Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Walk, Beaches & Photos with Mauro

Summary

Walk forest trails spot sloths hear monkeys swim wild beaches

You’ll wander slow forest trails with a certified guide who actually knows where to look for sloths and monkeys (and lets you try his fancy scope). Expect animal sightings up close, laughter over local words, and plenty of time to swim or just sit on Manuel Antonio’s wild beaches after your walk. It’s not rushed — you’ll feel it linger later.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait — is that a sloth or just another weird tree lump?” That’s how our morning started in Manuel Antonio, with Mauro grinning and handing me the Swarovski scope. He’d already spotted three things I’d have missed: a flash of blue (motmot? I think?), tiny green frogs stuck to leaves, and the tail of a capuchin monkey flicking somewhere above us. The air was thick — not hot exactly, but like you could taste the green. Mauro told us to listen for the cicadas (they really do sound like power tools) and kept pointing out stuff I’d never notice on my own. I tried to say “perezoso” right — Li laughed, so maybe not.

The walk itself wasn’t hard, just slow because we kept stopping every few meters for something new: iguanas sunning on rocks, spiderwebs that glinted when the light shifted. Mauro would set up his spotting scope and let us take photos — honestly, those pictures are better than anything my phone ever managed before. We passed other groups but it never felt crowded; maybe everyone was focused on their own little discoveries. At some point we heard howler monkeys off in the distance — kind of haunting actually, deeper than I expected.

After about two hours we reached this open stretch near Cathedral Point where the trees thinned and you could smell salt in the air. I didn’t realize how close we were to the beach until suddenly there it was — white sand, turquoise water, and hardly anyone around except a couple kids chasing each other at the edge of Espadilla Sur. Mauro pointed out Playa Gemelas on a map but said we could just relax here if we wanted (I did). My shoes were full of sand by then but I didn’t care; sitting under those trees with my feet buried in cool sand is something I still think about when work gets noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manuel Antonio National Park tour

• Meet at recommended parking lot
• Walk main trails in Manuel Antonio Park
• Spot wildlife with Swarovski scope
• Take quick break before beach
• Explore Cathedral Point connecting beaches
• Optional visit to Playa Gemelas
• Choose beach to hike and swim

Top questions

Do I need to buy Manuel Antonio park tickets myself?

Yes, you must purchase park tickets online before booking this tour as they’re not included.

Is transportation included from Quepos or Manuel Antonio?

Transport is available as an option if you’re staying in Quepos or Manuel Antonio areas.

How long does the wildlife walk last?

The guided walk through Manuel Antonio lasts about 2 hours before reaching the beach area.

What animals might I see during this tour?

You may spot sloths, monkeys, iguanas, birds, frogs, spiders and various insects in their natural habitat.

Can I swim at the beaches after the tour?

Yes! After the walk you can choose from several beaches like Espadilla Sur or Playa Gemelas to swim or relax.

Are food or drinks allowed inside Manuel Antonio?

No food, alcohol or cigarettes are allowed inside the park—best to eat beforehand.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible including transport options if needed.

Will Mauro always be my guide?

Your guide may be Mauro or another certified naturalist depending on availability—but all are local experts.

What’s included

Your day comes with guided wildlife walks using a Swarovski crystal spotting scope (with phone adapter for photos), wildlife pictures and videos from your guide’s setup, cleaning protocols throughout, plus an option for pickup in Quepos or Manuel Antonio if you need transport. Entry tickets aren’t included—you’ll need to buy those online before booking.