A Traveler’s Handbook to Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica – Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip

View of Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio separated by the Punta Catedral

If you’re interested in visiting the famed national parks of Costa Rica, consider adding Manuel Antonio to your list. A bite-sized chunk of primeval rainforest that spreads across a tombolo on the wild Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio is known for being one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The stats speak for themselves: 184 species of birds, three out of four of Costa Rican monkey species, two types of sloths – we could go on and on.

All that draws a hefty crowd, who filter through the bustling gateway town of Quepos and into a relatively small reserve of just 4,900 acres (1,983 hectares) – the smallest in the country, no less. But there’s still room enough for beaches with cotton-tinged sand, endless groups of manzanillo trees and buttonwoods, and a series of the best day hikes Central America has to offer.

Discover the wonders of Manuel Antonio with this comprehensive travel guide. Packed with insider tips, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, including transportation options, ideal times to go, and top things to do, as well as recommendations for hotels, dining, and the best beaches. You’ll even find a sample itinerary to help you better plan your trip. For more information, check out this amazing Manuel Antonio trip.

My experience in Manuel Antonio

I didn’t think it was quite so easy to get up close and personal with the famed wildlife of Costa Rica. Then I visited Manuel Antonio National Park. Less than five minutes after entering the off-the-beaten-path reserve, I was hushed into silence in the hopes of spotting a Hoffman’s two-toed sloth in the canopy above. That’s the sort of amazing thing that happens here every single day – a vision of a swinging howler monkey one moment, a glimpse of a humpback whale splashing in the ocean the next.

I also can’t overstate the joy of having a paradise beach right on the doorstep of your resort. After a day’s trekking, you can crash on long runs of glimmering sand threaded by coconut palms from tip to toe. Nice.

One of my favorite adventure destinations is Costa Rica, a place where I have explored extensively. In my time there, I especially loved everything from the hanging bridges and zip lines around Arenal and surfing in Jaco, to the rich history of coffee farms near San José. With a strong sense of sustainability, amazing opportunities for adventure, and some of the most beautiful beaches and landscapes around, Costa Rica and Manuel Antonio in particular are worth seeing for any traveler.

Ever since I was young, I’ve dreamed of exploring this incredible planet. I have been very fortunate to have explored over 50 countries across this extraordinary world and to have made travel my career. I am very grateful to run The Explorer’s Passage, an award-winning premier adventure travel company and, in my opinion, the best tour operator in Costa Rica. Our team has over 30 years of experience running successful tours there. If at any point throughout this guide you find yourself with any questions, reach out to our team and we’ll gladly help build your dream trip!

What’s in this guide?

 

Where is Manuel Antonio?

Manuel Antonio is home to one of the main highlights on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica – the Manuel Antonio National Park and its two main beaches. The Manuel Antonio National Park reserve spreads over an isthmus headland to the south of the town of Quepos – this stretch of land is known as Manuel Antonio. Quepos is the closest town to the national reserve and has now become the unofficial base for those headed to this Central American top attraction.

Manuel Antonio is located in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province – a long, thin region that goes all the way from the Panamanian border to the edges of the surf-washed Nicoya Peninsula in the north. Manuel Antonio is about 105 miles (170 kilometers) southeast of Costa Rica’s booming capital of San José

Sun setting over a marina in Quepos - the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica

 

How to get to Manuel Antonio?

Aim for the aforementioned Quepos town to get to Manuel Antonio. You’ve got two choices: fly or go overland. The first involves a very short flight from the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in the capital San José to the La Managua Airport (XQP), which sits just northeast of Quepos itself and is about a 10-minute taxi ride away.

There’s a bit more of an adventure in going overland. Buses connect with Manuel Antonio from San José, and – as of more recently – a number of other major Costa Rican vacation hotspots, like Tamarindo and Jaco. The public services are the cheapest but also the slowest. They’ll take around three-plus hours to get over from the capital.

Alternatively, you could go in a shared shuttle, which takes 2.5 hours, or rent a car of your own, which is better in the dry season because the Manuel Antonio roads can get washed out when the rains come. Or better yet, go with an organized tour operator like The Explorer’s Passage who can take care of your transportation details  so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

 

Getting around Manuel Antonio

Hiking the Manuel Antonio National Park is the way to go. It’s actually the whole point. There are a series of marked trails that we’ll cover in a bit more detail later on but suffice to say that they reveal the sloth-filled innards of the jungles and all the best beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla.

The only time you’ll need public transport here is when it comes to getting from Quepos town or the road between Quepos and the national park itself. Thankfully, there are very regular buses that go from early in the morning to the early evening, taking a mere 25 minutes from Quepos to reach the main gate for the reserve.

Wooden bridge leading into thick forest in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

 

Best time to visit Manuel Antonio

There’s no real best time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park. Both the dry season and the wet season in Costa Rica bring their own pros and cons to bear on these jungle-clad beaches. When to visit will depend on your preference. Let’s take a closer look at both seasons:

  • Dry season (December-April) – The dry season is the most popular time to come to Manuel Antonio. November sees almost half the rain of October, and December sees half of November’s precipitation. It dries up fast here and when it does the hiking paths that weave and wiggle through the park tend to be more pleasant experiences. The dry season also brings the best beach weather for activities like snorkeling tours.
  • Wet season (May-November) – The rains kick in in earnest from May, when precipitation counts more than double in just four weeks. It’s not the worst news in a rainforest, because it brings the flowers and the greenery to life in the mangroves, but also ups the chance you’ll see wildlife. It may change the scenery on the beaches, but the rainy season in Manuel Antonio is also better for doing adventure activities like whitewater rafting and surfing tours, and it’s the main whale-watching season on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Oh, and it’s cheaper all round!

 

Top things to do in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park is about experiencing the fabled biodiversity of Costa Rica firsthand. As such, the reserve itself is where you’ll want to be most of the time, but there are also some other activities in the surrounding region. Here’s some of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio that will make your trip worth it:

  • Wildlife viewing – There’s no doubt about it, the wildlife is attraction numero uno in Manuel Antonio and it’s something that can be done from the comfort of your resort. This national park was essentially established to protect a small corner of land where the jungles meet the ocean beaches.

Manuel Antonio now has one of the highest wildlife biodiversity counts in Central America, and, by extension, the planet. Whether it be on the beach or through the mangroves, here are a few of the amazing animals you can expect to find:

    • Howler monkeys
    • Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths
    • Spider monkeys
    • Coatis
    • Boa constrictors

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check out the full list of Manuel Antonio wildlife. Get ready for a wild adventure!

White-faced capuchin monkey in Manuel Antonio National Park https://unsplash.com/photos/QrSZQLHf6Wk

  • Hiking – Hiking is the way you’ll get to see the wildlife here. A web of many designated paths cut through the Manuel Antonio reserve. Some of the routes are, simply, unmissable. Take the Sendero Perezoso, or the Sloth Trail. Named by Lonely Planet as one of the best short hikes in Central America, it detours from the main trail into groves of ancient trees with some of the best sloth-viewing spots in the world.

For a longer hike, take Sendero Mirador to the lookout point above the forests. For spotting whales and dolphins, hit the Sendero Punta Catedral on the coast. These are just a few of the scenic trails that await you in Costa Rica and we welcome you to explore these (and all the others) with The Explorer’s Passage. 

  • The beaches – Manuel Antonio isn’t like Monteverde or Arenal. It’s smack dab on the coast, with the whale-filled Pacific ocean spreading to its west. Among other things, that means beaches. And a whole clutch of jaw-dropping, paradisiacal beaches at that, perfect for surfing and more. Here are just a few of the best beaches that you can experience in Manuel Antonio:
    • Playa Manuel Antonio – On the south side of the national park’s isthmus, Manuel Antonio Beach is the most glorious beach of the lot with sugar-soft sands and clear water. It’s well protected from the swell, so it’s great for families with kids in tow.
    • Espadilla Sur Beach – A long run of about 0.5 mile (800 meters) that goes from the edge of the park to the mirador point, Espadilla Sur beach is a wild vision of cinnamon-tinged sand with a backing of jungle that’s often inhabited by cheeky howler monkeys. Great for strolling.
    • Playa Biesanz – Referred to as the “secret beach” among tourists, Biesanz beach is a charming secluded haven nestled amidst a breathtaking jungle teeming with a variety of wildlife. Situated to the north of Quepos, this beach is an excellent spot to surf for novice and moderate surfers.
    • Playa Espadilla – Located in Quepos, this is the only beach that’s outside of the national park, which means you can come to laze and swim here after the approximate 4 PM closing time. There are some hotels right on the Espadilla beach shoreline and plenty of bars for a cold beer with the sunset.

Aerial View of Playa Espadilla Shoreline in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

  • Whale and dolphin watching – Don’t lose track of the fact that only a small portion of the Manuel Antonio National Park is actually on dry land. The reserve also extends past the beaches and a long way into the Pacific, through waters that are known for their populations of dolphins and – during the migration period from June to September – humpback whales. There are tours that can whisk you out to spot the amazing wildlife. Or you could go it alone with sea kayaks. 
  • Whitewater rafting – If you visit Manuel Antonio during the wet season and want some high-octane adventures outside of park territory, consider adding rafting to your activities list. There are challenging Class IV rapids on the Naranjo River and more accessible Class II and III rapids down on the Savegre River. Take your pick.

 

Entry and opening times at the Manuel Antonio National Park

You will have to pay to enter the Manuel Antonio National Park and there is also a parking fee if you have rented a car. Entry costs are typically included in the price of a tour, but be sure to check that beforehand.

The Manuel Antonio National Park is open every day of the year, apart from Tuesdays, from 7 AM to 4 PM. We recommend getting there as early as you possibly can, though. This is a hugely popular place and it’s all the more magical if you can beat the crowds.

Please note that this information may be subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the availability of entry and parking fees, as well as the Manuel Antonio National Park opening hours before your trip. Or better yet, leave all the nitty-gritty details to us when you book your trip with The Explorer’s Passage.

 

Where to stay in Manuel Antonio?

Given the ever-growing popularity of Manuel Antonio, it should hardly be a surprise that there’s now an overload of hotels and resorts to bed down in the region. And they aren’t just for sleeping. These pads have infinity pools, suites with canopy views, and even walking access to the beach.

  • Makanda by the Sea – A very cool boutique hotel that’s for adult’s only, Makanda by the Sea isn’t quite what you’d expect in tropical Costa Rica. It’s the sort of hotel that would fit in in New York City, with Art Deco interiors and plush standalone Victorian baths and the like.
  • Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort – One of the few true beachfront resort options along the Espadilla sand stretch that runs north of the Manuel Antonio reserve, Arenas del Mar Resort has a small pool in the coast jungles and walking access to tree-shaded sands. Simply one of the best hotels for wildlife spotting.
  • Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge – Channel a bit of Monteverde by leaving the coast behind and hitting the dense forests for this resort, spa, and eco lodge that has a fantastic outdoor deck space with its own pool. Located close to Biesanz Beach.
  • Parador Resort & Spa – Perched at the end of a headland north of Manuel Antonio, El Parador resort has overtones of a plush Grecian villa. The pool is very elegant and the food is top-notch – think artisan sushi and Mediterranean fusion fare.

Rooftop view of El Parador Resort and surrounding treetops in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

  • Tulemar Resort & Beach – Nestled in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Tulemar is a one-of-a-kind Costa Rica mega resort. Tulemar offers the added convenience of having a private beach as well as four resort pools, one of which is exclusively for adults.
  • Los Altos Resort – If you want to be pampered in Manuel Antonio, Los Altos Resort has spacious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and an infinity pool. Los Altos even offers a variety of fun things to do, including cooking classes and yoga sessions.

 

Where to eat?

Just as there’s plenty of hotel options, there are also oodles of spots to eat. Here are a couple that we really love. Naturally, they are all outside of the main Manuel Antonio reserve.

  • Mountain Top Park Costa Rica – A novelty place to munch on frijoles and nachos and other zingy Latin American staples, complete with its own truly Costa Rican swing bridge overlooking the wildlife-filled rainforest.
  • The Gallery – Part café, part kitchen, part nightlife hub, The Gallery beckons on the winding road into the national park. The menu runs the gamut from spicy rojos eggs for breakfast to stacked burgers sandwiched between fresh-made buns.
  • Soda El Angel – The budget choice in Manuel Antonio. Head down to Soda El Angel for a taste of authentic, home-cooked Costa Rican fare. Rice is served with almost everything and they offer popular daily specials.

Traditional Costa Rican Breakfast served with Gallo Pinto and Plantains

 

Sample Manuel Antonio itinerary

A Costa Rica trip to Manuel Antonio sounds great, doesn’t it? Whether you plan the whole thing yourself or decide to come with us (fingers crossed!), we hope this comprehensive guide with recommendations on the top things to do in Manuel Antonio will serve you well.

How many days you need to spend in Manuel Antonio to get the full experience will depend on your preferences, but we are confident that our customizable 5-day adventure will leave you with an unforgettable Manuel Antonio experience.

Below is a sneak peek of what you can expect during your off-the-beaten-path adventure with The Explorer’s Passage. Everything is fully customizable to your idea of the perfect trip. Here’s what your first few days may look like:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Manuel Antonio – Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Be greeted by a member of our team as you arrive in San José at the Juan Santamaría International Airport. We’ll privately transfer you to your hotel, stopping for a tasty lunch along the way. Take in the new scenery and catch a glimpse of the culture during the drive. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore this beautiful beach town and enjoy dinner at one of its many delicious restaurants – we can recommend our favorites!
  • Day 2: Manuel Antonio National Park – Start your day with a hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the lush tropical rainforest, see diverse wildlife, and enjoy the relaxing beaches. After the tour, take a dip in the crystal clear beach waters, sunbathe with a good book, surf along the shoreline, or simply take in the generous views.
  • Day 3: Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour – Enjoy a delicious breakfast before starting your fun-filled day of adventure. You’ll get picked up from your resort to go sea kayaking and snorkeling on a guided tour, where you’ll paddle through pristine waters and snorkel to discover the diverse marine life of Costa Rica. After the tour, explore more of the unspoiled beaches of Manuel Antonio or continue exploring the town and its exciting surroundings.

Three people swimming and surfing on the beach during a sunset

For the full itinerary or a customized version, contact a dedicated adventure consultant at The Explorer’s Passage. And if you want to explore more, check out these other incredible places in Costa Rica.

 

Why travel with The Explorer’s Passage?

Experience Manuel Antonio with the best tour operator in Costa Rica. With over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, our team has extensive local knowledge and networks that you can trust.

We pride ourselves on delivering extraordinary tours based on travelers’ needs and are humbled by our guests’ testimonials. In fact, our dedication has earned us a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor, and awards by Travel+Leisure Magazine and Newsweek.

Check us out and discover why so many travelers worldwide choose us. My team and I would love for you to join us on a trip to Manuel Antonio or any of our many other adventure trips!

If you liked this post, be sure to check out the 15 best places to visit in Costa Rica and 14 fast facts about Costa Rica. You’ll also find more of this kind of adventure content on our blog page!

 

Cheers,
Jeff

Jeff Bonaldi
Founder & CEO
The Explorer’s Passage

About Jeff Bonaldi

Jeff Bonaldi is the Founder and CEO of The Explorer’s Passage, a premier adventure travel company. His mission is to provide travelers with the opportunity to transform their lives and the planet through the power of adventure.

Learn more about Jeff’s story and his company HERE.