Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
This relaxed, guided walk through perhaps the most famous—and some say most beautiful—of Costa Rica’s national parks lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours. During this informative hike, your expert naturalist guide will tell you all about the area’s history and ecosystem and will help you spot many of the animals you can find in this stunning part of the country. The park 's trails are easy to walk through, making it a perfect experience for the whole family. Afterwards, you can opt to spend the rest of the day at one of the beaches inside the park.
You will meet your local, bilingual nature guide at the park entrance, located just 10-15 minutes from most Manuel Antonio hotels. You’ll then set off on the trails. As you wander in the jungle, be sure to ask about the endangered squirrel monkeys, making a comeback thanks to reforestation and habitat protection projects, and now common to see in the area.
Armed with an eagle eye and a high-powered telescope, your guide will be essential as you try to see the many animals that call the park home. With luck, you might see:
- White-faced Capuchin monkeys
- Red-back squirrel monkeys
- Howler monkeys
- Two- and three-toed sloths
- Coatis
- Agoutis
- Deer (Costa Rica’s national mammal)
- Brilliantly colored land crabs
- Some species of butterflies
- Pelicans
- Laughing falcons
- Fiery billed aracari (toucans)
Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica at 683 hectares of rainforest and beaches. With over 100 mammals to be found and 184 species of birds, this is a great excursion for anyone looking to experience the abundance of wildlife that is found in Costa Rica. In 2011, Manuel Antonio was even listed by Forbes to be among the world’s 12 most beautiful national parks and is a must for anyone staying in Manuel Antonio!
Note: Park is closed on Mondays.
Your tour includes: Park entrance, snacks, beverages, transportation, bilingual guide with binoculars.
What to bring: Camera, t-shirt, shorts, tennis shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, swimsuit/towel/change of clothes (optional).
