Entrance Fee Option, 2-3 Hours

Overview

This is the version of Steve Tours' Manuel Antonio National Park walk that includes your park admission in the booking, so you arrive at the meeting point and the ticket is handled. The walk itself runs about 2 hours with a guide certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Board, following the park's trails in search of sloths, monkeys, birds, frogs and insects. The guide carries optical gear, a scope in practice, and uses it to point out animals you would almost certainly walk past alone. Several reviewers said exactly that: without a guide they would have seen a fraction of the wildlife.

The route begins at Restaurante Donde Alex on the beach trail in Quepos. From there the group enters the park for the guided hike, with a short optional break along the way. After the guided portion ends, the structure loosens up. You can stay inside the park as long as you like, swim at the beach, or keep exploring trails on your own, keeping in mind the park closes at 3:00 PM.

The tour suits all ages, as long as participants feel fit enough to walk the trails. Because this option bundles the entrance fee, you will need to send traveller details after booking so the operator can register your admission.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Donde AlexThe group gathers at Restaurante Donde Alex on the Beach Trail in Quepos, Puntarenas Province. Transportation to this point is not included.
2. Guided park hikeA 2-hour guided walk through Manuel Antonio National Park with a certified naturalist guide, spotting sloths, monkeys, birds and other wildlife using optical gear.
3. Optional breakA 15-minute break inside the park, marked optional in the itinerary.
4. Beach or park exitThe tour ends at one of two drop-off points: Manuel Antonio Beach or the National Park. Travellers can stay and swim or keep exploring on their own.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this tour goes, from the heat to what you cannot carry into the park.

• Go early. One reviewer simply advised others to go early in the morning because it is worth it. Another noted the day of the tour was very hot, so an earlier start is a reasonable choice.
• Bring water. Plastic bottles are not allowed inside the park, but reusable water bottles are permitted and can be carried on the trails. Bring one, because food and drinks are otherwise prohibited and the walk is hot.
• Leave restricted items. The park bans drones, plastic bags, plastic bottles, sprays and aerosols, chewing gum, food, vaping, alcohol, drugs and flashlights. Check your bag before arriving so you are not caught out at the gate with something prohibited.
• Fitness and pace. The tour suits all ages provided participants feel fit enough to walk the trails. One reviewer wished for a slower pace with more time at each stop, so expect a steady walking rhythm rather than long pauses.
• Photos through the scope. The guide's optical gear doubles as a photo tool, and reviewers described getting great pictures shot through the lens. Reviews also credit guides with helping travellers get those shots.
• Plan beach time. The beaches inside the park are considered safe for swimming, with clear water and white sand. Remember the park closes at 3:00 PM, so afternoon tours leave less time for a swim.

Common issues. Transportation is not included, nor are tips or parking, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point at Restaurante Donde Alex. Some reviewers found the pace quick and would have liked more time at each stop, and one said the two hours flew by. Because this option includes entrance fees, traveller details must be sent after booking or admission cannot be registered. One reviewer also mentioned the day was very hot, so plan accordingly.

Common Questions