Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica

If you’ve ever considered a trip to Costa Rica, chances are you’ve heard about Manuel Antonio National Park. It was the most visited national park in Costa Rica in 2021 and is on track to hold the same title for 2022. Located on the Pacific coast, this spectacular destination boasts not only lush rain forests but some of the most stunning beaches in the country. It’s no wonder why travelers from all over the world flock here. From the gorgeous scenery to the abundant wildlife, it has many of the things that make Costa Rica such a spectacular place to visit.

Considering how many people come here each year, I was surprised at how sparse the information about Manuel Antonio was online. As I planned my visit, I took some leaps of faith and even took some Ls so that you don’t have to.

This is everything you need to know before you visit Manuel Antonio, with some insider tips that will help you have an amazing time there:

My Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park

1. There are tons of hidden spots in the park.

I explored Manuel Antonio National Park on my own, determined to traverse every trail and find every hidden spot there was. I was delighted to discover that some trails led to some absolute gems, like Playa Gemelas. Since this small cove is on an offshoot from a main trail, far fewer people visit compared to the larger Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur.

Although Gemelas is clearly marked on the park map, it still feels like a hidden spot. Other places where I didn’t see a single other hiker were the main viewpoint, Mirador, and the howler monkey trail, Sendero Congos.

2. The park is closed on Tuesdays.

The park is always closed for one day a week. Currently, it is closed on Tuesdays, but it seems like the day changes throughout the year. Plan your trip accordingly by double-checking here.

On all other days, the park is open from 7am to 4pm. You must purchase your ticket ahead of time and indicate the time you will be visiting. Tickets are about $18 USD after taxes and fees, per day. The earlier you purchase your ticket, the better chance you have at getting the time slot you want, especially if you are visiting during dry season from December to April.

There’s a limit on how many people can visit the national park per day, although I was shocked to see how many people there were when I was leaving around noon.

3. The sunsets are unreal.

Because I visited during rainy season,…