How many days do you need?
- Most travelers spend 5 days in Manuel Antonio
- Visiting Manuel Antonio in 3 or 4 days is possible, but will feel rushed
- With 6 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde
How Many Days Should You Spend in Costa Rica?
Recommended Itineraries for Manuel Antonio
Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | San José Transfer to Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 3 | Santa Juana Waterfall Experience | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 4 | Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling at Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 5 | Manuel Antonio to San José - Depart Costa Rica |
This quick getaway will let you experience the many sides of Costa Rica in just five days. After enjoying an evening in San José, you'll head to Manuel Antonio and stay in one of the best boutique hotels in the area. Lodgings here are the perfect home base to explore a national park boasting some of Costa Rica's most famous white-sand beaches and coastal jungles. Hike, kayak, and snorkel until your heart's content before heading home. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
6-Day Itinerary Including Arenal/La Fortuna
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in San José - Transfer to La Fortuna & Hotsprings | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Arenal Gondola, Zip-Line and Canopy Tour | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Raft Rio Balsa | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | Arenal to Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 5 | Morning Free Time - Afternoon Sunset Catamaran Cruise | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 6 | Manuel Antonio to San José - Depart Costa Rica |
This exciting 6-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience quintessential Costa Rica. You'll take in awe-inspiring views of Arenal volcano, and have an exciting rafting day on the Sarapiqui River before heading to Manuel Antonio to explore the jungle and white sand beaches of this nature lovers paradise. Read more
8-Day Itinerary Including Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in San José - Transfer to La Fortuna & Hotsprings | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | La Fortuna Waterfall - Free Afternoon | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Arenal to Monteverde by Boat with Nocturnal Nature Tour | Monteverde |
| Day 4 | Sky Walk, Sky Tram & Sky Trek Zipline | Monteverde |
| Day 5 | Monteverde Transfer to Manuel Antonio - Free Afternoon | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 6 | Damas Island Kayaking Tour | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 7 | Morning Free Time - Afternoon Sunset Catamaran Cruise | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 8 | Manuel Antonio to San José - Depart Costa Rica |
This 8-day trip is ideal for travelers looking to experience Costa Rica's highlights. Go for a dip in Arenal's hot springs and spot monkeys and other wildlife on hikes around the famous volcano. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Read more
15-Day Itinerary Including Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tortuguero
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | Fly San José to Tortuguero National Park | Tortuguero |
| Day 3 | Turtle Spotting in Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 4 | Tortuguero to La Fortuna | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Arenal - Whitewater Rafting on the Sarapiquí River | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 7 | Early Birding and Private Nocturnal Nature Hike | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 8 | Boat from Arenal to Monteverde - Nocturnal Nature Tour | Monteverde |
| Day 9 | Zip-Line Fun in the Cloud Forest | Monteverde |
| Day 10 | Santa Elena Birdwatching & Jungle Hike | Monteverde |
| Day 11 | Monteverde to Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 12 | Guided Hike of Manuel Antonio National Park | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 13 | Kayaking - Damas Island | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 14 | Snorkeling & Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 15 | Manuel Antonio to San José, Depart Costa Rica |
Experience Costa Rica's most spectacular national parks on this 15-day tour. You'll catch glimpses of sea turtles and monkeys in Tortuguero National Park and spot hundreds of bird species in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Then it's time to head to the countries largest and most famous volcano, Arenal, for a mix of wildlife and heart pumping excursions. Finally, you'll end the trip in Manuel Antonio, where you'll snorkel among colorful fish and traverse jungle trails. Read more
How to Get to Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a microcosm of Costa Rica's most iconic offerings: pristine beaches, rainforests with an abundance of wildlife, and active outdoor pursuits. It’s also fairly easy to reach from other major hubs in Costa Rica. Read more