Manuel Antonio National Park

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

A small but wildly biodiverse coastal park where rainforest meets white-sand beaches and turquoise coves. Visitors spot sloths, monkeys and iguanas along easy trails before swimming at some of Costa Rica's prettiest beaches.

Things to do

• Wildlife spotting on the main trail — Walk the well-maintained Sendero Principal to spot three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys and iguanas among the canopy.
• Swim at Playa Manuel Antonio — Relax on the park's iconic crescent of white sand in a sheltered turquoise cove that's calm enough for easy swimming.
• Hike to Punta Catedral — Follow the loop trail around this former island now joined to the mainland by a sandy tombolo, with viewpoints over the Pacific.
• Relax at Playa Espadilla Sur — Enjoy this quieter beach inside the park, backed by rainforest and ideal for shade under the trees.
• Hire a certified park guide — Book a licensed naturalist guide with a spotting scope near the entrance to see camouflaged sloths, snakes and birds you'd otherwise miss.
• Snorkel and kayak the coves — Explore the rocky shorelines and clear waters around the park's beaches to see reef fish and marine life.
• Watch for sunset near Playa Espadilla — Head to the long public beach just outside the park entrance for Pacific sunsets and surf.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad and your choice of fish, chicken or beef served at local sodas.
• Ceviche de pescado — Fresh Pacific fish cured in lime juice with cilantro, onion and pepper, perfect after a hot beach day.
• Pescado entero or fresh seafood — Whole grilled fish and shrimp caught locally, best enjoyed at open-air restaurants along the road to the park.
• Agua de pipa — Chilled coconut water sipped straight from a fresh green coconut sold by roadside vendors near the beach.
• Gallo pinto breakfast — Costa Rica's classic morning dish of rice and beans with eggs, sour cream and tortillas to fuel a day of hiking.

Local customs & good to know

• Check park hours and closures — The park is closed on Tuesdays and requires tickets bought online in advance, with a daily visitor cap, so plan ahead.
• Don't feed the monkeys — Capuchins and raccoons boldly raid bags, so keep food sealed and never feed wildlife to protect their health and behavior.
• Bring water, sunscreen and arrive early — Mornings offer cooler temperatures and the best wildlife activity, and there's limited shade on some trails.
• Embrace 'pura vida' — This national phrase means both hello and a relaxed way of life, so greet locals warmly and slow your pace.

Nearby

• Dominical — 35 km
• Nauyaca Waterfalls — 43 km
• Uvita and Marino Ballena — 52 km
• Tapantí National Park (Cartago) — 54 km