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Writer's pictureMario Brenes

**Current Situation of Manuel Antonio National Park: Temporary Closure and Concerns in the Local Community**

Manuel Antonio National Park, is currently closed temporarily due to the heavy rains that have recently affected the region. Although, the park has not suffered severe damage from the storms, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) decided to activate a red alert in several areas of the country as a precautionary measure to safeguard the safety of visitors and workers.


This closure has generated great concern among local workers, many of whom rely economically on the flow of tourists visiting the park. Tour guides, restaurant owners, transport operators, and other local businesses have seen their income sources significantly impacted. For many families in the Manuel Antonio community, the tourist activity is crucial, and the uncertainty about the duration of this closure is exacerbating the situation.


Despite no reports of severe damage to the park’s facilities or the natural environment, the closure has been implemented as a safety protocol, given that the rains have increased the risk of landslides and other hazards in the area. The safety of everyone is paramount, and both the CNE and local authorities are committed to ensuring that the best decisions are made to protect the community.


Local workers, eager to return to normalcy, are optimistically awaiting the park’s reopening. Community meetings have been organized to discuss the situation and find ways to support those affected. Many have proposed alternatives to attract local tourism, offering activities within the community that do not depend on access to the park, like the Mangrove Tours, Chocolate Farms and Rainmaker Reserve.


The community has also been in contact with the authorities to stay informed on updates regarding the park’s status and related alerts. Everyone is hopeful that the weather conditions will improve, and Manuel Antonio will once again welcome visitors, with the hope that the tourism revival will help stabilize the local economy.


As the situation evolves, it is important to remember the resilience and community spirit that characterize the Manuel Antonio area. Through cooperation and adaptability, the community hopes to overcome this challenge and resume its activities in the park, which is not only a place of natural beauty but also a fundamental pillar of its economy.

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