Guided Tours in Manuel Antonio National Park | Hola Nature

Welcome to Hola Nature – your gateway to authentic guided tours in Manuel Antonio National Park.
Discover sloths, monkeys, colorful birds and hidden jungle treasures with our expert local guides. More than a tour, it’s a journey into the heart of Costa Rica’s rainforest, where every step connects you with nature’s magic.

“¿Buscas visita guiada Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio en español? Te acompañamos paso a paso.”

Why Choose Hola Nature for Your Manuel Antonio Tour?

Our tours are designed to go beyond the ordinary. With local expert guides, small groups, and a focus on authentic wildlife encounters, we make sure your visit to Manuel Antonio becomes a memory that lasts forever.

🌿 The Truth Is… Not Every Trip Becomes a Memory for Life

You came to Costa Rica looking for more than just a vacation.
You’re searching for awe, connection, natural beauty, discovery — a story worth telling.
But here’s a secret most won’t tell you:
Not every trip to Manuel Antonio becomes that kind of story.
After more than 20 years offering guided tours in Manuel Antonio National Park, I’ve seen it all:
Visitors getting lost, arriving late or without valid tickets. Some walk the trails alone and see nothing but trees. Others unknowingly put themselves at risk — swimming in the wrong spots or approaching wildlife unsafely.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
True ecotourism in Costa Rica is all about timing and awareness.
Wildlife follows natural rhythms — habits, territories, and active hours all matter.
If you don’t know the signs, you’ll walk right past the magic.
But if you walk with someone who does… you’ll witness the unforgettable.

🦥Why Choose a Guided Tour in Manuel Antonio National Park ?

As a certified naturalist guide by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), I don’t just point out animals — Our guided tours in Manuel Antonio National Park conects you to the living soul of the forest.
You’ll see what others miss.
You’ll hear the jungle’s secret language.
You’ll leave with photos and memories that few ever experience.
This isn’t just a walk through the park.
It’s a wildlife watching experience filled with connection and meaning.

“Book a Manuel Antonio day trip with guide to make the most of limited time.”

🌱 Why I Came Back — With the Sloths

Whether you choose to walk with me or another ICT-certified professional, promise me one thing:
Don’t go in unprepared.
This park shares its secrets only with those who know how to listen.
In 2001, I returned to Costa Rica after three years abroad, chasing what many call “the dream” — trying to escape the so-called “third world.”
But something inside me was missing.
And the moment I set foot back home, I felt it clearly:
I hadn’t just left a country — I had left my roots.
So I made myself a promise:
I would reconnect with every hidden corner of this land.
Not as a tourist, but as someone longing to feel truly alive.
And then I found it.
Manuel Antonio National Park.
Even though I had grown up with a forest in my backyard, this place struck me like lightning.
A green oasis nestled between the Pacific Ocean and endless rows of palm trees, bursting with life I had never seen before.
Here, I found something deeper than beauty — I found meaning.
A mystical humid forest, home to nearly 2,000 species of native plants and a symphony of life:
Happy monkeys, of all shapes and sizes, swinging through vines and epiphytes.
Mysterious sloths, staring down gently as if sharing a secret joy — the joy of living in a small paradise.
Toucans, trogons, and hummingbirds, showing off in bursts of color and flight.
Crabs, dancing between rocks, fleeing from coatis always on the hunt.
Insects, glowing with the colors of a rainbow, like a painting left by a divine hand.
That day, my path was clear.
I made this place my home.
I moved to Manuel Antonio and became a certified naturalist guide in 2002, then an international Costa Rica guide in 2020.
Since then, I’ve had the honor of sharing these wonders with thousands of visitors from all over the world.
And no matter where they come from, the reaction is always the same.
Nature stirs something deep inside us.
It reminds us that we belong. That we’re alive. That we are part of something greater.
Every time I guide someone through this forest, I witness a transformation —
A reconnection, a smile, a sense of peace.
And I know, just like the sloths watching quietly from the trees above…
I came back to the right place.

Minor guiding at Manuel Antonio Beach

What You’ll See on Our Wildlife Tour in Manuel Antonio

🌿 Wildlife Encounters in Manuel Antonio National Park

From the very first steps every path reveals something new. You might spot a sleepy sloth hanging from the treetops, playful monkeys swinging above you, or hear the call of colorful toucans. Our expert local guides don’t just point out wildlife – they share stories, secrets, and connections that make the jungle come alive. More than sightseeing, it’s a chance to truly feel the heartbeat of Costa Rica’s rainforest.

“Ask about a tour privado en Manuel Antonio Costa Rica for a custom experience.”

Highlights of Our Manuel Antonio Guided Tours

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Small Group Guided Tours in Manuel Antonio for Big Memories

Experience the very best of Manuel Antonio National Park with Hola Nature. From spotting sloths and playful monkeys to walking pristine jungle trails that lead to white-sand beaches, every step of our guided tours is designed to surprise you. With small groups and expert local guides, you’ll enjoy a more personal connection with Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.

Legends of the Jungle – Meet the Park’s Most Magical Creatures

🌿 Three Toed at Manuel Antonio Sloth Tour

The King of the “Wow Effect” – Costa Rica’s Peaceful Soul
He doesn’t speak… but somehow, he moves your soul.
Whether he makes you smile, laugh, or even cry, the three-toed sloth does it all in silence — with that ever-present gentle grin and a peaceful aura that feels like he’s been saying Pura Vida since time began.
Gliding slowly through the trees like a monk of the jungle, he reminds us of something we often forget:
To breathe. To slow down. To simply be.
More than just an animal, he has become a symbol of Costa Rica’s peaceful spirit — officially declared a National Symbol of Costa Rica in 2021.
If you’re lucky enough to meet him during your wildlife tour in Manuel Antonio, don’t rush.
Just look up… and feel.

🦜 Fiery-Billed Aracari

Birdwatching Tour at Manuel Antonio?

The Forest’s Living Flame – A Jewel You’ll Never Forget Aracari
Some creatures burn their way into memory.
The first time you see a Fiery-Billed Aracari is one of those moments.
This small toucan, painted in vibrant flames of orange, yellow, and red, flies like a brushstroke of fire across the trees.
You’ll find it during your birdwatching tour in Manuel Antonio, perched between light and shadow — surreal, elegant, unforgettable.
And when your eyes meet its gaze, it’s not just beauty you see.
It’s wonder. It’s privilege. It’s magic.

🐒 White-Faced Capuchin Monkey

The Jungle Trickster – Curious, Clever, and Always Watching
He sees you before you see him.
High in the rainforest canopy, full of energy and brilliant instincts, the white-faced capuchin is more than a monkey
He’s the mischievous genius of the Costa Rican jungle.
They travel in tight social groups, with their own language of gestures and calls.
Always alert, always testing, sometimes playful — and sometimes too clever for their own good.
If you hear leaves rustle above… look up.
You’re being watched.

🐵 Howler Monkey

The Forest’s Voice – Master of Calm, Guardian of Sound
You may not see him… but you will definitely hear him.
High in the trees, stretched like a hammock, the howler monkey lives with calm, grace, and silence —
Until it’s time to speak.
His voice echoes through the rainforest like thunder, claiming territory, greeting the dawn, or warning others.
It’s one of the loudest calls in the animal kingdom.
To experience it on a jungle hike in Manuel Antonio is to feel the jungle’s heartbeat.
He teaches us something rare:
You can be still — and still be powerful.

🐤 Yellow-Throated Toucan

The Elegant Thief – Beauty with a Predator’s Eye
He looks like a royal painting: a vibrant beak, a posture of elegance, and stunning color.
But don’t be fooled.
This toucan is not just a fruit-lover.
With precision and stealth, he raids nests and feeds on eggs and chicks.
It’s not cruelty — it’s the balance of the wild.
If you see him during your tour, admire him.
But remember: behind that beak is a brilliant survivor.

🦥 Two-Toed spotted on our Manuel Antonio sloth tour

The Forest Dreamer – Silent, Gentle, and Wrapped in Moonlight
Not all sloths are the same.
While most visitors know the smiling, sun-loving three-toed sloth, Manuel Antonio also shelters his shy cousin: the two-toed sloth.
With long blond fur and a sweet, pig-like nose, this nocturnal wanderer drifts through treetops under moonlight—so quiet you’ll miss him without an expert’s eye. Spotting one on a nocturnal wildlife tour in Costa Rica feels like discovering a hidden poem the forest wrote just for you.
Slow down, listen to the night sounds, and let the dreamer reveal himself.

🐿️ Squirrel Monkey

The Jungle Acrobat – Tiny Body, Big Energy, Wild Heart
They weigh barely a kilo, but their spirit fills the canopy.
Squirrel monkeys race from branch to branch in joyful chaos—living fireworks of the rainforest. Troops of up to sixty communicate with chirps, gestures, and playful antics.
Join a family-friendly wildlife experience in Manuel Antonio and watch them hunt insects, fruit, and even tiny lizards with lightning precision. You’ll leave grinning, reminded that pure joy can be as small as a fist and as loud as laughter through the leaves.

🟦 Blue-Crowned Motmot

The Spirit of the Forest – A Legend in Feathers and Silence
Local lore says Sibú, the great creator, punished the motmot for hiding from its duties—cursing it with beauty so haunting it must wander forever in silence.
On a bird-watching tour in Costa Rica, glimpsing that emerald-turquoise plumage and racquet-shaped tail feels unreal; time seems to pause. The motmot rarely sings, preferring to let its colors do the talking. When you see one, you’re not just birding—you’re touching a living legend.

🐍 Eyelash Viper

The Beautiful Danger – Hidden, Patient, and Striking with Elegance
In a rainforest that drips with life, the eyelash viper is quiet perfection.
Coiled on a branch—sometimes neon yellow, sometimes moss green—it waits, lashes above its eyes like tiny crowns. Its stillness lures prey and photographers alike.
Encountering this serpent on a rainforest reptile-watching walk in Manuel Antonio is equal parts thrill and reverence; it reminds us that beauty and danger often share the same scales. Admire from a respectful distance, capture the shot of a lifetime, and feel your heart pound with wild respect.

Why Travelers Love Our Manuel Antonio Tours

💬 Traveler Reviews of Manuel Antonio Tours That Inspire Trust

Your comfort and safety are always our priority. With Hola Nature, you won’t feel rushed or lost in the crowd — we keep our groups small so you can truly enjoy the experience. Our certified guides know the park inside out, making sure you spot wildlife you might otherwise miss. More than just a walk, it’s peace of mind, authentic connection, and memories you’ll carry forever.

✨ “Our guide from Hola Nature was incredible! We saw sloths, monkeys, and even a toucan. The telescope photos were amazing.” – Sarah, USA

✨ “Best tour of our trip to Costa Rica. Personal, fun, and authentic. Highly recommend Hola Nature if you want more than just pictures.” – Mark & Julia, Germany

✨ “Walking with Minor felt like exploring the park with a friend. We learned so much and felt connected to the jungle.” – Carla, Spain

Meet Your Manuel Antonio Private Guide (Hola Nature)

🤝 Authentic Manuel Antonio Tour Experience Beyond Sightseeing

✨ At Hola Nature, our guides are more than experts — they are passionate storytellers of Costa Rica’s rainforest. With over 20 years of experience in Manuel Antonio, we know where to find sloths, monkeys, toucans, and the hidden treasures most visitors miss. Our goal is simple: to make your tour unforgettable. Prefer a custom pace? Book a Manuel Antonio private guide for photographers, families, or couples.

Book Your Guided Tour in Manuel Antonio Today

📅 Book Your Manuel Antonio Tour Today and Create Lasting Memories

Don’t just dream about Costa Rica’s rainforest — come live it! Secure your spot and enjoy our Manuel Antonio jungle walk, and let Hola Nature show you the hidden wonders of the jungle. With limited group sizes, early booking is the best way to guarantee your place. Start your adventure now and create memories you’ll never forget.

🌿 Frequently Asked Questions about Manuel Antonio National Park

Everything you need to plan the perfect visit to one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful national parks, with Hola Nature as your guide.

How far is Manuel Antonio from San José?

Manuel Antonio is located 167 km (104 miles) from Costa Rica’s capital, San José.
🚗 It takes about 3 hours by car, depending on traffic.

How do I get from San José to Manuel Antonio?

The easiest way is by car: Take Route 27 from San José to Orotina, then Route 34 (Costanera Sur) to Quepos. From Quepos, it’s only a 15-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park. Other options include 🚌 public buses (Tracopa station in San José), ✈️ local flights to Quepos airport, or 🚐 private/shared shuttles.

Where is Manuel Antonio National Park located?

The park is in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, near the town of Quepos, in the province of Puntarenas. 🌴

How much is the entrance ticket to Manuel Antonio National Park?

🎟️ For international visitors: $18.08 USD (ages 12+) and $5.65 USD (ages 2–11). Children under 2 enter free. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at the official SINAC website 👉 https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr

What are the opening hours of Manuel Antonio National Park?

⏰ The park is open daily from 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 🏖️ Playa Manuel Antonio (the main beach) closes at 3:00 PM. 🚪 Last entrance allowed at 3:00 PM.

What can I bring?Tips for Your Manuel Antonio National Park Visit

✅ Allowed: drinks in reusable containers (no plastic bottles), cream-based mosquito repellent and sunscreen, snorkeling gear, ponchos or umbrellas.
❌ Not allowed: food or snacks, alcohol, cigarettes, disposable plastics, drones, speakers, surfboards, or beach umbrellas.
If you have limited time, a Manuel Antonio day trip with guide helps you see more and avoid common pitfalls at the entrances and trails.

What are the most popular tours in Manuel Antonio?

The most requested activities include: 🌿 Guided nature tours in Manuel Antonio National Park, 🚣 Mangrove boat and kayak tours, 🐋 Catamaran whale and dolphin watching, 🎣 Ocean fishing trips, 🌲 Zipline canopy adventures, 🌊 Whitewater rafting, and 🚜 ATV jungle tours.

Where to eat in Manuel Antonio?

There are hundreds of restaurants and local cafés to suit every taste and budget. 🍽️ Many offer ocean views, seafood specialties, and international cuisine — perfect to end your tour day.

Where to stay in Manuel Antonio?

You’ll find a wide range of hotels, ecolodges, and hostels in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area. 💡 Tip: During high season (Nov–Apr, or Jul–Aug), book early — accommodations fill up quickly.

Do I need a guide in Manuel Antonio?

🌿 You can visit on your own, but hiring a guide makes all the difference! Guides help you spot wildlife you’d never see alone (sloths, monkeys, toucans, frogs, etc.) share stories that bring the jungle to life and they provide important information for your safety.

Where is Manuel Antonio beach?

The main beach, Playa Manuel Antonio, is inside the park. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the entrance through beautiful rainforest trails.

How long can I stay inside the park?

Visitors can stay until closing time at 4:00 PM, but remember the main beach closes at 3:00 PM.

✅ Extra Tip from Hola Nature:
Book your guided tour with us early to secure your spot and avoid missing out during busy seasons.

Ready to Discover Manuel Antonio?

Enjoy a Family Friendly Manuel Antonio Tour

Your trip to Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the magic of Manuel Antonio. Let Hola Nature be your guide to unforgettable wildlife encounters and moments you’ll treasure forever. 🌿🐒