Plizio Visual Lab

Manuel Antonio National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Manuel Antonio National Park (Costa Rica)

Weather…

Established in 1972, Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica within the Puntarenas Province. Despite being the country's smallest national park with a land area of only 1,983 hectares, it is one of the most popular due to its unique combination of rain forests, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. The park protects a diverse range of wildlife, including 109 species of mammals, such as the endangered squirrel monkey, and 184 species of birds. Geographically, it includes four distinct beaches: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Teloro, and Playita, which are known for their calm waters and natural beauty. The marine portion of the park covers approximately 55,000 hectares, safeguarding several offshore islands and vital marine ecosystems. Its management focuses on balancing high tourist traffic with rigorous conservation efforts to preserve the delicate balance of its tropical dry and wet forests.

Location: Costa Rica
Nearby: San Ignacio (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	21	22	22	22	22	21	21	21	21	21	21
Rain mm	101	60	73	125	253	240	266	226	233	277	254	150

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Manuel Antonio National Park is open to the public, offering beaches, jungle trails, and abundant wildlife. Daily entry is possible, but visitor numbers are capped.

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Typical hours

National parks in Costa Rica typically open at 7:00 AM and close in the afternoon. Exact hours vary by season and should be checked in advance.

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Photography

Photography for personal use is allowed throughout the park. Avoid using flash near animals to prevent disturbing them.

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Time needed

Allow half a day to explore the main beaches and hiking trails. Nature lovers can easily spend a full day in the park.

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Combine with

The nearby town of Quepos features restaurants and accommodation. A boat tour for dolphin and whale watching can also be easily combined.

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Getting there

The park is about 7 km from Quepos, reachable by car or bus. Many visitors park at the entrance or take a taxi from town.

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Insider tip

Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, as the beaches are quickly accessible.

Geography

Coordinates

9.38330, -84.13330

Facts

The national park was officially established on November 15, 1972.
It is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, covering 1,983 land hectares.
The park is home to 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.
The protected marine area spans approximately 55,000 hectares.
It features four primary beaches known for their white sand and biodiversity.
The area was listed among the world's 12 most beautiful parks by Forbes in 2011.