Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

San José , Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

Active

(130 reviews)

12h - 13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica on an unforgettable full-day tour to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the country’s top natural treasures. This experience combines wildlife encounters, scenic rainforest trails, and time to relax on pristine white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the Pacific coast, passing charming coastal towns and stunning ocean viewpoints. Upon arriving at the park, your guide will lead you through lush rainforest paths where you’ll have the chance to see sloths, monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds, and many more species that call this protected area home.

Continue toward the iconic Manuel Antonio Beach, known for its soft white sand, tranquil turquoise waters, and incredible natural surroundings. Enjoy time to swim, relax, explore the coastline, or simply soak in the tropical atmosphere.

Available options

ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR

Park National Entrance incl

What's included

Typical breakfast

National Park Entrance

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Lunch + soft drink included (not included in Economic Tour)

Guide during the tour

Detailed itinerary

We will pick up the clients in San José and travel along Route 27 observing beautiful mountains on the way. This road will take us to the Costanera Sur, on the way you will see plantations of African Palm and other crops.

We will make a stop of approximately 45 minutes for you to have breakfast or have a coffee or even buy snacks for the road. It is also a good opportunity to use the bathroom.

It will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to Manuel Antonio from this point.

We will take a walk in the rain forest along a natural path of the national park until we reach the beach, where you can take a bath, or take a tour of the trails, which will allow us to observe the abundant flora and fauna, in particular several species. of monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, birds, and sloths.
If you decide to hike to Punta Catedral, don't forget your camera, the view from there is spectacular.

After having enjoyed the national park we will walk back to the restaurant where a delicious lunch awaits us before taking the road back to the city.

Once the tour and lunch are finished, we will go to the city of Manuel Antonio where it will take approximately 3 hours to reach your destination.

Travel hours are approximate. Check with your driver or guide what is the estimated time.

What's not included

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.8

35 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

95 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This option includes your entrance to the National Park. Please send or attach to your reservation at least 24 hours in advance the full names and passport numbers to add it to your ticket, otherwise we will not guarantee your entry.

If you were not able to secure a ticket, the booking will be cancelled and refunded..

Meeting point

We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

About San José

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.

Top Attractions

Museo del Jade

This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.

Museum 1-2 hours ¢5,000 (CRC)

Mercado Central

A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.

Historical 1 hour ¢6,000 (CRC) for tours

Parque La Sabana

A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian

Casado

A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian

Chifrijo

A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.

Snack Can be made vegetarian with modifications

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks Zip-lining in nearby areas Coffee tasting tours Spa treatments Museum visits Historical tours White-water rafting in nearby rivers Coffee plantation tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center

By bus

Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Barrio Escalante Barrio Amón San Pedro

Day trips

Poás Volcano National Park

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.

Irazú Volcano National Park

55 km (34 miles) • Half day

A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Alajuela

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.

Festivals

Fiesta de las Luces • December Festival de las Artes • March

Pro tips

Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.