Location: Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica | Find on map
- From Quepos: Approx. 7km
- From San José: Approx. 157km
- Main access: Via the road connecting Quepos with Manuel Antonio village.
Your guide to reaching Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park sits on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in Quepos canton, Puntarenas province, about 157km south of San José. The main entrance is around 7km from Quepos, at the end of Manuel Antonio village, making Quepos the main transport hub for reaching the park by bus, taxi, transfer, or car.
Where is Manuel Antonio National Park located?
Manuel Antonio National Park lies just outside Quepos on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, surrounded by tropical rainforest and Pacific beaches. The official visitor entrance is approximately 7km from central Quepos.
Compare your travel options
| Mode of transport | Travel time | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
🚌 Public bus | ~20–30 mins | ₡390–410 (~$0.75–$1) | Budget travelers |
🚕 Taxi | ~10–15 mins | ~$10–15 | Quick, direct travel |
🚗 Car | ~10–15 mins | ~$5–10 for private parking (there is no official parking at the park) | Flexibility |
🚐 Hotel/tour transfer | Varies by pickup | Often included with selected tours | Door-to-door convenience |
🚶 Walking | 10 to 20 mins | Free | Best from Manuel Antonio village hotels |
Other ways to get to Manuel Antonio National Park
From San José, take Route 27 toward Caldera, then Route 34 toward Tárcoles and Jacó. Continue along Route 34 to Quepos, then follow the road approximately 7km toward Manuel Antonio and the park entrance. Allow roughly 3–4 hours, depending on your starting point and traffic. The main route is paved.
Manuel Antonio National Park has no official visitor parking. Private parking lots operate along the approach to the entrance, with prices varying by operator. Confirm the fee before parking and continue to the official park entrance. During busy periods, the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio can become congested, so arriving early is useful.
Direct and regular Tracopa buses connect San José with Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Depending on the service, the journey takes roughly 3–4.5 hours. If your service terminates in Quepos, transfer to the frequent local bus toward Manuel Antonio for the final leg to the park area.
Shared and private shuttles connect San José and popular Costa Rican destinations with Manuel Antonio. They are useful if you want hotel-to-hotel transport without navigating bus connections or driving yourself. Journey time from San José varies with traffic and additional pickups, so confirm the schedule and exact Manuel Antonio drop-off point when booking.
Domestic flights can significantly reduce the overland journey between San José and Quepos. From Quepos, continue to Manuel Antonio National Park by taxi or pre-arranged transfer. This option works best when flight and transfer schedules align, so arrange your onward journey before arriving in Quepos.
The Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour with Entry & Beach Access + Hotel Transfers combines round-trip local transfers with park entry, an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, spotting scope, water, and beach time. It's the most convenient option if you're staying within the tour's pickup area and want transport and your park visit handled together.
Walking is practical only if you're already staying close to the park in Manuel Antonio. Distances vary considerably depending on your hotel, and the road can be hilly, hot, and busy. From central Quepos, take the local bus or a taxi instead of walking the roughly 7km to the park.
Getting to Manuel Antonio National Park by car
Driving route
- Travel time: ~10–15 minutes from central Quepos | Find on Map
- Distance: ~7km
- Route: Quepos → Manuel Antonio road → park entrance
- Traffic: Allow extra time during high season; the Quepos–Manuel Antonio road can get busy.
From Quepos, follow the main road toward Manuel Antonio until you reach the park entrance area. From San José, take Route 27 toward Caldera, then Route 34 via Tárcoles and Jacó to Quepos before continuing to Manuel Antonio.
Parking facilities
- On-site parking: Not available
- Private parking: Available near the entrance
- Typical charge: Around ₡3,000–₡5,000 per day
- Distance: Several private lots are within a short walk of the entrance
There is no official national park parking lot. Use a private lot near the entrance, confirm whether the quoted price is hourly or daily, and don't leave valuables visible in your vehicle.
Accessibility
Manuel Antonio National Park is partially wheelchair accessible, with adapted infrastructure inside the park.
- Public transport: Accessibility can vary by bus or shuttle, so confirm step-free boarding and mobility-aid storage with the operator before travelling.
- Driving & parking: The park has no official parking; private lots operate near the entrance, and accessibility varies between lots.
- Entrance & trails: The El Manglar elevated trail runs 726m, with 10 rest bays and a 164m accessible walkway toward the sea. An amphibious wheelchair can be reserved in advance.
- Mobility equipment: Standard wheelchair and stroller rentals aren't provided by the park, so arrange these externally if required.
Travel tips for getting to Manuel Antonio National Park
- Start from Quepos: It’s the main local transport hub, about 7km from the park, with regular buses and taxis to Manuel Antonio.
- Leave extra time: Traffic can build along the Quepos–Manuel Antonio road, particularly during busy periods.
- Take the bus for budget: The local Quepos–Manuel Antonio bus is the most economical option for reaching the park.
- Use a taxi for convenience: A taxi works well for families, groups, or visitors carrying beach gear.
- Plan parking before you drive: There is no official park parking; use a private lot near the entrance and confirm the charge before parking.
- Head to the official entrance: Continue to the designated national park entrance rather than stopping at unofficial access points along the approach.
- Keep your ticket and ID ready: Admission is booked online and date-specific, so have your ticket and the ID used for the reservation ready.
- Confirm your transfer drop-off: If using a shuttle or hotel transfer, check whether you're dropped at the park entrance or elsewhere in Manuel Antonio.
Frequently asked questions about getting to Manuel Antonio National Park
From Quepos, the local bus or a taxi are the simplest options. From San José, you can drive, take an intercity bus, book a shuttle, or travel to Quepos before continuing to Manuel Antonio.
Yes, but the park does not have an official visitor parking lot. Independent private lots operate near the entrance and charge separately from park admission. Confirm the price and whether it is hourly or daily before parking.
The park is partially accessible. The 726m El Manglar elevated trail has rest bays, with an additional accessible walkway toward the sea. Transport accessibility varies, so confirm requirements with your bus, shuttle, or transfer operator.
Yes, intercity buses connect San José with Quepos and Manuel Antonio. If your service ends in Quepos, continue by local bus or taxi for the roughly 7km journey to the park entrance.
A taxi is generally the quickest direct option from central Quepos, with the roughly 7km journey taking around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. The local bus is a cheaper alternative and runs regularly.
Aim to arrive early, particularly during busy travel periods, as traffic can build along the Quepos–Manuel Antonio road. Check the park's opening hours before planning your departure so you don't arrive before or after admission hours.
From Quepos Airport, continue by taxi or pre-arranged transfer toward Manuel Antonio. Arrange your onward transport in advance if possible, particularly when coordinating it with a domestic flight arrival.
Yes, the Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour with Beach Access and transfers combines round-trip local hotel transfers with park admission, a bilingual naturalist guide, spotting scope, water, and beach time.
Walking can work if you're staying close to the entrance in Manuel Antonio. From central Quepos, however, the park is roughly 7km away, so taking the local bus or a taxi is considerably more practical.
No, visitors use the park's main official entrance, so you don't need to choose an entrance based on your ticket. Once inside, the marked trail network connects the main visitor areas.
Yes, admission is booked online for a specific date, so arrange your Manuel Antonio National Park tickets before travelling to the entrance and have your ticket and identification ready when you arrive.
