MANUEL ANTONIO • LOCAL INFORMATION
Rainforest walks, wildlife encounters and Pacific beaches—prepare for your day with practical information and local support from Terra Travel Costa Rica.
Start with the essentials
| Plan your visit | What to know |
|---|---|
| Opening days | Wednesday to Monday; closed Tuesdays. |
| Hours | Opens at 7:00 a.m. Contact our team for current hours and help planning your visit. |
| Admission | Contact our team for admission assistance. Have visitor identification details ready. |
| Location | Near Quepos, on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. |
Choose your way to explore
| Experience | Best suited to | Before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Independent visit | Exploring at your own pace. | Arrange admission, transport and parking. |
| Guided experience | Learning about wildlife and the forest. | Ask about group size, equipment and tour inclusions. |
| Private experience | A visit shaped around your interests and pace. | Discuss the itinerary and accessibility needs. |
Admission, pickup, return transport and beach time vary by package. Confirm exactly what your reservation includes.
Arrival, tickets & parking
Keep your admission confirmation accessible and arrive for your reserved entry time. For holiday travel, arrange your visit early rather than relying on last-minute availability.
Confirm parking location and price before leaving your vehicle. Verify anyone offering tickets or guiding services; roadside sellers are not necessarily park staff. Keep valuables secure and use the official admission system.
Beaches, trails & wildlife
Manuel Antonio brings tropical forest and coastal scenery together. Look for sloths, monkeys, birds and other wildlife while following the marked routes. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Playa Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur are inside the park; Espadilla Norte is outside the park’s ticketed area. Follow local instructions about swimming, beach access and departure times.
Punta Catedral is a scenic part of the park’s coastal landscape. Ask about current trail access before planning a longer walk.
What to bring
| Bring | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Comfortable shoes & light clothing | Enjoy walking the trails. |
| Reusable water bottle | Stay hydrated; refill points are available on several main routes. |
| Hat & sun protection | Prepare for exposed areas and beach time. |
| Rain protection | Be ready for changing weather. |
| Phone or camera protection | Keep equipment safe from moisture. |
Do not feed or touch wildlife. Keep belongings attended. Check current food and drink restrictions; food consumption is limited to designated areas.
Accessibility & a comfortable pace
Tell us before booking if anyone uses a wheelchair, needs frequent breaks or has difficulty with steps. An accessible route does not mean every trail is suitable. We can discuss a plan and confirm the arrangements for your visit.
Getting to Manuel Antonio
| Travel option | Planning tip |
|---|---|
| Private transfer | Send pickup point, date, group size and luggage details for a quote. |
| Shared shuttle | Confirm routes, pickup points and fares with the operator. |
| Public bus | Check TRACOPA’s current timetable and select the correct destination. |
| Domestic flight | Confirm routes, baggage allowances and airport transfers with the airline. |
| Rental car | Allow time for traffic and weather; choose a vehicle suited to your itinerary. |
Make more of your stay
Build a varied itinerary around your park day: discover cacao on our Chocolate Tour, explore after sunset on a Jungle Night Tour, enjoy a Cooking Class, or visit Bonding Café for specialty coffee and local food.
Ask about waterfalls, coffee experiences and accommodation at Bonding Hotel. We can help organize activities around your travel dates.
Plan with a local team
Tell us your dates, number of visitors, accommodation and preferred experience. We will help you choose a practical itinerary and confirm availability.
