Facts checked October 2026 by the Manuel Antonio Travel Guide team
Why it matters
The park fee is US$18.08 per adult and about US$5.65 per child (October 2026), and it is sold only online by SINAC. If your tour doesn't include it and the date sells out, a guide cannot get you in. The cheap tour turns into no tour.
How to read a listing
| Wording | What it means |
|---|---|
| "Entrance fee included", "admission included", "park ticket included" | The operator buys your SINAC ticket |
| "Entrance not included", "park fee not included", "bring your own ticket" | You must buy it on SINAC yourself |
| "Includes guide and telescope" with no mention of the park | Assume it is not included and ask |
Look in the What's included and What's not included sections on Viator, not only the title. If the listing has several options (group, private, with transport), the inclusions can differ for each, so check the option you select.
Which to choose
Entrance included is easier if you have no ticket yet, you are travelling in high season or you would rather not deal with the SINAC portal. Before paying, check the tour has entry for your date.
Entrance not included suits you if you already hold a ticket or want the cheapest guided option. Buy the ticket first, then book the tour for the same morning.
Small-group naturalist walk, entrance included
Best for: First-time visitors who want the guide to handle tickets
- Confirm the listing says the SINAC entrance fee is included
- Look for a maximum group size (10–12 is comfortable)
- About 2–3 hours, ending near Playa Manuel Antonio
Prices and booking on Viator
Guided park tour with hotel pickup
Best for: Staying outside walking distance (Quepos, upper hill hotels, Jacó)
- Confirm the pickup zone covers your hotel
- From Jacó or Los Sueños, expect roughly 1–1.5 hours each way
- Check if entrance is included or bought separately
Prices and booking on Viator
Guide only — you buy the entrance yourself
Best for: Travellers who already hold a SINAC ticket for the day
- Your ticket time slot must match the tour start
- Bring the passport you used when buying the ticket
- Usually the cheapest guided option
Prices and booking on Viator
Before you pay, a quick check
- The date is not a Tuesday.
- The inclusions for the specific option say entrance included, or you already have your ticket.
- The start time is early, ideally 7:00–8:00 am.
- You have the passport whose number goes on the ticket.
New to the park? Start with our guide to Manuel Antonio tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Do Manuel Antonio tours include the park entrance?
Some do and many don't. Group tours sold as "admission included" or "entrance fee included" pay the SINAC ticket for you. Private tours and guide-only walks often exclude it.
I already bought a SINAC ticket. Which tour should I book?
A guide-only tour, where the listing says entrance is not included. Make sure the tour's start time fits the entry slot on your ticket.
Can I add the entrance after booking a tour?
Yes, as long as the date is not sold out. Buy it yourself on the SINAC portal for the same date and a matching time slot.