Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: travel guide
White-sand beaches backed by rainforest around Manuel Antonio National Park
Pacific-coast resort area (Puntarenas) wrapped around Manuel Antonio National Park, famed for white-sand beaches backed by rainforest full of monkeys and sloths.
About Manuel Antonio
This entry covers Manuel Antonio National Park rather than a town. The park is small, belonging to the Central Pacific Conservation Area on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, directly south of Quepos (Puntarenas), and about 157 km from San José, the capital.
It was established in 1972 after the local community pushed to preserve the natural environment by banning development and destruction. Residents were also protesting limits on beach use that foreign owners had set. It covers about 1,983 hectares of land, along with a far bigger marine zone, about 25,634 hectares.
Beaches, rocky islands, trails, tropical forests and diverse wildlife are what it is known for. Though it ranks among the smaller parks of Costa Rica by land, it draws many visitors compared with the other national parks.
- Country
- Costa Rica
- Currency
- CRC
- Time zone
- America/Costa_Rica
- Nearest airport
- XQP
Last updated
Top places to visit in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Costa Rica's most visited park, where rainforest trails full of monkeys and sloths meet postcard beaches.
Isla Damas Mangroves
Wildlife · 4.4 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Tidal estuary and mangrove maze explored by boat or kayak, teeming with monkeys, crocodiles and birds.
Marina Pez Vela
Nightlife · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Quepos's modern marina with waterfront dining, sportfishing and tour departures.
Nauyaca Waterfalls
Waterfall · 4.7 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A powerful two-tier jungle waterfall with swimming pools, ~40 min south near Dominical.
Rainmaker Park
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Private rainforest conservation reserve with canopy suspension bridges and waterfall pools.
Playa Biesanz
Beach · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Secluded, calm cove reached by a short jungle trail — a favourite for snorkeling.
Punta Catedral
Viewpoint · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A loop trail over the forested headland with sweeping Pacific lookouts inside the park.
Playa Manuel Antonio
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Sheltered white-sand swim beach inside the national park, backed by jungle.
Playa Espadilla
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The main public beach outside the park, popular for surfing and sunsets.
Playa Espadilla Sur
Beach · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Calm beach inside the park along the tombolo leading to Punta Catedral.
Quepos Malecón
Cultural · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Seaside promenade in Quepos town lined with restaurants and local life.
Things to do
- Manuel Antonio NP Guided Nature Walk Wildlife · 3 h · from USD 45 per person
- Manuel Antonio Catamaran Sunset Tour Boat · 4 h · from USD 85 per person
- Isla Damas Mangrove Kayak Kayak · 4 h · from USD 60 per person
- Savegre White-water Rafting Adventure · 5 h · from USD 85 per person
- Espadilla Parasailing Water · 0.8 h · from USD 70 per person
- Espadilla Surf Lesson Surf · 2 h · from USD 50 per person
Day trips and tours
- Manuel Antonio Park & Catamaran 9 h · from USD 140
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio
- Manuel Antonio Road / Hill about CRC 180 per night
Jungle ridge road with most ocean-view hotels and restaurants between Quepos and the beach.
- Quepos Town about CRC 90 per night
Working port town with budget stays, the bus hub and Marina Pez Vela.
Hotels
- Hotel Costa Verde 3-star · USD 130 to USD 220 per night
- Hotel Villa Roca 3-star · USD 120 to USD 200 per night
- Tulemar Resort 4-star · USD 300 to USD 600 per night
- Selina Manuel Antonio 2-star · USD 16 to USD 100 per night
- Si Como No Resort 4-star · USD 250 to USD 400 per night
- Hotel Playa Espadilla 3-star · USD 120 to USD 190 per night
Where to eat
- El Avión International, Bar · about USD 22 per person
- Rico Tico Bar & Grill Costa Rican, Latin · about USD 20 per person
- Agua Azul Seafood, International · about USD 20 per person
- Emilio's Café Cafe, International · about USD 16 per person
- Ronny's Place Costa Rican, Seafood · about USD 18 per person
Getting to Manuel Antonio
Airport: Quepos (XQP), Manuel Antonio (Juan Santamaría International Airport) (SJO)
How visitors arrive in Manuel Antonio
- Public bus from San José By road from San José · common
Tracopa runs direct public buses from San José to Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Shared shuttle By road from San José / SJO airport · common
Shared and hotel shuttles run from downtown San José and the airport and can be booked ahead. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Domestic flight to Quepos By air from San José · possible
Small airlines fly between San José and the Quepos airport a few minutes outside town. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Shared or private shuttle from San José
Private minivans and shared shuttles such as Daytrip pick up from downtown San José or SJO airport and drop in Quepos or Manuel Antonio. Source: blog.daytrip.com
- Small-plane flight to Quepos
Small airlines fly from San José (Pavas and SJO) to Quepos airport (XQP), a short distance outside Quepos town. Source: blog.daytrip.com
From the bus terminal to the centre
- Tracopa bus from San José
Tracopa runs direct buses from San José to Quepos; buy a 'directo' ticket, ideally ahead. From Quepos, local transport continues to Manuel Antonio. Source: blog.daytrip.com
Getting around
- Bus useful for some trips
A local bus runs between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, and Tracopa runs direct buses from San José to Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
- Ride Hail
- Shuttle useful for some trips
Shared shuttle vans and private transfers link Manuel Antonio with San José and its airport, and can be booked in advance.
- Taxi
Taxis are readily available for the run between Quepos and the Manuel Antonio beach and park area.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Beach "guide" and parking hustles
Playa Espadilla & national-park road
Touts pose as official guides or parking attendants near the park entrance and demand fees.
How to avoid it: Only book guides at the official park ticket office and confirm parking rates before paying.
Best time to visit Manuel Antonio
- Jan 29°C
- Feb 30°C
- Mar 31°C
- Apr 30°C
- May 29°C
- Jun 28°C
- Jul 28°C
- Aug 28°C
- Sep 27°C
- Oct 27°C
- Nov 27°C
- Dec 28°C
More in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions about Manuel Antonio
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Manuel Antonio?
- The highest-rated places in our Manuel Antonio guide are Playa Espadilla Sur, Marina Pez Vela, Nauyaca Waterfalls, Rainmaker Park, Playa Manuel Antonio.
- Where should I stay in Manuel Antonio?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Manuel Antonio: Manuel Antonio Road / Hill, Quepos Town.
- How do I get around Manuel Antonio?
- Ways to get around Manuel Antonio covered in our guide: City bus, Ride-hailing app, Shuttle, Taxi.
- What scams should I watch out for in Manuel Antonio?
- Scams reported to us for Manuel Antonio include Beach "guide" and parking hustles. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Manuel Antonio?
- Average daytime highs in Manuel Antonio run from 27°C in Oct to 31°C in Mar.
- Which airport is nearest to Manuel Antonio?
- The nearest airport to Manuel Antonio has the code XQP.