Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José worth booking?
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José is a 10-hour experience in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from $180 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $180 per person
Enjoy a private tour to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José with a naturalist guide and professional photographer. Includes high-quality photos, drone videos, private transport, and time to relax at Espadilla Beac
What you get
- Bottle of water and Fresh fruit snack
- Private transportation
- Professional Photos & Drone Videos Available
- Free time at Playa Espadilla Norte (public beach outside the park)
- Lunch
- Breakfast
About this experience
Enjoy a private tour to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José with a naturalist guide and professional photographer. Includes high-quality photos, drone videos, private transport, and time to relax at Espadilla Beach. Support local businesses and travel stress-free.
What's included
Included
- Bottle of water and Fresh fruit snack
- Private transportation
- Professional Photos & Drone Videos Available
- Free time at Playa Espadilla Norte (public beach outside the park)
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Entrance ticket to Manuel Antonio National Park
What you'll see and do
Manuel Antonio National Park
Your private, certified naturalist guide will accompany you from the moment you're picked up at your hotel, offering insights about Costa Rica’s landscapes and wildlife along the scenic drive to Manuel Antonio. Upon arrival at the national park, your guide will lead you on a personalized nature walk through the rainforest, pointing out sloths, monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and more. After the guided walk, you’ll have free time to enjoy the park’s beautiful white-sand beaches.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Playa Espadilla Norte
After exploring the national park, enjoy approximately two hours of free time at Playa Espadilla Norte — a scenic public beach just outside the park entrance. You can relax on the soft sand, swim in the Pacific Ocean, or have lunch at one of the many local beachfront restaurants. Your guide will be available to assist or offer recommendations, but this portion of the tour is self-paced and perfect for unwinding before heading back to San José.
120 minutes here
Tarcoles Bridge
We'll make a quick stop at the famous Tárcoles Bridge to spot American crocodiles from above as they bask or swim in the river below. The Tárcoles River is home to one of the largest populations of American crocodiles in the world — some grow over 5 meters (16 feet) long!
40 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Paticas Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Outstanding private Manuel Antonio experience.
From booking to drop-off at the hotel, the Paticas Tour experience was outstanding. Karla provided a tour tailored to my family's needs and abilities and made real time changes to our itinerary as she became aware of our interests. The van was clean and comfortable. We were treated to typical food and stops at places most tours don't go. I have nothing negative to say.
via Tripadvisor
BEST Day!
Karla is the sweetest! We took an all day trip from San José to Manuel Antonio National Park. The price was fair and the park was not super crowded. She paid attention to our needs, gave us the best Costa Rican experience and she was full of interesting facts! I was celebrating my birthday and she made it so special by letting us each of us try pipa as we enjoyed the sunset on a beach! My family had the BEST time and when we return to Costa Rica we will be using her again!
via Tripadvisor
A “must do” adventure when visiting Costa Rica!!!
Had a fantastic day outing to Manuel Antonio National Park with them. They were very knowledgeable about the area and showed us several hidden spots that made our adventure even more enjoyable!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Private Manuel Antonio Tour with Karla. A Must-Do in Costa Rica.
Our private Manuel Antonio National Park tour from San José with Karla at Paticas Travel was absolutely unforgettable. It’s an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Costa Rica. Karla picked us up at our hotel promptly at 5:00 AM in her car, and from the very start the day was perfectly planned and executed. On the drive down, we stopped for a delicious breakfast and then at a bridge overlooking a river where we spotted three or four crocodiles basking below…such a cool surprise! Shortly after, we pulled over at the scenic Jacó sign, where we were lucky enough to see four colorful macaws flying overhead and another perched in a nearby tree. Incredible photo opportunity. Once inside Manuel Antonio National Park, we walked along the trails and saw several monkeys, iguanas, and our personal highlight, a sloth in a tree holding its baby. From there, we visited a couple of stunning beaches before heading to a local soda for a truly delicious lunch. As a side note, we’re not really beach people. Most visitors would probably spend much more time swimming and sunbathing because the beaches were stunning (bring your suits and towels!). I’m sure that must have thrown Karla for a loop, but she did a phenomenal job filling the afternoon by taking us after lunch to explore nearby towns like Quepos and Jacó, and then on to the beautiful Playa Herradura, where we watched a spectacular sunset. On the ride back to our hotel, we listened to her awesome music playlist while chatting about different artists and sharing songs…such a fun and personal touch. Throughout the entire drive to and from, Karla also taught us about Costa Rica’s history and even gave us lessons on popular Costa Rican phrases, which made the journey fly by. Karla is an outstanding guide…professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and warm in a way that immediately puts you at ease. It was truly a pleasure supporting a local family business, and you can feel how much pride she takes in what she does. If you’re looking for a tour in Costa Rica with a personal touch, a local guide who is fully bilingual, and someone who will go above and beyond to make your day special, look no further than Karla at Paticas Travel. We couldn’t recommend her more highly.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Manuel Antonio Tour with Karla. A Must-Do in Costa Rica
Our private Manuel Antonio National Park tour from San José with Karla at Paticas Travel was absolutely unforgettable. It’s an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Costa Rica. Karla picked us up at our hotel promptly at 5:00 AM in her car, and from the very start the day was perfectly planned and executed. On the drive down, we stopped for a delicious breakfast and then at a bridge overlooking a river where we spotted three or four crocodiles basking below…such a cool surprise! Shortly after, we pulled over at the scenic Jacó sign, where we were lucky enough to see four colorful macaws flying overhead and another perched in a nearby tree. Incredible photo opportunity. Once inside Manuel Antonio National Park, we walked along the trails and saw several monkeys, iguanas, and our personal highlight, a sloth in a tree holding its baby. From there, we visited a couple of stunning beaches before heading to a local soda for a truly delicious lunch. As a side note, we’re not really beach people. Most visitors would probably spend much more time swimming and sunbathing because the beaches were stunning (bring your suits and towels!). I’m sure that must have thrown Karla for a loop, but she did a phenomenal job filling the afternoon by taking us after lunch to explore nearby towns like Quepos and Jacó, and then on to the beautiful Playa Herradura, where we watched a spectacular sunset. On the ride back to our hotel, we listened to her awesome music playlist while chatting about different artists and sharing songs…such a fun and personal touch. Throughout the entire drive to and from, Karla also taught us about Costa Rica’s history and even gave us lessons on popular Costa Rican phrases, which made the journey fly by. Karla is an outstanding guide…professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and warm in a way that immediately puts you at ease. It was truly a pleasure supporting a local family business, and you can feel how much pride she takes in what she does. If you’re looking for a tour in Costa Rica with a personal touch, a local guide who is fully bilingual, and someone who will go above and beyond to make your day special, look no further than Karla at Paticas Travel. We couldn’t recommend her more highly.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 4+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $180 to $225
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Alajuela.
How much does Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José cost?
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Prices start at $180 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Alajuela usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Alajuela is not rushed.
Is Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Alajuela, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 4. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 10-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Alajuela can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Alajuela and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour from San José start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Alajuela within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Alajuela?
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On Outty we rank every Alajuela experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner, Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Alajuela?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Alajuela?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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