Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tours & Visitor Info

Manuel Antonio Park is one of Costa Rica's most popular natural destinations. Located on the central Pacific coast of the country, near the town of Quepos in the province of Puntarenas. Manuel Antonio Park attracts thousands of visitors each year due to its stunning natural beauty, exceptional biodiversity, and white sandy beaches.

Below, we provide detailed information about Manuel Antonio National Park, including details about its location, features, schedules, fees, regulations, and restrictions:

Location: Manuel Antonio National Park is about 157 kilometers drive from Costa Rica's capital, San José. It can be easily accessed by road from San José or other important cities like Puntarenas, Jaco, and Quepos. The Manuel Antonio Park entrance is located just a few minutes by car from Quepos City.

Features and biodiversity: Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its lush tropical forest, abundant wildlife, and picturesque beaches. It hosts a wide variety of plants and animal species, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tropical birds, and a variety of insects. In addition to its scenic beaches, the park also features hiking trails that traverse the jungle, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe flora and fauna up close.

Opening hours: Manuel Antonio Park is open every day of the week except Tuesdays. Opening hours are from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Entrance fees: To enter Manuel Antonio Park, an entrance fee is charged, which varies depending on the visitor's nationality and age. Children usually have reduced rates, while adults and foreigners pay higher fees. Cash is not accepted at the park entrance. The Park tickets can only be purchased online through SINAC. Click for SINAC

None-Resident Adult: $16 plus tax

None-Resident Child (from 2 to 12 years old): $5 plus tax

Resident Adult: $3 plus tax

Resident Child (from 6 to 12 years old): $1 plus tax

* Regulations and rules: Like most national parks, there are rules and regulations that visitors must follow to protect the natural environment and wildlife.

Not feeding animals

Not removing plants or animals from the park

Not leaving trash

No smoking inside

No commercial plastic water or drink bottles

These rules are designed to ensure the preservation of the ecosystem and the safety of visitors.

Special features:

Manuel Antonio National Park doesn't have a parking area inside the park.
The park ranger staff is only located inside the park.
Particular people outside the park can't sell tickets.
You must show your ID or passport to the park ranger when entering the park.

Parking & Transportation Tips

There is no official onsite parking. Instead, nearby independent lots located within 150 m of the entrance offer daily parking (~₡5,000 CRC). Avoid unauthorized lots farther uphill—they’re not affiliated with the park and may push tour services aggressively.
Most parking areas are visible and staffed daily until the park closes.

Tours vs. Self-Guided Visits

Guided tours in Manuel Antonio are usually 2 hours, led by a certified naturalist, and often bundled with entrance tickets and transport. These organized outings are ideal if you want to maximize your time and enhance your experience.
Self-guided visits offer flexibility and are budget‑friendly—perfect if you prefer exploring at your own pace. Be sure to bring your online ticket barcode and passport or a copy.

Visitor Facilities & Trails

Hygiene amenities: lockers (~$6 USD/day), restrooms, showers, and changing rooms are available at multiple points.
The park cafeteria offers drinks, snacks, and light meals (though bringing outside food is technically not allowed; expect ranger discretion). Single-use plastics are prohibited.
Key trails include:
- Main Trail: Unpaved, well-marked, connects major beaches.
- Universal Access Trail (Sendero Perezoso): Flat, boardwalk-style, accessible, and links to Playa Espadilla Sur.
- Catarata Trail: Short, leads to a small waterfall.
- Loop Trails: Sendero Playa Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Punta Catedral, Playa Gemelas, Los Congos, and Mirador provide scenic coastal and rainforest views—some include moderate elevation changes and steps; expect 4–5 hours to complete all.

What to Bring

Lightweight, breathable clothing; sun hat and sturdy sandals or trail footwear.
Water bottle (insulated preferred), sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a rain jacket during the rainy season.
Optional swimwear and microfiber towel for beach time. Avoid leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles.

✅ Top Things to Do in Manuel Antonio Park

Walk along scenic trails linking beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, and Playa Gemelas.
Book Manuel Antonio tours for hassle-free entry, expert guidance, and enhanced wildlife‑spotting opportunities.
Opt for self‑guided exploration if you want to enjoy things to do in Manuel Antonio by yourself.

In summary, Manuel Antonio area offers visitors the opportunity to experience Costa Rica's natural beauty and enjoy outdoor nature and adventure tours in a spectacular setting. With its stunning beaches, lush tropical forest, and abundant wildlife, this region is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio Park Guided Tour Options

Group Tour: Adults $59, Children $49 (under 12 years old). This option includes the park ticket, round-trip transportation from hotels and vacation homes within the area of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, a bilingual certified guide, professional equipment with HD spotting scopes, and a 2.5 to 3-hour guided tour, snacks, and drinks after the walk.

Book The Park Group Tour

Private Tour: Adults $95, Children $85 (under 12 years old). This option includes the park ticket, round-trip transportation from hotels and vacation homes within the area of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, a bilingual certified guide, professional equipment with HD spotting scopes, and a 2.5 to 3-hour guided tour, snacks, and drinks after the walk.

Book The Private Park Tour

A guided tour in the park is highly recommended to see the wildlife

Three Toed Sloth Manuel Antonio National Park

Two Toed Sloth Manuel Antonio National Park

Despite its small size, Manuel Antonio National Park is internationally recognized for its high concentration of wildlife, making it a top destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Most visitors choose Manuel Antonio National Park guided tours because wildlife in the park is often hidden in the forest canopy or camouflaged among the trees. Professional guides are trained to locate animals quickly and safely, increasing the number of species visitors are able to see during their visit.

Guided tours of Manuel Antonio National Park offer:

Better wildlife sightings using professional spotting scopes
Expert explanations of animals, plants, and ecosystems
Efficient navigation of park trails
A structured visit within the park’s timed entry system

For first-time visitors, families, and travelers interested in nature, guided tours provide the best overall Manuel Antonio National Park experience.

Wildlife You Can See in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is famous for its wildlife diversity. Visitors regularly encounter a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects during guided walks.

Commonly seen animals include:

Three-toed sloths and two-toed sloths
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Howler monkeys
Squirrel monkeys (endemic to this region)
Iguanas and basilisks

Other wildlife frequently spotted:

Toucans and toucanets
Scarlet macaws flying overhead
Motmots, parrots, and tropical birds
Poison dart frogs
Crabs, lizards, and insects unique to the rainforest

Wildlife activity varies by time of day and season, which is why knowledgeable guides play a critical role in helping visitors locate animals they would otherwise miss.

Best Times to Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

The park is open year-round, but timing your visit makes a significant difference in comfort and wildlife sightings.

1. Best Time of Day (Early morning visits offer):

Cooler temperatures
Fewer crowds
Higher wildlife activity

Most guided tours begin in the morning for this reason.

2. Best Time of Year - Dry season (December to April):

Sunny weather
Easier walking conditions
Higher visitor numbers

3. Green season (May to November):

Lush vegetation
Fewer tourists
Excellent wildlife activity
Occasional rain, usually later in the day

Both seasons offer great experiences. Wildlife is present year-round, and many visitors prefer the green season for its quieter atmosphere and vibrant rainforest scenery.

How Tours Include Official Park Tickets

Manuel Antonio National Park requires official timed-entry tickets issued by Costa Rica’s national park system. Daily visitor numbers are limited, and tickets often sell out in advance.

When visitors book guided tours:

The tour operation secures official park entry tickets
Entry times are coordinated with the tour schedule
Visitors avoid the stress of navigating the ticket system on their own

This ensures:

Guaranteed access on the selected date
Correct entry timing
Compliance with park regulations

Guided tours handle the logistics so visitors can focus entirely on enjoying the experience. This is especially important during high season, when last-minute tickets are often unavailable.

How to get to Manuel Antonio

Private Transfers: The private transportation service is offered for a range of costs from $180 to $300, depending on the number of people and type of car you hire.

In Jade Tours, we offer you private transportation from anywhere to Manuel Antonio, and from Manuel Antonio to anywhere in Costa Rica. Specifically tailored to meet your individual needs, our service provides a seamless transition from your starting point to Manuel Antonio. For bespoke quotes and reservations crafted to your unique requirements, don't hesitate to contact us (Remember to provide your travel date, departure point, and the total number of travelers in your group).

Semi-Private Shuttles: Small groups shared Semi-Private Shuttles. Air-conditioned vans that ensure you travel in serene tranquility. Door-to-door service, whisking you directly from your hotel to your desired destination, eliminating the hassle of transfers or waits. Priced attractively between $45 to $60 per person, this service is not just a ride—it's a gateway to effortless exploration. Contact us to book your semi-private shuttle.

Domestic Flights: Embark on a seamless aerial journey between Quepos and San Jose with our meticulously curated direct flights priced attractively from just $75. Enjoy the convenience and vitality of five daily departures, meticulously designed to fit your schedule. With esteemed partners like Sansa, AeroBell, and SkyWay, your travel experience is elevated, ensuring comfort and safety. Secure your flight today by contacting us, and transform your travel aspirations into reality with unmatched ease and affordability. Request your flight contact us

Public Bus Transportation:

Colectivo Buses: Experience an effortless journey with Colectivo Buses. With punctual stops conveniently located just outside the airport, at prime times throughout the day – 10:15 am, 2:15 pm, 3:15 pm, 4:15 pm, and 5:15 pm – you can seamlessly integrate travel into your adventure's itinerary. Relish in the comfort of a 4-hour scenic drive to Manuel Antonio for an unbeatable price of just $8.

Directo Buses: Departing from the heart of San Jose City at the Tracopa bus terminal, the express buses offer an unrivaled service with a schedule that fits any agenda. With departure times at 9 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:15 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:45 pm*, 6 pm, and 7:30 pm (*excluding Sundays), you can select a departure that perfectly suits your plans. For only $10 per person, The final stop of this option is located a 5-minute walk from the park entrance.

Car Rental: Designed for adventurous spirits and comfort seekers alike, car rentals offer a fleet of small to midsize SUVs that combine the perfect blend of rugged durability and refined elegance. Navigate the enchanting terrains of Costa Rica, from the bumpy charm of hidden dirt paths to the smooth sails of paved roads.

If you want to arrange your transportation, please do not hesitate to Contact us

We'll be pleased to assist in planning an unforgettable experience or Book your itinerary to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

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