No Ticket, Scope And Photos

Overview

This is a two and a half hour guided walk through Manuel Antonio National Park with a local guide whose main tool is a spotting scope. The guide scans the canopy for sloths, monkeys, snakes, birds and iguanas, then sets up the scope so everyone can see the animal clearly. Reviewers repeatedly describe walking out with pictures of sloths they would never have found alone, and several say a guide is close to essential here because the animals are small and hard to spot without trained eyes.

The tour meets near the park entrance in Quepos, at the large photo sign between the main gate and the San Bada Hotel, and finishes back at the same spot. Groups run to a maximum of 20 travellers, and one reviewer reported being in a group of 10. Another found the main path crowded with other groups and would have preferred a quieter route.

The walk suits most travellers: the paths are wheelchair and pushchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transport. Children may join if accompanied by an adult. Park admission is separate and must be bought online in advance, and the walk involves enough distance that one reviewer cautioned against bringing infants unless a parent can carry them.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet near park entranceMeet at the big photo sign between the Manuel Antonio National Park entrance and the San Bada Hotel, outside the main gate. Admission is not included and must be purchased online in advance.
2. Guided park walkFollow the trails with a local guide who carries a spotting scope and uses digiscoping to photograph wildlife through the lens.
3. Tour ends at meeting pointThe walk finishes back near the starting point, at a business close to the national park.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from what travellers report will shape the day.

• Buy park tickets early. Entrance is not part of the tour price and must be bought online in advance, at US$18.08 per person.
• Photos through the scope. Digiscoping is included, meaning close-up photos of animals are taken through the spotting scope. Multiple reviewers mention leaving with good pictures of sloths and other wildlife this way.
• Wildlife varies. Most reviewers report sloths, monkeys, iguanas, lizards, birds or crabs, but sightings are never certain.
• Crowds and pace. One reviewer found the main path busy with other tour groups and hard to pass at times. The pace is generally relaxed, though that same walker wanted it slightly faster.
• Fitness and access. The paths are wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and the meeting point is near public transport. There is still a fair amount of walking, and one reviewer advised against bringing infants unless a parent can carry them. The tour is not recommended for travellers with back problems.
• Getting there. If driving, parking is not included and the listing suggests budgeting around ten dollars. Some travellers stay elsewhere in Costa Rica and drive in for the day; one called the park worth the drive.

Common issues. One reviewer found the main path crowded with other tour groups, hard to pass at times, and would have preferred a quieter route. Experiences with guides also differ: one reviewer described a guide who gave little commentary and left the group in the cafeteria, while most others praise their guides. Weather can also affect the run, as the tour requires good conditions and may be cancelled, with a different date or a full refund offered. Finally, remember the entrance fee and any parking are paid separately.

Common Questions