Manuel Antonio National Park

Overview

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's most popular national parks, known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. The park protects a rich tropical forest and is visited by more than 150,000 visitors a year. It was declared an International Biosphere Reserve in 1994.

natural

Rainforest Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

Address

Quepos

Neighborhood: Manuel Antonio

Coordinates

9.416700, -84.150000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

tuesday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

wednesday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

thursday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

friday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

saturday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

sunday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$16 (foreigners)

Children

$5 (foreigners, ages 6-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

December-April

Best Time of Day

Early morning 6-8am

fewer crowds, better wildlife sightings

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2-3 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

warm and humid

• nesting sea turtles
• bird migration

summer

hot and dry

• clear skies
• best beach weather

autumn

warm with occasional rain

• rainforest blooms
• fewer tourists

winter

mild and dry

• Christmas decorations
• holiday events

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online in advance for best prices
Photography allowed but no professional equipment
Modest dress code recommended
Cash needed for some vendors and parking

What to Bring

essential

valid ID booking confirmation water bottle

seasonal

rain jacket (rainy season) light jacket (winter) hat and sunglasses (summer)

not allowed

large bags drones professional tripods outside food pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate - involves hiking and walking on trails

• uneven paths
• no shade in some areas
• wildlife encounters

Medical facilities: first aid station at visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit cards, mobile payments

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Typical Costs

entry $16 (foreigners)

parking $5

food $10-20

souvenirs $5-30

Dress Code

comfortable hiking attire, light, breathable clothing, hiking shoes, comfortable hiking shoes required, high heels, flip-flops, revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• 2-4 weeks recommended
• official website for best prices
• full refund 48 hours before
• express passes available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Manuel Antonio National Park App

Size: 35 MB

Features: Interactive map of trails and wildlife, Audio guide in multiple languages, Wildlife spotting tips, Real-time park updates, Digital ticket storage

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Restrooms, Picnic areas

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Restrooms

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Juan Santamaría International Airport

Distance: 160 km

Travel Time: 2.5-3 hours

taxi

$150-180 2.5 hours

public_transport

$20-30 3.5-4 hours

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

taxi

$10-15 15 minutes

public_transport

$2 25 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: A beloved national treasure with stunning nature

Historical Significance: One of the first national parks in Costa Rica

Insider Tips

Free guided tours available at 8am and 10am
Best spot for sloth sightings is along the main trail
Local artisans sell handmade souvenirs near the entrance
Guides can often spot hidden wildlife that you might miss

Local Recommendations

• Try the fresh tropical fruits at the local stands
• Ask for guide Carlos for expert wildlife knowledge
• Eat at the local sodas (small eateries) for authentic food
• Visit during weekdays for a more peaceful experience

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola

thank_you Gracias

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?

beautiful Hermoso

ticket Boleto

Guide Languages: Spanish, English, French, German

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Playa Espadilla

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Capture the beach and forest together

Result: Beautiful golden hour beach photos

#ManuelAntonio #CostaRica #BeachLife

Cathedral Point

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Use the rocks as foreground

Result: Stunning ocean views with dramatic rocks

#Nature #Sunrise #Adventure

Photography Rules

allowed areas beaches, viewpoints, trails

prohibited areas wildlife feeding areas, restricted zones

flash photography not allowed for wildlife

commercial photography permit required

drone policy strictly prohibited

tripod policy allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks allowed with caution

Nearby Attractions

Playa Espadilla

Distance: 100 meters

Walking: 2 minutes

Type: Beach

Quepos Marina

Distance: 5 km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Marina

Reviews

4.8

Based on 25,420 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Arrive early to avoid crowds and see more wildlife"
"Bring plenty of water and snacks"
"Wear sturdy shoes for the hikes"
"Bring a waterproof bag for beach time"

Contact Information

+506 2777 5243

info@manuelantonio.com

www.manuelantonio.com

Social Media

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