The pattern established in Arenal continued on the Pacific-coast leg of our Costa Rican trip. We went on a number of excursions in the Manuel Antonio National Park area – beaches, surfing, driving ATVs, dipping into the waterfall cascades – and in almost all instances my camera remained at the hotel. I carried it with me only when we visited the National Park proper. In truth, we found the park overrated – too crowded and noisy along its main walking path, literally scaring away most of the fauna that we were hoping to see. But the beach is lovely, and the visit provided a modest return of wildlife portraits.
Actually, half of the above shots are from the resort we were staying at, Parador Resort & Spa Manuel Antonio. It has its own private rainforest grove, and a couple of species of monkeys enjoy the run of the resort’s edges. I wouldn’t be able to get as close to any monkey at the national park.
A few coastline perspectives from vantage points around Parador.
And a progression of sunset shots.
Don’t let the limited photographic output deceive you. Manuel Antonio is an amazing area with plenty to do and enjoy. And if you stay in Parador, you could be forgiven for mostly not leaving its grounds at all.