Last month, Monday closures at Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica took effect again. The most visited national park (and also one of the smallest) in Costa Rica is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 am – 4 pm through November 30, 2015. On December 1, 2015 the park will be open seven days a week through June 30, 2016.
Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) stated that closing the park at least once a week for several months in the year is needed for “restoration, recovery, and rehabilitation of ecosystems at Manuel Antonio”. The measure is meant to prevent excess pressure on the park’s natural resources and to maintain sustainability.
Earlier this year, visitors were banned from taking food into the park to minimize the feeding of wild animals like monkeys and coatis.
Manuel Antonio National Park was voted by Forbes as one of the “World’s Most Beautiful National Parks”. If you find yourself on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast on a Monday during the season of closures, there are beautiful beaches nearby with far fewer crowds. Dominical, Uvita and Playa Esterillos are just a few worth exploring.
Are you thinking of a trip to Costa Rica? Call or email us for information about our Costa Rica custom itineraries. We’d love the opportunity to help you in the planning process!