White sandy beaches, cliffs, points, ravines, rainforests, varied wildlife and a very hot climate are some of the components of Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast, 7 km (4 miles) south of Quepos Harbour.
It is an agricultural region, based on plantation economy, and has been extensively altered since the 19th century. The forest, which used to cover vast tracts, was cut down and the few remaining stands are conserved today in a protected wilderness area.
There are many habitats besides the forest, such as mangrove swamp, lagoons, littoral woodland and island vegetation. The park houses a total of 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. The lagoons are also home to caimans, boa constrictors, grass snakes, white-nosed coatis and racoons. |