Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest park in the Costa Rican system of national parks and conservation areas. Its relative proximity to major population centers and its beautiful beaches make it one of the favorite vacationing spots for both natives and foreigners. Aside from the beaches, MANP has a large population of birds and mammals, among others, which makes it attractive not only for those who want to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the waves but also for serious nature lovers. Just a few minutes after landing, white face capuchin monkeys appeared just a few yards from us where they indulged in a coconut breakfast. Then we separated into groups on various hikes… a longer hike up to Cathedral Point for the more active ones and a shorter one to the Sloth Valley for… well, the name of the valley says it all. Some of us counted eleven sloths on this morning, numerous monkeys, some raccoons, coatis, and agoutis. The hike ended with a short and soothing swimming opportunity in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. What a great way to end our journey!
After lunch, we had the option to go back to the beach, visit the town of Manuel Antonio on our own, or go get an adrenaline boost on the “Canopy Tour.” We proudly saw how much courage our group had as most of us decided to prove ourselves in the heights of the forest. The experience was fun but also interesting as we got to see what it feels like to be a bird in the rainforest and to see the world from the perspective of sloths and monkeys.
Our farewell dinner was filled with the joy that the treasures we have gathered in our minds during the past few days has brought us and by the sadness of this trip coming to an end so soon. But memories and new friendships are a good antidote to nostalgia, and the hope of getting back together in the future tastes so sweet.
Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest park in the Costa Rican system of national parks and conservation areas. Its relative proximity to major population centers and its beautiful beaches make it one of the favorite vacationing spots for both natives and foreigners. Aside from the beaches, MANP has a large population of birds and mammals, among others, which makes it attractive not only for those who want to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the waves but also for serious nature lovers. Just a few minutes after landing, white face capuchin monkeys appeared just a few yards from us where they indulged in a coconut breakfast. Then we separated into groups on various hikes… a longer hike up to Cathedral Point for the more active ones and a shorter one to the Sloth Valley for… well, the name of the valley says it all. Some of us counted eleven sloths on this morning, numerous monkeys, some raccoons, coatis, and agoutis. The hike ended with a short and soothing swimming opportunity in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. What a great way to end our journey!
After lunch, we had the option to go back to the beach, visit the town of Manuel Antonio on our own, or go get an adrenaline boost on the “Canopy Tour.” We proudly saw how much courage our group had as most of us decided to prove ourselves in the heights of the forest. The experience was fun but also interesting as we got to see what it feels like to be a bird in the rainforest and to see the world from the perspective of sloths and monkeys.
Our farewell dinner was filled with the joy that the treasures we have gathered in our minds during the past few days has brought us and by the sadness of this trip coming to an end so soon. But memories and new friendships are a good antidote to nostalgia, and the hope of getting back together in the future tastes so sweet.
