Manuel Antonio National Park
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
You should visit for the combination of jungle trails and accessible white sand beaches. Plan your trip between December and April for the driest weather. Allow a full day to walk the trails and spend time by the ocean.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
One full day is sufficient to see the main trails and enjoy the beach.
Most visitors take a shuttle, bus, or rental car from Quepos.
You must purchase tickets online weeks before your visit as they sell out.
Wildlife will quickly steal any food left out on the beach.
The reality of the trails
Expect to see monkeys and sloths within minutes of entering. The paths are well maintained and flat, making them easy to navigate for most fitness levels. You will likely walk alongside many other people.
The heat is intense even in the morning. High humidity makes the short hikes feel longer than they appear on a map. Carry more water than you think you need.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Timing your visit
The dry season runs from December through April. This is when the trails are least muddy and the beaches are best for swimming. You will face larger crowds during these months.
Rain is frequent during the rest of the year. While the park stays green, the trails become slippery and wildlife sightings can be harder as animals hide from the downpours.
What visitors get wrong
Many people assume they can buy a ticket at the entrance gate. You will be turned away if you do not have a pre-purchased digital ticket. Book these weeks in advance during the peak season.
Visitors often underestimate the aggression of the local wildlife. Raccoons and monkeys will steal food from bags left unattended on the sand. Keep your belongings zipped shut and within reach at all times.
These search Amazon. If you buy through one we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It changes nothing about which places are on this site or what is said about them.
Budgeting for the day
Expect to spend about 80000 CRC for a typical day out. This covers your entry, food, and transport costs. Prices are higher if you hire a private guide at the entrance.
Parking is a common hidden expense. Official lots are limited and some people will try to steer you into expensive private parking further from the gate. Check for the official signs before stopping.
Hotel and flight search by Trip.com. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Park tickets must be purchased online weeks in advance.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
Manuel Antonio National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio) is a small national park in the Central Pacific Conservation Area located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, just south of the city of Quepos, Puntarenas, and 157 km (98 mi) from the national capital of San José. It was established in 1972, when the local community sought to conserve the natural environment by prohibiting development and destruction. They also protested the beach restrictions imposed by foreign owners on locals. The park has a land area of 1,983 ha (4,900 acres) and 25,634 ha (63,340 acres) of water area for a total of 27,587 ha (68,170 acres). Despite being one of the smaller Costa Rican parks in terms of land area, Manuel Antonio is the most popular of the 30 national parks, attracting 4,388,460 visitors from 2012 to 2022. In 2011, Manuel Antonio was listed by Forbes as among the world's 12 most beautiful national parks. The park is known for its beaches, rocky islands, hiking trails, tropical forests, and a diversity of wildlife.
More of Manuel Antonio National Park
Guides that include Manuel Antonio National Park
Questions people ask
Do I need a guide to see animals?
You do not need one to enter, but guides are useful for spotting wildlife. They carry high-powered scopes that make seeing camouflaged sloths and birds much easier.
Can I bring food into the park?
The park prohibits bringing food inside to protect the animals from human diets. Security checks at the entrance are common and will remove any snacks from your bag.
Is the park accessible for children?
The main trails are flat and easy for children to walk. The beach areas are safe for swimming, though you should always watch for strong currents.
When is the park least crowded?
Weekdays in the early morning are the quietest times. Arrive right when the park opens to avoid the large tour groups that show up by mid-morning.
Are there lockers available?
There are no official lockers provided by the park. You must carry your belongings with you or leave them in your vehicle.