Manuel Antonio National Park Day Tour From San José
Active
13h - 15h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant wildlife. Start your day early, crossing lush mountains and stopping for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast along the Tárcoles River. Once at the park, venture through rainforest trails to spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds before relaxing on the beach or hiking to Punta Catedral for stunning views. After a day of adventure, enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to San José.
- Full-day tour lasting approximately 13 hours
- Includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, and park entrance fee
- Bilingual guide for enriching insights into the local ecosystem
- Ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike
Available options
Manuel Antonio National Park Day Tour From San José
Pickup included
What's included
Admission fee
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Detailed itinerary
1
After completing the tour, we enjoy lunch at Hotel Espadilla. We then pass by Espadilla Public Beach as the access route to enter Manuel Antonio National Park, combining nature, beach scenery, and a complete experience in the area.
2
Stop 2
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic national parks, where our naturalist tour takes you through lush rainforest trails to spot sloths, monkeys, birds, and other wildlife, guided by an expert who explains the area’s rich ecosystems, with time to enjoy its beautiful beaches.
3
We make a stop at the Tárcoles River Bridge to have breakfast, then we visit a famous viewpoint where guests can safely observe large American crocodiles resting in the river below, offering a unique and memorable wildlife experience.
4
Stop 4
We stop in the JACO letters view point to witness the ocean and have some pictures.
The remaining time is the drive. 3 hours going there and 3 hours coming back.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
