Manuel Antonio: wildlife and white sand beaches

Why go to Manuel Antonio

Few places in the world make wildlife this easy to see. In a morning walk you can spot two kinds of sloth, three kinds of monkey, raccoons, agoutis and colourful crabs, then swim off a beach framed by jungle. The area is compact, the sunsets are spectacular and it is about three to four hours by road from San José.

Manuel Antonio National Park

The park is small but rich. Trails lead from the entrance through the forest to **Playa Manuel Antonio**, a sheltered cove with calm water, and **Playa Espadilla Sur**, and up to viewpoints on **Punta Catedral**. The **sloth trail** and the main path are flat and easy for children.

Key things to know:

• The park is **closed on Tuesdays** and entry numbers are capped each day. Tickets are sold online through the official SINAC system, so book ahead in high season.
• **Hire a licensed guide** at the entrance or in advance. With a telescope they spot sloths and frogs you would walk straight past.
• **Food rules** are strict. Many snacks, plastic and drinks other than water are restricted to protect the animals, so check the current list. Never feed the monkeys or raccoons.
• **Arrive early**, when animals are more active and the park is quieter.

Beaches

**Playa Espadilla**, just outside the park, is a long public beach with surf, umbrellas and sellers. Watch for rip currents and swim near the lifeguard flags where present. **Playa Biesanz** is a small, calm cove reached by a short trail from the hillside, good for snorkelling and families. Inside the park, the coves are the calmest of all.

Beyond the park

• **Quepos marina** has seafood restaurants and boats for sportfishing, sunset cruises and catamaran trips.
• **Rainmaker Conservation Project**, inland, has hanging bridges and waterfalls in a quieter forest.
• **Nauyaca Waterfalls**, further south near Dominical, are a dramatic two tier cascade reached by a hike or a ride.
• **Mangrove kayak tours** in the Damas estuary show white faced monkeys, herons and crabs.

Where to stay

The **hillside road** between Quepos and the park is lined with hotels, many with ocean views and wildlife in the gardens. **Quepos town** has cheaper guesthouses and local sodas, with buses and taxis to the park. Stays close to the beach at Playa Espadilla let you walk to the park entrance.

Eating and nightlife

Expect fresh fish, ceviche and casados, plus international restaurants with sunset views along the hill. El Avión, a restaurant built around an old cargo plane, is a local landmark with sunset views. For a cheaper night, head down to the Quepos waterfront, where fishermen bring in the day's catch and simple restaurants cook it to order. Quepos has the most local feel and the best value sodas.

Getting there and around

Buses run from San José to Quepos and Manuel Antonio several times a day, and shuttle vans link the area with La Fortuna, Monteverde and the Nicoya Peninsula. A local bus runs along the hill road between Quepos and the park. Small planes also fly into Quepos airport. See all Costa Rica destinations.