I'll be going to Manuel Antonio park in June. Will it be safe to walk their trails with a pair of straped

Question

sandals rather than hiking shoes???????

Answer 1

Hey, I'll be in Manual Antonio in June too!  I've hiked in other places in Costa Rica, and I recommend hiking boots or shoes.  Boots can be better because of the ankle support.  I've got everyone in my group bringing them because I don't want a turned ankle to a bad pair of shoes to mess up our trip.  If you really want to wear sandles, you could probably stick to the cleaner, low difficulty paths without much problem, but I'd still suggest the boots.  Feet are the most important thing on a hiking vacation, and you want to make sure you take good care of yours while you are there.   Also, if you buy a new pair of hikers - be sure to break them in before the trip - blisters suck.

Answer 2

I went to Manuel Antonio 2 years ago. The trail is easy and, sometimes, even paved. You should have no problems with strapped sandals and it will make your life easier when you want to bathe in the beautiful beaches inside the park.

By the way, bring a towel.

Answer 3

Ankle support is one reason, but you are also more likely to get slivers and spines in your foot as you slip.  Also there is the mud issue,  if you were to get into deep mud (unlikely on most trails) and got mud between the sole of your foot and your sandle, it is very hard on knees and balance.  I think boots are a little too much, for most of Manuel Antonio running shoes or tennis shoes would work.  That said, I have seen countless people there with sandles.  If you are just going to the main beach, you could do it barefoot with little problem.

Answer 4

well you could go in straped sandals, you are walking on sand after all, but remember it could be raining...so either way. I am local and always find it odd to wear hiking shoes. I would only use them for canopy tour or also horseback riding.

Answer 5

We just hiked in the Manuel Antonio Park and we were so prepared...long pants, shoes etc...., BUT most tourist went in T-shirts and shorts and sandals.....the trails are very easy and it feels really more like a trail through a park here in the USA.

Walk with a guide though, because I tell you I did not see any animals until they pointed them out to me...they have such a good disguise. We saw lots and lots of sloths in the park...

Answer 6

GOOD........sandals are ok.............notice GOOD is in caps.....

Answer 7

Last April I hiked almost every trail in Manuel Antonio in a pair of Columbia Sport Sandals.  They were perfect because when we found a beautiful inhabited beach to cool off at, we could take them off easily and wear them wet.  I would definitely wear SPORT Sandals though, not just regular sandals.