Question 1

How much does it cost to enter Manuel Antonio National Park?

Accepted Answer

Foreign visitors aged 12 and up pay $18.08 USD, children 2–12 pay $5.65, and kids under 2 get in free — IVA tax included. Costa Rican residents pay ₡1,808 for adults and ₡565 for children 6–12, with resident kids under 6 and Ciudadano de Oro seniors free.

Question 2

Can I buy Manuel Antonio National Park tickets at the gate?

Accepted Answer

No — there's no ticket booth, and every ticket must be bought in advance on SINAC's official portal, serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr, using your passport details. People dressed as rangers sell fake tickets near the entrance, so buy only through sinac.go.cr and bring the physical passport matching your booking.

Question 3

How far in advance should I book Manuel Antonio tickets?

Accepted Answer

Book 1–2 weeks ahead during dry season (December–April), and months ahead for Christmas–New Year and Easter week, which sell out early. A court-ordered cap limits the park to 1,120 visitors per day with 15-minute arrival slots, and no extra capacity gets added. Six tickets maximum per transaction.

Question 4

What day is Manuel Antonio National Park closed?

Accepted Answer

Every Tuesday, for trail maintenance — this is the single most common trip-planning mistake. The park runs Wednesday through Monday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., year-round including holidays.

Question 5

How do I get to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José?

Accepted Answer

It's 157 km (98 mi) from San José: the direct Tracopa bus from Plaza Víquez takes about 3.5 hours and costs around ₡4,500 ($9), a 20–25 minute Sansa flight to Quepos runs $75–100 one way, shared shuttles cost from $65 per person, and driving takes 3–4 hours. From Quepos, a local bus covers the last 7 km to the entrance every 15–30 minutes for ₡315.

Question 6

Can I bring food and water into Manuel Antonio National Park?

Accepted Answer

No food or packaged snacks — bags are checked at the entrance and single-use plastic bottles get turned away too. Drinks in reusable bottles are allowed, with refill fountains on the Sloth Trail and near Playa Manuel Antonio. There's a concession cafeteria inside, open 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Question 7

Is Manuel Antonio National Park wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in part. The flat, paved Sendero El Perezoso (about 1.1 km one way) plus the beach boardwalks work for wheelchairs and strollers, with rest areas and overlooks along the way. The sand and the 1.4 km Punta Catedral loop are not accessible.

Question 8

How long do I need to visit Manuel Antonio National Park?

Accepted Answer

Most visitors spend 3–5 hours on the main trails plus beach time, and a guided wildlife walk runs 2–3 hours. A full day is common — enter at 7:00 a.m. when wildlife is most active, hike Punta Catedral before the beach fills around 10 a.m., then swim at Playa Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio National Park Guides

Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife: What You'll See and How to See It

Monkeys of Manuel Antonio National Park: The 3 Species You'll See and How to Spot Them

Hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park: Every Trail, the Best One-Day Route, and What to Know Before You Go

Manuel Antonio National Park Beaches: Every Beach In and Out of the Park (and Which to Pick)

Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio National Park: Where to Go, What You'll See & Whether It's Worth It

Things to Do in Manuel Antonio National Park: Wildlife, Trails, Beaches & the Best Nearby Adventures

Sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park: Where, When & How to See Them

Ready to visit Manuel Antonio National Park?