Both are on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, about 1 hour apart. Manuel Antonio is the famous, busy one; Uvita is quieter, wilder and closer to the whales, Caño Island and Corcovado. Here is how to choose.
Manuel Antonio: famous and convenient
Manuel Antonio National Park is small, easy to visit and full of wildlife used to people (sloths, capuchins, iguanas), with beautiful beaches inside the park. The flip side: it is one of the busiest parks in the country.
Practical info: entry is about $18 for foreign adults, tickets are sold online only with a daily visitor cap, and the park is closed on Tuesdays. Book a few days ahead in high season.
Uvita: wilder and closer to the big experiences
Uvita is more laid-back, surrounded by jungle, waterfalls and long empty beaches. It is the home of Marino Ballena National Park and its whale-tail sandbar, and the best base for whale watching (December–March and July–November).
It is also much closer to Caño Island, the Sierpe mangroves and Corcovado — the top wildlife experiences in the country.
Our honest advice
- Short trip, first time, easy logistics? Manuel Antonio works well.
- Whales, snorkeling, real jungle and fewer crowds? Base yourself in Uvita.
- Best of both: stay in Uvita and do Manuel Antonio as a day trip (about 1 hour away).
Frequently asked questions
How far is Uvita from Manuel Antonio?
About 1 hour by car along the coastal highway (Route 34).
Is Manuel Antonio closed on Tuesdays?
Yes, the national park is closed on Tuesdays. Tickets must be bought online in advance.
