Highlights of the Day
Today, we embarked on a wildlife adventure at Manuel Antonio National Park, a haven for over 350 species of plants and animals. Our expert guide, Fabio, skillfully spotted hidden creatures, including an iguana, a tropical land crab, and the elusive Potoo, known for its remarkable camouflage. A café enclosed in a metal cage amused us—it keeps food-safe from mischievous monkeys! After a lively beach visit, we caught a breathtaking sunset at Playa Herradura. The day ended with a delightful sushi dinner at Café Diverso, where we enjoyed the warm evening breeze—a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day.
Logistics
Accommodation: LOS SUENOS MARRIOTT OCEAN & GOLF RESORT
Transportation: Rental Car
Today, we continued our journey to explore wildlife. After a 1.5-hour drive, we arrived at the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Known for its well-preserved tropical rainforest, the park is home to over 350 species of plants and animals, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Our guide, Fabio, is an experienced professional who has been in this field for 12 years. With his sharp eyes, he managed to spot various hidden animals in the dense forest.
Below photo 1 shows an iguana hiding deep within the jungle, which we could only see through Fabio’s powerful telescope.
Similarly, Photo 2 features a tropical land crab, nearly invisible to the naked eye as it blended perfectly with its surroundings.
Photo 3 shows a spider lay on a piece of leaf.
Photo 4 showcases an unassuming bird that happens to be the park’s “superstar.” Its scientific name is Potoo, nicknamed the “Stick Bird” for its incredible ability to camouflage itself as a tree branch. Many bird enthusiasts consider spotting this bird a highlight of their visit.
Below photo depicts a unique café in the park, which is surrounded by a metal cage. The reason? To prevent monkeys from stealing food. Interestingly, the monkeys roam freely outside while humans are “locked” inside the enclosure. 😀
At the end of the tour, our guide left us at the park’s beach. The place was lively, with many people swimming and enjoying the water. We found a quiet spot to take photos and savor the moment.
On our way back to the hotel, we encountered a traffic jam. However, when we finally reached Playa Herradura (Horseshoe Beach), the sun was just setting over the horizon. It was perfect timing to capture the stunning sunset.
For dinner, we opted for Café Diverso, one of the hotel’s charming dining spots, to indulge in exquisite Japanese sushi. Seated on the porch just outside the lobby, we savored each bite while basking in the gentle warmth of the evening breeze—a perfect way to end the day.
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