Costa Rica · Quepos · Pacífico Central

Manuel AntonioNational Park

Tu guía completa del parque nacional más querido de Costa Rica — entradas, guías certificados, fauna, senderos y playas. Everything in one place.

🎟 Buy Entradas Guide Encontrar un Guía Certificado
352+ Bird Species
4 Monkey Species
1,120 Daily Visitor Limit
7km From Quepos
1972 Founded

🎟 Tarifas de Entrada & Cómo Comprar

Cómo Conseguir tus Entradas al Parque

Las entradas al Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio solo se pueden comprar en línea a través del sitio oficial de SINAC. No hay venta en la entrada. El parque alcanza su límite diario de 1,120 visitors quickly — book in advance.

Tarifas de Entrada

$18.08 USD

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

$5.65 USD

Foreign children ages 2–12

Gratis

Niños menores de 2 años 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: Personas vestidas como rangers cerca de la entrada venden entradas falsas a precios inflados. Solo compra through sinac.go.cr — the sole official source.

Cómo Comprar — Step by Step

  1. 1Go to serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr — the only official ticketing platform
  2. 2Crea una cuenta gratuita con tu correo electrónico
  3. 3Select Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio y elige tu fecha de visita y horario
  4. 4Ingresa los datos del pasaporte de cada visitante de tu grupo
  5. 5Paga con tarjeta de crédito o débito internacional — tu tarjeta debe admitir compras internacionales
  6. 6Guarda tu correo de confirmación con código de barras — muéstralo en tu teléfono en la entrada junto con tu pasaporte
📅 Book 1–2 weeks ahead en temporada seca (dic–abr). Navidad y Semana Santa se agotan meses antes. Máx. 6 entradas por transacción, one transaction per user per day.
📞 Park contact: 2777-5185 · [email protected]
🍎 No se permite comida dentro del parque. Puedes traer agua y bebidas naturales en botellas reutilizables. Una pequeña cafetería opera dentro cerca de la playa principal.he main beach. Bags are scanned at the entrance.

🐒 Flora & Fauna

Fauna que Verás en Manuel Antonio

A pesar de ser uno de los parques nacionales más pequeños de Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio alberga una de las concentraciones de biodiversidad más ricas del país — más de 352 especies de aves, 109 de mamíferos y 346 de plantas registradas por SINAC en apenas 7.7 millas cuadradas of protected rainforest and marine reserve.

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Perezosos

Perezosos de dos y tres dedos habitan el parque. Se camuflan perfectamente en el dosel — casi imposibles de detectar sin guía y telescopio. The Sendero El Perezoso (Sloth Trail) is the best starting point.

2 species present
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Monos

Tres de las cuatro especies de monos de Costa Rica viven aquí. Los carablanca son los más visibles y curiosos. Los congos se escuchan antes de verse. El raro mono tití centroamericano (mono tití) is found only here and in Corcovado.

3 species · 1 endemic
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Aves

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
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Reptiles

Las iguanas verdes se asolean en rocas y senderos de playa. Las lagartijas jesucristo corren sobre el agua. Pizotes, guatusas y mapaches recorren el suelo del bosque. Ocasionalmente se avistan venados y osos hormigueros.

Multiple species
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Vida Marina

Los delfines nariz de botella son visibles todo el año en tours en catamarán. La temporada de ballenas jorobadas va de agosto a noviembre, cuando saltan cerca de la costa. Las tortugas marinas visitan las playas estacionalmente. Haz snorkel en Playa Biesanz for tropical fish.

Whale season Aug–Nov
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Anfibios y Más

Las ranas de ojos rojos, ranas dardo azules y ranas toro centroamericanas aparecen en tours nocturnos. Los monos araña y kinkajús son avistados por visitantes afortunados con guías pacientes al atardecerernoon.

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.

🥾 Senderos

Senderos y Playas Dentro del Parque

Los senderos bien mantenidos de Manuel Antonio conectan el dosel del bosque lluvioso con algunas de las playas de arena blanca más espectaculares de Centroamérica. La mayoría de los visitantes pasa 3–5 horas explorando el circuito principal.

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Sendero El Perezoso

📏 1.1 km de ida ⏱ 20–30 min 🟢 Easy · Flat

The main access trail from la entrada del parque 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.

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Sendero Punta Catedral Loop

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

Un impresionante circuito alrededor del tómbolo icónico del parque con panorámicas del Océano Pacífico. La Punta Catedral fue alguna vez una isla. En marea baja, puedes ver antiguas trampas de tortugas indígenas Quepoas en las rocas.

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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.

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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.

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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 el lugar más sereno del parque. Requiere una caminata corta pasando la cafetería pero recompensa con verdadera tranquilidad. Lleva tu propia agua ya que no hay servicios disponibles here.

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Sendero Manglar

📏 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.

🗺 Planifica tu Visita

Todo lo que Necesitas Saber Antes de Ir

Desde cómo llegar hasta qué empacar — información práctica para que tu visita sea perfecta e inolvidable.

Mejor época para visitar

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Temporada seca — clima ideal, reserva con anticipación Temporada verde — exuberante, menos turistas, good value Pico lluvioso — tarifas bajas, fauna muy activa
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Cómo Llegar

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).

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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).

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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.

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What to Pack

Botella de agua reutilizable, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, light rain jacket, walking shoes with grip, swimwear and towel, binoculars (for birdwatching), passport copy for park entry.

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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.

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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

Aprovecha al Máximo tu Visita

🕖 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

Un guía naturalista certificado por el ICT con telescopio HD es la mejor inversión que puedes hacer. Sin uno, los perezosos y la fauna camuflada son prácticamente invisibles. Guides charge ~$50/person and can be booked at la entrada del parque.

🏖 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.

🛎 Dentro del Parque

Servicios e Instalaciones

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

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Cafetería y Tienda Artesanal

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.

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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.

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Drinking Estaciones de Agua

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.

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Locker Rental

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

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Servicio Oficial de Guías

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]

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Accesibilidad

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.

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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.

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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

🚫 Regulaciones del Parque

What Is Not Allowed
Inside the Park

Estas reglas son estrictamente aplicadas por los rangers del parque y existen para proteger el ecosistema, la fauna y la experiencia de cada visitante. Por favor léelas antes de ir.

🍎 Comida en Senderos y Playas

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

El alcohol no está permitido dentro del parque. Fumar está estrictamente prohibido en todo el recinto. No se permiten drogas de ningún tipo. 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.

🐕 Mascotas

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

🏕️ Camping & Open Fires

El camping no está permitido en ningún lugar dentro del parque. Las hogueras, barbacoas y cualquier dispositivo que produzca llama están prohibidos. 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. No hay basureros dentro del parque en senderos o playas. Todo lo que traes, lo llevas de regreso. Help protect one of Costa Rica's most treasured ecosystems for future generations.

❓ Preguntas Frecuentes

Las Preguntas que Más Hacen los Visitantes

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 la entrada del parque 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 la entrada del parque. 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.

🧭 Guías Certificados del Parque

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.

✅ Solo Certificados por el ICT 🔭 Telescopios HD 🌿 Expertos Naturalistas 🗣 English · Español · More 📱 Direct WhatsApp Booking
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Directorio de Guías — Próximamente

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.