Manuel Antonio National Park; Beach & Sightseeing Day Trip from San Jose
Active
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
As one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must for visitors. This guided tour from San Jose makes visiting on a time crunch a cinch—your guide takes the guesswork out of deciding which trails are worth the effort, plus helps you spot wildlife along the way. This tour is specifically timed to avoid the crowds, too, helping you have the best possible experience exploring.
Available options
Manuel Antonio National Park; Beach & Sightseeing Day Trip from San Jose
Pickup included
What's included
Visits to Crocodile Bridge, scarlet macaw observation place, fruit stand & Jaco Beach look-out point
Transport by air conditioned vehicle
Breakfast & Lunch
National Park entrance fee
Hotel pickup and drop-off (most San Jose area hotels)
Professional bilingual guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Discover Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the main touristic destinations of Costa Rica. You will be picked up from your San Jose Hotel in the morning in an air-conditioned vehicle, and then you will enjoy a scenic drive towards the Central Pacific Region of the country. On the way to Manuel Antonio, you will savor a delicious Costa Rican breakfast; and you will also have the chance to stop at the largest fruit stand of the country, where you can learn about the huge variety of tropical fruits of Costa Rica.
2
Following you will make a stop at the famous crocodile bridge, where you will be able to observe crocodiles in the wild from a safe viewing point, some of the animals observed here are as big as 6 meters long (18 feet).
3
A few minutes later you will make a brief stop at Tarcoles Beach, where you will have the chance to observe scarlet macaws in their natural habitat.
4
Continue your trip with a visit to the Jaco Beach look-out point, from where you can get great views of the most popular coastal town of Costa Rica.
5
Stop 5
Following, go on a one-hour nature hike at Manuel Antonio National Park and learn about the Rainforests Ecosystems of Costa Rica. Be on the look-out for wild species of fauna such as howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, toucans, agoutis, tropical birds, and the cutest mammal of Costa Rica, the squirrel monkey. After your hike, you will have a few free hours to relax at the beautiful beaches of the national park, or go for a swim in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. If you are not so much of a beach person, you can continue hiking on your own in the numerous trails of Manuel Antonio National Park, where beautiful landscapes and wildlife can be observed.
6
Later in the early afternoon hours, savor a delicious Costa Rican lunch in a restaurant located at high elevation, where great views of the ocean and the jungles of the national park can be observed. After this final stop you will be taken back to your hotel in the San Jose area.
What's not included
Gratuities
Services not specified
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
18 reviews
5★
16
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.9
17 reviews
5★
16
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Walking is involved
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Drop off with luggage is available in the centrally located Manuel Antonio area Hotels.
The National Park authorities do not allow plastic water bottles; please bring reusable bottles
Meeting point
Centrally located San Jose hotels.
The default tour time is 6:00 a.m., but the tour operator will confirm the exact pickup time & meeting point after booking. Automated booking platform emails may mention the default time, but the operator’s confirmation will be the official schedule.
Important notes
• It is important to know that the tour vehicle will wait for a maximum of 10 minutes after the specified pick-up time.
• Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
• This is the list of things we recommend for you to bring on the tour:
• Fresh comfortable clothing (such as shorts and T-shirt), sneakers, sunblock, insect repellent, swimwear, sandals, towel, a change of clothes, raincoat or poncho and camera.
• a copy or picture of your passport (meant only for identification purposes)
• we recommend bringing extra cash to buy snacks in the national park if needed (lunch is normally served around 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
About San José
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.
Top Attractions
Museo del Jade
This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.
Museum
1-2 hours
¢5,000 (CRC)
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.
Market
1-2 hours
Free entry
Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.
Historical
1 hour
¢6,000 (CRC) for tours
Parque La Sabana
A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Casado
A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.
Lunch
Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian
Chifrijo
A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian with modifications
Popular Activities
Hiking in national parks
Zip-lining in nearby areas
Coffee tasting tours
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Historical tours
White-water rafting in nearby rivers
Coffee plantation tours
Best Time to Visit
December to April
The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22-28°C
72-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus
Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Barrio Escalante
Barrio Amón
San Pedro
Day trips
Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day
A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.
Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day
A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.
Festivals
Fiesta de las Luces • December
Festival de las Artes • March
Pro tips
- Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
- Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
