MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK ~ COSTA RICA

Manuel Antonio is the smallest park in the Costa Rica, but abundant with wildlife. Capuchin, Howler, and Squirrel Monkeys are some of the most social creatures in the park. Don’t feed them, and hold on to your snacks! You will also see sloths, iguanas, agoutis, and hundreds of species of birds.

We arrived at the park around 6am since I had read that it takes about 1 1/2 hours to get into the park.  We did not purchase our tickets ahead of time since the park was closed when we arrived in Manuel Antonio.

We had to stand in line to purchase tickets and then go to the back of the line of people waiting to get into the entrance of the park.  It did take us almost exactly 1 1/2 hours to get into the park so keep that time frame in mind.



They only allow a certain number of people into the park a day so waiting until later in the day is not an option. I had read the number was 2000 a  day but found an update on this number stating that they only allow 600 a day during the week and 800 on weekends.

There were several monkeys around as we entered the park.  A young girl was standing to close to one and was scratched so please keep in mind that these are wild animals.

We were told by one of the guides that the monkey in the photo above was the mother to the smaller monkey behind her and that she was protecting her baby.

It didn't take long for the crowd to back away once we knew she meant business.

Manuel Antonio beach is the closest beach to the entrance.  It has a lot of trees for shade, beautiful views, and the was very people on the beach at the time we were there.

The second most popular beach is Playa Espadilla Sur.  It was about a 30 minute walk from the entrance and was crowded by the time we arrived.  We did have a monkey hanging out which kept us entertained.

We did see a couple of sloths but they were high up in the trees so we couldn't get a good photo.

There are plenty of pathways throughout the park where to can look for the elusive sloths, birds, and raccoons.  Most of it is in the shade and is a great alternative to the beach.

 

Manuel Antonio Entrance Fee and Operating Hours

Manuel Antonio National Park operation hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 7AM – 4 PM.

Admission fee is $16, children under 12 are free of admission. Tickets may be purchased at the park entrance at Coopealianza by cash or Visa. Guided tours are available at $51 for adults and $35 for children. Private tours are available at $71 for adults and $55 for children.

PROS

• It is considered the most beautiful park in the country.
• There are bathrooms, showers, picnic tables  and water refill stations.
• Some of the trails are accessible by wheel chair or you may request a special permit at the entrance to enter the park in a taxi.

CONS

• It is hot and humid with temperatures in the 90’s and high humidity.
• Food Restrictions:   ALLOWED:  Sandwiches wrapped in paper bags or tupperware (no tin foil), prepared / cut fruit, cookies /crackers that do not come in a tin foil bag (on the inside).  You can bring recyclable plastic bottles that you can refill with portable water at several stations throughout the park. NOT ALLOWED: Chips bags of any kind, cans of any kind,junk food in plastic or aluminum bags, alcoholic beverages, NO NUTS OR SEEDS, no cigarettes.
• There are no stores or restaurants inside of the park.
• Even though a limited number of people are allowed into the park each day, it is crowded.