How to get to here
There are several ways to reach Manuel Antonio National Park. You can fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and take a connecting flight to Quepos La Managua Airport, followed by a taxi or bus to the park. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive from San José, following Route 1 south towards Quepos. Another option is to take a bus from San José or other major towns to Quepos, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi.
By bus
Buses from San José’s La Coca-Cola bus station run to Quepos (9–12 daily; 3hr 30min–4hr 30min). The six (5 on Sat & Sun) slower regular buses continue to Manuel Antonio, dropping off at hotels on request.
There are also services from Puntarenas (6 daily; 3hr) via Jacó (1hr 30min), and from Dominical (depart 7am, 11.30am & 1.30pm; 1hr 30min).
On weekends, holidays and any time during the dry season, buy your bus ticket at least three days in advance, and your return ticket as soon as you arrive.
All buses arrive in Quepos at the busy terminal, which doubles as the mercado, one block east of the town centre.
By plane
Due to the long drive, many people fly from San José (8 daily; 25min). The flights tend to be heavily booked, so reserve early. There are also flights to Quepos from La Fortuna (daily; 40min).
A minibus ($10) runs from the airstrip, 5km north of town, into Quepos and on to Manuel Antonio. A taxi costs around $8 to Quepos and $16 to Manuel Antonio.
By car
If you’re driving, you can get to San Isidro, Golfito, the Osa Peninsula and other points in the Zona Sur via Dominical, 44km south of Quepos.
Be aware that the road is usually in terrible condition and you’ll need a sturdy 4WD. That said, it beats going all the way back to San José and taking the Interamericana south.
Quepos to Manuel Antonio
Buses make the short journey to Manuel Antonio every half-hour from 7am to 7pm (20min), departing from the main terminal. Buses also head north from here to San José (9–10 daily) and Puntarenas (6 daily), via Jacó, as well as south to Dominical and Uvita (depart 5.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm).
Taxis line up at the rank at the south end of the mercado. The journey to Manuel Antonio costs around $14.
For more transportation tips, read our guide to getting around Costa Rica.
Tips for getting around
You can take informative tours with guides at the park entrance (charge; 2hr), all of whom carry telescopic lenses to see wildlife more clearly.
You may be approached by “guides” offering their services in the village — check their ICT (Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) photo ID before engaging their services.
What to bring
Whether you walk the trails guided or not, make sure you take plenty of water. The climate is hot, humid and wet, all year round, with temperatures easily climbing to 30°C and above.