I was very apprehensive when booking this tour, specifically with the pick up and drop off horror stories. Happy to report had no issues with ours. The Holiday Inn by the airport stop is probably the most ideal since it’s last pick up/first drop off on most full day excursions. Had no issues with transport other than them being very strict (no windows open, no food), but it was a very new van with chargers on the side and individual reading lights. A very comfortable ride.
The tour description doesn’t really prep you well compared to other reviewers- so paying it forward by adding more info.
Pack: in general: good walking shoes (I survived with water shoes the entire time but there’s a couple trails sneakers/hiking shoes can save you); sunblock; hat/sunglasses; bug repellant; portable charger ; refillable water bottle; cash if you want extra food/drinks/tip (most stores also take card); wipes are handy to wipe off grime.
If you plan to hit the beaches: beach bag; change of clothes; towel; snorkel gear/goggles if you want to see coral (no umbrellas allowed) *note, there’s a public beach right outside the national park that is also very nice that you can explore if you allocate time.
Manuel Antonio National Park does not allow candy, mints/gum, single use plastic bottles, or bags in efforts to conserve and protect the wild life. They do a bag check prior to entry and will do an id check (the tour group will give it with the info you provide upon booking)- highly recommend still having a copy or photo of your passport on you just in case something is off.
Our day: pick up; 1 hr drive to breakfast buffet + rest stop (eggs, rice, vegetables, coffee/juice/tea, pay extra for meat/snacks); 2 hr drive to national park; enter park; 45 min guided walk to coffee shop inside park; apex 3-4 hours free time (hike, swim, look for animals); meet outside park at restaurant for lunch; 2 hr drive to rest stop; 1 hr drive to drop offs
Marcela was our guide and she was nice. She did her best with our group to share as much info as possible but there was much to be desired due to a slight language barrier. Additionally other tour guides have telescope devices that allow their groups to see animals/put their phone up to the scope to snap pics. We had to do our best with our eyes and following the crowds huddling for sloths.
It’s a pretty independent excursion otherwise- if you’re in good physical health you can definitely explore the entire park and beaches with the allotted time.
We got chased by monkeys and saw two sloths, it was a good time.