Rainforest trails, Pacific beaches and remarkable wildlife. Plan your visit with clear local advice and a little room for discovery.
Best time to visit
Choose your season around the experience you want. An early start is a practical choice for walking before the strongest heat. Weather varies, so leave room for a flexible plan.
| When | What to expect | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| December–March | Generally drier Pacific weather. | A good choice for combining trails and beach time. |
| April & November | Transition months; conditions can vary. | Prepare for sunshine and showers. |
| May–October | Green-season rain, often later in the day. | Favor morning walks and carry rain protection. |
| September–October | Typically the wettest Pacific months. | Keep plans flexible and confirm conditions. |
Beaches inside the park
| Beach | Experience | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Manuel Antonio | A scenic bay framed by tropical forest. | Follow signs and ranger advice before entering the water. |
| Espadilla Sur | A beach within the ticketed park area. | Do not confuse it with Espadilla Norte, outside the park. |
| Las Gemelas | Smaller coastal beaches reached by park trails. | Ask about current trail and beach access. |
| Puerto Escondido | Coastal scenery within the park. | Access depends on current restrictions and conditions; confirm with staff. |
Beach access and swimming conditions can change. Stay on open trails, observe posted restrictions, and keep your belongings attended.
Food & water inside the park
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Bringing food | Outside food and drinks are restricted under park management rules. Ask our team about current permitted items before packing. |
| Eating inside | A concession provides food inside the park. Eat only in the designated food-service area. |
| Water | Bring a reusable water bottle and confirm current refill arrangements. |
| Packaging | Avoid single-use plastic food packaging. |
| Beach picnics | Plan meals around the designated eating area rather than the beaches or trails. |
Let wildlife stay wild
Never feed the animals. Enjoy wildlife at a respectful distance and let each encounter happen naturally.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Observe quietly from a distance. | Feeding, touching, calling or chasing wildlife. |
| Keep food and belongings secure. | Leaving anything edible within an animal’s reach. |
| Follow ranger and guide instructions. | Blocking an animal’s path or surrounding it for a photo. |
| Take photographs without disturbing animals. | Trying to lure wildlife closer. |
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Patience and careful observation make the experience more rewarding.
Manuel Antonio Park Rules: What Is Not Allowed
Know the Manuel Antonio National Park rules before your visit. These restrictions protect the rainforest, beaches and wildlife while helping everyone enjoy a safe, peaceful experience. Use this quick guide when preparing your bag and planning your day.
| Activity or item | Visitor rule |
|---|---|
| Smoking & vaping | Not permitted, including electronic cigarettes. |
| Surfing & board sports | Do not plan surfing inside the park; water-sliding sports that endanger visitors are prohibited. Ask us about surfing outside the park. |
| Bonfires & cooking | No fires, grills, camping stoves, cooking or collecting firewood. |
| Feeding animals | Never feed wildlife or leave food within reach. |
| Speakers & music equipment | Leave speakers and sound equipment outside the park. |
| Camping & beach equipment | No tents, hammocks, beach umbrellas or beach chairs. |
| Drones & bicycles | Not permitted without applicable authorization. |
| Fishing & collecting | No fishing or removal of plants, animals, rocks or other natural materials. |
| Alcohol | Do not bring or consume alcoholic drinks inside the park. |
| Wildlife photography | No flash, sound playback or luring animals for photographs. |
| Pets | Domestic animals are restricted; legally permitted assistance-animal exceptions apply. |
Follow posted signs and ranger instructions. Contact our team if you need help preparing for your visit.
Make your park day yours
| Visit option | How we can help |
|---|---|
| Independent visit | Explain admission arrangements, transport and what to bring. |
| Guided visit | Discuss wildlife interests, available guides and package inclusions. |
| Private visit | Plan around your group’s pace and accessibility needs. |
| Beyond the park | Help arrange waterfalls, cacao, coffee-roaster visits and local food experiences. |
Send your travel dates, group size and accommodation. Our team will help you prepare a visit that suits you.
