Capuchins and Howlers and Squirrel Monkeys--Oh My! ...at Manuel Antonio

When living in Costa Rica, any weekend can be a mini-vacation.  So we packed up the monster SUV and headed to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast.  It's the country's most popular "attraction", and we can see why!  Coastline, jungle, flora, fauna, and a really nice pool at the hotel, and frankly, it's "Tuanis, Mai!" (Costa Rican for "Awesome, dude!")

Upon arriving, we hit up the grocery story for chicharrones (basically fried pork bits with extra fat) and yucca fries.  Our hearts did not stop beating immediately, so we headed to the national park. 

It was there in Manuel Antonio, walking down the path, that we had our first encounter with the monos carra blanca  - white-faced Capuchin monkeys.   We were amazed that these creatures were playfully hopping along the roof of the restroom.  Minutes later,  as we pulled out our picnic lunch on the beach, two Capuchins stalked us from the tree.  As we looked around, no kidding, we saw a couple of iguanas, an agouti, and a couple of racoons ripping into a tortilla package.  The racoons were so brazen, that later on, we saw one steal a bag of clothes from some tourist while she showered!

The tide was in at Playa Espadrilla, but we still enjoyed the views.  As many park visitors began to slip out of the park, we stayed and wandered to Playa Gemelos.  In the trees above us, we heard hooting and howling.  Looking up, a troop of Howler Monkeys hung over our heads.  As they jumped from tree to tree, we grabbed the binoculars and the camera.

Shortly after, Marina spotted the squirrel monkeys, or mono titi, tiny brown monkeys hopping in the branches.  We had happened upon all three types of monkeys that inhabit the park.  Lucky us!

Spent and satisfied, we left the park and headed into town, where we had flavorful marlin and patacones (fried, unripe plantain) freshly prepared by Tiquicia at Soda Sanchez in the small town of Quepos.  Fantastic, delicious and very reasonable!!

The next morning, we played at the pool and had a lovely breakfast at Hotel California.  As we dined on omelets and fresh pineapple, squirrel monkeys bounded from tree to tree in front of the expansive ocean vista. 

What a weekend!  Pura vida!

Marina having a ball