Manzanillo, a park that tourists don't know about
A truly natural park
Almost all of Costa Rica's parks are dedicated to tourism. The entry price goes up year on year and it's difficult to feel you are really submerged in the surrounding nature because of omnipresent concrete paths and structures.
Manzanillo Park, one of the last National Parks to be declared as such, leaves the visitor free to wander off around its paths. Very few tourists come to explore this park, even though it's a jewel for all nature lovers.
Along the paths, in the tops of the trees, peering into the water... you have the peace and quiet necessary to observe wildlife that is not used to having contact with humans. There are pink dragon flies and tiny red frogs, and if you have binoculars you can spot the monkeys and numerous birds camouflaged in the surroundings.
Manzanillo village is tiny, so unless you have made a reservation in one of the rare places in the park it is better to sleep at Puerto Viejo which is about 20 kilometres away. For the trip between you can hire a bike or go on the bus.
If you want to take a dip in the creeks then remember your bathing suit and sarong. Finally, as the park is really wild, there isn't anywhere to buy food and drink there, so you should take some with you.
Programme for a day submerged in nature
The park's entrance plunges you right into its atmosphere
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At the end of the coast route and the tranquil village of Manzanillo is a small river. This is where you leave your bike, roll up your trouser legs and make sure your camera is somewhere safe because crossing this stream is the only price you'll pay to get into the park with all its riches.
Just like this first step, the path you have to take is strewn with obstacles, more fun than insurmountable but likely to make you quite dirty... Because of the rainy climate of the Caribbean Coast it is often very muddy, so take shoes that you don't mind getting dirty and not flip flops which won't survive!
The first part of the walk along the coast is in fairly open forest, lined with little beaches which already tempt you to lie down for a bit. The path quickly leads to the park's main view point, and the only thing in the park which is made for tourists: a platform on a big rock which has a magnificent view over the coast. The enormous waves crashing in are hypnotic. Then you can continue along the path along through very muddy areas which lead you to more isolated creeks where you can stay as long as you like. The improbable reflections of the rocks plunging into the park's clear waters make this an idyllic, picture postcard place.
