Thursday's Child: Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Thursday, May 23, 2013


It can be tricky travelling with a family.  One person might want to see local plants and animals, another might prefer hiking, and yet another would choose the beach.  The great thing about Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica is that you get the best of all these activities in one destination.
The elusive sloth, via telescope


 
Sloth, just outside of the park
The nature-watching in Manuel Antonio was incredible.  We hired a guide, which was a good decision because he pointed out so many things we would have missed if we were on our own.  We saw sloths through his telescope, we listened to howler monkeys calling to each other, we saw tree frogs, iguanas, geckos, capuchin monkeys, and insects of every kind.  And if you're a Harry Potter fan, you'll be interested in knowing that we kept our eyes open for (but did not see) a Basilisk.

The hike was lovely, and we enjoyed seeing many kinds of beautiful and exotic plant life.  Since it's a rain forest, we came prepared for rain, but it stayed dry as we walked through this biologically diverse national park.  My youngest daughter loved the palm leaf cricket the guide made for her!


And there's little I can say about the beaches that these photos haven't already shown.  Except to say that the water was warm, the breeze was gentle, and two of the three beaches in the park were nearly deserted.  Manuel Antonio was a great destination, and the perfect place to make everyone happy!



21 comments:

amy (fearless homemaker) said...

Looks like such an awesome family trip! Now you've got me jonesing for a vacation. however being 38 weeks pregnant will prevent me from acting on that ... for now! =)

Debra Eliotseats said...

I have friends who travel to Costa Rica a lot and they love it. Their stories and your post makes me want to go!

Angie's Recipes said...

A wonderful park, Beth. You make me want to spend some time on the beach too.

Barbara said...

You seem to have found the perfect vacation spot for your family, Beth. Two of mine prefer diving and beaches for a vacation. Not always possible to please the third! :)

Jess said...

My parents loved Costa Rica and shared some equally fun photos with us. Fun post!

Belinda said...

You're brave for taking the whole family!! That lizard kinda rocks....

Amy said...

What a great destination for vacation. Didn't know you can get all those fun activities in one place. I'll mark it down and hope to take my kids there one day. :) Thanks for sharing those beautiful pictures.

Bonnie said...

Beth, it looks like an amazing tour. You had me at we saw sloths. I love sloths. We live in such a fast paced world you have to love a mammal who moves so slow moss grows on them. The last photograph is my favorite. Have a wonderful holiday weekend. Bonnie

Natalie Aguirre said...

Looks fantastic. It reminds me that we need to make time at our house for my daughter to show us her Costa Rica pictures. Love seeing everywhere you've traveled. Your kids are really lucky to experience so much.

Jemi Fraser said...

So pretty!! Sounds like an awesome place!

Gloria Baker said...

Lovely pictures, look awesome I have a friend of mine in Costa Rica but I dont know there!

Joanne said...

Whoa! Love that it's an all-in-one kinda spot. A little something for everyone.

Anonymous said...

That looks like a perfect spot! We really enjoyed Costa Rica and hope to go back someday.

Vi said...

Looks like fun and so tropical! Too bad you didn't spot a basilisk ;)

Valerie Gamine said...

Wonderful photos! (I think I'd bond with the sloths!) It's a shame you missed the basilisk. :D

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

I would love to visit this place, it looks so get-in-touch-with-your-inner-nature :D

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Andrea_TheKitchenLioness said...

Beth, your travels always amaze me and your pictures are certainly wonderful - I cannot believe all the places that you and your family have the pleasure of visiting and how nice of you to share your wonderful stories and pictures with us!
Have a nice weekend!

Beth said...

Thanks, Andrea! Travelling is a passion for me, and I feel so lucky to have been to some wonderful places. Hope you have a great weekend too!

Unknown said...

You have been to some truly memorable places in the world Beth! I'm so ready for a trip that includes walking on a beach ;-)

Monet said...

This looks lovely! My sister and her family are going to Costa Rica in a few months. I'll be sending this her way, Beth! Thank you for inspiring all of us to appreciate the world (both near and far!) I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Unknown said...

It looks very clean quiet and peaceful place away from the polluted urban areas. May be it is a Protected Areas and considered as forest reserve for wild animals.

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