Small in size but possessing immense beauty; Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the world’s most dramatic beach destinations. The reason for its popularity is evident upon entering the park’s boundaries.

Local wildlife includes some favorites, such as the mischievous white-faced monkeys (who sometimes dare to help themselves to unattended picnics), curious squirrel monkeys, three-toed sloths, anteaters, porcupines, and hundreds of species of birds. Every turn reveals surprises of this natural world.

Just getting there is an adventure. At low tide, visitors wade across an estuary to get to the entrance, and at high tide small boats ferry visitors from opposite banks. Once inside, thick jungle gives way to clearings, where almond trees and gently swaying palms line the white-sand beaches. Animals playing in the trees, gently crashing surf, the endless blue sky and crystal-clear water make for a postcard-perfect setting.

Stealing the show, though, are the beaches. Playa Manuel Antonio is one of the best swimming beaches in the world. The clear, calm and inviting waters here hide colorful marine life just under the surface and in the many tidal pools.

Espadilla Sur (also called the Second Beach) is great for lounging, and Escondido (Hidden Beach) and Playita (Little Beach) are also favorites. Some beaches are good for body-surfing and boogie boarding, and all are great for swimming. Snorkeling is excellent as well: dreamy blue waters with high visibility make a great place to view a wide variety of colorful marine life.

Several hiking trails wind through the park’s 1,600 acres, and incredible ocean views are plentiful. Especially memorable is Punta Catedral (Cathedral Point), where emerald cliffs jut up from miles of white-sand beaches. And all the trails run through thick tropical vegetation full of colorful birds and wildlife.