The park in one minute
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's smallest national parks and one of its most visited. Rainforest runs straight down to white-sand beaches, and the wildlife is used to people, which makes it the easiest place in the country to see sloths and monkeys. It sits 6.7 km south of Quepos on the Central Pacific coast.
Before you go: 4 rules
- Buy the ticket online in advance through SINAC. No sales at the gate. How it works.
- Closed every Tuesday.
- December 2026: Tuesdays 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
- January 2027: Tuesdays 5, 12, 19 and 26
- Arrive at opening. The first two hours have the most active animals and the fewest people.
- Bags are checked. Leave single-use plastics behind and never feed the animals.
What you will see
Sloths
Three-toed by day, two-toed by night. Usually high and still; a scope makes the difference.
Reptiles
Green and black iguanas, basilisks and, with luck, a snake on the trail edge.
With a guide
A Swarovski scope and phone photos through the lens.
Guided tours
| Option | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Group | $30 / person | Most visitors. Shared small group, certified naturalist guide and spotting scope. |
| Premium | $65 / person | Shared tour with a smaller group and more time on the trail. |
| Classic Private | $69 | Families with small kids, photographers, slow walkers. |
| VIP Private | $100 | Fully flexible start time and route. |
Exactly what each option includes (park ticket, transport) is listed on the tour page before you pay.
Frequently asked
Is Manuel Antonio National Park open today?
It opens at 7:00 a.m. every day except Tuesday. It is closed every Tuesday of the year.
How much is the entrance?
The SINAC entrance for foreign adults is $18.08 and $5.65 for children, bought online only. Guided tours are paid separately to the tour operator.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
No. There is no ticket window. Entry is reserved online through SINAC, about two months ahead, and high-season days sell out.
Do I need a guide?
No, but a certified naturalist with a spotting scope finds far more animals. Most sloths are high and still; without a scope most visitors walk past them.
What animals can I see?
Most commonly three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, iguanas, agoutis, raccoons, coatis and toucans. No animal is ever guaranteed.
Can I bring food?
SINAC restricts what can be carried in; single-use plastics and some food items are not allowed and bags are checked at the gate. Never feed the monkeys or raccoons.