Manuel Antonio is an incredibly beautiful national park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. As you wander through the park, you’re very likely to encounter wildlife. It’s even one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot sloths! We’ve visited Manuel Antonio National Park twice and both times have seen numerous raccoons, monkeys, and sloths. Besides the abundant wildlife, the park boasts white sandy beaches with clear blue water lined with palm trees. Taking a refreshing swim here after your hike is delightful. If you’re planning to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, be sure to check out these 9 tips in advance to make the most of your visit.
Note: Manuel Antonio is the smallest national park in Costa Rica and also the most visited, so be prepared for it to often be crowded. If you find this bothersome, consider visiting one of the less frequented parks such as Tortuguero National Park or Corcovado National Park.
#1 Reserve Manuel Antonio Tickets Online
To limit and spread the crowds, you can no longer simply purchase tickets at the entrance since 2022. You need to reserve tickets for Manuel Antonio National Park online. It’s wise to do this in advance because you must choose a date and time slot. This ensures that your preferred day and time are still available. You can reserve tickets here and payment is required with a credit card. Please note that this website doesn’t always function perfectly. If something goes wrong after entering your credit card details, double-check whether the payment hasn’t been deducted before making another attempt. Trying a different browser might help. Tickets might end up in your spam folder, so don’t forget to check there.
#2 Visit Manuel Antonio as Early as Possible and Avoid Tuesdays
Manuel Antonio is open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is closed every Tuesday. It’s best to go early as this is when you have the highest chance of spotting animals. Animals are most active in the morning. The entrance fee for Manuel Antonio is $18 per person and free for children under 2 years old.
#3 Rules Regarding Food, Drinks, & Smoking
Since 2022, you’re not allowed to bring food into Manuel Antonio as they aim to minimize the environmental impact. Human waste often ends up in nature, and visitors inadvertently feed the wild animals, which is not the intention. The only items permitted to bring are water and soda. Your bag will be checked at the park entrance, and anything prohibited will be discarded. Smoking is also prohibited in Manuel Antonio, and cigarettes will be disposed of. If you have any trash, always take it back with you or dispose of it in the bins and never feed the wild animals.
#4 The Hiking Trails in Manuel Antonio
The hiking trails in Manuel Antonio National Park are well-marked, and getting lost is unlikely. The paths are well-maintained, and you’ll come across wooden boardwalks here and there. The majority of the park consists of the main trail, Sendero Principal. This is a mostly flat path, making it easy to walk. It’s highly recommended to also explore the trail on the Punta Catedral peninsula. This hiking path has more elevation changes and takes ou to various viewpoints. This part of the park is less crowded and equally stunning.