The Guide To Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge

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Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best ways to spend a day in the Puerto Viejo area. Whether you want to hike through dense jungle, relax on wide open Caribbean beaches, or combine both into a solid half day adventure, this refuge delivers.

Anna and I have visited twice, and the two experiences could not have been more different. On our first visit, we explored on our own and enjoyed the beaches and trails. On our second visit, we hired a local guide, and that changed everything. We ventured off the main trail, sometimes literally cutting through vegetation with a machete, and saw far more wildlife than we would have on our own. Sloths, monkeys, snakes, birds, and countless smaller details that are easy to miss without trained eyes.

This guide covers how to get there, what to expect inside the refuge, whether you should hire a guide, and how to make the most of your time at Gandoca-Manzanillo. Let’s go!

Getting to Gandoca-Manzanillo

Getting to Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is surprisingly simple. The refuge sits at the very end of Highway 256, which is the main road running through the Puerto Viejo area. Route 36 turns off in Hone Creek, Highway 256 begins, and from there it’s one straight road all the way south. Just keep driving until it ends. You’ll arrive at the parking area and ranger station.

Parking can get busy on weekends and holidays. There are a few paid parking lots near the entrance that typically charge around ₡3000, about $6, for the day. We usually opt for paid parking since we often travel with camera gear and sometimes leave items in the car. That small fee feels worth it for peace of mind. That said, you do not have to pay to park. There is a large open public parking area that operates on a first come basis, and even when crowded, most people are able to find a space. Drones are not allowed inside the refuge. We left ours locked in the car and didn’t mind paying for parking as an added layer of security.

At the end of the parking area, you’ll find the ranger station. All visitors are asked to register before entering. Similar to the Kelly Creek entrance of Cahuita National Park, entrance to Gandoca-Manzanillo operates on a donation basis. The suggested minimum donation is ₡1000, around $2, but we encourage visitors to give more if possible. The refuge relies heavily on these donations to maintain trails and protect wildlife. Once you’ve registered, you’re free to enter and start exploring.

Exploring The Refuge

Our first visit to Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge was self guided. It was September, the Caribbean water was calm and flat, and the whole experience felt relaxed and unhurried. We walked the main trail at our own pace and enjoyed the casual nature of the refuge. Wildlife sightings were limited that day, mostly when we noticed other groups with guides pointing up into the trees. Still, for a low cost and flexible half day activity, we left happy.

Fast forward a few years to our second visit. A few days earlier, we had hired a guide at Cahuita National Park and had such a great experience that we decided to book him again for Gandoca-Manzanillo. That decision completely changed the day. Unlike Costa Rica’s more regulated national parks, this is a wildlife refuge. The guidelines are looser and the terrain feels wilder. Our guide, Shailo, led us deep into the rainforest on narrow trails that most visitors would never find on their own. At times he used a machete to clear overgrowth as we moved through muddy, uneven sections of jungle. It was raw and adventurous, and easily one of the highlights of our time in the park. No one casually wanders into those areas without a guide.

The wildlife difference was dramatic. We saw howler monkeys up close, multiple sloths, an eyelash viper, and even raptor birds feeding hatchlings in a nest overhead. Having trained eyes scanning the canopy makes a huge difference here. Even though we recommend it, you do not need a guide to enjoy the refuge. The standard trail is a relatively easy out and back walk that leads to a main viewpoint. If you stay on the marked path, navigation is straightforward and safe. Along the trail, you’ll pass dozens of small coves and quiet beach stretches where you can lay down a towel and swim. Restrooms are located near the entrance area, which makes it easy to combine hiking with beach time.

When ocean conditions are calm, local vendors near the entrance sometimes rent kayaks. These allow you to explore parts of the refuge from the water, but this is only safe when there is no surf. The shallow reefs make the area dangerous in rough conditions. Those same reefs, however, create great snorkeling opportunities when the sea is flat and visibility is good. Gandoca-Manzanillo can be as simple or as adventurous as you want it to be.

Hiring A Guide

If your goal is to see as much wildlife as possible, hire a guide. We didn’t on our first visit and we regretted it. On our second visit, the difference was undeniable. Gandoca-Manzanillo is dense, layered rainforest. Most wildlife is high in the canopy or camouflaged along the forest floor. Without trained eyes scanning constantly, you will miss far more than you see.

Compared to the minimal donation required to enter the refuge, hiring a guide is a reasonable investment if wildlife spotting is your priority. These are not massive group tours. Most experiences are private, which means you move at your own pace and can actually ask questions along the way.

Beyond spotting more animals, hiring a guide adds another layer to the visit. You’re spending several hours with someone who grew up in the area, understands the ecosystem, and can share insight into the culture and daily life of the Caribbean coast. That kind of connection is hard to replicate on your own.

Below, we’ve highlighted local guide Shailo and his independently owned company, Laka Lakas Tours. If you’re planning to visit the refuge, we encourage you to support the local economy by hiring a certified guide.

Tips for Visiting

Don’t bring a camera drone

Aerial drones are prohibited in the park. I experienced this first-hand when the ranger checked my backpack before entering. I offered to give them my batteries so I wouldn’t have to walk back to the car, but that was a no-go.

Bring the essentials

Like all parks in Costa Rica, there’s standing water and mosquitos. Pack some mosquito repellent, reef-safe sunscreen, water, and snacks for your visit. There are a few little markets outside of the main gate if you need to buy any last minute items, but it’s better to come prepared. Check out our complete Costa Rica packing list here.

Practice sustainable tourism

Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place, so help preserve it. Minimize your environmental impact by staying on the marked trails and disposing of trash responsibly.

Respect the wildlife

White-faced monkeys may come up pretty close to scope out if you have any food. Keep a safe distance from animals and never feed them.

Hire a Guide

Hire a trained guide to see the most animal life. We didn’t on the first visit and wished we did afterwards. Some guides were kind enough to show us some sloths that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Now we have our tour guide guru, Shilo, and he’s #1 on our Puerto Viejo speed dial going forward.

Don’t Forget

You can buy almost anything you need in the area, but the prices of some items may surprise you. Sunscreen can cost upwards of $20 USD for a normal size tube at the local market. Some of our don’t forget items are listed below.

Sunscreen – Reapply all day when you’re outside. The sun is no joke here!
Bug Spray – Bugs are minimal in the day but mosquitoes often come out in the evening.
Quick-dry towel – These quick-dry towels are also sand free.
Waterproof hat – I like this floating hat, but anything works.
Polarized sunglasses – They don’t have to break the bank. Check out these polarized sunglasses by Blenders.
Waterproof phone case – Great if you’re going to be on the ocean.

Let’s go!

The Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most underrated experiences on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Whether you’re hiking jungle trails, relaxing on quiet beach stretches, kayaking when conditions allow, or exploring deeper with a local guide, this refuge offers a wilder and less structured alternative to nearby parks.

If you’re spending time in Puerto Viejo, make room in your itinerary for Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. It can be a relaxed beach day, a serious wildlife adventure, or a mix of both depending on how you approach it.

For travelers looking to experience a more raw side of nature in Costa Rica, Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is absolutely worth your time.