Manuel Antonio National Park: thing to do near Quepos & Manuel Antonio
- Esteban Acedo
- Jan 15
- 8 min read
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful places, celebrated for its vibrant wildlife, rainforest, and beaches. Located only 10 minutes from Quepos, it is both the smallest national park in Costa Rica and the most visited. Whether you’re an animal lover or a nature enthusiast, this park is a must-see. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit: how much is the ticket, where to buy it, what to bring, the wildlife...
Table of contents:
Why Manuel Antonio is a must-see park?
Manuel Antonio National Park is both the smallest national park in Costa Rica and the most visited. Despite covering just 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles) of land and 55 square kilometers (21 square miles) of marine area, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Its popularity is due to its stunning mix of white-sand beaches, dense rainforests, abundant wildlife, and accessibility, making it a top choice for both locals and international travelers.
Playa Manuel Antonio is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing.
Its well-maintained trails make exploring the rainforest accessible for all, with opportunities to spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, and other unique wildlife.
What sets Manuel Antonio apart is its compact diversity. Within a small area, you’ll experience rainforests, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems, showcasing Costa Rica’s natural beauty in one place. Conveniently located 3 hours from San José, the park is family-friendly and suitable for travelers of all ages, offering an unforgettable introduction to the country’s incredible landscapes and biodiversity.
Hours & Entrance
Schedule :
Open Monday & Wednesday to Sunday - 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Closed: Tuesday
Entrance Fee :
Foreigners: Adults: $17 USD; Children (from 2 to 12) $5 USD; Children (under 2): Free
Costa Rican citizens and residents: Adults: ₡1,800 CRC; Children (from 6 to 12 years old) ₡500 CRC; Children (under 6) and Adults over 65 years: Free
Manuel Antonio National Park Tickets
Manuel Antonio National Park tickets are valid for single-day entry only and cannot be used for multiple days. The park does not offer multi-day passes, so you’ll need to purchase a ticket each time you visit. After buying your tickets, you will receive a confirmation email with a barcode. Be sure to keep this email, as you’ll need to show it to the park ranger to gain entry. Printing the email is not required; you can simply present the barcode on your phone.
To enter the park, you must have either the barcode or the reservation number, along with your passport. You can bring the original passport, a photocopy, or a clear photo of the passport ID page.
Online reservations
To purchase tickets for Manuel Antonio National Park, head to the official Costa Rican government website, SINAC. By booking directly through the site, you’ll avoid inflated prices and potential scams. We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as they tend to sell out quickly.
This is the only way to get park tickets, they do not sell them at the entrance. If you show up at the park without purchased tickets, they won’t let you in The park has strict entry limits, and during peak times like Christmas, tickets often sell out well in advance.
Although you might encounter individuals outside the park claiming to sell tickets, it’s important to avoid buying from them. These tickets may be fake, overpriced, or invalid, leading to denied entry. To ensure a smooth visit, purchase your tickets only through official channels and plan, especially during the busy holiday season.
The park operates with hourly entry slots, allowing visitors to enter within 40-minute windows: 7:00 - 7:40, 8:00 - 8:40, 9:00 - 9:40, and so on. Don’t stress if you arrive a little later than your scheduled time, you will still be able to enter. Many visitors arrive early to queue, but it’s not necessary. That said, visiting in the morning is still a great idea: the cooler temperatures make the hike more pleasant, and it’s the best time for spotting wildlife.
What to bring and park rules
There are a few key rules to remember when visiting the park. Food and alcoholic beverages are not allowed, but you can bring water, just make sure it's in a reusable bottle (no plastic bottles permitted).
Since the park is home to several beautiful beaches, remember to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun. A lightweight towel and comfortable walking shoes are also essential.
The walk is pretty easy so you won't need hiking shoes. However, we suggest wearing sneakers or closed shoes because some trails can be muddy, especially if it rained the days before.
Respecting the wildlife
Manuel Antonio is a sanctuary for various species, and it's essential to remember that these animals are in their natural habitat. Respect them by not feeding, touching, or disturbing them. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural behavior and make them dependent on humans, while direct contact can harm both you and the animals. Always observe from a safe distance, and avoid making loud noises that could scare them away.
Should I hire a guide or visit the park on my own?
While it's possible to explore the park on your own, we highly recommend hiring a guide. The wildlife in Manuel Antonio can be tricky to spot, as many animals are hidden in the trees. A knowledgeable guide can help you find animals you might otherwise miss. Plus, many guides bring telescopes, allowing you to get an up-close view of the animals: perfect for both observing and snapping photos!
If you couldn't book a tour in advance don't worry, guides are easy to find right at the park entrance, so you can hire one on the spot. This small investment will make your visit more rewarding, helping you see and learn much more about the park’s incredible biodiversity.
How to get to the Manuel Antonio National Park: bus, car, or guided tour?
By bus
If you're staying in nearby Quepos or other local areas, there’s a public bus that frequently travels to Manuel Antonio, with a one-way fare of just 380 colones. It’s a budget-friendly option if you don’t have a car.
By car
If you’re driving down to the national park, be aware that the park doesn’t have its official parking lot. So be cautious of individuals trying to guide you to suspicious parking spots: these can sometimes be scams.
At the bottom of the last hill after you pass Hotel Coco Beach, you will see guys waving at you from a parking lot to your right-hand side on a curve and you will see a beach back near an old bus restaurant. You will still be about half a mile away and these guys will offer you to park in their “national park” parking lot and try to offer their “guiding services.”
Do NOT park here! These guys are trying to rip off tourists, they are scams. They even come into the middle of the road, physically touching your car and standing in front of you while you are driving, yelling at you to park in their lot. Ignore them, keep driving, do not park there if you are going to the national park.
There are private parking lots nearby (you will have to pay) or you can park on the side of the public road. Don't forget to always lock your car and keep your valuables out of sight.
Guided tour
If you’ve booked a guided tour, transportation is often included, so you won’t have to worry about getting there. After your tour, consider taking the bus back, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy the scenic surroundings and unwind after a day of adventure in the park.
Trails and Beaches: how long should I stay in the park?
Manuel Antonio National Park offers several scenic trails that wind through its jungle and along its stunning coastline. A guided tour typically lasts about two hours and covers the main trail, which offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting.
For a more immersive nature experience, consider doing also the Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail). While sloths aren’t guaranteed, the trail itself is incredibly picturesque and offers a peaceful retreat from the busier sections of the park.
If you are a big fan of waterfalls there is the Sendero Catarata, which is a small trail that leads to a waterfall. just keep in mind that it is a small waterfall, so if you are visiting during the dry season it could be dried up.
The park is also home to three beautiful beaches: Playa Manuel Antonio, Playa Espadilla Sur, and Playa Gemelas. Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur are relatively close to each other, with Playa Manuel Antonio being the most popular. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, Playa Gemelas is just a short walk away and tends to have fewer visitors. Especially in this last one, be cautious when swimming, because strong currents can make the waters dangerous.
Where to eat?
Inside the park, you’ll find a small café offering snacks and refreshments, but it's more expensive, and not worth it. For a full meal, head outside the park gates. The area surrounding the park has a range of excellent restaurants serving authentic Costa Rican cuisine, from casual spots to more upscale dining options.
For a list of the best places to eat near Manuel Antonio, check out our article with the best recommendations for restaurants in the area.
Final thoughts
Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park is a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you're hiking through lush jungles, relaxing on pristine beaches, or marveling at the incredible wildlife, there's something for everyone here. Remember to respect the park's rules and its wildlife, and consider hiring a guide to enhance your visit. With a little planning and a lot of enthusiasm, you'll have a day full of adventure, learning, and memories that will last a lifetime!
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Frequently asked questions
Is Manuel Antonio National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely! Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's most stunning national parks, known for its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and accessible trails.
Can you visit Manuel Antonio National Park on your own?
How much time is needed at Manuel Antonio National Park?
Do you have to pay to get into Manuel Antonio National Park?
Do you have to buy Manuel Antonio tickets in advance?
Does Manuel Antonio National Park have waterfalls?
Do you need hiking shoes for Manuel Antonio National Park?
What is the closest town to Manuel Antonio National Park?
Is Quepos worth visiting?
Are there Jaguars in Manuel Antonio National Park?
Can you swim in Manuel Antonio Park?
What is the most popular beach in Manuel Antonio?
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