Manuel Antonio: Guided Hike & Beach Day Trip from Jacó

Summary

Monkeys overhead rainforest trails and a swim at manuel antonio

You’ll walk shaded trails in Manuel Antonio with a local guide who knows every rustle in the trees, spot monkeys and sloths up close, pause for a swim at one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, and share lunch with your group before heading back to Jacó. Expect laughter, real wildlife moments, and sandy toes by day’s end.

What’s the experience like?

"Did you see that tail?" someone whispered behind me, and honestly, I nearly missed it — a squirrel monkey darting through the branches. That was maybe ten minutes after we’d started hiking in Manuel Antonio, still shaking off the bus ride from Jacó. Our guide, Mariela, had this way of pausing mid-sentence to point out something you’d never spot alone — like the slow blink of a sloth or the weird bark of a howler monkey. The air felt thick but not heavy, just full of green smells and bird calls I couldn’t name.

I kept thinking the trail would get crowded or noisy, but it didn’t. We’d stop for these little moments — Mariela showing us a plant that locals use for headaches (I tried to remember the name but failed), or laughing when someone tried to mimic a capuchin’s call. There was this part where we saw a blue morpho butterfly land on someone’s hat. It sounds silly but everyone actually went quiet for a second. You could hear the ocean in the distance, muffled by trees.

By the time we reached the third beach — Playa Tres, I think? — my shirt was sticking to my back and all I wanted was to jump in. The water was warm and kind of salty-sweet, if that makes sense. Some people swam; others just sat in the sand looking out at nothing in particular. Lunch after felt simple but perfect (rice and beans always taste better after swimming). On the drive back to Jacó I kept replaying that first monkey sighting in my head — I don’t know why it stuck with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manuel Antonio National Park hiking tour

• Stop at Tucanes Tours center
• Start guided hike at 8:30am
• Explore wildlife and flora
• Leisure stop at third beach
• Rest or swim at beach
• Lunch at operation center

Top questions

How long is the drive from Jacó to Manuel Antonio?

The drive typically takes about 1.5 hours each way.

Is hotel pickup included from Jacó?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Jacó are included.

Can you swim during this tour?

Yes, there’s time for swimming at one of Manuel Antonio’s beaches during the tour.

Are meals provided on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at the operation center after your hike and swim.

Will we see wildlife like monkeys or sloths?

The park is home to monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, butterflies—sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near the meeting points.

How difficult is the hike in Manuel Antonio?

The trails are well-defined and suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Jacó, guided hiking through Manuel Antonio’s rainforest trails with a bilingual nature expert, time for swimming at one of its beaches, plus lunch and beverages before returning home.