The Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo is an expansive wildlife refuge located south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, stretching to the Panama border. With no admission fee, it's perfect for budget travelers looking for a hike in the heart of nature or excellent snorkeling opportunities. It features a blend of pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a haven for nature lovers. This protected area is a fantastic spot to explore biodiversity; it's home to diverse wildlife, including sea turtles (nesting season runs from March to July), manatees, dolphins, and crocodiles. The lush jungle is also great for spotting sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds. In this post, find everything you need to know about the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
About the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Location and Overview
The Gandoca-Manzanillo National Mixed Wildlife Refuge (Refugio Nacional Mixto de Vida Silvestre Gandoca-Manzanillo) is located on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast. It is about 4.5 to 5 hours from San José or SJO International Airport and easily accessible from the popular town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
The refuge covers 25,910 acres (10,485 hectares), half of which is dense jungle. The other half is pristine coastline and coral reefs. This blend of rainforest and marine environments creates an extraordinary ecosystem that protects diverse species on land and underwater.
Visitors typically enter through the Manzanillo Sector, the most popular and accessible entrance located at the end of Route 256, just 25 minutes south of Puerto Viejo. The Gandoca Sector, closer to the Panama border, offers a more remote and challenging entry point.
The reserve around a town
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge stretches from the small coastal village of Manzanillo to the Gandoca Lagoon near the Panama border. Established in 1985, the refuge was created to preserve the area's unique ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests. The sanctuary is also a vital habitat for endangered species such as the leatherback turtle, West Indian manatee, and great green macaw. It also includes a few dozen hotels, rental homes and mini boutique resorts along Route 36 north to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The beaches of Cocles, Chiquita and Uva are all within the limits of the refuge.
Wildlife and Natural Wonders
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is teeming with life. On land, expect to encounter monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and coatis. Birdwatchers can marvel at over 350 bird species, including the vibrant red-lored parrot and the striking chestnut-mandibled toucan. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive red-capped manakin dancing in the trees.
Along the coast, the refuge boasts coral reefs that attract a variety of marine creatures. During calm months (August through October), the waters are crystal clear – perfect for snorkeling. Offshore, you might spot dolphins, manatees, and even nesting sea turtles from March to July. The area is also home to rare species, such as freshwater dolphins and vibrant sea urchins.
Hiking the Gandoca-Manzanillo Trails
One of the best ways to experience the refuge is through a guided hike. Having a guide not only enriched our experience but also provided an added sense of safety, as remote trails have been known for occasional petty theft.
The hiking trails in Gandoca-Manzanillo include well-trodden paths and rugged, less-traveled routes. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, as the terrain can be muddy, especially during the rainy season. The trails meander through dense jungle, along golden sandy beaches, and up to stunning viewpoints overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
One of the most popular hikes is the trail to Punta Mona, a secluded point with spectacular views and a chance to see vibrant coral reefs just offshore. Along the way, look for howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, and colorful poison dart frogs.
Do I need a guide for hiking Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge?
Hiking the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge can be done either with a guide or independently, depending on your preferences and experience. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
When do you need a guide?
In-depth Knowledge: Guides can point out wildlife, plants, and ecological features you might otherwise miss. The refuge is home to unique species like sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, and red-eyed tree frogs.
Navigation: The trails are not always clearly marked, especially deeper in the refuge, and a guide ensures you don't get lost.
Safety: Guides are familiar with the terrain, including muddy trails, river crossings, and potential hazards like snakes.
Local Insights: A local guide can share fascinating cultural and historical information about the region and its indigenous communities.
Support Conservation: Hiring a guide often contributes to local conservation efforts and supports the local economy.
When can you go alone?
Short Hikes: If you stick to the main trails near Manzanillo Beach, navigation is easier, and these areas are less remote.
Experience: If you’re an experienced hiker and comfortable with tropical environments, you might enjoy the challenge of exploring on your own.
Budget: If you're on a tight budget, going solo can save money, but be sure to come prepared (map, water, snacks, proper shoes, etc.).
Miss May Point – A Scenic Coastal View
No trip to Gandoca-Manzanillo is complete without visiting Miss May Point (Mirador Manzanillo). This picturesque viewpoint offers panoramic views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the jungle-backed Manzanillo Beach. From the wooden boardwalk, you can admire the rugged coastline, small offshore islands, and the refuge's pristine beauty.
How to visit Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge?
Hours: Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (last entrance).
Entrance Fee: Admission is by voluntary donation, with proceeds supporting park maintenance and administration.
Guided Tours: For the best experience, consider hiring a local guide. Guides like Haniel enhance the experience by pointing out hidden wildlife, sharing fascinating stories, and ensuring you feel secure along the trails.
Self-Guided Hikes: The main trail extends 5 km (3.4 miles) to Punta Mona, taking approximately 2.5 hours roundtrip. For a shorter adventure, Miss May Point is just 15 minutes from the ranger station.
What is the best time to visit?
You probably already know that, but there’s a secret about the rainy season in the southern Caribbean: it’s the opposite of the rest of Costa Rica. When most of the country is under the rain with umbrellas and muck boots in September and October, the Gandoca Manzanillo region is under the sun.
If you are visiting during the dry season, from December through May, you should expect rain here.
So we recommend visiting Manzanillo during the rainy season.
How to get there?
Directions to Gandoca Manzanillo couldn’t be much simpler. Located 13km South of Puerto Viejo, the trip takes approximately 24 min. You can go by bus, car, bike or tuk-tuk taxi. Entrance is free – on donation.
From Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo by bike
This part of the coast is also pretty flat, and there isn’t much traffic, so renting a bike and cycling to Manzanillo from Puerto Viejo are options.
From Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo by bus
Taking the bus is not free, but this is the cheapest way to go to Manzanillo from Puerto Viejo. You can take local MEPE buses to get there that go from Manzanillo to Limon; several buses leave Puerto Viejo daily to Manzanillo:
Monday to Saturday: 7:40 A.M, 9:40 A.M, 11:40 A.M, 01:40 P.M, 03:40 P.M, 04:40 P.M, 05:40 P.M, 6:40 P.M
Sunday: 8:10 A.M, 9:40 A.M, 11:40 A.M, 12:40 P.M, 01:40 P.M, 02:40 P.M, 04:40 P.M, 06:40 P.M
Final thoughts
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering visitors the chance to explore untouched rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Whether you’re hiking with a guide or exploring on your own, this refuge is an unmissable destination on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Pack your hiking shoes, grab a camera, and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Frequently asked questions
What animals are in the Gandoca Manzanillo?
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including:
Mammals: Howler monkeys, sloths, white-faced capuchins, and anteaters.
Birds: Toucans, parrots, kingfishers, and herons.
Marine Life: Sea turtles (nesting grounds), manatees, dolphins, and a variety of fish.
Reptiles & Amphibians: Iguanas, snakes, frogs, and crocodiles.
Insects: Butterflies, colorful frogs, and a variety of other insects.
It’s a biodiversity hotspot for land, marine, and wetland species!
Can you swim in Manzanillo, Costa Rica?
How many wildlife refuges are there in Costa Rica?
What area of Costa Rica is best for wildlife?
Why are there so many sloths in Costa Rica?
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