Nestled on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is home to one of the most visited National Parks in the country. With its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystem, this destination offers an ideal mix of nature, wildlife, and adventure. In this blog, we’ll provide an insider’s guide with top tips for visiting Manuel Antonio National Park to ensure you make the most of your experience.
Our Top Tips for Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park
1. Select the right tour for you
There are a few different ways to visit Manuel Antonio National Park: self-guided, group tour, or private tour. Regardless of which option you choose, you will need to reserve your entry in advance as there is a limit on the number of visitors per day. Our recommendation is a private tour so you can explore the park trails away from the crowds.
2. Meet with your dedicated guide
If you have chosen a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, be sure to meet with the dedicated guide booked for your tour. There are people right outside the park who will offer to take you inside, and can be very convincing, but these tours vary in quality and competency. At Serendipity Adventures, we select the very best guides for our clients who are knowledgeable and experienced, so please ignore offers from other operators.
3. Check the opening times for Manuel Antonio National Park
If you travel with Serendipity Adventures, we’ll be sure to schedule your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park on the correct day and within the park opening times. If you are not traveling with us, remember to check the entry times. Currently, the park is not open on Tuesdays and entry is between 7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
4. Plan where to park your car
For visitors who wish to drive themselves, finding where to park your car can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to look. Our top tip is to ignore offers of parking along the road leading towards the National Park and drive close to the entrance where you will find private parking for approximately 2,000-4,000 CRC per day.
5. Bring the basics
Remember to bring your passport (or a copy/photo of your passport), a refillable water bottle (not single-use plastic), camera, hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, towel, dry bag, and high-SPF sunscreen. Wear light-colored clothing, boots/tennis shoes or sporty sandals, and insect repellent. There are bathrooms, with showers and toilets, and changing rooms inside the park.
6. Leave your snacks behind
Please note that there is no outside food allowed inside the park. Your bags are searched when you enter and any food or snacks you packed will be taken away. There is a café in the park that sells food like pizza, sandwiches, cakes, fruit, chips, and drinks. Right outside the park, there are also plenty of options to eat.
7. Keep to the trails within Manuel Antonio National Park
Some visitors may be tempted to step off the trail to get a better glimpse or photograph wildlife. Please stay on the trails within the park as this is a fragile ecosystem and there may be some ‘less friendly’ residents hidden in the undergrowth.
8. Watch out for the wildlife
One of the best things to do here is to spot all the amazing wildlife here. You can see many different types of animals, birds, insects, and reptiles. Just keep an eye on your bags when you are relaxing on the beach as monkeys and raccoons do like to rummage through your belongings.
Manuel Antonio National Park is a great destination for visitors looking for an easy and accessible way to see wildlife, enjoy the beach, and walk along rainforest trails. Given its popularity, it can be more crowded than other National Parks in Costa Rica. For travelers looking for a more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ experience, we can also include some more hidden spots in your itinerary. To start planning your unique adventure in Costa Rica, the first step is to contact us: