Located on the Costa Rican coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Pictures of its breathtaking landscape and stories of the magnificent beaches and sights quickly justify its rating in 2011 as one of the top twelve most beautiful national parks in the world. It borders the Pacific Ocean coast of Costa Rica and features dozens of gorgeous hiking trails, picturesque beaches, and innumerable other natural landscape features. There are multiple coves with wildlife hiding in them, a plethora of forests, mountains, and trails waiting to be explored, and the park is perfectly located in the middle of a tropical forest. The white sand on the beaches, the mountains that stretch to the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful coral reefs found at the bottom of the Pacific make Manuel Antonio National Park a great national park with unrivaled scenery.
Manuel Antonio National Park is home to four beaches: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Teloro, and Playita. The first two beaches have tidal pools, in addition to snorkeling opportunities. Separated by a land bridge that has formed after decades of sand accumulation, these two beaches are the largest at this national park. In addition to enjoying the beach, there is a hike that is approximately an hour long that goes from Espadilla Sur to the peak of Punta Catedral.
This national park is one of the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica for obvious reasons. In recent years, an incredible effort has been made to construct ecologically friendly structures for tourists and the environment alike to enjoy. Some of these structures include the Visitors Center and several lookout points where the natural scenery and beauty of the park can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With forests that are packed with lush, green trees and animal life that is incredibly diverse, it is no wonder that Manuel Antonio National Park continues to be rated as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.