Manuel Antonio National Park

The Basics

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich stretches of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Most tours of the park include guided hikes and nature walks, during which participants learn about native wildlife, from iguanas and coatis (a raccoon-like creature) to capuchin monkeys. Some tours include stops at one of the park’s beaches, where visitors can swim in turquoise waters. The park can also be seen on sightseeing cruises, which often making snorkeling stops en route.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Manuel Antonio National Park is a must for nature lovers.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a swimsuit, hat, bug spray, sunscreen, and ample water.

• The park features one wheelchair-friendly trail, El Manglar (the Mangrove), which leads from the main entrance to Espadilla Sur beach.

How to Get There

Manuel Antonio National Park is situated on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, about 90 miles (150 kilometers) southwest of San Jose. Bus companies, including Tracopa, Gray Line, and Interbus, run services between San Jose and Manuel Antonio. Direct buses usually take about three hours, while nondirect buses take about five hours.

When to Get There

The park is a very popular destination for tourists and can attract large numbers of sightseers, particularly during the dry season (December–April). Get here soon after opening (7am) to experience it at its quietest and for the best chance to spot wildlife. Note that the park is not open on Mondays.

The Beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park

The park is home to four beaches: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Teloro, and Playita. Two of these run along the Punta Catedral, an island-like landform connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. On the southern side is Playa Manuel Antonio, and the northern side hosts Espadilla Sur. Playa Manuel Antonio is ideal for snorkeling with sheltered, swim-friendly waters, while the waters at Espadilla Sur can be rough at times.

Ways to explore

Thanks to its relatively small size, you can see a lot of Manuel Antonio Park in a day. You must buy tickets in advance online at the Natural System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) government website—even if you've prebooked a tour. You can explore the park by yourself, but if you take a tour, you'll be guided on spotting sloths, snakes, and more. The park doesn’t employ any guides and warns against hiring them outside its gates.

Accessibility

There are wheelchair-accessible trails and bathrooms.

Age limits

There are no age limits—children under 2 receive free admission, and the ticket price is reduced for children 2-12.

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, camera, reef safe sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, light rain jacket, cash, ID that matches your ticket

What to wear

Sturdy hiking shoes, shorts, T-shirt, hat, sunglasses

Not allowed

Outside food, single-use plastic bottles, umbrellas, beach chairs, pets, fishing, eating the manchineel fruit (it's highly toxic, the fruit and the tree should not be touched), littering

Amenities

Café, showers and change rooms, bathrooms

Address 

Many tours offer round-trip transportation from hotels in nearby Quepos, but you can also drive yourself, catch the local bus, or take a quick taxi. There’s paid parking at the park.

Driving

From Quepos, head north on Ruta Nacional Treciaria 618 until you can turn left at Crepas de Francia onto Calle Parque Nacional. Follow the signs to the park, and you’ll find the parking lot. Don’t purchase parking or park entrance tickets from any vendors along the road.

Public transportation

A bus runs about every half hour from Quepos to Manuel Antonio, beginning at 5:30am. The station is located at Av. Central and Calle Central, and you should have cash available for your ticket. Let the driver know you’re heading to the National Park, and ask for the closest stop.

Best times to visit

Aim for an early start and get there when the park opens at 7am. It’s a humid region that heats up quickly, so you’ll want to hike first and then cool off at one of the beaches in the afternoon.

Best days to visit

The park is closed every Tuesday, but beyond that, don’t worry too much about what day you go. The park sells limited tickets, so it can only get so busy.

Best months to visit

If you don’t mind a bit of rain in exchange for quieter trails and beaches, visit during the first half of the rainy season, from May to August.