How to get to Manuel Antonio & Quepos by car
San José (SJO) to Manuel Antonio & Quepos
An easy, fully paved 3-hour drive on Route 27 and the Costanera coastal highway, with a crocodile-bridge stop on the…
Route guide →
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Down from the cloud forest to the beach: about 4–5 hours via Route 606, Route 27 and the Costanera. All…
Route guide →
Jacó to Manuel Antonio
A flat, easy hour south on the Costanera through palm plantations.
Route guide →On this page (8 sections)
Manuel Antonio National Park is small, but it packs white-sand coves, sloths, monkeys and toucans into a few kilometers of trail. The town of Quepos below has the marina and services, while hotels line the hill road between the two.
Driving and parking
The drive from SJO is paved all the way. The hill road from Quepos to the park is narrow and busy: drive slowly and don’t stop for the “parking attendants” who wave cars into private lots near the entrance. Better yet, leave the car at your hotel and take the local bus or a taxi.
Park tips
The park is closed on Tuesdays, daily visitor numbers are capped, and tickets must be bought online in advance.
Where to stay
Hotels line the hilly road between Quepos and the park. Places near the top have ocean views, while those near the beach let you walk to the park entrance. Quepos itself is cheaper and has supermarkets, banks and the marina. Expect roughly US$60–120 for mid-range rooms and much more for view hotels in high season. A car is handy, but the hill road is narrow with little parking, so check that your hotel has its own lot.
What things cost
- Manuel Antonio National Park: around US$18 per foreign adult. Tickets are sold online in advance on the official SINAC site, and the park is closed one day a week (historically Tuesdays), so confirm before you go.
- Guides: about US$25–35 per person for a 2–3 hour walk with a spotting scope, well worth it for sloths and monkeys.
- Parking near the entrance: private lots charge a few dollars per day.
Practical tips
- People on the road wave you into “official parking” and sometimes sell tours or fake tickets. Buy park tickets only online.
- The park doesn’t allow single-use plastics or many food items; check the current list before packing a picnic.
- Arrive at opening time: the heat and crowds build fast after 10 am.
Top things to do in Manuel Antonio & Quepos
- Manuel Antonio National ParkTrails, beaches and wildlife; hire a guide at the entrance to spot more.
- Playa EspadillaThe public beach just outside the park.
- Quepos marinaSunset drinks and sportfishing charters.
- Catamaran toursSnorkeling and dolphin watching.
Driving, parking & safety notes
- Parking near the park entrance is limited and expensive.
- Never leave belongings in the car at the beach.
- The hill road has pedestrians at night — drive very carefully.
Manuel Antonio & Quepos FAQ
Do I need a car in Manuel Antonio?
It's useful for getting there and day trips, but buses and taxis cover the hill road well.
Is Manuel Antonio National Park open every day?
No, it's closed on Tuesdays. Buy tickets online in advance.
Do I need to book Manuel Antonio tickets in advance?
Yes. Entry tickets are sold online and daily capacity is limited, especially in December–April and on weekends.
Is a guide worth it in Manuel Antonio?
For most visitors, yes. Guides carry telescopes and spot sloths, snakes and frogs you would walk past on your own.
