Manuel Antonio is where Costa Rica's rainforest runs straight into the ocean. A small national park, a scatter of beaches, and the hillside town of Quepos next door make it the most visited destination in the country, and one of the most reliable places on earth to see wild sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, and toucans in a single walk.
The park itself is compact, a network of easy coastal trails connecting several beaches, but the surrounding area stretches for several miles along a ridge road lined with villas, boutique hotels, and ocean-view restaurants. Most visitors split their time between a morning in the park and afternoons at the beach, on the water, or exploring the jungle from a private pool.
Manuel Antonio National Park. Guided walks with a spotting scope are the easiest way to actually see the wildlife, guides routinely spot sloths and snakes that are invisible to an untrained eye. The park's beaches, especially Playa Manuel Antonio, are calm enough for swimming.
Ocean kayaking and snorkeling. The coastline south of the park has quiet coves and rock formations worth exploring by kayak, with a good chance of spotting rays or turtles.
Sport fishing. Marina Pez Vela in nearby Quepos is the region's main charter marina, with half and full-day trips chasing sailfish, mahi mahi, and other offshore species.
Sunset cruises. Catamaran and boat tours along the coast are a popular lower-key alternative to a full day of activity.
Most travelers arrive by road from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José, about three to three and a half hours depending on traffic and conditions. A short domestic flight to the local Quepos airport (XQP) is also available and takes roughly 20 minutes in the air, worth it if you would rather not spend half a travel day on the road.
Dry season, December through April, brings the most consistent sunshine and is the busiest and priciest stretch, book well ahead if you are traveling then. Green season, May through November, trades some afternoon rain for quieter beaches, lower rates, and a noticeably greener park.
Four of our favorite stays in the area. More than twenty properties across the Central and Southern Pacific are available on request.
13,000 square feet on one of Manuel Antonio's highest points, named for the color of the sky after sunset.
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Indoor gardens and a saltwater pool in Manuel Antonio's gated La Reserva community.
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Old World architecture on the highest hilltop in the Central Pacific, with views in every direction.
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One of the only true beachfront rentals in Manuel Antonio, steps from the sand.
Ask about this villaYes. Advance online reservations through Costa Rica's official SINAC system are required for every visitor, and the park caps entry at 600 people a day. Tickets can be bought up to two months ahead and often sell out one to four weeks in advance depending on season.
The park is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Tuesday, when it closes for environmental recovery and maintenance.
Entrance is 18 dollars for adults and 5 dollars for children ages 2 to 12, with children under 2 admitted free. Confirm current pricing when you book, since park fees can change.
Dry season, December through April, brings the most consistent sunshine and is the busiest and most expensive stretch. Green season, May through November, brings afternoon rain but fewer crowds, lower rates, and lush scenery.
About three to three and a half hours by road from San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport. A short domestic flight to the local Quepos airport is also available and cuts that down to roughly 20 minutes in the air.
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