Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

You are likely to see three-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, white-faced capuchins, iguanas and toucans.

• Punta CatedralThe forested point is a loop of an hour, and the path can be muddy. It is a walk, not a swim. If a section is roped off, do not step around it.
• Playa Manuel AntonioInside the gate, this cove is the calmer swim, and it is still not a pool. Monkeys work the sand, so do not leave food out. Shade thins by noon.
• Sloth trailsLook up, and walk slower than the group ahead of you. Morning is when you actually see a sloth. They will not perform for a late crowd.
• Monkey beachesCapuchins and squirrel monkeys work these beaches. Do not feed them, and do not set a bag down. Come early, before they start begging.
• Punta Catedral hikeThe loop climbs, then returns on the far side. Roots are slick after rain, and it is steeper than it looks. Do it before the path is a queue.
• Snorkeling covesRocky edges inside the park take a mask when the sea is calm. Morning is clearer. If the outside beach is dumping, these coves are stirred up too.

Book online through SICORE (serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr) before you drive. The busiest parks sell tickets online only.

A foreign adult pays US$18.08. IVA is included, as of Oct 2026. Fees differ for residents.

No. It closes on Tuesdays. The gate caps how many people enter each day, so come early.