Manuel Antonio Park Information
Overview: Why Manuel Antonio Park is a Must‑Visit
Manuel Antonio Park (Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio) is a beloved national treasure on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. Though compact in size, it’s renowned as one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica, celebrated for its enchanting rainforests, abundant wildlife, and pristine beaches.
Getting There: Access & Transport Options
Location: Beside Quepos in Puntarenas Province, just 157 km (approx 3–3½ hours drive) from San José.
Public Bus: Buses depart from Quepos roughly every 30 minutes (5:30 AM–9:30 PM), all the way to a stop near Playa Espadilla Norte. From there, it’s a short 5-minute walk along Beach Trail to the park entrance.
Driving Tips: No 4×4 needed—the roads are paved. Expect narrow, curvy stretches after Quepos.
Beware of Parking Scams: Some scammers will try to flag you down and falsely claim lots are full. Ignore them and continue past—they’re not legitimate. Real parking is just 150 meters from the entrance, near a clearly marked lot.
Hours & Tickets: Plan Ahead
Open: Wednesday–Monday, 7 AM–4 PM; Closed Tuesdays. Beaches close at 3 PM, and all visitors must exit by 4 PM.
Entrance Fees: Foreign adults approx. $16 USD + tax; children (2–12) approx. $5; under 2 years, free.
Tickets: Must be purchased online through SINAC—there are no ticket sales at the entrance. High‑season months (Dec–Apr, holidays) often sell out, so book early.
Inside the Park: Facilities & Trails
Facilities: Bathrooms at entrance and multiple internal points, plus a cafeteria offering snacks, drinks, and light meals. Lockers (approx. $10/day) are available. Single‑use plastics and outside food may be restricted—check signage.
Trails Overview (all accessible in one day if fit; all offer tropical views and wildlife spotting):
Main Trail: Leads to viewpoints and beaches.
Universal Trail (Sendero Pérezoso): Accessible, with Braille signage, platforms, and forest views.
Sendero La Catarata: A short (.7 mi round trip) trail to a small waterfall—wildlife is common.
Punta Catedral Loop: Scenic coastal loop (~1 hr) around the former island now connected by sand.
Sendero Playa Manuel Antonio & Espadilla Sur: Leads through mangroves to less crowded Espadilla Sur, with an observation tower.
Sendero Playa Gemelas → Puerto Escondido → Sendero Congo → Sendero Mirador: A scenic sequence of trails culminating at Punta Serrucho viewpoint—spectacular vistas of jagged coastline and ocean.
Wildlife & Nature Highlights
Despite its modest area (~19.8 km²), Manuel Antonio Park boasts extraordinary biodiversity: 109 mammal species and 184 bird species. Spot sloths (two and three-fingered), howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, capuchins, toucans, iguanas—and even dolphins or whales offshore.
Trails like the Main Trail and Mangrove Trail are excellent for wildlife spotting during Manuel Antonio tours.
Planning Tips & Tour Booking Advice
Book Early—especially for high-season tours and tickets, as they often sell out.
Ticket Inclusion: Tours that include park entry simplify logistics but come at a slightly higher cost. You can buy tickets yourself or through tour operators. There is no official park‑run tour service.
Best Value:
Manuel Antonio Park Guided Tour (Group): Budget-friendly, flexible ($59USD pp).
Manuel Antonio Park Private Tour: Enjoy exclusive and personalized service, perfect for families.
Please Don't Feed Wildlife: This disrupts ecology and can harm animals, especially mammals like raccoons or primates.
Sustainable Practices: Use reusable water bottles, avoid single‑use plastics, and stay on marked trails to support conservation.​
> For booking the Manuel Antonio Park Guided Tour, visit: Manuel Antonio Park
Final Thoughts on Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is more than just a destination—it's a true showcase of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and biodiversity. From lush jungle trails and exotic wildlife to pristine beaches with turquoise waters, every corner of the park offers a new adventure.
Whether you're hiking with a local guide, spotting sloths and monkeys, or simply relaxing by the sea, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica delivers an experience that blends nature, excitement, and tranquility like nowhere else.
If you're looking for the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation, Manuel Antonio tours are the ultimate way to discover one of Costa Rica’s most iconic treasures. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the unforgettable Manuel Antonio adventures waiting for you in this tropical paradise.