Manuel Antonio National Park Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Manuel Antonio National Park Tours & Trips

• What's the best time of year to visit Manuel Antonio National Park?

  December through April offers the driest conditions for exploring Manuel Antonio National Park with clear skies that are ideal for spotting wildlife and hiking the trails. The green season from May to November brings periodic afternoon showers but has its own advantages: the landscape turns a vibrant green and animals become more active. A TourRadar traveler shares "We visited in June and while we had some afternoon rain the mornings were perfect for hiking and the waterfalls were spectacular." For lighter crowds consider visiting during May or November which balance good weather with fewer tourists.

• How far is Manuel Antonio National Park from San Jose?

  The drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park covers 157 kilometers (98 miles) and takes about 3-3.5 hours. Tour operators provide air-conditioned vehicles and often stop at scenic points like the Tarcoles River Bridge where visitors can observe crocodiles in their natural habitat. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The journey from San Jose was made interesting with wildlife stops and our guide shared lots of information about Costa Rica during the drive."

• What are the main highlights I'll see during a National Park tour in Manuel Antonio National Park?

  The park showcases pristine white sand beaches rich coastal rainforest trails and frequent wildlife encounters. Key stops include Playa Manuel Antonio Playa Espadilla Sur and the well-maintained Sendero La Catarata trail system. Visitors regularly spot three monkey species sloths iguanas and hundreds of bird species. A TourRadar traveler reports "the wildlife spotting was incredible - we saw squirrel monkeys white-faced capuchins and even a mother sloth with her baby right on the trail!" The Pacific Ocean views from Playa Preciosa add another layer to the experience.

• How long should I plan to spend exploring Manuel Antonio National Park?

  Two full days gives visitors enough time to experience both guided wildlife tours and independent exploration of the park's beaches and trails. Many travelers choose to stay at nearby properties like Hotel La Mariposa or Hotel Parador. According to one TourRadar visitor: "We spent three days exploring different sections of the park - one day for wildlife touring another for hiking to viewpoints and a third relaxing on the beaches. It was the perfect amount of time to see everything without rushing."

• Can I combine a Manuel Antonio National Park tour with other activities?

  The park's location makes it easy to pair wildlife tours with activities like mangrove kayaking sunset sailing or zipline adventures. Local hotels including Hotel Parador create packages that blend park visits with additional experiences. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "We did the park tour in the morning followed by an afternoon catamaran cruise - it was the perfect way to experience both the jungle and ocean in one day."