Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica · Puntarenas Province
White-sand coves framed by primary rainforest. Manuel Antonio National Park has the highest wildlife-per-square-kilometre in the country — sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and toucans within an hour's loop. Central Pacific coast, three hours from SJO. Peak season December–April.
Overview
The Pacific's most photographed national park — rainforest tumbling straight into white-sand coves.
Manuel Antonio National Park packs three coves, four trails, and a chunk of primary rainforest into less than 7 square kilometres, which is why it's Costa Rica's most-visited park. Sloths sleep in cecropia trees over the path, squirrel monkeys raid picnics, and the white-sand beaches inside the park rival anywhere in the Caribbean.
- Manuel Antonio NP — book entry online, arrive at 7am for wildlife and quiet beaches
- Quepos — the working base town, restaurants and sportfishing marina
- Sloths & monkeys — squirrel, white-faced capuchin, howler, and three-toed sloths
- Beaches inside the park — Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Playita
- Sunset at El Avión — the converted Fairchild C-123 cargo plane on a hilltop
Best time to visit
December through April is the prime window — sunny coastline, calm seas, and full park access. September and October are the wettest stretch but also the greenest and least crowded. Book park-entry tickets in advance from Christmas through Easter.
Experiences
Full Day Tropical Waterfalls Tour
From $130.00
Snorkeling Isla del Caño
From $175.00
15 Min Parasailing Manuel Antonio Beach
From $100.00
1 hr Relaxing Massage
From $90.00
Private Chef in Manuel Antonio
From $150.00
Adventure Park 10 in 1
From $140.00
Savegre White Water Rafting
From $115.00
Naranjo River White Water Rafting
From $95.00
Rainmaker Park Tour
From $69.00
ATV Jungle & Waterfall Adventure
From $110.00
Jet Ski Adventures
From $135.00
Mangrove Monkey Tour
From $55.00
Skydive
From $389.00
Explore the Thrills of Sportfishing
From $1400.00
Savegre River White Water Rafting | Class ll-lll
From $130.00
Dive Isla del Caño
From $215.00
Chocolate Tour Manuel Antonio: Authentic Cacao & Coffee Experience
From $59.00
Reto MAE Hike Playa La Macha
From $25.00
Horseback Riding
From $85.00
Brisa Elegante Sail Boat Tour
From $125.00
Tito's Inshore Fishing Trips
From $540.00
Jungle Night Tour | Manuel Antonio
From $59.00
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
From $59.00
Sunset Sails Boat Tour
From $84.00
Open Water course Isla del Caño
From $645.00
Surf Lesson in Manuel Antonio
From $95.00
Reto MAE Coastal Full Hike
From $90.00
Corcovado National Park Tour – Sirena Station
From $110.00
Nauyaca Waterfall Tour
From $133.00
Canopy Zipline Tour Manuel Antonio
From $85.00
Vamonos - 41ft Luhrs
From $2650.00
Top Notch - 45ft Viking
From $2600.00
Gypsy Girl - 30ft Palmbeach Gamefisher
From $1150.00
Naranjo River White Water Rafting | Class III & IV
From $110.00
Farm to Table – Cooking & Spice Farm Experience
From $90.00
Getting around
Gallery
Where to stay
Hotel La Posada and Jungle
10/10 · 110 reviews
Tulemar Resort
9.8/10 · 210 reviews
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort Member of the Cayuga Collection
9.7/10 · 139 reviews
Hotel Naoz
9.6/10 · 880 reviews
Gaia Hotel & Reserve- Adults Only
9.6/10 · 388 reviews
Hotel Plaza Yara
9.6/10 · 116 reviews
Villas Nicolás - Adults Only
9.6/10 · 114 reviews
Oasis Diverse Adult Retreat
9.5/10 · 84 reviews
Parador Nature Resort and Spa
9.4/10 · 1584 reviews
The Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio
9.4/10 · 1245 reviews