Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio


Sunday, August 5, 2018
       Today we visited Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, hiked through the forest, and swam in the beach.

       Firstly, the forest: the humidity amplified the sun’s glaring heat, but the foliage around the trail blocked out most of the rays. We were surprised by how dense the trees and plants were to either side of the trail, and while we were hiking, we also passed by many animals. First, we saw various monkeys at the start of the trail - howler and white-faced. They climbed around the path, extremely close to the passerby, like they were posing for pictures, and would also leap from hanging telephone wires to nearby branches. Next, we saw a crab through Minor, our guide’s, telescope, and a sloth in the upper boughs of a tree. We went on to see two more sloths, one a two-toed sloth and the other a three-toed sloth. Other animals we encountered included a small, green, gecko-like snake with beady eyes, and a pale, ghost-like frog hanging onto a branch. We also saw a few brightly colored cricket-like insects on the underside of a leaf. 

       The actual trek through the forest was pretty short, but we kept stopping to examine plants and animals, so it seemed longer. After the hike, we finally arrived at a bay-shaped beach, where we cooled down.

       Once we arrived at the beach, we set down our backpacks and ran to the waves. Those of us that had not worn our swimsuits walked along the side of the beach, feeling the water lapping against our toes. We found seashells and watched crabs scuttle along the sides of the rocks. Those who wanted to swim treaded water and bobbed around in the turquoise ocean. A few of us buried a friend in the sand as the others floated in the waves, salt water rushing up their noses. 

       After toweling off, we returned through the forest and walked to a nearby restaurant that offered hamburgers, casados, and quesadillas, among other options. 

       After eating, we returned to the hotel to pick up some money before leaving to buy some local goods. Most of the artesanía stands nearby sold bracelets and other jewelry, t-shirts, and other small souvenirs. We bartered for gifts for our family and teachers back at ACCE. Some stands also offered intricate tapestries and patterned bags, and most of the jewelry was handmade as well. 

       After buying things, the entire group walked to a local ice cream place, where Señora Pinzás treated us all to ice cream. Flavors included guanabana, chocolate, and vanilla chip. 

       Finally, we returned to the hotel to wash off all the sand from the beach. They day had been tiring yet invigorating, and it had been incredible seeing all the exotic plants and animals - especially the sloths!
Written by Gloria Zhu

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