Costa Rica's smallest and busiest national park packs rainforest, sloths, monkeys and two perfect white-sand coves into a few square kilometres, with a headland loop through the forest above the sea.
Manuel Antonio is a tiny park where the rainforest runs right down to the beach. Three-toed sloths sleep above the paths, white-faced capuchins and squirrel monkeys cross overhead, and raccoons raid unguarded bags.
From the gate, a flat two-kilometre route of gravel and boardwalk leads to Playa Manuel Antonio, with the accessible Sendero Perezoso branching off for sloths. From the beach, the Punta Catedral loop climbs over the headland that was once an island, with views down to the sea, and the steep Mirador trail climbs to a lookout over Puerto Escondido.
A licensed guide with a telescope finds far more wildlife than you will alone: a shared walk costs about US$35–55 per person plus the ticket, a private one US$70–90. Avoid unlicensed guides who flag down cars on the hill. Swim at the calm Playa Manuel Antonio. Some trails open and close with maintenance and the season.
A loose morning circuit; the guide sets the pace for wildlife.
Be at the gate at opening with your online ticket, before the heat and the crowds.
Walk the flat main trail and the Sendero Perezoso boardwalk, scanning the trees for sloths, capuchins and squirrel monkeys.
Arrive at the park's main beach, sheltered and safe for swimming.
Climb the loop over the forested headland, with lookouts over the sea and offshore islands.
Add the steep Mirador trail for the view over Puerto Escondido, then swim and walk back to the gate.
Buy entry online through SINAC in advance; daily numbers are capped and there are no tickets at the gate.
Book licensed guides through your hotel or the official stands near the gate; they carry spotting scopes.
Buses run every half hour from Quepos up the hill to the park; parking near the gate is paid.
Manuel Antonio practical notes →Wikimedia Commons photographs are used under their licences; Pexels photographs under the Pexels licence.
