2-Hour Park Walk, Ticket Extra

Overview

Two hours inside Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide who knows where the animals actually are. That is the core of this tour from Mystique Nature Tours: you meet at the operator's office in Manuel Antonio, 50 meters before the main park entrance and behind the restaurant DONDE ALEX, and walk the park's trails with a guide and a spotting scope. Reviewers again and again say the same thing, that without the guide and the telescope they would have walked straight past sloths, monkeys, toucans and other wildlife. Recent groups describe finding a long list of animals, from both types of sloth to an anteater that is rarely spotted.

The tour runs with a maximum of 15 travellers, though one reviewer on a small group option counted six people. Some guides give the commentary in both English and Spanish. One traveller stayed in the park afterwards and found that what the guide taught kept paying off once on their own.

It suits anyone who wants wildlife sightings rather than a solo hike. Park admission is not included and must be bought online in advance, and transport is only included if you book a private option, so read the fine print on the booking page before choosing.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the officeThe meeting point is the operator's office in Manuel Antonio, 50 meters before the main entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park, behind the restaurant DONDE ALEX.
2. Enter the parkPark admission is not included in the tour price and must be bought online in advance.
3. Guided park walkYou spend 2 hours on the trails with your guide, who carries a spotting scope and points out wildlife along the route.
4. Return to meeting pointThe activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from the separate park ticket to what you carry on the trail.

• Photography. The guide carries a spotting scope, which travellers credit with bringing distant animals into close view. One reviewer said the guide took photos through the telescope with their phone.
• Crowds. One reviewer describes the park as extremely busy on the track, noting it is the most visited national park in the country. Going with a guide is the way most reviewers recommend seeing the park.
• Group feel. The listing caps groups at 15 travellers. One reviewer on a small group option counted six people, and another described a guide giving the tour in both English and Spanish.
• Timing. The tour lasts 2 hours, and one reviewer who took an early departure stayed in the park for a few hours afterwards.
• Getting there. One reviewer reports receiving clear instructions in advance on where to meet and parking, including a photo of the guide before arrival. The meeting point is the operator's office behind the restaurant DONDE ALEX.

Common issues. Park admission is not included and is paid separately, at the fees listed on the booking page, and transport is only included with the private tour option, not with the group or economic small group options. The route is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing advises against it for travellers with back problems or pregnant travellers. The tour depends on good weather; if it is cancelled for that reason you get a different date or a full refund.

Common Questions