 miles of paved road to Quepos/Manuel Antonio from the San Jose international airport (approx. 2.5 hours drive).
Health / Medical facilities
According to the World Health Organization, Costa Rica ranks 36th in the world's health systems. The United States ranks 37th!
There are a number of doctors in the Manuel Antonio area who speak English.
A modern, regional hospital is located just outside of town, near the Quepos airport; and there is a private, 24 hour emergency facility available in Quepos.
Utilities
Municipal water and electricity are provided throughout Manuel Antonio. Phone lines are available, as well as ISDN and DSL lines for Internet use. Digital cell phones and lines can be purchased in Quepos. Cable TV is available to most properties within the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area. Channels available in English include: CNN, ESPN, Sony, Discovery, HBO, HBO Ole’, ShowTime, and Cinemax, as well as approximately 20 more channels in Spanish. Direct TV and Satellite TV are available throughout the country.
