Private Guided Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park: Wildlife, Beaches & Rainforest Trails
Explore Manuel Antonio’s compact rainforest and beaches on a private, guided visit. Expect close wildlife encounters, easy coastal trails, and practical guidance for photography and minimizing your impact.
The Experience
Before You Go
Go at first entry
Wildlife is most active in the morning and the park is cooler with fewer visitors—book the earliest slot you can.
Leave food and plastics behind
The park prohibits food and single-use plastics to protect animals—pack only a sealed water bottle.
Wear grippy shoes
Trails and beach rocks can be slippery; closed-toe shoes with good traction reduce falls.
Respect viewing distance
Use optics provided by your guide or your own binoculars—don’t touch or feed wildlife to avoid altering behavior.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Punta Cathedral viewpoint for tide-carved rock formations
- •Quiet coves on the park’s eastern beaches early morning for tidepool exploration
Wildlife
- •Two-toed sloth
- •White-faced capuchin monkey
Conservation Note
The park enforces strict rules on food and plastics and limits entry to reduce human impact; supporting certified local guides helps fund conservation and community livelihoods.
Manuel Antonio was designated a national park in 1972 as part of Costa Rica’s early conservation efforts to protect coastal rainforest and marine habitats.
What to Bring
Sturdy trail shoesEssential
Provide traction on wet roots, sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.
Light rain jacket
Useful during afternoon showers in the rainy season.
Binoculars or optics
Helps you observe sloths, birds and distant monkeys without disturbing them—guides supply Swarovski optics on this tour.
Reusable water bottle & reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Hydration and sun protection are essential for coastal trails and beach time.
Common Questions
Is the park suitable for children and older adults?
Yes—trails are short with low elevation change, but supervision is recommended for young children and those with limited mobility; the tour operator notes the activity as physically easy.
Do I need to bring my passport?
Bring a passport or a photo of it—rangers may request ID and the operator requires passport numbers to purchase park tickets.
Are food and drinks allowed inside the park?
No—food is prohibited to prevent wildlife habituation; bring only sealed water bottles and consume snacks before entering.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The operator lists wheelchair-accessible options for transport and surfaces, but some beach access and rocky viewpoints may not be fully accessible—confirm specifics when booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
Quepos, Puntarenas
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people who can walk 1–3 km on uneven ground; some short inclines and beach rock scrambling.
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