CR
Manuel Antonio
A small national park on the Pacific where rainforest meets white-sand beaches full of wildlife
A small national park on the Pacific where rainforest meets white-sand beaches full of wildlife
Trails through the forest lead to Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur and viewpoints over the coast. Tickets must be bought online in advance, daily numbers are limited and the park is closed on Mondays.
Hire a certified guide with a telescope; you will spot far more wildlife.
Photo: RAMDOM X, Public domain
Two- and three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin and squirrel monkeys, coatis and many birds live in and around the park.
Do not feed animals; capuchins and raccoons will steal unattended food and bags.
Photo: D. Gordon E. Robertson, CC BY-SA 3.0
A small working town with a modern marina, restaurants and a weekend farmers’ market; the base for sportfishing, sailing and mangrove tours.
Photo: Hanay, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try fresh ceviche, grilled fish, casados and tropical fruit smoothies.
Restaurants along the road between Quepos and the park often have ocean views; Quepos has cheaper sodas.
Manuel Antonio is about three hours by road from San José. Shuttles and buses run from the capital, and small planes fly to Quepos. Local buses run between Quepos and the park entrance.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, Australia and many other countries can visit Costa Rica visa-free; stays of up to 180 days are allowed for many nationalities, though the length granted is at the officer’s discretion. You may be asked for proof of onward travel. Check current rules before you travel.
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s pricier destinations. Costa Rica uses the colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted. It is one of the more expensive countries in Central America, especially for tours and park entry fees.
Park, beaches and sea.
Visit the park at opening time with a guide, then relax on its beaches.
Take a catamaran or kayak tour, or a mangrove trip from Quepos.
Spend the day at Playa Espadilla and watch sunset from a hillside restaurant.
Buy park tickets online in advance; they sell out, and the park is closed on Mondays.
Some foods, plastic bags and drinks in disposable bottles are restricted in the park; check the rules.
Playa Espadilla can have rip currents; swim near lifeguards.
Roads can be narrow, steep and unpaved; a 4×4 helps in the rainy season, and avoid driving at night.
Quick answers for planning time in Manuel Antonio.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK and many other countries do not; you may be asked to show proof of onward travel.
No, it is closed on Mondays.
Yes, tickets are sold online and daily numbers are limited.
Very likely, especially with a guide who has a telescope.
About three hours by road.
Waze is the most popular navigation app in Costa Rica; download offline maps for rural roads.
Free
Spanish is the language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Costa Rica travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.