Puntarenas Province, central Pacific coast · Costa Rica
A compact national park of rainforest, white beaches, monkeys and sloths on the Pacific.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest in Costa Rica but one of the most visited, protecting a spit of rainforest and a series of golden-white beaches on the central Pacific coast. The park is home to three-toed sloths, white-faced and squirrel monkeys, coatis and iguanas, all easily seen on short trails.
Outside the park, the road winds up and down the hill between Quepos and the beaches, lined with hotels, restaurants and viewpoints with stunning sunsets. Mangrove tours, river rafting, catamaran cruises and zipline tours are all available nearby.
It can be busy and a bit touristy, particularly in the dry season, but the combination of beach, wildlife and ease of access makes it the most popular stop on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Visiting early in the morning gives the best wildlife viewing.
Why visit
Manuel Antonio is an easy mix of beach and jungle.
Sloths, monkeys and more.
Calm water and white sand.
Short and accessible.
Hotels on the hill.
Snorkelling, kayaking and rafting.
Main attractions
The park is the main attraction.
Trails and beaches.
Tip Go early and hire a guide.
The main swimming beach.
Tip Arrive early.
A long beach just outside the park.
Tip Good for walking.
A trail with sea views.
Tip Wear shoes.
The nearby town with a marina.
Tip Short stop.
Mangrove boat tours.
Tip Look for birds.
Things to do
Wildlife and beaches take most of the time.
Spot wildlife in the trees.
Tip Book at the gate.
Calm water.
Tip Watch your belongings.
Snorkelling and sunset.
Tip Book ahead.
Gentle rapids.
Tip Full-day trip.
Quiet boat trip.
Tip Early morning.
From a hilltop bar.
Tip Reserve ahead.
Local food
Local seafood is good.
Raw fish in lime.
Where to try it Beach restaurants.
Plate of the day.
Where to try it Local sodas.
Fresh catch.
Where to try it Waterfront.
Cold and sweet.
Where to try it Beach stands.
Cocktail.
Where to try it Bars.
Accommodation
Stay on the hill or in Quepos.
Transport
Manuel Antonio is on the central Pacific coast.
Local buses link Quepos and the park.
When to go
Dry season is best for beach days, though it is busy.
Dry and sunny.
Green and quieter.
Wet, with fewer visitors.
Early dry season.
Worth planning around: September and October, the wettest.
Itinerary
Beach and forest.
Wildlife
Catamaran
Travel tips
Tips for the park.
FAQ
Check current rules.
Two to three days.
Probably.
Yes in peak season.
December to April.
Yes.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Manuel Antonio, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Puntarenas Province, southern Pacific coast, Costa Rica
A remote peninsula holding Corcovado National Park, one of the last large tracts of Pacific lowland rainforest, with Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez as bases.
Don't miss Walking at dawn on a remote beach with scarlet macaws overhead.
Explore Destination — Corcovado and the Osa PeninsulaPuntarenas Province, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
A rugged southern Nicoya coast with Santa Teresa, Malpais, Montezuma, waterfalls and some of the best surf in Costa Rica.
Don't miss Surfing at sunrise, then eating fresh fish on the sand.
Explore Destination — Santa Teresa and the Nicoya PeninsulaSan Jose Province, Central Valley, Costa Rica
Costa Rica's capital and transport hub, with the National Theatre, gold museum, central market and day trips to volcanoes and coffee farms.
Don't miss Sipping coffee at a market, then visiting the gold museum under the National Theatre's dome.
Explore Destination — San JoseRead next
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