Main trails
Wide forest trails from the entrance to the beaches. The best places to see sloths and monkeys are on the first stretch of the Sloth trail and the paths to the beaches.
Quepos · Puntarenas · Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio National Park
Small, popular Pacific park where rainforest meets white-sand beaches, with sloths, monkeys and coves for swimming.
- Created in 1972
- About 1,980 ha of land
- Closed on Mondays
- Beaches and rainforest
- Limited daily visitors
About the park
Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica and one of the most visited. A few kilometres of trails lead through rainforest to a series of beaches and viewpoints on a rocky headland, with sloths, monkeys and iguanas that are easy to spot.
Because of its size, the park limits the number of visitors per day and requires a reservation. A guide is not compulsory, but with a naturalist guide and a telescope you see far more of the animals that hide in the canopy.
- Rainforest trails that end on beaches
- Three-toed sloths, monkeys and iguanas
- Swimming in sheltered coves
- Punta Catedral viewpoint
Wildlife
Three-toed slothWhite-faced capuchinSquirrel monkeyHowler monkeyCoatiIguanas and basilisksToucans
Trails and beaches
Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadílla Sur
Beaches with calm water for swimming, backed by forest. Bring your own water and snacks: food stalls are not allowed inside the park.
Punta Catedral
A loop trail on the headland with viewpoints over the islets and the Pacific.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Open during the day; the park is closed on Mondays. We confirm the hours of the day you want.
- Reservation
- The number of visitors per day is limited and entrance is booked in advance through the SINAC online system. We handle it for you.
- Entrance
- Paid per person per day according to the SINAC fee schedule, which changes from time to time. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Guide
- A guide is recommended: the animals are well camouflaged and the guide's telescope shows details you would miss.
- Best time
- Come early, when it is cooler and the animals are more active. The dry season runs from December to April.
- What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel, sun protection, insect repellent, comfortable shoes and water. Large bags and food are restricted inside the park.
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
About 3 hours from San José on the Pacific coast road to Quepos and then a short drive to the park entrance.
Transfer
We arrange private transfers and shared shuttles from San José, the airport, Monteverde, Uvita and other destinations. Ask us for a quote.
Tours around Manuel Antonio
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide?
It is not compulsory, but strongly recommended to see the sloths and other animals.
Is the park open every day?
No, it is closed on Mondays.
Can I buy a ticket at the gate?
Visitor numbers are limited and entrance is reserved in advance. We handle the reservation.
How long should I stay?
Plan three to four hours for a guided walk and a swim.
Can I bring food?
Food and large bags are restricted inside the park. Bring water and a light snack.