The Ultimate Manuel Antonio Travel Guide: Beaches, Wildlife, Hotels & Costs
If you’re planning a Costa Rica travel itinerary, there’s a good chance you’ve already come across Manuel Antonio. Famous for its wildlife-filled national park, beautiful beaches and laid-back coastal atmosphere, it’s one of the most visited destinations in the country, and after spending time there ourselves, it’s easy to see why!
Before visiting, we’d seen countless photos of sloths hanging from trees and monkeys roaming the beaches, but we weren’t sure whether Manuel Antonio would live up to the hype. Thankfully, it absolutely did!
In this Manuel Antonio travel guide, we’re sharing everything we learned during our visit, including how to get there, where to stay, the best Manuel Antonio activities, how much things cost, and whether Manuel Antonio is actually worth visiting.
Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
Quick Facts About Manuel Antonio
| Location | Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica |
| Closest town | Quepos |
| Best time to visit | Dry season (December-April) |
| Rainy season | May-November |
| Recommended stay | 2-3 days |
| Famous for | Wildlife, beaches, national park |
| National Park Size | Costa Rica’s smallest national park |
| Closest Airport | Quepos La Managua Airport |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colón |
| Is Manuel Antonio safe? | Yes, generally very safe |
Is Manuel Antonio Worth It?
One of the biggest questions we had before visiting Manuel Antonio was whether it would feel overly touristy.
While it’s certainly one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, we genuinely think Manuel Antonio is worth it.
Few places in Costa Rica combine such incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, adventure activities and accessibility in one location. In a single day, we saw sloths, monkeys, lizards and colourful birds before spending the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear water.
If it’s your first trip to Costa Rica, we’d say Manuel Antonio deserves a place on your itinerary.
How Many Days in Manuel Antonio?
We recommend spending at least two full days in Manuel Antonio. If you’re travelling at a slower pace or enjoy adventure activities, three days is ideal.
How to Get to Manuel Antonio
Most travellers visit Manuel Antonio from San Jose. The journey takes around 3-4 hours depending on traffic and your chosen mode of transport.
By Shuttle
Shared shuttles are one of the easiest options and typically cost between $50-$70 per adult. Most hotels can help arrange transportation, and many companies offer door-to-door service. We used Caribe Shuttle heaps of times during our backpacking in Costa Rica trip and could not recommend them enough.
By Manuel Antonio Bus
The Manuel Antonio bus is the cheapest option.
You can take a public bus from San Jose to Quepos before connecting to the regular local bus running between Quepos and Manuel Antonio town.
While it takes longer, it’s incredibly affordable and easy enough for budget travellers.
By Private Taxi
Private transfers are the most convenient option for families or groups. Expect to pay approximately $160-$220 depending on your pickup location, so not ideal for those visiting Costa Rica on a budget.
By Car Rental
Having a car rental gives you flexibility to explore nearby beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints at your own pace. We didn’t rent a car in Central America, but we have in other countries all over the world, and we always use DiscoverCars for the best deals.
Tips for Visiting Manuel Antonio
Before arriving, there are a few things we wish we’d known.
Arrive Early
The national park gets busy quickly, especially during the dry season. We arrived shortly after opening and enjoyed quieter trails and better wildlife sightings. The beach within the National Park closes pretty early too, so head there early on to make the most of your time!
Don’t Feed the Wildlife
The monkeys are incredibly clever and have become experts at stealing food from unsuspecting tourists. Keep bags zipped and never feed animals!
Carry Cash
Most places accept cards, but having some Costa Rican colones is useful for buses, tips and smaller businesses.
Pack for Rain
Even during the dry season, tropical showers can appear unexpectedly. A lightweight rain jacket is always worth carrying.
Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to luxury resorts with incredible ocean views.
Hotel Coco Beach
A great mid-range option located close to the beach and many restaurants. Perfect for travellers wanting comfort without spending a fortune; we stayed here and had the best experience for our visit.
Hostel Plinio
If you’re backpacking Costa Rica, Hostel Plinio is one of the most popular options. It has a social atmosphere, coworking spaces and a mix of dorms and private rooms. We visited here a couple of times during our stay for their themed evenings.
Igloo Beach Lodge
For something unique, Igloo Beach Lodge offers stylish accommodation within walking distance of Playa Espadilla.
Hotel Costa Verde
One of the most famous hotels in Manuel Antonio. Known for its incredible ocean views and unique aircraft suite, Hotel Costa Verde is ideal if you’re looking for something memorable.
Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio
There are plenty of Manuel Antonio activities beyond the national park.
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
This is undoubtedly the main attraction. Despite being Costa Rica’s smallest national park, it packs an incredible amount of biodiversity into a relatively small area.
We’ll cover everything you need to know later in this guide.
Relax on the Beaches
The Manuel Antonio beaches are some of the best in Costa Rica.
Playa Espadilla is the main beach outside the national park and offers plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing and surfing.
Inside the park, Playa Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur feel even more picturesque thanks to the surrounding rainforest.
Go Surfing
While Manuel Antonio isn’t as famous as Tamarindo or Santa Teresa, there are still opportunities for beginner surfers.If you’re looking for more surf destinations, check out our guide to the best surf towns in Costa Rica.
Take a Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour
One of the most popular excursions in the area.
Catamaran tours typically include:
- Snorkelling
- Wildlife spotting
- Lunch or dinner
- Sunset views
Watching the coastline from the water offers a completely different perspective of Manuel Antonio.
Book a Manuel Antonio ATV Tour
A Manuel Antonio ATV tour is perfect if you’re looking for a bit more adventure.
Most tours take you through jungle trails, rivers and rural communities while offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Go on a Night Walk
Some of Costa Rica’s most fascinating wildlife only appears after dark.We spotted frogs, insects and nocturnal creatures we never would have seen during the daytime. You can book a guided night walk with local experts, which will not only keep you safe but also help you spot some amazing wildlife!
Kayak Through the Mangroves
Mangrove kayaking tours are another fantastic way to experience the area’s wildlife while escaping some of the crowds.
Enjoy the Sunset
Few things beat watching the sun disappear over the Pacific Ocean after a day of exploring. The sunsets in Manuel Antonio were some of our favourites in Costa Rica!
Manuel Antonio National Park: Everything You Need to Know
No Manuel Antonio travel guide would be complete without covering the national park.
Why Visit?
Manuel Antonio National Park combines rainforest hiking trails with some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Although it’s Costa Rica’s smallest national park, it’s one of the most biodiverse and accessible.
Opening Hours
The park is typically open from 7:00am to 4:00pm. Hours occasionally change, so always check official information before visiting. Currently in 2026, the park is not open on Tuesdays.
Park Entrance Fees
International visitors can expect to pay approximately $18-$20 per adult plus booking fees. Children usually receive discounted rates.
Tickets often sell out during busy periods, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Should You Book a Guided Tour?
We were on a backpacker’s budget, so unfortunately didn’t book a guide for our trip; however, this was one of our regrets from our visit. Luckily, when we were walking around, we saw lots of guides showing groups some wildlife, so we did manage to spot some less obvious creatures, but having our own English-speaking guide would have improved our experience.
Using professional spotting scopes, guides can help you see:
- Sloths
- White-faced monkeys
- Squirrel monkeys
- Lizards
- Bats
- Exotic birds
If wildlife is your main reason for visiting, a guided tour is well worth considering.
Hiking in Manuel Antonio
The hiking trails are relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels.
Popular routes include:
Punta Catedral Trail – Also known as Cathedral Point, it is one of the most scenic hikes in the park with incredible coastal views.
Sendero Principal – Perfect for wildlife spotting and beach access.
Wildlife We Saw
One of our favourite memories from visiting Manuel Antonio was the sheer amount of wildlife.
During just a few hours in the park we spotted:
- Several sloths
- White-faced capuchin monkeys
- Squirrel monkeys
- Iguanas
- Lizards
- Toucans
- Colourful butterflies
Even outside the park, wildlife sightings were common around our hotel and nearby roads.
Playa Manuel Antonio
Playa Manuel Antonio is arguably the most beautiful beach within the park.
The white sand, turquoise water and jungle backdrop create the kind of scenery that appears on postcards. It’s ideal for swimming and relaxing after hiking.
Espadilla Sur
Located within the national park, Espadilla Sur is quieter than the main beach and equally beautiful. It’s a fantastic spot to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Where to Eat and Drink in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio has no shortage of restaurants.
Rather than listing every option here, we’ve created a dedicated guide covering all our favourites. For a full breakdown, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Manuel Antonio.
A couple of our personal favourites include:
El Avion – One of the most unique restaurants in Costa Rica, famous for its converted aircraft and incredible sunset views.
Emilio’s Cafe – Perfect for breakfast, coffee and panoramic ocean views.
2-Day Manuel Antonio Itinerary
Day One
Morning: Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour
Lunch: Relax at Playa Manuel Antonio
Afternoon: Beach time and wildlife spotting
Evening: Sunset dinner overlooking the ocean
Day Two
Morning: Manuel Antonio catamaran tour
Lunch: Explore Manuel Antonio town
Afternoon: ATV tour or kayaking adventure
Evening: Night wildlife walk
Manuel Antonio Costs
Here’s roughly what you can expect to pay for your trip
| Item | Cost |
| National Park Ticket | $18-$20 per adult |
| Guided Tour | $30-$60 |
| Local Bus | Under $1 |
| Shared Shuttle from San Jose | $50-$70 |
| Private Transfer | $160-$220 |
| Budget Hotel | $40-$80 |
| Mid-range Hotel | $100-$200 |
| Resort | $250+ |
| Catamaran Tour | $70-$120 |
| ATV Tour | $80-$150 |
FAQs for Manuel Antonio
Yes, Manuel Antonio is generally considered one of the safest tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Like anywhere, keep valuables secure and remain aware of your surroundings, particularly on busy beaches.
Two to three days is ideal for most travellers.
The dry season between December and April offers the best weather. However, the rainy season brings fewer crowds and lush green scenery.
Yes. Many beaches in Manuel Antonio offer excellent sea swimming conditions, particularly Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio.
Final Thoughts
Manuel Antonio ended up being one of our favourite destinations in Costa Rica.
The combination of wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches and easy access to adventure activities makes it an easy recommendation for almost any traveller.
Whether you’re hoping to spot sloths in the rainforest, relax on Playa Manuel Antonio, take a catamaran cruise along the coast or simply enjoy a few days by the ocean, Manuel Antonio offers the perfect mix of nature and relaxation.
If you’re planning a wider Costa Rica itinerary, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Costa Rica and our Costa Rica Bucket List for even more inspiration.
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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
I’ve been to Costa Rica a couple of times. However, I have not had a chance to visit Manuel Antonio. With so many terrific recommendations, I’ll have to make an effort to visit soon. Thanks!
You absolutely should Michelle; easily one of our favourite places in the whole country!
This looks like such a paradise! I really enjoyed reading this post and I liked all the great tips you included. It will definitely get on the list for my next trip. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for your kind comment, so pleased you enjoyed our guide!
So many people I know have recently visited Coast Rica and loved it..your pictures have inspired me even more to want to visit- thanks for the recommendations.
Anytime Jennifer! You will definitely not be disappointed if you visit Manuel Antonio, it’s a beautiful place!
Beaches, hiking, food trucks and nigh walks! Wow, sounds amazing! Costa Rica hasn’t been on my radar yet but this seems like a great destinaion.
It really is an amazing place and you should definitely visit if/when you can!
I really enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Manuel Antonio. Thanks for sharing the travel tips and the place you stayed looked amazing.
Thanks for your kind comment Ashlee. Our hotel definitely made our stay more enjoyable and we’d really recommend it!
I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica but I wasn’t familiar with Manuel Antonio. I loved learning about it, it looks like a great place to visit.
So pleased you enjoyed our post, Chantelle; you should definitely visit Manuel Antonio if you get the chance!
I’ve not made it to Costa Rica yet, but this post makes it look so enticing! The beaches look outstanding, and I love the sound of the night walk!
The beaches are definitely one of the highlights of Manuel Antonio so you must visit!
I never heard about Manuel Antonio and it looks stunning! The beach is divine and there are so many cool activities to do! A night walk sounds so fun and romantic! Also please count me in for a chocolate and coffee tour! Would love this! Thanks for sharing this place and this article!
So glad you enjoyed our post Lasma! Thank you so much for your kind comment.
I loved Costa Rica. Next time I go I will check out Manuel Antonio. It’s perfect for me with all the beaches and close to hiking in the National Park.
You’ve been? Where did you manage to visit Kelly? The beaches were definitely a highlight!
I’d love to visit Costa Rica, and I’d love to check out Manuel Antiono Park specifically. Thanks for the recommendation on where to stay – I always like staying somewhere that’s close to great places to eat!
No problem, thanks for your kind comment Brittany. Our hotel was a real gem of a find and the air con was so needed!
Manuel Antonio National Park looks like such a gorgeous place to walk, and it is cool that tyou can go on night walks to see more animals! Did you find a guide for the night walk to help you see everything!?
Manuel Antonio food (plus chocolate tour!) sounds perfect too!
Yes definitely get a guide for the night walk.. you’ll be able to see tonnes more wildlife and you hear so many interesting facts about the park.
It looks like a fantastic place to visit for a few days. I’d love to relax on the beach all day then head back to one of the charming accommodations in the area.
We couldn’t agree with you more Krista! You should definitely visit if you ever get the chance.
amazing picture and beautiful place thank you for creating this article