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Manuel Antonio National Park: Costa Rica's Coastal Gem

Discover Costa Rica's natural beauty: rainforests, beaches, and wildlife in one stunning park. Open Wed-Mon, tickets online.

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Manuel Antonio National Park, established in 1972, is a small yet stunning protected area on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, celebrated for its biodiverse rainforest, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. It's a must-see destination for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.

A brief summary to Manuel Antonio

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, as they are not sold at the entrance and can sell out.
  • Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking in a humid environment.
  • Be aware of individuals impersonating park staff selling overpriced services; purchase tickets only through official channels.
  • The park is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance and wildlife conservation.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From hotels or accommodations in Manuel Antonio, the park entrance is typically within walking distance. Follow the main road south; the entrance is clearly marked. Be prepared for a slight uphill walk. Watch out for unofficial vendors offering tours or parking. The walk from the main Manuel Antonio beach area to the park entrance is about 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Quepos, take the local bus that runs frequently (approximately every 30 minutes) to Manuel Antonio. The bus costs approximately 380 colones. Ask the driver to drop you off near the park entrance. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the entrance. Buses are white and say “Quepos – Manuel Antonio National Park”.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Quepos and Manuel Antonio. A taxi ride from Quepos to the park entrance typically costs between $5 to $10, depending on your location. Ensure the driver knows you want to go to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. Confirm the price before starting the ride.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking lots are available near the park entrance. Parking costs around 3000-4000 CRC (approximately $6-$8 USD) for the day. Be cautious of unofficial parking attendants who may try to charge higher prices. The main parking lot is called “Manuel Antonio National Park – Official Parking” on Google Maps.

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Discover more about Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park, nestled on Costa Rica's Pacific coast near Quepos, is a jewel of natural beauty and biodiversity. Established in 1972, the park arose from local community efforts to protect the environment and ensure public access to beaches. Despite its relatively small size at 1,983 hectares (4,900 acres) of land and 55,000 hectares of marine area, it is the most popular national park in Costa Rica, drawing visitors with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park features a captivating mix of rainforest, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs. The beaches, including Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio, are renowned as some of Costa Rica's most picturesque, bordered by lush forests and offering excellent snorkeling. The forest is teeming with wildlife, including sloths, iguanas, squirrel monkeys (rarely seen elsewhere), white-faced capuchin monkeys, and colorful crabs. Trails like the one around Punta Catedral provide panoramic views. Visitors can explore several well-maintained trails, including the Sloth Trail (Sendero Perezoso), the Sendero Los Congos trail, and the coastal Punta Catedral Trail. The park is open from Wednesday to Monday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but is closed on Tuesdays. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. The area has a rich history, having been charted by Ponce de León in 1519. The region was once inhabited by the Quepoa indigenous community. Today, tourism drives the local economy, with a range of hotels and restaurants catering to visitors.

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