Manuel Antonio National Park

Very beautiful place with easy trails. The beaches are really beautiful and preserved. Just some trails and points should have more signs and directions. You can't get in the park with any kind of food, nor plastic disposal bottle But there is a snack bar in the middle of all. There are some good toilets and changing rooms on the trails too.

I have been here twice and I love this place ! I came the first time with a group of people from Church and Years later I took a solo trip and came alone and enjoyed it :) Definitely recommend this place. I love how its protected and it looks so beautiful. The water is so cool and perfect. You feel you have found a hidden treasure when you get to the other side of this National Park. I have seen Monkeys and Slots and all kinds of birds and wild life ! Add this to your adventures when you come to Costa Rica :) I cannot wait to bring my kids here . Its safe and breathtaking.

Manuel Antonio National Park was one of the highlights of our trip. We saw sloths, monkeys, tiny frogs, colorful crabs, and so much more. The park is stunning, with lush trails, mangroves, and breathtaking coastal views. We visited in August and were blessed with cool weather and no rain, despite a forecast for showers all day. The morning is the best time to go—get there as early as possible (we recommend by 8 AM) to enjoy the park before it gets crowded. Be sure to book your reservation in advance. We changed into swimsuits before reaching the first beach and spent a couple of hours playing in the calm waves—perfect for kids. Afterward, we showered to rinse off the sand. I stayed in my swim dress for the rest of the hike, while others changed into dry clothes. I wore Teva sandals, but other family members wore walking shoes. Tips: • No spray sunscreen or bug spray is allowed inside—rangers check bags at the entrance. • No outside food is permitted, but there’s a small restaurant inside for snacks and drinks. • The mangrove areas are beautiful and fun to explore, especially for kids. • Bring binoculars for the best wildlife viewing. • Don’t wear your swimsuit under your clothes on the hike in—it’s humid, and you’ll be glad to change before swimming. Manuel Antonio is a must-do when in Costa Rica. The combination of wildlife, natural beauty, and beach time made it an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend getting a tour guide like we did—you’ll see and learn so much more.

Gorgeous place!! It is a must if you go plan to come to this part of Costa Rica. If you are a history and biology lover, you will enjoy the National Park paid-tour. Otherwise, I’d recommend to just pay to enter the park, enjoy the walk so you can get to the beach. There, you will see Monkeys around you. Beware they might steal your food, but it’s a great experience.

Great place to see sloths and monkeys. The path is level and an easy walk most of the way. I was able to do it even with a knee injury and going at a slow pace. Beware of guides charging for tours. We were charged for a 2 hour tour that only lasted an hour. You will definitely need a guide with a scope so do your research and use a reputable tour guide service or get them once you enter the park.The beach is about about an hour walk into the park and you can not bring in food..drinks...sunscreen..check the list online before you go. It is best to bring a refillable water bottle with water in it as you are not allowed to bring in bottled water and buying food or water there is challenging. There is only one stand for the entire park and the line was ridiculously long. The beach is okay for a few quick pictures, but not anywhere I'd stay for an extended time. The sand area is not very wide so you risk having all your stuff get wet when waves come in. This happened to several family's in the short time I was there. The beach is also mostly covered in branches, twigs and dead leaves. The waves coming in can be rough and it was pretty crowded for a small beach. Overall definitely do the trails with a guide if you are looking to see any nature.

We saw incredible wildlife and swam at lovely beaches! You must buy park tickets online in advance. $13 I think. We had to pay for parking too. In June it wasn’t as terribly crowded as we had been warned. It’s a national park after all, so it was slightly busy but not terrible. I recommend arriving by the 7am opening to avoid crowds and oppressive heat. The guide we hired for the first 2 hours of our visit was the best $30/pp we’ve ever spent. He spotted so many animals we never would have seen, was super knowledgeable, and let us look and take incredible pictures through his powerful scope. We wore long sleeves/pants but there really weren’t any mosquitoes and we did get quite hot. The beaches were a bit crowded but lovely. Don’t forget your swimsuit, towel, and flip flops! I recommend the lollipop trail down by the beaches, as it is where you will see dozens of white-faced capuchin monkeys at close range. You are not allowed to bring food into the park but the food there was terrible, like really bad, and around lunchtime the line got crazy long. There is potable water.

The lush rainforest is absolutely filled with life vibrant tropical plants, towering trees, and an incredible variety of animals. In just a few hours, we saw sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and colorful frogs. I highly recommend hiring a local guide; they have a sharp eye and spotting scope that helps you see animals you’d definitely miss on your own. The park also features some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen. Soft white sand, turquoise water, and the perfect mix of shade and sun; ideal for a swim or just relaxing after your hike. It’s the perfect combination of adventure and paradise. Don’t miss it!

If you ever get a chance to visit Costa Rica. Please put this place on your list. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. I hope the next time I go I can go back to this spot. I think it cost $12, you can all take a bottle of water, a book bag, and some clothes no food. You can enjoy the beautiful water and sand. Then go across the street out of the park, there at the beach is where you can bring your food. A hotel nearby allows you to use the restroom for a small fee.