Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park has a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times when the area was inhabited by indigenous tribes. During the colonial period, the area was used for farming and cattle ranching. In the mid-20th century, the area began to attract tourists due to its natural beauty and stunning beaches. In 1972, the Costa Rican government established Manuel Antonio National Park to protect the area's unique ecosystem and promote eco-tourism. Initially, the park was only 682 hectares (1,685 acres) in size, but its boundaries were expanded several times over the years to its current size of 1,983 hectares (4,907 acres). Today, the park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica and attracts thousands of visitors each year.