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Costa Rica is known for its commitment to maintaining its lush landscape and diverse wildlife; its national parks and other protected areas serve as a model of sustainable conservation with roughly 28% of the land in Costa Rica being a park or reserve. The Central American nation has 28 national parks in total, 3 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most popular national parks, hosting over 150,000 visitors annually. Within Puntarenas Province on the country’s central Pacific Coast, it encompasses rainforest, white-sand beaches, as well as tropical plants and wildlife. The park is on the smaller size—just a little over 2.5 square miles of land—yet boasts numerous hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.

Travel tip #1: To visit Manuel Antonio National Park, you’ll need to purchase a ticket through this website or at the ticket booth in front of the park’s entrance. Tickets are sold by time slot, with the earliest being 7:00 – 7:40 am. The earlier you arrive, the better chance you have to see the wildlife. The entrance fee is valid for one full day and there are no in-and-out privileges, so plan wisely. Every August 24th is Costa Rican National Parks day and entry into all parks is free for residents and international visitors!

Manuel Antonio National Park Hours

Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours in the park! As of March 2023, Manuel Antonio National Park is open:

• Every day except Tuesdays (holidays included).
• 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The beaches and trails inside the park are open from:

• 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Check their website for the latest updates and information.

Travel tip #2: You must pass through security before you can enter. At the Ranger Station, they’ll search your bags and make you dispose of any prohibited items. I recommend not bringing any food whatsoever, as the monkeys will more than likely attack you if they smell food. Cigarettes and vapes are not allowed; neither are drones. Refillable water bottles are encouraged–there are fountains where you can refill your bottles throughout the park. Keep in mind that you must carry out anything that you bring with you!

Manuel Antonio National Park Activities

With a full day to spend in the Manuel Antonio National Park, you can easily access beautiful beaches via short walks or opt for more challenging hikes. There are lots of signs and maps, which makes navigating Manuel Antonio National Park a breeze. Exploration must be made on foot, though, as none of the trails inside the park are accessible by car. Alternatively, you can choose to explore the Congo Trail and Puerto Escondido Trail to spot some wildlife, like birds, capuchin monkeys, and three-toed sloths, as these trails cut through quiet areas and are the least traveled trails in the park.

Beaches

• Playa Manuel Antonio
• Playa Espadilla Sur
• Playa Gemelas

All of the beaches are about a 30-minute hike from the main entrance and are popular for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Playa Manuel Antonio is best known for its spectacular views, but if you’re looking to beat the crowds, venture a bit further down the main trail to Playa Espadilla Sur. Playa Gemelas Trail provides access to a small, secluded-feeling cove on the park’s east side known as Playa Gemelas. 

Recommended Trails

• Manglar Trail (Mangrove Trail): wheelchair-accessible, raised boardwalk trail that cuts through the park’s mangrove ecosystem.
• Perezoso Trail (Sloth Trail): easy, forested trail where you’re most likely to see sloths snoozing in treetops.
• Playa Espadilla Sur Trail (South Espadilla Beach Trail): flat, coastal trail that parallels the Pacific Ocean.

Travel tip #3: Wear comfortable clothes and definitely bring or wear a swimsuit if you want to enjoy the beaches. Hiking sandals or trainers are perfectly good footwear–hiking shoes are unnecessary even for the more challenging Punta Catedral Trail and Miradores Trail.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit if you’re in the Quepos region of Costa Rica. It is beautiful, clean, and showcases the impressive flora and fauna that Costa Rica has to offer. Whether you like to relax on the beach or go on a hike amongst the greenery, this park has a lot to offer. Click below for other things to do in Manuel Antonio other than visit the National Park!

Peace & happy travels,

Tay