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I have been to many beautiful, awe-inspiring places in Costa Rica, but nothing compares to Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s a park where one minute you’re seeing a sloth do yoga in the treetops slowly, and the next, you’re plunging into warm, clear waters, questioning why you don’t live here forever.
Manuel Antonio National Park – Tiny Park, Big Personality
Manuel Antonio is technically the smallest national park in Costa Rica—but don’t let that fool you. It’s packed. Not with people (though, yeah, it can get busy), but with everything that makes this country amazing: thick rainforest, wild animals everywhere, ridiculously beautiful beaches, and trails that even I can manage before my second coffee.
And here’s the kicker: it’s all in one place. No need to choose between jungle and beach. You get both, within walking distance. Literal paradise with hiking boots and flip-flops.
The Wildlife in Manuel Antonio Is Not Shy
If you’re coming to Costa Rica for the animals—this is your spot. Within the first 30 minutes of my visit, I saw more wildlife than in three days of hiking elsewhere. Monkeys? Everywhere. Sloths? Hanging around like they own the place. Iguanas? Sunning themselves like retired expats. And then there are the raccoons, coatis, toucans, and birds that look like they came from a Pixar movie.
Honestly, you don’t even have to try that hard. Just keep your eyes open… and your snacks hidden. I once watched a monkey snatch a protein bar straight out of someone’s daypack. Zero shame. Full success.
Beaches You Won’t Shut Up About
Let me say this loud and clear: the beaches inside Manuel Antonio are next level.
- Playa Manuel Antonio – This is the beach. Calm waters, soft sand, backed by jungle. You’ll think you’re in a travel magazine.
- Playa Espadilla Sur – Just around the corner, quieter, perfect for a swim and a chill.
- Playa Gemelas – Tiny, lovely, and never crowded. Bring a towel and disappear for a bit.
After walking the trails, that first dive into the water is nothing short of religious.
The trails in Manuel Antonio are not torture
I’m not what you’d call a “hiker,” but Manuel Antonio National Park makes it easy. Most trails are short, shaded, and well-marked. No need for hiking poles or an oxygen tank.
My go-tos:
- The Main Trail – Flat and full of monkeys. Basically a wildlife runway.
- Punta Catedral – A bit of a climb, but the views at the top are worth every drop of sweat.
- Gemelas Trail – Quick and leads to a peaceful beach. What’s not to love?
- Sloth Trail – Yes, that’s its actual name. And yes, you will see sloths.
Plan for 3-5 hours if you want to walk slowly and enjoy the show.
When to Go to Manuel Antonio National Park?
You can visit year-round, but here’s the deal:
- Dry season (Dec–April): Sunny, perfect for beach time. Also the most popular (read: more people, more tour buses).
- Green season (May–November): Greener, quieter, cheaper. Just bring a rain jacket—afternoon showers are a thing.
And don’t be the person who shows up on Tuesday. The park’s closed that day. Yes, really.
Tickets to Manuel Antonio Park
There’s no ticket booth at the park, so you need to buy your ticket online in advance through the official SINAC website. It’s around $18 for non-residents, and trust me, it’s worth every colón.
The park opens at 7 AM, and you’ll want to be there early—for the cooler temps, the animal activity, and the fewer crowds. Last entry is at 2 PM.
As for a guide? Totally optional. But I’ve done both with a private guide and without, and having someone point out a frog the size of your thumbnail chilling on a leaf? That’s pretty awesome.
What to Bring (And What to Leave at Home)
Pack light, you’ll be happier:
- Comfy shoes (no need for hiking boots, but maybe not flip-flops either)
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reusable water bottle (no plastic allowed)
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- A hat or something to keep the sweat out of your eyes
- Camera or phone with a good zoom
And leave the snacks behind—food isn’t allowed in the park. It’s not a rule you want to break when a raccoon’s watching your every move.
Final Thoughts about Manuel Antonio National Park
Look, I’ve traveled around Costa Rica a fair bit, and I’ll say this: Manuel Antonio might be popular, but it’s popular for a reason. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, it’s easy to explore, and it leaves you with that magical mix of “I’m relaxed” and “I just saw a sloth in the wild and my life is better now.”
If you’re coming to Costa Rica and skipping this place? Big mistake. Huge.
