Manuel Antonio National Park, National park in Quepos Canton, Costa Rica
The park encompasses 1,983 hectares of land and 25,634 hectares of marine area, featuring white sand beaches, dense tropical forests, and rocky islands.
The national park was established in 1972 following local community initiatives to prevent development and maintain environmental preservation in the Pacific coastal region.
The area connects to four distinct beaches - Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Tesoro, and Playita - through a network of hiking trails and natural formations.
The park operates from Wednesday to Monday between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with tickets available exclusively through the SINAC online booking system.
The protected area houses 109 mammal species and 184 bird species, including three of Costa Rica's four monkey types and both native sloth varieties.
Location: Quepos Canton
Inception: 1972
Elevation above the sea: 50 m
Operator: Área de Conservación Pacífico Central (ACOPAC)
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 07:00-16:00
Phone: +50627775155
Website: http://sinac.go.cr
GPS coordinates: 9.37556,-84.13583
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:28
Costa Rica spans 19,700 square miles (51,100 square kilometers) between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, offering photographers a concentration of varied landscapes within a compact area. The country maintains over 30 national parks and protected areas, including Arenal Volcano, whose near-perfect cone rises 5,479 feet (1,670 meters) above surrounding rainforest, and Monteverde Cloud Forest, where mist drifts through canopy vegetation supporting rare species such as the resplendent quetzal. Rio Celeste flows through Tenorio Volcano National Park, displaying its characteristic turquoise color from volcanic minerals, while Tabacon Hot Springs delivers naturally heated water from underground sources. Coastal regions present diverse subjects, from the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, where white-faced capuchin monkeys move through trees, to Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean coast with its coral reefs. The Nicoya Peninsula and Papagayo Peninsula provide access to Tamarindo Beach and Santa Teresa Beach, while the southern zone includes Marino Ballena National Park, named for its whale-shaped sandbar visible at low tide. Tortuga Island, off the coast of Puntarenas, serves as a day-trip destination. Inland, San Jose Central Market documents daily commerce, the National Theater displays neoclassical architecture from 1897, and Guayabo National Monument preserves pre-Columbian ruins. Cerro Chirripó rises to 12,533 feet (3,820 meters) as the country's highest point, offering views of both oceans in clear conditions.
Cerro de la Muerte
46.2 km
Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
59.6 km
Orosi Church
56.1 km
Los Quetzales National Park
34.3 km
Ballena ("Whale") Marine National Park
54.4 km
Tapantí National Park
57.4 km
Esterillos
37.1 km
Dominical
32.7 km
Lankester Botanical Garden
58.2 km
Cerro Caraigres
38.6 km
La Cangreja National Park
46.1 km
Spiaggia Jacó
60.3 km
Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge
55.8 km
Our Lady of Carmel Cathedral, Cartago
59.3 km
Iglesia de San Diego (La Unión)
60.3 km
Nauyaca Waterfalls
38.4 km
Playa Manuel Antonio
1.1 km
Playa Piñuela
58.1 km
Playa Tulemar
4.7 km
Playa Playitas
3.9 km
Matapalo
19.6 km
Playa Savegre
8 km
Playa Espadilla Sur
2.1 km
Playa Matapalo
21.1 km
Playa Gemelas
853 m
Colonia Beach
49.9 km
Tortuga Norte
60.8 km
Beach at Manuel Antonio Park
1.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes