Costa Rica · Quepos · Pacífico Central

Manuel AntonioNational Park

Your complete guide to Costa Rica's most beloved national park — tickets, certified guides, wildlife, trails and beaches. Everything in one place.

🎟 Buy Tickets Guide Find a Certified Guide
352+ Bird Species
4 Monkey Species
1,120 Daily Visitor Limit
7km From Quepos
1972 Founded

🎟 Entrance Fees & How to Buy

How to Get Your Park Tickets

Manuel Antonio National Park tickets can only be purchased online through the official SINAC website. There is no ticket sales at the entrance. The park reaches its daily limit of 1,120 visitors quickly — book in advance.

Entrance Fees

$18.08 USD

Foreign adults (12+) · Paid in Costa Rican Colones equivalent

$5.65 USD

Foreign children ages 2–12

Free

Children under 2 years old

🕖 Open Wed–Mon, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Closed every Tuesday
🎉 Free admission for everyone on August 24 (National Parks Day). Free for Costa Rican residents every 3rd Wednesday of the month.
⚠ Scam Warning: Individuals dressed as park rangers near the entrance sell fake tickets at inflated prices. Only buy through sinac.go.cr — the sole official source.

How to Buy — Step by Step

  1. 1Go to serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr — the only official ticketing platform
  2. 2Create a free user account with your email address
  3. 3Select Manuel Antonio National Park and choose your visit date and time slot
  4. 4Enter passport details for each visitor in your group
  5. 5Pay with international credit or debit card — your card must support international purchases
  6. 6Save your confirmation email with barcode — show it on your phone at the entrance along with your passport
📅 Book 1–2 weeks ahead in dry season (Dec–Apr). Christmas and Easter sell out months in advance. Max 6 tickets per transaction, one transaction per user per day.
📞 Park contact: 2777-5185 · [email protected]
🍎 No food allowed inside the park as of 2025. You may bring water and natural drinks in reusable bottles. A small cafeteria operates inside near the main beach. Bags are scanned at the entrance.

🐒 Flora & Fauna

Wildlife You'll See in Manuel Antonio

Despite being one of Costa Rica's smallest national parks, Manuel Antonio holds one of the country's richest concentrations of biodiversity — 352+ bird species, 109 mammal species, and 346 plant species recorded by SINAC in just 7.7 square miles of protected rainforest and marine reserve.

🦥

Sloths

Both two-toed and three-toed sloths inhabit the park. They camouflage perfectly in the canopy — nearly impossible to spot without a guide and spotting scope. The Sendero El Perezoso (Sloth Trail) is the best starting point.

2 species present
🐒

Monkeys

Three of Costa Rica's four monkey species live here. White-faced capuchins are the most visible and curious. Mantled howler monkeys can be heard before seen. The rare Central American squirrel monkey (mono tití) is found only here and in Corcovado.

3 species · 1 endemic
🦜

Birds

Over 352 recorded species including fiery-billed aracaris, scarlet macaws, mangrove hummingbirds, kingfishers, pelicans, tanagers, and toucans. Costa Rica's unofficial bird capital for accessible lowland rainforest birding. Best at sunrise (7:00–9:00 AM). Bring binoculars.

352+ species recorded
🦎

Reptiles

Green iguanas bask on rocks and beach trails. Jesus Christ lizards sprint across water surfaces. Coatis, agoutis and raccoons roam the forest floor. Occasionally deer and tamanduas are spotted.

Multiple species
🐬

Marine Life

Bottlenose dolphins are visible year-round on catamaran tours. Humpback whale season runs August–November, when whales breach close to shore. Sea turtles visit the beaches seasonally. Snorkel at Playa Biesanz for tropical fish.

Whale season Aug–Nov
🐸

Amphibians & More

Red-eyed tree frogs, blue jeans poison dart frogs, and Central American bull frogs appear on night tours. Spider monkeys and kinkajous are spotted by lucky visitors with patient guides in the late afternoon.

Best on night tours
💡 Pro tip: Arrive when the park opens at 7:00 AM. Wildlife is most active in the early morning, trails are less crowded, and temperatures are cooler. A certified ICT guide with a HD spotting scope is the single best investment for wildlife viewing.

🥾 Hiking Trails

Trails & Beaches Inside the Park

Manuel Antonio's well-maintained trails connect the rainforest canopy to some of the most spectacular white-sand beaches in Central America. Most visitors spend 3–5 hours exploring the main circuit.

🦥

Sendero El Perezoso — Sloth Trail

📏 1.1 km one way ⏱ 20–30 min 🟢 Easy · Flat

The main access trail from the park entrance to the beach. This is where sloths are most frequently spotted in the cecropia trees. The trail runs flat and paved — accessible for strollers and all fitness levels.

🏔

Sendero Punta Catedral — Cathedral Point Loop

📏 1.4 km loop ⏱ 45–60 min 🟡 Moderate · Some incline

A stunning loop around the park's iconic tombolo (land bridge) with panoramic Pacific Ocean viewpoints. Cathedral Point was once an island. At low tide, you can see ancient Quepoas indigenous turtle traps in the rocks.

🏖

Playa Manuel Antonio

📏 0.8 km crescent beach ⏱ Stay all day 🟢 Swimming safe

The park's most famous beach — a half-mile arc of white sand with turquoise water, palm trees, and monkeys in the surrounding jungle. Calm, protected waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling on the rocky sides. Showers and changing rooms on-site.

🌊

Playa Espadilla Sur

📏 Wide beach, less crowded ⏱ Afternoon favorite 🟡 Moderate surf · Caution

The less-visited beach inside the park, broader and more open than Playa Manuel Antonio. Stronger waves make it attractive for those wanting more surf action, but swimming requires caution. Popular with visitors seeking solitude.

💎

Playa Gemelas — Twin Beach

📏 Small & secluded ⏱ 15 min walk from cafeteria 🟢 Calm & private

A hidden gem — two small coves separated by a rock formation. Arguably the park's most serene spot. Requires a short walk past the cafeteria but rewards with real seclusion. Bring your own water as no services available here.

🌿

Sendero Manglar — Mangrove Trail

📏 Boardwalk loop ⏱ 20–30 min 🟢 Easy · Elevated boardwalk

A raised boardwalk through the park's 18-hectare mangrove lagoon — a completely different ecosystem from the main forest. Red mangroves, water birds, and occasional deer visible beneath the tangled roots. Best in early morning.

🗺 Plan Your Visit

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

From getting there to what to pack — practical information to make your visit smooth and unforgettable.

Best time to visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dry season — peak weather, book ahead Shoulder — lush, fewer crowds, good value Rainy peak — discounted, active wildlife
✈️

Getting There

Fly domestically SJO → Quepos (30 min, ~$100). Private transfer from San José (~3 hrs, ~$150). Shared shuttle via Interbus or Desafío (~$40–60). Public bus from Tracopa terminal ($8.50).

🚌

Quepos ↔ Park

Local bus runs every 20–30 min for just ¢315 (~$0.50). Taxis: agree price first, ¢2,000–5,000. No Uber. The entire Manuel Antonio area is walkable if staying on the main road (Rte 618).

🅿️

Parking

No official park parking. Private lots 150m from entrance charge ¢3,000–5,000 (~$6–10). Ignore uniform-wearing attendants far from the entrance — they are not affiliated with the park.

🎒

What to Pack

Reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, light rain jacket, walking shoes with grip, swimwear and towel, binoculars (for birdwatching), passport copy for park entry.

💰

Budget Tips

USD widely accepted. Local "sodas" in Quepos serve full meals from $5–8. Souvenir shopping is 40–60% cheaper in Quepos than in Manuel Antonio village. Friday evening feria (farmers market) is free and unmissable.

🌙

Night Tours

Guided night tours inside the park run Wed–Fri at 5:30 PM during special seasons (Nov–Apr). You'll spot frogs, sleeping birds, snakes, and insects invisible during the day. Book in advance.

⭐ Expert Recommendations

Make the Most of Your Visit

🕖 Timing

Arrive at 7:00 AM when the park opens. Wildlife is most active in the first two hours, trails are empty, and temperatures are 5–8°F cooler. By 10 AM the main beach fills up — use that time to hike deeper trails.

🔭 Hire a Guide

An ICT-certified naturalist guide with a HD spotting scope is the single best investment you can make. Without one, sloths and camouflaged wildlife are nearly invisible. Guides charge ~$50/person and can be booked at the park entrance.

🏖 Beach Strategy

Hike first, beach later. Do the Punta Catedral and Perezoso trails early while wildlife is active, then settle on Playa Manuel Antonio in the late morning. Playa Gemelas offers more seclusion if you want to escape the crowds.

🌿 Go Slow

The park is small but dense. Visitors who rush through see nothing; those who walk slowly and look up see everything. Stop, listen, and scan the canopy every 50 meters. The animals are always there — they're just waiting for you to notice them.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Humidity is intense year-round. Bring a 1.5L reusable bottle — there are water refill stations on the Perezoso trail and near the beaches. The cafeteria sells drinks but at premium prices. No food is allowed on trails or beaches.

🎒 Watch Your Bag

White-faced monkeys are bold and intelligent thieves. Keep your bag closed at all times on the beach and trails — they can unzip backpacks in seconds. Never leave bags unattended. Raccoons and coatis are equally opportunistic at the picnic areas.

🛎 Inside the Park

Services & Facilities

Manuel Antonio National Park is well-equipped for a full day visit. Here's everything available inside the park, according to SINAC's official information.

🍽️

Cafeteria & Craft Shop

A concession-operated cafeteria and artisan shop is located near the main beach. Open 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Food and drinks must be consumed inside the designated eating area only — not on trails or beaches.

🚿

Restrooms, Showers & Changing Rooms

Restrooms, showers and changing rooms are available near the beach area. Note: soap and shampoo are not permitted in the showers to protect the park's water systems.

💧

Drinking Water Stations

Potable water refill fountains are located along Sendero El Perezoso and near Playa Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur. Bring a reusable bottle — single-use plastic is not allowed inside the park.

🔒

Locker Rental

Lockers are available for rent at the park entrance from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Useful for storing valuables, extra gear, or items not allowed on the trails such as food.

🧭

Official Guide Service

The Association of Certified Tour Guides of Quepos operates inside the park. Available 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily, afternoon tours Sat/Sun/Mon, night tours Wed–Fri at 5:30 PM (Nov–Apr). Contact: 8671-1813 · [email protected]

♿

Accessibility

The park's main trails include universal accessibility facilities, rest areas, and scenic overlooks. Sendero El Perezoso is flat and paved — suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

🗺️

Marked Trail System

All trails are clearly signposted. Evacuation route signs guide you back to the entrance from any point. Visitor information boards are placed at key intersections throughout the network.

🏛️

Special Attractions

Punta Catedral (former island, now tombolo with 5 viewpoints) · La Trampa (pre-Columbian indigenous turtle traps, visible at low tide) · Mirador Punta Serrucho (volcanic rock formation on a tectonic fault) · Seasonal waterfall (rainy season only) · 18-hectare mangrove lagoon

🚫 Park Regulations

What Is Not Allowed
Inside the Park

These rules are strictly enforced by park rangers and exist to protect the ecosystem, the wildlife, and every visitor's experience. Please read before you go.

🍎 Food on Trails & Beaches

No food or snacks of any kind are allowed on trails or beaches. Bags are scanned at the entrance. Water and natural drinks in reusable bottles are allowed. Food must be consumed exclusively at the cafeteria eating area.

🐒 Feeding or Touching Wildlife

Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited and carries fines. Never approach, touch, or interact with any animal. Maintain a respectful distance at all times. Do not encourage monkeys, raccoons or coatis that approach you.

🚬 Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

Alcohol is not permitted inside the park. Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout. Drugs of any kind are not allowed. Violation of these rules results in immediate removal from the park.

🌿 Removing Natural Materials

Removing any plant, flower, seed, rock, shell, coral fragment, or natural material is prohibited. This includes collecting sand from the beaches. Leave everything exactly as you found it.

🎵 Loud Music & Speakers

Bluetooth speakers and loud music are not allowed. Noise disturbs wildlife behavior and other visitors. Keep voices low on the trails, especially during the early morning wildlife-watching hours.

🚁 Drones & Weapons

Drones require a special SINAC permit and are not generally allowed for recreational use. Firearms, weapons, and explosives are strictly prohibited throughout the entire park.

🐕 Pets

Pets are not allowed inside the park under any circumstances. Service dogs may be admitted with a permit from the park entrance guard station. Leave pets at your hotel or accommodation.

🏕️ Camping & Open Fires

Camping is not permitted anywhere inside the park. Open fires, barbecues, and any flame-producing devices are prohibited. The park does not offer overnight stays of any kind.

🛤️ Going Off-Trail

Visitors must stay on designated marked trails at all times. Off-trail movement damages fragile vegetation, disturbs nesting wildlife, and can be dangerous. The trail system covers all key sights — there's no need to stray.

♻️ Pack in, pack out. There are no waste bins inside the park on trails or beaches. Whatever you bring in, you carry out. Help protect one of Costa Rica's most treasured ecosystems for future generations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Visitors Ask Most

Yes — self-guided visits are allowed. You purchase tickets independently via SINAC and explore on your own. However, without a guide and spotting scope, spotting sloths, camouflaged snakes, and birds in the dense canopy is very difficult. ICT-certified guides are available at the park entrance and charge approximately $50/person. For wildlife enthusiasts, a guide is the single best investment you can make.
During the dry season (December–April), book at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Christmas week and Easter week sell out months ahead — plan accordingly. During the rainy season (May–November), especially September and October, walk-up availability is often possible, but we still recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Manuel Antonio area is generally safe for tourists. The road from Quepos to the park is well-traveled and has multiple hotels, restaurants and services. Standard precautions apply: don't leave valuables in rental cars, avoid walking alone at night, and be aware of your surroundings in Quepos town after dark. The park itself and the main hotel corridor feel very safe.
No. A car is not necessary. The local bus runs every 20–30 minutes between Quepos and the park for just ¢315 (~50 cents). Taxis are readily available. Many visitors spend their entire trip without renting a car. If you plan day trips to Nauyaca Waterfalls, Isla Damas or Rainmaker Reserve, hiring a driver or joining a tour is the easiest option.
Most international tourists prefer staying along the road between Quepos and the park (Manuel Antonio area). Hotels here are built into the rainforest hillside with Pacific Ocean views, and you're within minutes of the park entrance. Quepos offers more budget-friendly options and authentic Costa Rican atmosphere. Many travelers stay in Manuel Antonio and visit Quepos for dinner at local sodas and the Friday/Saturday farmers market.
Humpback whales are most frequently spotted from August through November, when they migrate close to shore. Costa Rica has one of the world's longest whale-watching seasons (roughly August through April in total, with different populations). August–October offers the highest probability of close encounters. Catamaran tours departing from Quepos Marina are the most comfortable way to whale-watch.

🧭 Certified Park Guides

The Park Is Full of Wonders.
The Right Guide Unlocks All of Them.

Spotting a sloth camouflaged thirty feet up in the canopy. Identifying a poison dart frog by the sound it makes before you ever see it. Knowing exactly where the squirrel monkey troop will cross the trail at 8 AM. That's not luck — that's years of intimate knowledge of this forest, and it belongs to a rare group of people who have dedicated their lives to it.

We're putting together something we're genuinely proud of: a handpicked directory of Manuel Antonio's finest ICT-certified guides — vetted, bilingual, and equipped with the HD spotting scopes and deep ecological knowledge that turn a good park visit into a story you tell for years.

✅ ICT Certified Only 🔭 HD Spotting Scopes 🌿 Naturalist Experts 🗣 English · Español · More 📱 Direct WhatsApp Booking
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Guide Directory — Coming Soon

We're currently selecting and verifying the guides who will be part of this directory. Every single one will be someone we'd personally trust to show our own family around this park.

Check back soon — or bookmark this page and we'll have something worth coming back to.