Manuel Antonio National Park
Created in 1972 to preserve the richness of the forest and the idyllic beaches, Manuel Antonio is home to many of Costa Rica's endangered species. Don't let the size fool you, the smallest of Costa Rica's National Parks, which encompasses almost 1,700 acres of land (683 terrestrial hectares) and 136,000 acres of ocean (55,000 marine hectares), is regarded as one of its best.
Located 120 miles (192 km) from San Jose on the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is internationally recognized as being one of the most biodiverse parks on the planet. Lush tropical forests, lagoons, mangroves and pristine white sandy beaches make up one of the most diverse ecosystems imaginable. Among the 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds, some of the frequently viewed residents include white-faced and howler monkeys, two and three toed sloths and iguanas. The endangered squirrel monkey calls the park home as well.
The park contains a great system of well marked trails to allow visitors to explore (maps may be purchased at the park entrance). The four beaches in the park, Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondito and Playita, are some of the best in the country. Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio offer very good snorkeling when the water is clear, which is best during the dry season. At 236 feet (72 m) high, Cathedral Point lies between Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow land bridge and if you&re up for the hike, provides a memorable view. Playa Manuel Antonio offers a glimpse into the past with pre-Columbian turtle traps made of stone. Surfing, swimming or just relaxing under the sun are favorite activities for park goers.
Manuel Antonio National Park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Regulations have been in effect to limit the amount of visitors to 600 on weekdays and 800 on weekends and holidays. To avoid large crowds, early morning from May to November may be the best time to experience the park. Peak months are from December to April. Petty theft is common around the park so be sure not to leave your possessions unguarded.
Manuel Antonio National Park itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Manuel Antonio National Park itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Pura Vida Adventure Together
We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.
Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart
Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.
Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
60th birthday jungle adventure
If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.
Family Adventure Through Costa Rica
Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.
Dream Honeymoon Adventure in Costa Rica
Embark on a honeymoon that swaps city bustle for Costa Rica’s emerald rainforests and sun‑kissed beaches, where romance meets adventure in every sunrise. From Monteverde’s misty cloud forest trails to Arenal’s volcanic hot springs, then Playa Conchal’s Pacific surf and Damas Island’s mangrove kayak tours, you’ll hike, soak, and sail. Friendly local guides and vibrant community flavors will weave unforgettable memories, leaving you with a deeper connection to nature, Costa Rican warmth, and each other.
Costa Rica Family Adventure Quest
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican family adventure that weaves together rainforest mist, volcanic fire, and Pacific surf, offering a dynamic contrast of nature’s extremes. Your journey moves from the sun‑kissed beaches of Manuel Antonio to Monteverde’s misty hanging bridges, then into Arenal’s volcano and waterfalls, ending with surf lessons in Tamarindo. Friendly local guides and coffee‑farm hosts will share traditions, flavors, and stories, leaving your family with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s warm hospitality and adventurous spirit.
Tropical Adventure with Friends
Costa Rica is a beautiful place - the biodiversity in terms of animals and plant life is spectacular. The beaches, the natural landscapes - all of it is stunning. The people are kind and welcoming, truly living the Pura Vida lifestyle.
Solo Exclusive Trip
An incredible country which went beyond expectations. Absolutely amazing & so many memorable experiences. The welcome from all the people & the hospitality everywhere is fantastic. I always felt safe
Family Fun in Costa Rica
This trip was perfect for our family of 4! It was full of adventure for EVERYONE! Usually our vacations consists of entertainment for the kids but on this vacation we all got to enjoy so much. We have a 5 and 9 year old and we did zip lining, safari boat tour, coffee/chocolate tour, hot springs, waterfall hike, manual Antonio national park and so much more!! We were here for 11 days (2 of them travel days) and it was just enough time! I can’t wait to come back!
Deep Journey into the Heart of Costa Rica
From misty cloud forests to sun‑kissed Pacific beaches, this Costa Rican adventure weaves together vibrant wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and endless ocean horizons. You’ll trek Monteverde’s canopy bridges, soak in Arenal’s hot springs, kayak mangroves at Drake Bay, and snorkel coral reefs off Manuel Antonio. Friendly local guides and community hosts will share traditions, cuisine, and conservation stories, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Costa Rica’s pura vida spirit.
My Pursuit of Pura Vida
HECK YES! The entire experience - from coordinating the trip with Jose to my final transportation to the airport - was flawless. It was 100% stress-free, which made my visit to Costa Rica one of the best trips I've ever taken.
A Coast to Coast Family Adventure
Our trip went very smoothly with all of our pick ups on time. The hotels, destinations and tours recommended by Roy Soto, our tour organiser were all of an excellent standard. For future reference, a lot of our trips were very early so we often missed breakfast at our hotels. It may be useful for fellow travelers to have a list of local cafes/hotels in each location that open early for breakfast. All in all our trip was very enjoyable, the scenery is suberb, the beaches beautiful and unspoiled, the wildlife abundant and incredibly diverse, and the people of Costa Rica are friendly and very hospitable. I would recommend a trip to Costa Rica for an unforgettable experience and I'd recommend Anywhere as a fantastic way to organise the trip of a lifetime, tailored specifically for you.
A Romantic Adventure in The Making
Our favorite part of the trip was experiencing all of the wildlife, monkeys, birds, butterflies and the scenery was GORGEOUS! Each portion of our two-week stay went according to plan, and we have many fond memories for our next trip!
Senior Couple Nature Explorer
We had a wonderful trip. All arrangements were handled promptly and on time. With howler monkeys outside our windows and being able to walk right onto the beach, it doesn’t get better than this.
Experiences in Manuel Antonio National Park
Explore hand-picked Manuel Antonio National Park tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour
Manuel Antonio National Park and Surf
Manuel Antonio National Park & Surf & Beach Day
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour (From Jaco)
Manuel Antonio National Park and Beach Day
Manuel Antonio National Park One Day Tour
Guided Tour Manuel Antonio National Park
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Manuel Antonio National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Hotel Playa Espadilla & Gardens
Enjoy a refreshing dip in our pool or challenge your companions to a friendly game of tennis. Indulge in luxury with our deluxe suite featuring a spacious spa bath for the ultimate relaxation.
Hotel Villabosque Eco Boutique
Hotel Villabosque is located on the Central Pacific Coast next to Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park.
Hotel Playa Espadilla
Hotel Playa Espadilla is situated in beautiful Manuel Antonio, in the central Pacific region of Costa Rica. The hotel is just a three minute walk from the Manuel Antonio National Park, and a two minute walk from the beachfront. Manuel Antonio, a virtual tropical paradise, is home to some of the country's most stunning beaches.
Hotel San Bada
Hotel San Bada is located within Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Region in the Manuel Antonio area. Famed as one of the most beautiful parts of the country, Manual Antonio has it all – white-sand beaches, forested mountains, and abundant wildlife.
El Faro Beach Hotel
El Faro Beach Hotel is located on a hillside near the Manuel Antonio National Park. This hotel is constructed from shipping containers and has a unique, environmentally friendly design.
Hotel Verde Mar
Hotel Verde Mar is situated in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, in the gorgeous town of Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is the ultimate getaway for beautiful beaches, relaxation and jungle adventures. The hotel is situated only steps from the entrance to the famous national park, offering trails into the jungle and pristine beaches. This is an ideal tropical getaway, sure to create unforgettable memories.
Espadilla Ocean Club
Whether you’re coming as a couple on a special getaway, a family taking a vacation, or a larger party experiencing the group trip of a lifetime, this Ocean Club just off of Manuel Antonio’s beach is an awesome accommodation option.
Hotel Karahe and Villas
Hotel Karahe is located in front of Manuel Antonio Beach, and nearby the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, in Costa Rica's Central Pacific. The area is blessed with gorgeous white sand beaches where the rainforest greets its sands making for a truly exotic experience. The nearby town of Quepos offers a selection of international and national restaurants, bars, shops and is known for its sports fishing excursions.
Hotel Costa Verde
Hotel Costa Verde is a Costa Rican tropical paradise, just a few minutes from the entrance of the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. For those seeking adventure travel, ecotourism, sports fishing or just the tranquility of white sand beaches and magnificent ocean views, this popular destination is for you.
Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
The luxurious Hotel Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge is located in Manuel Antonio, on the central Pacific coast. This area is blessed with tropical rain forests, stunning beaches and warm ocean waters.
Casa Vista Azul
Casa Vista Azul is an impeccably furnished tree house. Set above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean and the tall forests of Manuel Antonio, this home is set deeply into the lush forest canopy. With five levels and 6,000 square feet (557 sq m), it can sleep 18 people, so it's perfect for large groups or families.
La Mariposa Hotel
La Mariposa is located on the central Pacific coast between the fishing town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Quepos is a great place to find boutique and surf stores, bars and restaurants and the local bus station which runs between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is known worldwide for its natural beauty and biological diversity.
Flora & fauna in Manuel Antonio National Park
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Manuel Antonio National Park, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
