Manuel Antonio Parking: Costs, Locations & the Scams to Avoid
By the local team at Manuel Antonio National Park Tours — updated January 2026
Parking at Manuel Antonio should be simple: drive to the end of the road, pay about $10, walk to the gate. In practice, the final kilometer before the park entrance is Costa Rica's most notorious gauntlet of aggressive parking touts — and a first-time visitor has no way to know who's legitimate. We drive this road every day. Here's exactly how it works.
The Basics
- There is no official park-run parking lot. All parking near the entrance is private.
- Fair price: around $10 USD (~5,000 colones) for the day at established lots within a couple hundred meters of the gate. Slightly higher at Christmas/New Year/Easter is normal.
- The two options locals trust most are the large lot about 150 meters from the park entrance (typically ₡3,000–4,000) and Chalo Parking, a small valet-style lot close to the park (~$10/day).
- Never leave anything visible in your car. Not a bag, not a jacket. Trunk everything before you arrive, not in the lot.
How the Scams Work (So You Recognize Them)
As you descend the final hill, men will step into the road waving you down — some wearing khaki or safari-style shirts that look convincingly official. None of them are park staff. Real rangers work at the entrance building, not in traffic. The standard plays:
- "The park lot is full — follow me." They direct you to a distant lot at an inflated price, sometimes with a "guide" upsell attached. Keep driving to the established lots by the gate.
- "You need to buy your ticket here." False. Park tickets are sold only online through SINAC — there is no walk-up ticket sale, from anyone.
- "Parking includes a mandatory guide." No such thing exists. Guides are optional and, if you want one, should be booked in advance with a licensed operator.
None of this is dangerous — it's a hustle, not a threat. A polite, firm "no, gracias" through a cracked window and continuing to drive solves all of it.
The Easier Alternatives
Honestly? Most visitors staying in Manuel Antonio or Quepos shouldn't drive at all:
- Taxi: $5–10 from any Manuel Antonio hotel, drops you at the gate.
- Local bus: every 20 minutes from Quepos, under $1, stops a short walk from the entrance.
- Book a tour: our guided tours include your park permit, your ICT-certified guide meets you right at the entrance, and if you're driving we'll point you to trusted parking with no games. Check availability →
Quick Checklist
- Arrive by 7:00–8:00 AM (lots and morning entry slots fill together)
- ~$10 in cash for parking
- Nothing visible in the car
- Wave off the road touts; park within sight of the gate
- Passport (photo is fine) to match your SINAC ticket
FAQ
How much is parking at Manuel Antonio National Park? About $10 USD for the day at the established private lots near the entrance. There is no official park-operated lot.
Is parking at Manuel Antonio safe? The established lots near the gate are attended and generally fine — but never leave valuables visible anywhere in Costa Rica.
Are the people waving cars down at Manuel Antonio real park staff? No. Park staff do not solicit in the road. Anyone flagging you down is a private tout; drive on to the lots beside the entrance.
Can I park and buy a ticket at the entrance? You can park, but tickets cannot be bought at the entrance — only online via SINAC, often days or weeks ahead in high season.
Full trip planning: The Complete Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park · Coming by road? San José to Manuel Antonio