Best hikes and trails in Manuel Antonio National Park

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Costa Rica/
Puntarenas/
Manuel Antonio National Park

Best trails in Manuel Antonio National Park

4.5(1,620 reviews)

Costa Rica
:
#3 of 26 national parks

Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica and is located in the canton of Quepos. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and a varied fauna and flora, this place will captivate you in every way. There is also a tropical rainforest that visitors can walk through to enjoy the panoramic views, a mangrove swamp, islands and a lagoon. With over 100 species of mammals and 184 types of birds, including: sloths (two-toed sloth and three-toed sloth), three species of monkeys (white-faced monkey, howler monkey and squirrel monkey), toucans and bat species, you will not be disappointed.

Visitors can enjoy various activities such as sea kayaking, mountain biking, snorkeling and hiking.

Manuel Antonio National Park trails can only be accessed by prior reservation.

Top trails

#1 - Sendero Playa Espadilla Sur - Playa Gemelas - Sendero Perezoso

This trail is incredibly nice with a well built raised platform, rest benches and signs including Braille descriptions every 50 meters with useful information on the surrounding flora and fauna. Accessibility: This trail is only partially accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The trail surface is paved concrete and is typically at least six feet wide. The grade is mostly gentle, but there are several estimated steep sections above 12% that may not be passable for wheelchair or stroller...

#2 - Complete Tour of Manuel Antonio

This route represents a complete excursion of the Manuel Antonio National Park. In order, follow the Playa Espadilla Sur Trail, the Punta Catedral Trail, the Playa Gemelas Trail, the Puerto Escondido Trail, the Miradores Trail, and the Perezoso Trail. If you look closely, you may be able to see some of the park's animals, such as the raccoon, the pizote, the agouti, the two-toed sloth, the three-toed sloth, the white-faced monkey, the howler monkey, and the monkey marmoset. To access the...

The Punta Catedral trail in Manuel Antonio National Park is a circular hike that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Hikers pass through a lush tropical forest and encounter lookout points that offer panoramic views of the surrounding beaches and cliffs. The hike lets you observe many fauna, such as monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds. It is ideal for enjoying nature and relaxing on nearby beaches.

The Lazy Trail is a unique experience in nature. This trail offers an accessible and enriching journey through a lush cloud forest. Visitors can observe various flora and fauna, including birds, orchids, and sloths, in their natural habitat. The trail is designed to be environmentally friendly, with platforms and viewpoints that allow visitors to enjoy the views without disturbing the ecosystem. It is ideal for families and nature lovers looking for close contact with Costa Rica's...

The Miradores Trail in Manuel Antonio National Park offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush tropical rainforest. The trail is ideal for those looking for a moderate hike. It is surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, such as monkeys and exotic birds. Along the trail, several viewpoints allow you to appreciate the spectacular rock formations and crystalline beaches. It is an excellent way to enjoy nature and capture stunning landscape photographs.

#6 - Seasonal Waterfall Trail

The Seasonal Waterfall Trail is a nature trail through a dense forest characterized by a waterfall that flows seasonally, mainly during the rainy season. The trail offers a tranquil experience surrounded by lush vegetation, local fauna, and the constant sound of nature. Various species of birds and butterflies can be observed along the way. The hike culminates at the waterfall, which depends on the seasonal flow for its most extraordinary splendor.

#7 - Gemelas Beach Trail

The trail to Playa Gemelas in Manuel Antonio National Park is scenic and accessible and offers a wonderful experience in one of Costa Rica's most visited national parks. The trail is well-maintained and signposted, making it easy to navigate. During the hike, you pass through diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, mangrove areas, and coastal views. It is expected to spot a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and numerous species of birds.

#8 - Sendero Hotel Playa Espadilla

The Hotel Playa Espadilla trail is an excellent option for guests and visitors who wish to explore Manuel Antonio's natural beauty. The trail starts at the hotel, where you can get information about the trail at the front desk. The trail leads through a dense tropical forest, where you can enjoy the shade of the trees and the freshness of the natural surroundings. It is an excellent place to observe the local biodiversity, including birds, butterflies, and small mammals. The vegetation...

The trail to Punta Serrucho is a scenic hike that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It passes through a tropical forest teeming with wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles. As you progress, the trail becomes rocky, and the terrain takes on the distinctive shape of a "search" with ridges and depressions. Upon reaching Punta Serrucho, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the sea, unique rock formations, and a sense of isolation in a stunning natural setting.

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Visitor info

Hours

Open 6 days a week

Passes & fees

Fee required

General park hours

Access to the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park is by reservation only. In addition, the park charges an entrance fee.

Get details from the park

Trail reviews for Manuel Antonio National Park

3,663 trailgoers Busiest in March

Rick Wobbe

Apr 3, 2025•Hiking

Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Well-marked and tended trail that goes along the Pacific Ocean in Manuel Antonio National Park. Great views of the ocean and the many islets around Cathedral Point. Many Capuchin monkeys along the last half-mile of the trail . Also saw a python, a sloth and a crocodile.

Difficulty: Moderate

Cathedral Point

Marlene Waehner

Mar 24, 2025•Hiking

Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica

Sendero Playa Espadilla Sur - Playa Gemelas - Sendero Perezoso

Shannon Morris

Mar 23, 2025•Hiking

Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

We used this route to get mostly around Manuel Antonio. One of the out and backs is closed but this route will take you around! We saw a ton of animals: sloths, coati, a jesus christ lizard, bunch of white faced monkeys, howlers. Very cool experience. You'll pay ~$15 for parking but worth it. You do need to reserve online for entry, better if you can go earlier! We were cooking pretty good by 11.

Cathedral Point

Skylar Poppe

Feb 28, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

This whole park is beautiful! We took a break mid-hike to swim at some of the gorgeous beaches Manuel Antonio has to offer. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, it gets hot! We saw some sloths, monkeys, and iguanas! Also try to go early if you can to avoid crowds, this park gets very busy.

Sendero Playa Espadilla Sur - Playa Gemelas - Sendero Perezoso

Jenny Fox

Aug 7, 2024•Hiking

Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

The monkey trail was the family favorite. Many animals were seen along the way. The Manuel Antonio beach was perfect for the kids to swim. Nice and calm, gorgeous setting!

Complete Tour of Manuel Antonio

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Manuel Antonio National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Manuel Antonio National Park is Sendero Playa Espadilla Sur - Playa Gemelas - Sendero Perezoso, which has a 4.6 star rating from 659 reviews. This trail is 4.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 623 ft.

What is the longest trail in Manuel Antonio National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Manuel Antonio National Park is Serrucho Point. This trail is estimated to be 9.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Manuel Antonio National Park?

There are 9 trails in Manuel Antonio National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 1,620 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Manuel Antonio National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Manuel Antonio National Park has you covered. Complete Tour of Manuel Antonio boasts the most elevation gain with 790 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Serrucho Point, which will get you 685 ft of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Manuel Antonio National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Manuel Antonio National Park which is Sendero Playa Espadilla Sur - Playa Gemelas - Sendero Perezoso with an average 4.6 star rating from 659 community reviews.