Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park is the jewel of the Pacific Coast that is home to one of the top beaches in the world located within Manuel Antonio National Park. It is one of the smallest parks in Costa Rica but it is the most visited due to its varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. This park is just south of Quepos on the Pacific Coast, 132 km from San José. It is so popular because of its expansive white sand beaches backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. The town of Manuel Antonio is small but host several hideaway hotels and luxury vacation rentals. The Costa Rica park service limits the number of visitors to the park (600/day) and it is closed on Mondays. © Flickr/Patrick Nouhailler