# Manuel Antonio National Park: tickets, trails and beaches > Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's most visited national park: a small stretch of rainforest, beaches and headlands just south of Quepos, known for sloths and monkeys. Tickets are sold online only, it's closed on Tuesdays, and it's best in the early morning with a guide. Source: https://www.travelincostarica.net/manuel-antonio-national-park/ Last checked: 2026-10-20 Location: Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific, Costa Rica Type: national park, wildlife, beach Official website: https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/ Best for: Easy wildlife watching and swimming beaches in one morning Tickets: Online only, through SINAC, with an arrival time; up to 6 tickets per purchase Closed: Tuesdays Beaches: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Tesoro and Playita Wildlife: Two sloth species and three of Costa Rica's four monkey species Distance: 157 km from San José, just south of Quepos ## What it's like Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's smallest national parks by land area, and its most visited: more than 4.3 million people came between 2012 and 2022. Created in 1972, it protects a few square kilometers of rainforest on the Pacific coast just south of Quepos, plus a much larger marine area. Trails wind through the forest to white-sand coves, and the rocky headland of Punta Catedral sticks out into the sea. The wildlife comes to you here. Both brown-throated three-toed and Hoffmann's two-toed sloths live in the park, along with three of the country's four monkey species, including the small Central American squirrel monkey. Some 109 mammal species and 184 bird species have been recorded. Animals around the beaches are used to people, so don't feed them and keep food packed away. ## Tickets and opening days Plan this part ahead. Tickets are sold only through SINAC's online system, and you choose an arrival time when you buy. You'll show the QR code on your phone at the entrance. Manuel Antonio has its own limits: up to 6 tickets per purchase and one purchase per day. Entry is personal, so the name can't be changed, and there are no refunds for bad weather. The park is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance and open the other six days. In the dry season, from December to April, and on holiday weekends, buy your tickets several days ahead. ## Trails and beaches The main trail runs from the entrance through the forest to the beaches, and several side trails lead to viewpoints. Some trails have been built for universal access, with rest areas and overlooks, and are suitable for wheelchairs. The walk from Espadilla Sur up to the top of Punta Catedral takes about an hour. Inside the park, Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur beaches have tidal pools and are good for swimming and snorkeling on calm days. There's a lifeguard program, but rip currents do occur, so pay attention to flags and staff. ## Tips for a good visit Arrive at opening time. Animals are more active, it's cooler, and the trails are quieter. A certified naturalist guide with a telescope will show you sloths and birds you'd walk right past. Book one through your hotel or a local operator. Bring water, sunscreen and a swimsuit. ## Getting there and where to stay The park is 157 km from San José, at the end of the road through Manuel Antonio village. Quepos, a few kilometers north, has the bus station and a domestic airport. Hotels line the ridge between Quepos and the park: [Parador Nature Resort](/hotel-parador-resort-and-spa/) and [The Falls by Lalibela](/the-falls-resort/) are both on this site. Our [Manuel Antonio guide](/manuel-antonio/) covers the rest of the area. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I buy tickets at the gate? No. Tickets are sold online only through SINAC's system, with a chosen arrival time. ### Which day is Manuel Antonio closed? Tuesday. ### Do I need a guide? No, but it's worth it. Guides spot far more wildlife, especially sloths high in the trees. ### Can I swim in the park? Yes, at the beaches inside the park on calm days. Watch for rip currents and follow the lifeguards. ### Can I bring food? Prepared food is allowed, but no stoves or grills, and you must take all your trash out. Keep food sealed: the monkeys and raccoons are quick.