Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is the most popular and beloved national park in Costa Rica, a small but stunning pocket on the central Pacific coast where lush tropical rainforest tumbles down to some of the country's most beautiful white-sand beaches. Its easy trails teem with easily spotted wildlife, from playful white-faced and squirrel monkeys and dozing sloths to iguanas, coatis and colourful birds, making it a perfect, accessible introduction to the country's incredible biodiversity.

What you actually see

• The beaches - the white-sand beaches framed by rainforest.
• The monkeys and sloths - the easily spotted wildlife on the trails.
• The rainforest trails - the short, accessible walks through the jungle.
• The viewpoints - the lookouts over the coast and islands.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the best beach and trail weather; go early, as it opens in the morning and wildlife is most active in the cooler hours, before the midday heat and crowds. It is closed one day a week, so check.

Honest expectations

It is small and extremely popular, so it gets crowded, especially midday; go at opening for the best wildlife and fewer people, and note it closes one day a week and caps daily numbers, so book ahead. The monkeys and coatis are bold and will raid bags for food, so keep it sealed and never feed them. Hiring a guide with a scope greatly improves wildlife spotting.

Nearby

The town of Quepos and the wider Pacific coast are alongside; Corcovado is further south.