By Brenda Camarillo

Manuel Antonio National Park has increased its daily visitor capacity thanks to the recent inauguration of improvements to the Punta Catedral trail, enabling the park to receive up to 2,501 visitors daily.

This project, driven by the Institute of Rural Development (Inder) with an investment exceeding ¢500 million, aims not only to enhance the tourist experience but also to strengthen the local economy and ensure visitor safety.

The Punta Catedral trail, one of the park’s most iconic attractions, has undergone a series of renovations, including the intervention of a permeable section of approximately 1,265 meters and the repair of an additional 190 meters of concrete trail.

Read more: Ecological disaster could occur in Manuel Antonio if the increase in tourists continues, researchers warn

The improvements also include the installation of railings, path demarcation, and the repair of sections with steps, which now have a gentler slope to facilitate access.

Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy, highlighted that this investment is historic and results from coordinated efforts between Inder, the local government, and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (Minae).

“The Punta Catedral trail is added to the improvements promoted by Minae to diversify the range of facilities and services in this Protected Wildlife Area. It will also help manage the entry of tourists and channel the flow of visitors, protecting areas of greater ecological value,” Tattenbach said.

Osvaldo Artavia, executive president of Inder, also emphasized the economic importance of these improvements for the region.

Read more: Manuel Antonio Park will be able to receive up to 3,000 tourists daily

“Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most visited in the country, and its impact on the economy of the Quepos-Garabito-Parrita Rural Territory is undeniable. This initiative aims to improve the economic conditions of many families who depend on tourism in this area,” Artavia noted.

The project execution had the collaboration of SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas), SETENA (National Environmental Technical Secretariat), the Municipality of Quepos, and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).

Created in 1972, Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its biological diversity, including humid tropical forests, mangroves, marine environments, islands, and a lagoon.

In addition to its famous white-sand beaches, the park offers multiple trails that allow visitors to observe rich flora and fauna, including endangered species.

Reference