Manuel Antonio in 2 days

Trip at a glance

Your first day

Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.

Day 1: Manuel Antonio National Park and the beaches

Monkeys and sloths on the national park trails, a swim at Manuel Antonio Beach, then the beaches outside the park and a marina sunset.

Check the weekday. Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays.

1
7:30 AMBook aheadManuel Antonio National ParkClosed Tuesdays. Buy tickets online and bring the passport you booked with. Allow about 2 hours on the trails.About 2 hours here
Adult non-resident, VAT included: $18.08 · Tickets online only
Official fees: SINAC, National System of Conservation Areas (sinac.go.cr)Last verified Nov 7, 2026
Search tickets and tours on TiqetsOpens Tiqets. TravPa earns a commission.
Walk the park trail, about 25 min
2
10:00 AMManuel Antonio BeachSnorkel along the rocky sides of the bay. No food on beaches or trails, and keep away from manchineel trees.About 1 hour 45 min here
With a park ticket
Walk to the park exit, then taxi to the village, about 30 min
3
12:15 PMManuel Antonio villageHave lunch in the village after the park; try a fish casado or ceviche, local staples on this coast.About 1 hour 30 min here
Pay as you go
Walk downhill about 15 min
4
2:00 PMPlaya EspadillaSpend the hot hours on the long beach beside the park. Ask locals or surfers about rip currents first.About 1 hour 45 min here
Free to visit
Taxi about 10 min
5
4:00 PMOptionalPlaya BiesanzFind a quieter cove for a last swim, then head to Quepos in time for sunset.About 1 hour 45 min here
Free to visit
Taxi to Quepos, about 20 min
6
6:00 PMMarina Pez VelaWatch the sunset from the marina plaza, then eat at one of its waterfront restaurants.
Pay as you go

Before you go

Book these aheadManuel Antonio National Park (day 1), Damas Island mangroves (day 2): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Book park tickets onlineManuel Antonio National Park sells tickets only online and is closed on Tuesdays. Bring the passport or ID you booked with.
Leave food outside the parkFood is not allowed on the beaches and trails, and single-use plastics are banned. Bring a reusable bottle to refill.
Arrive earlyThe only road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio gets very busy in peak season, so start your park day early.
Swim with careAsk locals or surfers about rip currents before swimming, and keep away from the toxic manchineel trees on the sand.
Keep valuables closeLeave passports and valuables in your hotel safe, and never leave bags alone on the beach.

Where to stay for this plan

Stay in Manuel Antonio village for walks to the park and Playa Espadilla, or in Quepos for the marina and lower prices.

Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.