Skip to content
Please select your location:

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast is scattered with a diverse range of stunning beaches and protected areas of natural beauty: a fantastic opportunity to experience nature, adventure, and relaxation within easy reach of San José.

Wildlife

Squirrel Monkey, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa RicaJust a four-hour drive or a short flight from the capital, the national park of Manuel Antonio is a very important green zone, providing sanctuary for an incredible variety of wildlife. Hundreds of gorgeous butterflies, hummingbirds, scarlet macaws, brightly-beaked toucans and clambering monkeys are just some of the tropical life found here.

Manuel Antonio, with its 1,700 acres of land mass and 135,906 acres of marine reserve, is the smallest of the 20 national parks Costa Rica has put aside for total protection. It is a charming combination of rainforest, beaches and coral reefs.

Even so, it is the country's second most visited conservation area, after the Poas Volcano and whilst Manuel Antonio has some undoubtedly fantastic beaches it is busy and fairly built up so not to everybody's taste.

The entrance fee to Manuel Antonio National Park is US$18 per person.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Chris

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Manuel Antonio by contacting one of our Costa Rica specialists

Suggested itineraries featuring Manuel Antonio

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Manuel Antonio, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Manuel Antonio

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Manuel Antonio

    Our expert guides to exploring Manuel Antonio

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Manuel Antonio, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Manuel Antonio at its best.

    • What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide
      Red eyed tree frog, Costa Rica

      What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide

      What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide

      One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica attracts nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike. Country specialist, Nik, picks out some of the country’s highlights, from white-water rafting to wildlife spotting in the cloudforest.

      5 min read

      Read this guide
    • Best family holidays in Costa Rica
      Brown-throated sloth, Pacaya Samiria Reserve

      Best family holidays in Costa Rica

      Best family holidays in Costa Rica

      From the rainforests of Arenal Volcano to wildlife experiences in Tortuguero National Park and the surf breaks of Tamarindo, Costa Rica is ideal for families. Specialist Nik gives his advice on activities, hotels, and travel logistics for a family trip to Costa Rica.

      10 min read

      Read this guide
    • Wildlife holidays in Costa Rica
      Squirrel Monkey, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

      Wildlife holidays in Costa Rica

      Wildlife holidays in Costa Rica

      From birds to basilisks, Costa Rica specialist Holly lets you in on the country’s wildlife highlights. She also explains where exactly to go to increase your chances of observing all Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.

      8 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Manuel Antonio

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Manuel Antonio. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.