Explore Manuel Antonio’s Rainforest, Wildlife and Beaches
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Description
Quepos is situated on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast and serves as the gateway to a popular National Park and numerous sandy beaches. The city centre has many restaurants, bars, bakeries, art galleries, and gift shops. Its citizens love life, celebrating it with a month-long party every February when the streets overflow with dancers, concerts, parades and street carnivals. This cosy beach community is a great destination for an adventurous and fun-filled vacation.
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7,800 (2025)
Colón (₡, CRC). The US Dollar is also accepted by many businesses.
911
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, you can expect sunny days and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the park's beaches and trails. However, the park is open year-round, and visiting during the rainy season (May to November) can offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
A visit of 2 to 3 days is recommended to fully experience Manuel Antonio National Park. This allows you enough time to explore the park's trails, enjoy its beaches, and participate in activities such as wildlife tours and water sports. If you have more time, consider exploring nearby attractions or taking a day trip to other parts of Puntarenas Province.
Must-see attractions in Manuel Antonio National Park include its stunning beaches such as Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur. The park's trails, like the Punta Catedral trail, offer opportunities to see diverse wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and various bird species. The park's lookout points provide breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding rainforest.
Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for its biodiversity. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas, and numerous bird species such as toucans and scarlet macaws. Exploring the park's trails with a guide can enhance your chances of spotting these animals.
To reach Manuel Antonio National Park, most travelers fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and then take a domestic flight to Quepos, the nearest town. From Quepos, it's a short drive or bus ride to the park. Alternatively, you can drive from San José to Manuel Antonio, which takes about 3 hours. Buses and private shuttles are also available for this route.
Near Manuel Antonio National Park, you can enjoy Costa Rican specialties such as "casado," a traditional dish featuring rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of protein like chicken or fish. Fresh seafood is abundant, and dishes like ceviche are popular. Don't miss trying local fruits like mangos and papayas, often served in refreshing smoothies.
Manuel Antonio National Park requires an entry fee, which can be paid at the park entrance. The park is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. To protect the environment, visitors are advised to stay on marked trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and carry out all trash. It's recommended to bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a comfortable visit.
