Manuel Antonio Park Information

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most visited and beloved national parks in Costa Rica, celebrated for its breathtaking combination of lush rainforest, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. Though it’s the smallest park in the country, it ranks among the most biodiverse places on Earth, offering travelers a true immersion in nature.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more of its wonders, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, from how to get there and buy tickets to the best hiking trails, tours, and travel tips.

📍 Where Is Manuel Antonio National Park Located?

Manuel Antonio National Park is located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, in the Puntarenas Province, just a few minutes south of the town of Quepos.

Distance from San José: Approximately 170 km (105 miles) — about a 3.5-hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
From Guanacaste: Around 268 km (166 miles) — about 5 hours by car from Guanacaste Airport (LIR).

The park is easily accessible by private transfer, rental car, or public bus. The final section of the road from Quepos to Manuel Antonio is fully paved but narrow and winding, so drive carefully.

🚌 How to Get to Manuel Antonio National Park

> By Public Bus

You can take a public bus from Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Cost: Around ₡385 CRC (less than $1 USD) one way.
Schedule: Buses depart roughly every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Arrival: Stay on the bus until the last stop near Playa Espadilla Norte. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk along the Beach Trail to the park entrance.

If traveling from Jaco, take the bus to Quepos, then transfer to the Quepos–Manuel Antonio route.

🕒 Park Hours & Entrance Fees

Open: Wednesday to Monday, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).
Beaches close: 3:00 PM (everyone must exit by 4:00 PM).
Entrance Fee:
- Foreign Adults: $16 USD + tax
- Children (ages 2–12): $5 USD + tax
- Children under 2: Free

💡 Important: Alcohol, cigarettes, drones, speakers, and single-use plastics are not allowed inside the park.

🎟️ How to Buy Manuel Antonio National Park Tickets

You must purchase your park tickets online through the official SINAC system. Tickets are not sold at the entrance.

🔗 Official site: www.sinac.go.cr

Key notes:

Tickets can only be purchased within 2 months of your visit date.
You’ll receive a barcode via email — show it on your phone at the entrance.
Bring your passport or a copy for identification.
Tickets are valid for one day only and cannot be reused.

During peak seasons (Christmas, New Year, and Easter Week), book tickets well in advance, as the daily capacity is limited to around 3,000 visitors.

🚗 Parking at Manuel Antonio National Park

While the park itself does not have an official parking lot, there are several private parking areas within 150 meters of the main entrance.

Recommended:
“Manuel Antonio National Park – Official Parking” (visible on Google Maps).

Cost: Around ₡5000 CRC for the day (≈ $10 USD).
Hours: 7 AM – 4 PM.
Includes marked spaces and staff on-site.

⚠️ Avoid Scams:
Ignore people waving you into “official parking lots” far from the park. Some may falsely claim that parking or guide services are required. Keep driving until you reach the end of the road near the entrance.

🧭 Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio offers a network of well-maintained hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels. The park’s paths wind through dense rainforest, mangroves, and coastal cliffs, offering spectacular views and close encounters with wildlife.

🥾 Main Trails

Sendero Principal (Main Trail): Easy and popular route leading to the park’s main beaches.
Sendero Perezoso (Universal Trail): Wheelchair-accessible path with Braille signage, ideal for visitors of all ages.
Sendero Punta Catedral: A scenic loop around Cathedral Point with panoramic ocean views.
Sendero Playa Gemelas: Leads to a quieter twin beach surrounded by rainforest.
Sendero Mirador: A moderate hike offering views of Punta Serrucho and the Pacific coastline.
Sendero La Catarata: A short trail leading to a small waterfall near the entrance.

🕓 Average visit duration: 3–5 hours if hiking multiple trails or relaxing at the beaches.

🦜 Wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is world-renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. The park protects 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.

Common sightings include:

Sloths (two- and three-toed)
White-faced capuchin, howler, and squirrel monkeys
Iguanas, basilisks, and colorful frogs
Scarlet macaws, toucans, and tanagers
Coatis and raccoons near the beach areas

Offshore, visitors may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and migrating whales (especially from August to October).

For the best experience, book a Manuel Antonio guided tour with a certified naturalist guide equipped with telescopes for spotting wildlife up close.

Monkeys in Manuel Antonio Park_edited_ed

🏖️ Beaches Inside Manuel Antonio National Park

The park boasts some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, consistently ranked among the top beaches in Central America.

🌊 Playa Manuel Antonio

The park’s main beach — iconic for its white sand, turquoise water, and calm waves — perfect for swimming and relaxation.

🏝️ Playa Espadilla Sur

A longer, quieter beach connected to Playa Manuel Antonio by a natural land bridge. Ideal for sunbathing and photography.

🌅 Playa Gemelas & Playa Puerto Escondido

Smaller and more secluded, these beaches offer a peaceful retreat and stunning ocean views.

🍃 Facilities & Visitor Services

Bathrooms & Showers: Available at several points inside the park.
Lockers: Rent available near the entrance (~$6 USD/day).
Cafeteria: Offers drinks, snacks, and light meals.
Prohibited Items: Food, alcohol, single-use plastics, and drones.

Restaurants, supermarkets, and souvenir shops are available right outside the park entrance.

🌱 Sustainable Tourism in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is a leading example of eco-friendly tourism in Costa Rica.

Visitor numbers are limited to protect natural habitats.
Waste reduction and plastic bans are enforced.
Local tour operators follow sustainable travel practices certified by the ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Board).

Visitors are encouraged to:

Bring reusable bottles and bags.
Avoid feeding animals.
Stay on marked trails.
Support local conservation projects.

🎒 What to Bring to Manuel Antonio National Park

Passport (or copy)
Digital park ticket (barcode)
Refillable water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals
Lightweight clothing, hat, and sunscreen
Insect repellent
Swimsuit and towel
Camera or smartphone for wildlife photos

💡 Tip: Guided tours often provide telescopes and professional photography opportunities.

Manuel Antonio Park Guided Tour_edited.j

🧑‍🌾 Guided Tours vs. Self-Guided Visits

You can explore Manuel Antonio National Park on your own or join a guided tour.

Guided Tours:
- Led by certified bilingual naturalist guides.
- Include round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, and refreshments.
- Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and first-time visitors.
Self-Guided Visits:
- Perfect for travelers on a budget or returning visitors.
- Purchase tickets independently and explore at your own pace.

For the most immersive experience, book a Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour, available daily with reputable local operators such as Costa Rica Jade Tours.

🌟 Why Visit Manuel Antonio National Park?

Manuel Antonio National Park combines adventure, relaxation, and wildlife encounters like nowhere else in Costa Rica.

Home to world-class beaches and tropical rainforests
Easily accessible from San José and Jaco
Ideal for hiking, wildlife photography, and family travel
Part of Costa Rica’s top eco-destinations

Whether you’re walking under towering rainforest trees, spotting sloths and monkeys, or relaxing on white-sand beaches with turquoise waves, Manuel Antonio National Park offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Costa Rica’s natural paradise.

For more information about Manuel Antonio Park, visit: Manuel Antonio National Park Services

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