District
Manuel Antonio National Park
Where pristine beaches meet lush rainforest canopy
Manuel Antonio National Park packs Costa Rica's greatest hits into 683 hectares of Pacific coastline. You'll find white-sand beaches backed by primary rainforest, sloths hanging in cecropia trees, and hiking trails that deliver both wildlife encounters and ocean views. The park sits on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, just outside the town of Manuel Antonio. It's small enough to explore in a day but rich enough to keep you coming back.
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The park has three main trails, all well-maintained and clearly marked. Sendero El Perezoso (Sloth Trail) is the easiest walk – a 1.3-kilometer loop that takes about 45 minutes. This paved path leads to Playa Manuel Antonio and offers your best shot at spotting sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys. Sendero El Mirador climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the coastline. It's a moderate 20-minute hike with some steep sections, but the panoramic views of the Pacific make the climb worthwhile. The longest option is Sendero Punta Catedral, a 2-kilometer trail that loops around the park's southern peninsula. You'll walk through primary rainforest before emerging at secluded Playa Espadilla Sur. The trail includes some rocky sections and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. All trails are suitable for families with children over 8.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1.Buy park tickets online in advance to avoid the $2 processing fee charged at the gate
- 2.Bring your own snorkel gear instead of renting from beach vendors who charge $15-20
- 3.Pack lunch and snacks – food inside the park is limited and overpriced at $12-15 per meal
- 4.Stay in Manuel Antonio village instead of beachfront hotels to save $100+ per night
- 5.Visit Tuesday-Thursday when some hotels offer midweek discounts of 20-30%
- 6.Take the public bus from San José for $3 instead of private shuttles that cost $50+
- 7.Bring a reusable water bottle – bottled water in the park costs $3 vs $1 in town
Travel Tips
- •Arrive at 7 AM when gates open for the best wildlife viewing and smallest crowds
- •Don't feed the monkeys – they become aggressive and it's illegal with hefty fines
- •Hire a local guide at the entrance for $20-25 to spot wildlife you'd otherwise miss
- •Bring a waterproof bag – afternoon rain showers are common even in dry season
- •Watch your belongings on the beach – monkeys and coatis will steal unattended food
- •Wear reef-safe sunscreen only – regular sunscreen damages the coral reefs
- •Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead during December-April peak season
- •Download the park map before visiting – cell service is spotty inside the park
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for a full day to explore all three trails and enjoy the beaches. Most visitors spend 4-6 hours in the park, arriving early for wildlife viewing and staying for beach time. You can see the highlights in 3 hours if you're short on time.
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