Manuel Antonio
National park with monkeys, sloths and white-sand beaches next to Quepos.
Where the rainforest meets the sea
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's smallest national parks and also one of its most visited. The reason is simple: in a few hours you can see monkeys, sloths, iguanas and birds, then swim at white-sand beaches framed by forest.
Things to do
- Manuel Antonio National Park: short, well-marked trails that lead to beaches such as Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur. The Punta Catedral viewpoint offers one of the best views of the Central Pacific.
- Tour with a naturalist guide: not mandatory, but with a guide and their spotting scope you will see far more wildlife.
- Catamaran and snorkeling: coastal trips with swimming stops and, in season, dolphin sightings.
- Mangrove kayaking: a calm paddle through the mangrove channels near Quepos.
- Sunsets: hotels and restaurants on the hill look straight out over the ocean.
Before you go (important)
- The park is closed on Tuesdays. Plan your visit for another day.
- Tickets must be booked online in advance on the official SINAC platform, and there is a daily visitor cap. In high season, book early.
- Single-use plastics (bags, straws, disposable bottles) and aerosol repellents or sunscreens are not allowed. Bring a reusable bottle and lotion-type products.
- Do not feed the animals: monkeys get used to human food and it harms them.
Tips
- Go early: wildlife is most active in the morning and there are fewer people.
- Wear your swimsuit under your clothes to enjoy the park's beaches.
Getting there
Manuel Antonio is next to Quepos on the Central Pacific coast, about three and a half hours by road from San José. Quepos also has domestic flights. It pairs well with Uvita to the south, or with La Fortuna and Monteverde on a classic route.
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio
Things to do in Manuel Antonio
- Guided national park tour from $55 pp
- Catamaran from $85 pp
- Mangrove kayaking from $65 pp
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Plan your trip
from $65 per night
Choose hotel, nights and activities; prices follow the season.
Best time to visit
December to April (dry season); May to November brings afternoon rain and better prices
Getting there
✈ Has an airstrip for domestic flights