MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

Foreigners flock here for a chance to live a day in a postcard-like setting. Manuel Antonio National Park’s beaches are the epitome of tropical perfection, the kind of place where the only distractions from the crashing surf come from monkeys swinging in the palm trees.

Morning is the best time, for sunny skies and to avoid crowds (only 600 people are admitted during weekdays; 800 on weekends). Hike to the third beach within the park; it may be the most spectacular beach in Costa Rica, with verdant, coconut palm-lined white-sand shores.

Check out the tombolo, which is a deposit of sand built up by millenniums of crashing waves, connecting an island with the mainland. A trail will take you to the top of Cathedral Point, offering spectacular vistas of surrounding beaches and cliffs. The trail is steep and muddy; take care and go with a partner.

Snorkeling is excellent, as is observation of sea life. Sponges, corals, various crustaceans, algae and fish all share the coast. Dolphins and whales sometimes frolic off the islands, and at low tide you can see ancient turtle traps set by the local indigenous population over a thousand years ago.

How to get there: From Quepos, its seven miles down the coast, with frequent buses and inexpensive taxis between the two spots. San José to Quepos runs morning and afternoon buses; Sansa and Nature Air have daily flights. If you’re driving, head towards Jacó and follow the Costanera Highway, arriving takes about 3 hours.

Location: Quepos (Central Pacific coast)   Hours: 7am – 4pm        Closed on Mondays

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