A guided half-day from Jaco into Manuel Antonio National Park that combines a 2-mile rainforest hike, close wildlife viewing with a guide’s spotting scope, a beach swim in a protected cove and lunch at a nearby restaurant. Ideal for travelers seeking easy wildlife encounters and a scenic beach break.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off an air-conditioned van and into a hot, humid pocket of coastal rainforest where calls from howler monkeys thread through the trees. The trail is soft underfoot — packed dirt and occasional roots — and a local guide points out a sleeping sloth, a camouflaged iguana and a cluster of tropical orchids before the path opens to white sand and a natural swimming cove.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required: able to walk 2 miles on uneven terrain and tolerate tropical heat.
Wildlife
History
Established in 1972, Manuel Antonio was created to protect a small but biologically rich pocket of Pacific rainforest and coastal ecosystems near the fishing town of Quepos.
Conservation
The park balances heavy visitor use with strict rules—staying on trails, not feeding wildlife and using reef-safe sunscreen helps protect fragile habitats and marine life.
Reserve your spot on the Manuel Antonio park and beach tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Early light is best
Wildlife is most active in the morning and late afternoon—ask for an early pickup or aim for the first park entries to maximize sightings.
Footwear and footing
Trails are short but uneven; closed-toe hiking shoes or sturdy trail runners protect against roots and slick rocks.
Respect the wildlife
Keep distance, stay quiet when animals are spotted and never feed monkeys or sloths—feeding alters behavior and can be dangerous.
Swim with care
The beach cove is generally calm, but currents can change—swim near shore and use lifeguarded areas where available.
Sturdy trail shoes
Protects feet on root-strewn and sometimes slippery rainforest trails.
Refillable water bottle
Hydration is essential in the humid coastal climate; bottled water is usually provided but a bottle reduces waste.
Binoculars or camera with zoom
Helps you view and photograph arboreal wildlife without approaching or disturbing them.
Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
Sun protection for the beach break and exposed trail segments while protecting marine life.