Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most beloved destination and for good reason. With lush rainforest trails, white-sand beaches, and an impressive array of wildlife, it’s the perfect entry point for travelers new to the country. Whether you’re chasing monkeys through the canopy or lounging on a picture-perfect beach, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to Manuel Antonio.
Manuel Antonio National Park is located on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, just a few minutes from the town of Quepos. The park is about 170 kilometers (105 miles) from the capital city of San José making it pretty accessible to most travelers. Its accessible location, stunning scenery, and wildlife make it one of the top national parks in Costa Rica.
You can drive from San José to Manuel Antonio in about three hours via Route 27 and then Route 34. The road is fully paved, but if you're traveling during the rainy season or exploring side roads, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. If you'd prefer driving (which we'd recommend in Costa Rica), check out our entire travel guide about what to know about renting a car in Costa Rica here.
Direct public buses run daily from San José’s Tracopa Terminal to Quepos and Manuel Antonio. This is a budget-friendly option, though it can be slower and less comfortable than other methods.
Shared and private shuttle services are widely available and offer a more comfortable and time-efficient way to get to Manuel Antonio from popular tourist hubs like San José, Jaco, or La Fortuna. These can be relatively cost effective if you split a shuttle amongst your group.
You can fly from San José to Quepos (XQP) with domestic airlines like Sansa. The flight takes around 25 minutes, and from Quepos airport it’s a short 15-minute taxi ride to the park.
Manuel Antonio National Park is open Monday-Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and it is closed on Tuesdays. It’s best to arrive as early as possible to avoid crowds and maximize your chances of seeing wildlife.
The entrance fee for foreign adults is currently $18.08 USD, while children ages 2 to 11 pay $5.65 USD. Tickets must be reserved in advance through the official SINAC website, especially during the high season (December–April and July), as daily visitor numbers are capped. Keep in mind that tickets are based on timed entry. We'd highly recommend choosing the earliest time slot available to beat the crowds as much as possible!
While hiring a guide is optional, it’s highly recommended if this is the one chance you've planned to try and spot wildlife in Costa Rica. Park guides are trained in spotting wildlife that’s difficult to see on your own, and they often carry telescopes for better viewing and photos.
The park offers several well-maintained trails for all fitness levels. Punta Catedral is a scenic loop with stunning coastal views, while the Miradores Trail offers a slightly more challenging hike with panoramic lookouts. If you want to see everything in the park, consider hiking the 5 mile long Complete Tour of Manuel Antonio Trail as featured on AllTrails.
Inside the park, Playa Manuel Antonio is the main beach and is known for its white sand and turquoise water. We spent an hour or two here playing in the water and allowing the waves to rock us as we relaxed in the sun.
Pro tip: Playa Espadilla Sur is a quieter alternative that's also beautiful and less crowded.
The park is full of incredible wildlife, from playful capuchin monkeys to colorful toucans and elusive sloths. Both self-guided nature tours and guided tours with a professional are excellent options for exploring the park's biodiversity. No matter which you choose, be sure to keep your eyes open and move quietly through the trails to increase your chances of spotting these amazing creatures.
Manuel Antonio National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, offering visitors the chance to see a wide range of animals in their natural habitat. Three types of monkeys live in the park: white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and endangered squirrel monkeys.
You’re also likely to spot two- and three-toed sloths hanging in the trees if you keep a sharp eye to the canopy. Bird enthusiasts can look for toucans, motmots, parrots, and herons, while reptile sightings might include green iguanas, basilisks, and occasionally snakes. If you’re lucky, you might even see frogs, raccoons, or coatis on the trails.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for hot and humid conditions. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals are essential for navigating the trails.
Don’t forget your swimsuit and a quick-dry towel if you plan to swim. A reusable water bottle is a must, as there are places to refill inside the park (all snacks and single use plastics are strictly forbidden in the park!). Also, bring reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, and a rain jacket if you’re visiting during the wet season.
If you're hoping to spot wildlife, bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.
There’s no shortage of accommodation near Manuel Antonio, from budget hostels to luxurious eco-resorts. Most lodging is located within a 10-minute drive of the park entrance.
Selina Manuel Antonio offers dorms and private rooms with great community spaces.
Hotel Costa Verde is a solid mid-range option and provides great ocean views and is known for its quirky airplane-themed accommodations.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort offers upscale amenities and direct beach access. Parador Resort & Spa Manuel Antonio is a top-rated luxury stay just seconds from the park.
When I visited Manuel Antonio with one of my best friends we stayed at Makanda By the Sea for a fun few day girl's trip and loved it! The service was top notch and the rooms were spacious and comfortable. We also loved our large balcony that overlooked the bay. The resort is a boutique size so it never felt busy and it wasn't uncommon to have the pool entirely to ourselves.
Manuel Antonio is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the area’s scenic hilltop restaurants with views of the Pacific.
Spend a day at Playa Biesanz, a lesser-known beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Join a catamaran cruise for dolphin watching and snorkeling adventures, or take a guided tour to Nauyaca Waterfalls for an unforgettable jungle hike and swim.
Adventure seekers can go whitewater rafting nearby or take an ATV tour through the hills and backroads. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re relaxing or exploring.
Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit destination in Costa Rica, especially for first-time travelers. With its combination of lush jungle trails, exotic wildlife, and idyllic beaches, it offers a little bit of everything that makes Costa Rica magical.
Plan ahead by reserving your park tickets in advance, pack smart, and consider hiring a guide to elevate your experience. Pura vida awaits in Manuel Antonio!
Looking for more Costa Rica travel tips? Be sure to explore our other destination guides and leave any questions in the comments below!
Yes, swimming is allowed at Manuel Antonio National Park, and its beautiful beaches offer calm waters ideal for enjoying a refreshing swim.
While a guide is not mandatory to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, having one can greatly enhance your experience by providing expert knowledge about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Manuel Antonio National Park covers an area of approximately 1,983 hectares (7.66 square miles) of land and 55,000 hectares (212 square miles) of marine territory.
Visitors typically spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, but those wishing to thoroughly enjoy the beaches and trails might stay longer.
Tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park can be purchased online through the official SINAC website.
