Manuel Antonio National Park may be relatively small compared with some of Costa Rica's other national parks, but it certainly doesn't lack wildlife. Capuchin, howler, and squirrel monkeys are some of the animals you may encounter along the trails. Sloths, iguanas, agoutis, raccoons, and an incredible variety of birds also call the park home.
And while the animals are fascinating to watch, remember that they are wild animals. Don't feed them, and keep a close eye on your snacks!
We arrived at the park around 6:00 a.m. because I had read that it could take quite a while to get inside. We had not purchased our tickets ahead of time because the park had been closed when we arrived in Manuel Antonio.
We first had to stand in line to purchase our tickets and then join another line of people waiting to enter the park. It took us almost exactly an hour and a half to get inside, so that is something to keep in mind if you are planning a visit.
At the time of our visit, I had read that the park limited the number of visitors allowed inside each day. Because of that, we decided it was better to arrive early rather than risk waiting until later in the day.
Watch Out for the Monkeys!
There were several monkeys around as we entered the park. One young girl got a little too close to one and was scratched, which was a good reminder that these may be fun and entertaining animals to watch, but they are still wild.
Give them plenty of space and don't try to touch or feed them.
We were also told by one of the guides that the monkey in the photo above was the mother of 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 realized she meant business!
I think this was one of those moments that makes a trip memorable. We weren't simply looking at wildlife from a distance—we were watching these animals behave naturally in their own environment.
Manuel Antonio Beach
Manuel Antonio Beach is the closest beach to the entrance. It is surrounded by trees that provide shade and has beautiful views.
There were very few people on the beach when we were there, which made it a particularly nice place to stop and enjoy the scenery.
The combination of rainforest, wildlife, and beautiful beaches is what makes Manuel Antonio such a unique place to visit.
Playa Espadilla Sur
Another popular beach inside the park is Playa Espadilla Sur.
It was about a 30-minute walk from the entrance for us, and by the time we arrived, there were quite a few people enjoying the beach.
We even had a monkey hanging around, which kept us entertained while we were there.
Looking for Sloths
We did see a couple of sloths, but they were high up in the trees, so unfortunately I couldn't get a good photograph of them.
That is one thing to keep in mind when visiting a place like Manuel Antonio. You may see plenty of wildlife, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the perfect photograph.
Sometimes you need a little patience—and a good zoom lens!
Exploring the Trails
There are several trails throughout the park where you can look for sloths, monkeys, birds, raccoons, and other wildlife.
Many of the trails pass through the shade of the tropical forest, which makes walking a little more comfortable in the heat and humidity.
The trails also give you a chance to experience a completely different side of Manuel Antonio. One minute you can be walking through dense rainforest looking for a sloth in the trees, and the next you can find yourself overlooking the Pacific or walking toward one of the beautiful beaches.
Would I Visit Manuel Antonio Again?
Absolutely.
The wildlife alone makes this park special, but I also loved being able to combine a rainforest experience with beautiful beaches in the same visit.
It can be crowded and the tropical heat and humidity can make walking the trails tiring, but arriving early made a big difference for us.
If Manuel Antonio is on your Costa Rica itinerary, I would definitely put it on your list—but plan ahead, arrive prepared for the heat, and remember that the animals are there for you to observe, not interact with.
UPDATE — Visiting Manuel Antonio Today
Updated September 2026
If you are planning a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park today, be aware that some of the information in my original post has changed since our trip.
According to the current information from Costa Rica's National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC):
- Current hours: Wednesday through Monday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Tickets: Entrance tickets are now purchased online through the official SINAC reservation system.
- Current admission: Non-resident adults are $18.08, including tax; children ages 2–12 are $5.65. Children under 2 are free.
- Food: Food is no longer permitted on the beaches or trails. There is a designated area inside the park where food purchased from the concession can be consumed.
- Guided tours: Guided tours are available through the park's authorized guide service.
- Wildlife: Visitors should never feed, touch, or approach the animals.
Because park hours, prices, regulations, and ticketing procedures can change, I recommend checking the official SINAC information before your visit.
The information above reflects the current park information available when this post was updated.
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