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🌿 A Complete Guide to Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park: Wildlife, Trails & Tips

Manuel Antonio National Park is often hailed as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national park system. Despite being the smallest national park in the country, it packs a serious punch when it comes to biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From lush jungle trails to pristine beaches, it’s the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families alike.

If you’re staying at Layan Hotel & Spa, you’re just minutes away from this natural paradise. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Manuel Antonio National Park—from spotting sloths to navigating its hiking trails.

📍 Why Visit Manuel Antonio National Park?

  • 🐒 Incredible Wildlife: Sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and hundreds of bird species roam the park.
  • 🌊 Beach & Jungle Combo: Hike through the rainforest and end your trek at a picture-perfect beach.
  • 🌺 Family-Friendly Trails: Accessible hiking paths make it easy for all ages to explore.
  • 📸 Photographer’s Dream: Capture breathtaking views, vibrant wildlife, and hidden coves.
 

 

🦥 Wildlife You Can Expect to See

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best places in Costa Rica for up-close wildlife encounters. Keep your eyes peeled for:

  • Three-Toed Sloths 🦥 (look high up in the trees!)
  • White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys 🐒 (they’re playful—but don’t feed them!)
  • Howler Monkeys 🐵 (you’ll hear them before you see them)
  • Squirrel Monkeys 🐿️ (unique to this region)
  • Iguanas & Basilisks 🦎 (nicknamed “Jesus Lizards” because they run on water)
  • Scarlet Macaws & Toucans 🦜 (birdwatcher’s paradise)
  • Coatis & Raccoons 🦝 (often spotted near the beaches)

🌟 Pro Tip: Hire a certified guide at the park entrance. They carry spotting scopes and know exactly where the sloths are hanging out!

 

🥾 Top Hiking Trails in Manuel Antonio National Park

The park offers a variety of well-marked trails for all fitness levels. Here are the top ones to explore:

🌿 1. Sendero Punta Catedral (1.4 km loop)

  • Highlights: Breathtaking ocean views, rocky cliffs, and jungle canopy.
  • Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections).
  • Tip: Perfect for photos—bring your camera!

🏖️ 2. Sendero Playa Manuel Antonio (0.7 km one way)

  • Highlights: Leads you directly to the park’s most iconic beach.
  • Difficulty: Easy—great for families.
  • Tip: This is one of the best spots for swimming and picnicking.

🦜 3. Sendero La Trampa (1 km out & back)

  • Highlights: Dense jungle with high chances of spotting birds and reptiles.
  • Difficulty: Easy.
  • Tip: Go early in the morning for prime wildlife spotting.

🦎 4. Sendero El Perezoso (The Sloth Trail) (1.3 km loop)

  • Highlights: As the name suggests, this is your best bet for seeing sloths.
  • Difficulty: Very Easy—wheelchair accessible.
  • Tip: Bring binoculars to catch sloths high up in the treetops.

 

🏖️ Best Beaches Inside the Park

After a hike, there’s no better way to cool off than by heading to one of the park’s beaches.

🌊 Playa Manuel Antonio

  • White sand, turquoise waters, and jungle surroundings.
  • Great for swimming and family-friendly.

🌾 Playa Espadilla Sur

  • Less crowded than Playa Manuel Antonio.
  • Ideal for peaceful sunbathing and light snorkeling.

⚠️ Note: No food is allowed on the beaches inside the park to protect wildlife. Pack out all trash!

 

🗓️ Practical Tips for Visiting

✅ Opening Hours:

  • Tuesday–Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Closed on Mondays

💸 Entrance Fee:

  • Adults: $18 USD
  • Children (under 12): $5 USD
  • Tickets must be purchased online in advance through SINAC’s official website.

🎒 What to Pack:

  • Comfortable hiking shoes or sandals
  • Swimsuit & towel
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Binoculars & camera

🚫 What NOT to Bring:

  • Single-use plastics (strictly prohibited)
  • Food inside the park (to prevent wildlife feeding)

 

🐾 Layan Hotel & Spa’s Pro Tips

  1. Go Early: The park allows only a limited number of visitors daily. Arrive right when it opens for fewer crowds and more active wildlife.
  2. Book a Guided Tour: If it’s your first time visiting, guided tours are well worth it. Guides are experts at spotting hidden animals.
  3. Combine Activities: Many tours combine a park visit with catamaran cruises, zip-lining, or sunset tours.

 

🌟 Ready to Explore?

When you stay at Layan Hotel & Spa, you’re just moments away from Manuel Antonio National Park’s world-class beaches, wildlife, and hiking trails. After a day of adventure, return to the hotel for a relaxing spa treatment or a poolside cocktail.

✨ Book your stay today and start planning your Costa Rican adventure! 🐒🌴🐠

💡 Need help booking park tickets or guided tours? Our concierge team at Layan Hotel & Spa is happy to assist!