Anyone can walk into Manuel Antonio National Park. Seeing it is another matter: sloths sleep 40 feet up, and the second-smallest squirrel monkeys in the world do not wait around for you to find your zoom. Your bilingual naturalist guide carries Pentax and Swarovski scopes and knows where the wildlife actually is that morning, so you spend the two-mile hike looking at animals instead of looking for them. Guides will even shoot photos through the scope with your phone.
The trail ends at the beach Forbes has ranked among the most beautiful in the world, with the rainforest at your back and about 20 minutes to swim before heading back. Morning departures see the most animal activity; the 12:30 pm departure suits late risers and cruise arrivals.
Two practical notes: the park is closed on Tuesdays, and cancellations inside one week of the tour date carry a $20 per person penalty, so lock your day in early and we will handle the rest.
Bring sunscreen, camera, sunglasses, and hiking shoes. Beach towel and bathing suit optional. Departures 7:30 am and 12:30 pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Before you book, one honest note. Prices, departure times, and what is included move with the season here. Rivers rise and drop, tides reset the schedule, boats come out of the water for maintenance, and operators adjust rates without telling anyone first. The details on this page are what we last confirmed directly with the operator, and we go back and check them, but your booking is with the operator and their confirmation is the final word on price, timing, pickup, and what you get. If a detail matters to your trip, whether that is a dietary need, a mobility question, a birthday, or a tight flight, ask us before you book and we will confirm it with them directly rather than guess.
Traveling with kids, limited mobility, or a tight schedule? Tell us your situation and we will match you to the right day and departure.
Plan it with our concierge
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