The Best 3 Days in Manuel Antonio Itinerary for 2025

Manuel Antonio mixes rainforest and shoreline in one compact corner of the central Pacific. You don’t need a week here, but one thing’s for sure, you’ll love our 3 days in Manuel Antonio itinerary.

Three days cover the national park, lazy swims, easy wildlife spotting, and one thrill of your choice. Use this plan to keep transfers short, meals simple, and daylight packed with sand, sloths, and sea spray.

We’re very excited to tell you everything in this comprehensive travel guide!

Spending 3 Days in Manuel Antonio: The Essentials

Three days in Manuel Antonio is the sweet spot. You’ll have time to hit the national park, chill at the beach, spot wildlife, and still squeeze in some great local food and sunsets.

But before going through the itinerary, here are some essentials you need to know when visiting.

Is 3 Days in Manuel Antonio Enough?

Three full days give you everything that makes Manuel Antonio special. Distances are tiny, so you’re never stuck in a car.

You have time to walk forest trails, hit the beach and work on your tan, and still squeeze in zip-lining or a catamaran cruise. It also slots neatly into a wider Costa Rica trip itinerary between San José, Uvita, or La Fortuna.

Any longer and you’ll likely repeat beaches; any shorter and you risk missing dawn wildlife in the park.

How to Get to Manuel Antonio?

If you’re spending a day in San José Costa Rica, you have two main options: drive or take a direct bus.

Driving takes about 3 hours, and the roads are mostly smooth, but just watch for speed bumps. Buses leave regularly from the Tracopa terminal and cost around $10. Also, you’re only 15 minutes away from Quepos airport.

On the other hand, if you’re visiting Monteverde, it’s around 4.5–5 hours by car or shuttle, with some winding roads along the way. No direct bus, so it’s best to book a shuttle unless you’re driving yourself.

From Santa Teresa, you’re looking at 5–6 hours. Take the ferry from Paquera to Puntarenas, then drive or catch a shuttle down the coast. It’s a long trip, but the views are solid.

How to Get Around Manuel Antonio?

Most people stick to walking, local buses, or short taxi rides. The main road between Quepos and the national park is small but busy, with buses running every 30 minutes for less than a dollar.

Taxis are everywhere, though not metered, so do make sure to agree on the price first. If your hotel’s up a steep hill, you’ll be glad for a lift. No real need to rent a car unless you’re heading out of town or planning a road trip around Costa Rica.

Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio

If you want to stay near the park entrance, check out places like Millennium or Selina, great for quick morning hikes and budget-friendly beds.

Mid-range hotels like Costa Verde or La Vela give you comfort with wildlife right on your balcony. For something fancier, Arenas del Mar or Parador sit higher up with ocean views and quieter nights.

Tip: If you’re driving, places up the hill usually have easier parking and cooler breezes, which is nice in Manuel Antonio.

3-Day Manuel Antonio Itinerary

This 3-day Manuel Antonio itinerary is broken into three simple chunks: you settle in on day one, hit the national park while it’s quiet on day two, then spend your last morning squeezing in a bit more wildlife or beach time before heading out.

No rushing, just a smart layout that lets you actually enjoy the place without burning out. Perfect if you’re mixing this stop into a longer Costa Rica trip.

Day 1: Arrival + Sunset Beach Walk

Your first day’s all about landing easy, grab a casual lunch, get your toes in the sand, and take a swim to shake off the travel. No need to cram in activities. Just unwind, watch the sunset roll in, and get a good night’s sleep so you’re fresh for the park tomorrow.

Morning / Arrival

Land at Juan Santamaría airport in San José Costa Rica, grab your rental car or shuttle, and hit Route 27, then Route 34. The ride runs about three hours without heavy traffic.

We prepare multiple Costa Rica itineraries, and you can also get to Manuel Antonio from La Fortuna or Monteverde, which only takes about 3 or 4 hours.

Swing by the hotel to drop bags if you arrive early. Don’t worry, most front desks hold luggage if rooms aren’t ready. Walk to Café Milagro for a tuna wrap or cross the road to Falafel Bar for a pita loaded with fresh veggies. Withdraw some cash at the Banco Nacional ATM if you don’t have much left. Beach vendors prefer colones, and you’ll probably head to the beach at some point today.

Fill a reusable bottle, slap on reef-safe sunscreen, and slip into sandals, as you’ll reach the water in minutes.

Afternoon

Follow the short access road to Playa Espadilla. You can either walk or take a taxi, but we don’t recommend driving and parking there, as locals sometimes try to overcharge tourists, and that’s the last thing you want.

Once you hit the beach, rent a chair or throw down a towel in the shade. If the waves are mellow, grab a surf lesson. Otherwise, swim, chill, or toss a frisbee. Around 4, start walking north, the sunset hits best from that angle.

Watch your stuff, monkeys are sneaky and they love bananas and plastic bags!

Evening

After you’ve rinsed off the beach, make your way to El Avión, the hillside bar built around a real Fairchild cargo plane. It’s touristy, yes, but still worth it.

Ask for a table by the railing to catch the sunset while you dig into shrimp tacos or mahi-mahi. The views over the jungle and sea are solid, especially as the lights start flicking on below.

If it’s busy, head across the road to Medusa Restaurant. It’s quieter, with a cozy open-air setup and surprisingly good seafood, try the coconut shrimp or tuna sashimi. Service is friendly, prices are fair, and you won’t feel rushed. Great spot if you’d rather skip the crowds but still want a solid meal with an amazing view.

Day 2: Manuel Antonio National Park

Day 2 is your main event, so start early. The park gets hot and crowded fast, but you’ll get the best of it if you wake up early: cooler temps, quieter trails, and way more animal action.

You’ll spend the morning hiking shady paths, spotting monkeys, sloths, toucans, and maybe even a sleepy deer. After lunch, go for something active like zip-lining or kayaking, or just cool off with another beach swim. Here’s the plan for this second day on this Manuel Antonio itinerary.

Morning

Manuel Antonio National Park is the highlight in this part of country, and you just can’t skip it.

Book your park ticket online ahead of time, as there’s no buying at the gate, and get there by 6:45 AM. You’ll need your passport and the QR code to enter.

The first stretch is a wide gravel path, and if you’re early, it’s quiet enough to hear the howlers. Head straight toward Cathedral Point for panoramic sea views and a breezy loop trail through the trees.

On your way down to Playa Manuel Antonio, check the branches. Sloths are slow but easy to miss, and squirrel monkeys bounce between trees like little daredevils!

If spotting wildlife on your own sounds tricky, hire a guide with a scope near the entrance. Yes, that will cost you a little more, but trust us when we say it’s 100% worth it.

Lastly, just like at the beach on day 1, keep snacks sealed tight, capuchin monkeys don’t ask twice.

Lunch

By late morning or early afternoon, you’ll need to exit the park, since it only opens from 7 AM to 4 PM, and no re-entry is allowed. And you’ll probably be hungry by now.

Walk across the street and skip the tourist traps. Find a small local soda (you’ll spot a few within a short walk) and order a casado: rice, beans, salad, sweet plantains, and your pick of fish, chicken, or beef.

It’s hearty, homemade, and about half the price of the cafés nearby. This is the one dish we always recommend, no matter if you stay one week in Costa Rica, a month, or end up staying long term, simply a classic.

A glass of cold watermelon or passion fruit juice hits the spot after a humid hike. Bathrooms are available at the soda or nearby, and it’s a good time to reapply sunscreen, recharge your phone and camera if needed, and double-check your afternoon activity time. If clouds are rolling in, water sports may get bumpy, but zip-lining usually doesn’t get canceled if it rains.

Here below, we give you 3 options for the perfect afternoon in Manuel Antonio.

Afternoon

• Zip-lining: Shuttle pickup around 1 PM. Guides gear you up, run a quick safety brief, then send you flying across ten cables above secondary forest.
• Ocean kayak or paddleboard: Meet at the marina, paddle past cliffs, and stop in a small cove for fruit and a snorkel.
• Catamaran cruise: Afternoon departures include lunch, open bar, and a snorkel stop. Dolphins show up often between December and April.

All tours wrap by 5 PM, giving enough time to rinse gear and admire any new bruises or selfie stick footage.

Zip-lining in Manuel Antonio

Zip-lining is a classic Costa Rica thrill, and Manuel Antonio has some of the best-run canopy tours around. Most start with a shuttle pickup around 1 PM that brings you into the hills, where cooler temps and thicker forest set the scene.

You’ll gear up, go through a quick safety briefing, then glide across a series of ten or more cables, with some short and fast, and others long with sweeping views over jungle canyons.

Platforms are high but solid, and guides double-check gear constantly. You might see toucans or monkeys while waiting between lines. Tours include a short nature walk, a waterfall stop, and sometimes a light snack at the end before the ride back into town.

Please note that afternoon tours sell out often, and in case you can’t join one today, consider that for the morning of the third day in Manuel Antonio.

Kayak in the Mangrove, Surf, or Paddleboard

Spend your afternoon paddling through Damas Island’s mangrove forest. It’s peaceful, shady, and packed with wildlife, like monkeys, iguanas, herons, maybe even a croc or two (don’t worry, they keep their distance).

A guide leads the way, pointing out creatures you’d probably miss on your own. It’s low-effort but rewarding, especially if you want a break from the sun and waves.

If you’re up for something active, you can go surfing or paddleboarding off the coast, which are nice alternatives. You’ll launch from the marina and follow the shoreline, passing the rocky cliffs and beaches. You can rent a paddleboard or a surfboard near Espadilla Beach, as there are rental shops. Even if you’re a beginner, that’s not a very difficult sport!

Catamaran Cruise

For the ultimate lazy afternoon, book a catamaran cruise that leaves around 2 PM. You’ll sail along the coast in comfort with shaded seating, music, lunch onboard (normally grilled fish, rice, and fruit), and an open bar that kicks in once you’re moving.

Most trips stop in a bay for a snorkel break, gear’s included. If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins or even sea turtles swimming near the boat. Dry season (Dec–April) is the best, as the water is smooth and the sunsets are to die for, but trips usually run all year.

Some boats are better for families, others for a more adult crowd, double-check reviews before you book. Expect to be back by sunset, salty, sun-kissed, and full!

Evening

Shower off salt, then head to Café Agua Azul for a tuna burger and an IPA. Sunset from the terrace rivals last night’s beach view with fewer sand fleas. Prefer quieter? Z Sea Tree sits on a side road with seafood curry and soft background music.

Keep it easy tonight, tomorrow’s your last morning, and it’s worth getting up early again if you want one more dose of wildlife or beach time before you go.

Day 3: Wildlife or Waterfalls

It’s your final morning in Manuel Antonio, but there’s still time to squeeze in one more nature fix before you hit the road. Keep it easy, something short and memorable, like a quick wildlife walk or a last beach swim.

No need to rush. Grab a good lunch before leaving town so you’re not stuck with gas station snacks mid-drive. Then it’s onward, hopefully sun-kissed and satisfied.

Morning

The first option is the kayaking tour in Damas Island, which is yet another must-do in Manuel Antonio, and we mentioned it above. If you didn’t have time to do it on day, day 3’s the time to go. These tours start relatively early, and in case you want something different, these are nice alternatives.

• Rainmaker Reserve: 30-minute drive inland, light hikes over hanging bridges, ending with a cool swim under a small cascade.
• Sloth walk: Local guide leads you through secondary forest patches near Quepos; great backup if you missed the slow movers in the park.

Rainmaker Reserve

About 30 minutes inland from Manuel Antonio, Rainmaker is a quieter, less crowded spot with easy trails and hanging bridges that take you through lush jungle canopy.

It’s a good option if you want to stretch your legs without the heat or crowds of the park. Keep an eye out for frogs, birds, and butterflies.

At the end of the walk, cool off with a swim under a small waterfall. Refreshing, peaceful, and a perfect goodbye to the rainforest.

Frankly speaking, we think the best way to visit is to join this guided tour, which includes an ATV ride and a stop at a waterfall, which is exactly what you want when in Manuel Antonio.

Sloth Walk

If you didn’t catch a proper sloth sighting inside the national park, this tour is your second chance. A local guide takes you into private forest patches near Quepos where sloths are known to hang out.

The pace is slow (just like the stars of the show), and you’ll often spot other wildlife along the way, like toucans or howler monkeys. It’s a low-effort morning and a great option before a drive. Binoculars and patience are both welcome, of course.

Lunch

Drop back into Quepos for a final bite before hitting the road. Soda Angel serves fresh ceviche with crunchy patacones, and meals hover around ₡5,500, with fresh juices for another ₡1,500. Strawberry or papaya usually hit the spot.

Sit under the fan, cool off, and top up your water bottle. If you’re taking the bus, the terminal’s right across the street, and we recommend grabbing your ticket early, as lines get long after noon.

If you still have a last night in town, here below is a plan for the rest of the day.

Afternoon and Evening

Walk Playa Espadilla or Playa Hermosa one last time or browse the small craft stands near the main road for wooden toucans and recycled-paper earrings.

Check out of your hotel, settle any minibar charges, and hit Route 34 north to Jaco or south toward Uvita, an amazing place you can’t miss if you plan to spend 2 weeks in Costa Rica. Driving to San José? Leave by 2 PM to beat evening traffic on Route 27.

One thing’s for sure, we’re confident you’ll be back in Manuel Antonio in the future!

FAQ About Manuel Antonio

Got questions? You’re not the only one, and this is the section for you, if this is your first time in Manuel Antonio. From transport quirks to park tips, here are some of the things people always ask before or during a trip to Manuel Antonio.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Manuel Antonio?

December to April is dry season, with blue skies, warm sun, but bigger crowds. Hotels fill up fast, and the trails get busy early, so book ahead.

May through November is the green season: expect afternoon rain, lush landscapes, fewer people, and better deals. It’s hot and humid no matter the month, so pack light. As for the animals, sloths, monkeys, and iguanas are out doing their thing year-round.

What to Pack for Manuel Antonio

Stick with quick-dry clothes, swimwear, and waterproof sandals for beach days. For hikes, you’ll want sturdy sneakers or trail shoes, because some paths get muddy fast.

Toss in reef-safe sunscreen, DEET-free bug spray, and a compact poncho (yes, even in dry season). A dry bag is handy for boat trips or surprise downpours.

Binoculars help with spotting sloths way up in the trees, but you probably won’t need them if you book a tour, as tour guides always provide these. And don’t forget one long-sleeve layer for cooler evenings or restaurant patios.

Final Tips for Visiting Manuel Antonio

Last but not least, these are some local tips that you’ll want to go through before finalizing your Manuel Antonio trip itinerary.

Buy your park tickets online in advance, as they cap daily entries and close the gates every Tuesday. Keep snacks zipped up tight; monkeys and raccoons know how to open bags and won’t hesitate.

Carry some cash: small bills are best, since a lot of taxis and local sodas don’t take cards. Protect your phone or camera from surprise rain or beach sand with a dry bag or even a ziplock.

Wildlife shows up anywhere, so keep your eyes (and camera!) ready. Thank you for reading until the end and please do let us know if you have questions about this plan.