Manuel Antonio

Wildlife, beaches, and pura vida bliss

Manuel Antonio

Wildlife, beaches, and pura vida bliss

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Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica

Where wildlife meets white sand

National Park Wonder

Sloths, monkeys, toucans, and raccoons roam freely through the jungle trails of Manuel Antonio National Park—one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse and beautiful spots.

Beaches You’ll Never Forget

Inside the park and out, Manuel Antonio has some of the country’s best beaches. Calm, turquoise water, soft sand, and lush jungle as your backdrop. Perfect for swimming or just doing nothing.

Easygoing, Upscale, Unforgettable

From luxury hotels with infinity pools to beachfront cafés and family-friendly tours, Manuel Antonio combines wild nature with modern comfort like nowhere else in Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica

Where wildlife meets white sand

National Park Wonder

Sloths, monkeys, toucans, and raccoons roam freely through the jungle trails of Manuel Antonio National Park—one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse and beautiful spots.

Beaches You’ll Never Forget

Inside the park and out, Manuel Antonio has some of the country’s best beaches. Calm, turquoise water, soft sand, and lush jungle as your backdrop. Perfect for swimming or just doing nothing.

Easygoing, Upscale, Unforgettable

From luxury hotels with infinity pools to beachfront cafés and family-friendly tours, Manuel Antonio combines wild nature with modern comfort like nowhere else in Costa Rica.

Why Visit Manuel Antonio? For Easy Access to Wild Beauty

  • National Park with Big RewardsManuel Antonio National Park is one of the most visited (and beloved) parks in Costa Rica. Spot sloths, monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and raccoons as you walk rainforest trails that lead straight to stunning beaches.
  • Postcard-Worthy BeachesThe public beach and the ones inside the park are some of the prettiest in the country—soft sand, turquoise water, and palm trees for shade. Great for swimming, relaxing, and watching the occasional monkey steal a snack.
  • Adventure Meets ConvenienceUnlike other wild destinations, Manuel Antonio makes it easy. You can zipline, snorkel, take a catamaran tour, or hike to waterfalls—all while staying in a hotel with A/C, infinity pools, and sunset cocktails.

Check available tours in Manuel Antonio

    Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio? Sleep with a View

    • Ocean-View Hotels & ResortsManuel Antonio is famous for its hillside hotels with epic views. Infinity pools, jungle terraces, and open-air restaurants let you soak in the scenery without leaving your lounge chair.
    • Jungle Lodges Close to NaturePrefer something quieter? You’ll also find boutique ecolodges surrounded by rainforest, where monkeys pass by your window and toucans serve as your alarm clock.
    • Family Stays & Romantic HideawaysWhether you're traveling with kids or escaping for a honeymoon, Manuel Antonio has stylish villas, private condos, and charming guesthouses to match every vibe.

    Check Our Vacation Rentals in Manuel Antonio

    Green Villa in Uvita – Luxury in the Heart of Nature

    Green Villa in Uvita – Luxury in the Heart of Nature

    Experience luxury glamping in Uvita with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and views of the rainforest, just steps away from the national park.
    Luxury Jungle Glamping in Uvita – Nature & Comfort

    Luxury Jungle Glamping in Uvita – Nature & Comfort

    Experience luxury glamping in Uvita with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and views of the rainforest, just steps away from the national park.
    uvita vacation rental pet friendly

    Million-Dollar View and a Spot for Your Pup

    Escape to a peaceful mountain retreat with stunning ocean views, a refreshing pool, and pet-friendly cabins surrounded by nature. One of the few places near Marino Ballena National Park where your dog is as welcome as you are.

    Frequently asked questions

    Where is Manuel Antonio located?

    Manuel Antonio is on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, near the town of Quepos. It’s about 2.5–3 hours from San José by car.

    Is the national park worth visiting?

    Absolutely. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most wildlife-rich areas, with beautiful beaches and well-maintained trails. A guided tour is highly recommended to spot more animals.

    What animals can I see in Manuel Antonio?

    You’re likely to see sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, coatis, raccoons, and tons of tropical birds.

    Is Manuel Antonio good for families?

    Yes! The beaches are calm and swimmable, the park is easy to explore, and there are many kid-friendly hotels and tours.

    Do I need a guide for the park?

    Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Guides carry scopes and can spot animals you’d never notice. They also explain local ecology and animal behavior.

    Can I swim at the beaches in the park?

    Yes, and they’re gorgeous. The beaches inside the park—like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur—are safe, calm, and perfect for a swim.

    Is there nightlife in Manuel Antonio?

    Not like in big cities, but yes—there are lively restaurants, bars with ocean views, and occasional live music. It’s more “sunset drinks” than “dance ‘til dawn.”

    What’s the best time to visit?

    Dry season (Dec–April) is ideal for sun and sea. The green season (May–November) brings fewer crowds, lush jungle, and afternoon rainstorms that pass quickly.

    Is Manuel Antonio crowded?

    Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular places in Costa Rica, so yes—it can get busy, especially in peak season. But it’s still very worth it.

    How long should I stay?

    3 to 5 days is a great amount of time to explore the park, hit the beach, and enjoy a few tours without rushing.

    Frequently asked questions

    Where is Manuel Antonio located?

    Manuel Antonio is on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, near the town of Quepos. It’s about 2.5–3 hours from San José by car.

    Is the national park worth visiting?

    Absolutely. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most wildlife-rich areas, with beautiful beaches and well-maintained trails. A guided tour is highly recommended to spot more animals.

    What animals can I see in Manuel Antonio?

    You’re likely to see sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, coatis, raccoons, and tons of tropical birds.

    Is Manuel Antonio good for families?

    Yes! The beaches are calm and swimmable, the park is easy to explore, and there are many kid-friendly hotels and tours.

    Do I need a guide for the park?

    Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Guides carry scopes and can spot animals you’d never notice. They also explain local ecology and animal behavior.

    Can I swim at the beaches in the park?

    Yes, and they’re gorgeous. The beaches inside the park—like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur—are safe, calm, and perfect for a swim.

    Is there nightlife in Manuel Antonio?

    Not like in big cities, but yes—there are lively restaurants, bars with ocean views, and occasional live music. It’s more “sunset drinks” than “dance ‘til dawn.”

    What’s the best time to visit?

    Dry season (Dec–April) is ideal for sun and sea. The green season (May–November) brings fewer crowds, lush jungle, and afternoon rainstorms that pass quickly.

    Is Manuel Antonio crowded?

    Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular places in Costa Rica, so yes—it can get busy, especially in peak season. But it’s still very worth it.

    How long should I stay?

    3 to 5 days is a great amount of time to explore the park, hit the beach, and enjoy a few tours without rushing.

    Explore Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica – Where Jungle Meets Ocean

    Manuel Antonio isn’t just a national park – it’s a place where nature shows off. Sitting on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, this compact but incredibly rich destination is where rainforest meets turquoise water, monkeys meet tourists, and travelers meet something unforgettable. It’s the ideal base for adventure, beach time, and reconnecting with the wild – with just enough creature comforts to keep you grounded.

    Surrounded by protected forest and teeming with wildlife, Manuel Antonio is home to sloths, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and more. But here, you don’t need to hike for hours to find them – sometimes they find you. Our local guides know when and where to look, and they make sure every moment is meaningful, whether you’re spotting a rare bird or pausing to listen to the sounds of the jungle at dawn.

    And while the park itself is a must-see, there’s much more to do around it. From ocean kayaking and parasailing to catamaran tours and mangrove boat rides, Manuel Antonio is a launchpad for soft adventure, perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

    Manuel Antonio Jungle Tours – Wildlife at Your Fingertips

    The national park may be small, but it’s one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Full-day and half-day guided hikes take you deep into its trails where three-toed sloths sleep overhead, monkeys jump across branches, and lizards dart across your path. Our certified naturalist guides know the names of every tree, every sound, and every species – and they’ll share it all with you in a way that’s educational, immersive, and never boring.

    Want to take it further? Ask us about night tours, birdwatching walks, or custom private hikes. This isn’t just about sightseeing – it’s about understanding the ecosystem that makes Costa Rica so unique.

    Ocean Adventures – From Mangroves to the Open Sea

    Manuel Antonio doesn’t stop at the shore. Paddle through serene mangrove forests where herons, caimans, and curious monkeys peer from the trees, or head out on a catamaran to chase the sunset and maybe a few dolphins. Snorkeling is often part of the fun, especially in dry season when the water is clear and full of color.

    Prefer something more low-key? Let the sea breeze do the work while you relax on a guided boat tour, learn about the local marine life, and sip fresh coconut water straight from the source. We’ve got options for every energy level.

    Why Book with Us?

    Real guides, not scripts – Local experts who live here, not hired actors
    No cookie-cutter tours – Flexible, customizable, and always authentic
    We handle the logistics – So you can be present, not stressed
    Support local communities – Support real families and conservation

    Let’s Explore Manuel Antonio Together

    At Go Explore With Me, we believe travel should be personal. Our tours in Manuel Antonio are designed to connect you to the landscape and its people. Whether you’re hiking with a wildlife expert, gliding through mangroves, or simply watching monkeys from a hidden beach, the experience is yours to own – and ours to help create.

    Manuel Antonio is more than just a park. It’s a feeling, a rhythm, and a perfect mix of wild and wonderful. Join us and experience it the way it should be: real, raw, and filled with wonder.

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