Manuel Antonio National Park

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

A compact but wildlife-rich national park where rainforest meets white-sand beaches and turquoise coves. Visitors spot sloths, monkeys and iguanas along easy trails before cooling off in some of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches.

Things to do

• Wildlife spotting on the main trail — Walk the Sendero Principal to see three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas and toucans in the coastal rainforest.
• Relax at Playa Manuel Antonio — This sheltered white-sand beach with calm turquoise water is the park's most famous swimming spot.
• Snorkel at Playa Espadilla Sur — Explore the tombolo sandbar and calm coves that are good for swimming and spotting marine life.
• Hike to Punta Catedral — Follow the loop trail up the former island headland for panoramic views over the Pacific and rocky islets.
• Hire a certified naturalist guide — Local guides with telescopes help you find camouflaged sloths, snakes and birds you would otherwise miss.
• Sunset from Playa Espadilla — Just outside the park entrance, this long public beach is ideal for surfing lessons and evening sunsets.
• Watch for squirrel monkeys — Look for the endangered Central American squirrel monkey (mono titi) in the treetops near the trails.

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 on a hot beach day.
• Gallo pinto — Costa Rica's signature breakfast of stir-fried rice and beans, typically served with eggs, tortillas and Salsa Lizano.
• Fresh coconut water (pipa fria) — Vendors along Playa Espadilla sell chilled green coconuts you drink straight from the shell.
• Fresh fruit smoothies (batidos) — Blended drinks made with mango, papaya, pineapple or blackberry, served with water or milk.
• Whole grilled snapper — Beachfront restaurants serve fresh-caught red snapper with garlic, patacones and rice.

Local customs & good to know

• Do not feed the animals — Feeding monkeys and raccoons is illegal and harmful; keep your food sealed as they will steal unattended bags.
• Arrive early and check closing days — The park caps daily visitors, opens around 7am and is typically closed on Tuesdays, so buy tickets online in advance.
• Embrace 'pura vida' — This national phrase means both hello and a relaxed, positive way of life, so slow down and greet people warmly.
• Bring only essentials — Single-use plastics, alcohol and outside snacks are restricted, so pack water in a reusable bottle and reef-safe sunscreen.

Nearby

• Quepos — 5 km
• Dominical — 35 km
• Nauyaca Waterfalls — 41 km
• Uvita — 52 km