Manuel Antonio National Park is a world-renowned gem on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, celebrated for its vibrant rainforests, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife. Located in the Puntarenas province, it spans over 1,700 acres of land and 135,905 acres of marine area. Visitors can explore hiking trails teeming with wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds. Its immaculate beaches, such as Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation. The park is open Tuesday to Sunday, with an entrance fee required, and limits daily visitors to protect its ecosystem.
Attractions
Mangrove: A 18-hectare mix of fresh and saltwater, visible along trails near Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur beaches, home to red, piñuela, and caballero mangroves.
The Waterfall: A small waterfall seen only during the rainy season. Check at the Park entrance.
Gemelas Beach: A beach split by a rock formation with small rock fragments. Shaped by creek waters, marine currents, and tectonic movements.
Manuel Antonio Beach: Renowned for its beauty and snorkeling spots rich in marine life and corals.
The Trap: At low tide near Punta Catedral, see a circular formation of archaeological remains used by indigenous people to catch turtles and fish.
Espadilla Sur Beach: A wide beach at low tide with occasional strong waves, less crowded than Manuel Antonio Beach.
Punta Catedral: Formerly an island, now connected to the coast with three viewpoints offering views of seabird-inhabited islands.
Punta Serrucho Viewpoint: A jagged, volcanic rock formation on a fault line. No access to it.
Puerto Escondido Viewpoint: Offers stunning coastal views and low-tide sand bridges connecting islets to the mainland.
Flora and Fauna: Home to 352 bird species, 109 mammals, varied marine life, and 346 plant species, including titi monkeys, sloths, raccoons, and toucanets.
Schedule and Prices
Manuel Antonio National Park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with last entry allowed at 3:00 PM. The entry fee is approximately $18 USD for adults, and $5 USD for children (ages 2-12). Costa Rican residents and citizens enjoy a discounted rate of around $5 USD. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure entry into this popular park known for its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and lush rainforests.
How to Get There
To get to Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, you can drive from San José, the capital, which is about a 3-4 hour drive away. The most common route is to take Route 27 west toward the town of Orotina, then follow Route 34 south through Quepos. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight from San José to Quepos, followed by a short drive to the park entrance. Public buses also run regularly from San José to Quepos, and from there, you can take a local bus or taxi to the park. Also private transportation is available.
Recommendations
Guides: Hiring a guide is recommended for those keen on spotting wildlife, as guides have the expertise and equipment to find animals that might be hard to spot on your own. Prices for guides typically start around $25 per person for a 2-hour tour​ (manuelantonio.co)​ (hubvacations.online).
Best Time to Visit: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the mid-morning crowds. The dry season from December to April is the best time to visit​​.
What to Bring: Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. Note that single use plastic and food is not allowed inside the park to minimize environmental impact​. Comfortable clothing and any type of shoes are suitable, as the trails are well-maintained and remain dry throughout the year. An umbrella or raincoat is recommended during the rainy season.
What not to bring: Single use plastic, (bags, bottles, etc), food (as of updated regulations) visitors are no longer allowed to bring food into the park, alcoholic beverages and drugs, speakers or loud music devices, drones, pets, cigarettes or vapes, beach gear like chairs or coolers, weapons or sharp objects and any produc in aerosol (bug spary, etc)
If driving, be cautious of street vendors; some may attempt to mislead you.
Conclusion
Manuel Antonio National Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich wildlife, and accessible adventure, making it a must-visit destination in Costa Rica.
Your website is very frustrating. It keeps sending me in circles without allowing me to buy tickets to the National park. The SINAC website is always down. How am i to purchase tickets??????????? Very annoying.
Hello, did you create an user account?
Hello Donna! did you create an user account at https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/?, it is required to purcharse entrance tickets