Manuel Antonio Map

Rainforest meets white-sand beaches in Costa Rica's most-visited national park. This map shows the park, its trails and beaches, the hotel strip and Quepos.

Tickets are only sold online and sell out in high season. A guided tour includes entry and a naturalist with a scope.

Manuel Antonio guided tours ↗
  • National parks & reserves
  • Beaches
  • Hikes & adventure
  • Towns
  • Sights
  • Airports & ferries
  • Wildlife

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

From San José
~3 h
Park closed
Tuesday
Tickets only
Online
Land area (tiny!)
~2 km²

Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica, but its mix of rainforest trails and sheltered beaches makes it one of the best places in the country to see wildlife: white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas and toucans.

  • Tickets are sold only online through the SINAC website, with a daily visitor cap. Book a few days ahead from December to April.
  • Closed on Tuesdays. Opening hours are typically 7 am to 4 pm.
  • Bring water, sunscreen and a swimsuit. Food is restricted (no chips, crisps or similar snacks), and plastic bags and drones are not allowed.
  • Go early for cooler temperatures and the most active animals.

A naturalist guide spots far more animals than you will alone, and guided tours include the park ticket.

Book a guided park tour ↗

Other things to do

  • Catamaran sunset cruise from Marina Pez Vela, with snorkelling and a chance of dolphins.
  • Mangrove kayaking at Damas Island.
  • Surf lessons on Playa Espadilla.
  • Sport fishing for sailfish from Quepos, one of the best spots in the world.
  • Zip-lining and rafting on the Savegre and Naranjo rivers inland.

Sunset catamaran tours include snorkelling, lunch or dinner and drinks.

Book a catamaran tour ↗

Where to stay

Hotels line the hilly 7 km road between Quepos and the park, many with ocean views and visiting monkeys. The closer to the park, the less you need a car. Quepos itself is cheaper, with more local restaurants.

Ocean-view hotels on the hill book up well in advance for the dry season.

Hotels in Manuel Antonio ↗

Plan your trip to Manuel Antonio

Where to stay

Compare hotels, guesthouses and cabins in Manuel Antonio.

Find places to stay ↗

Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

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Frequently asked questions

Do you need a guide in Manuel Antonio?

A guide is not required, but strongly recommended. Guides carry spotting scopes and find sloths and other animals that are almost invisible to untrained eyes.

What day is Manuel Antonio closed?

Manuel Antonio National Park is closed every Tuesday.

How do I buy tickets for Manuel Antonio?

Tickets are sold only online on the SINAC website, for a specific date and time. Guided tours include tickets.

How far is Manuel Antonio from San José?

About 170 km, roughly 3 hours by car via Ruta 27 and the Costanera (Ruta 34).

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.