Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join us for a 2.5-hour walk through the forests and paths of Avellanas, discovering the amazing wildlife and unique plants of our coastal neighborhood.
We’ll explore a 2-mile loop, revealing hidden trails and spots unfamiliar even to locals. Expect sightings of vocal monkeys, colorful tropical birds, and tiny crustaceans nestled between the tides
- Walk through 4 different ecosystems: forest edge, mangroves, estuary, and intertidal beach
- Spot fascinating wildlife that lives in the area
- Learn the story behind Avellanas' iconic landmark bridge
- Discover why the mangrove forests are one the richest ecosystems of planet earth
- Help protect these habitats with a quick trail clean-up during our tour.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Swimwear or Light Clothes
Strap Sandals (Teva´s, Chaco´s, Keen´s, etc. we may walk in muddy trails and cross the estuary
Sun Protection
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Begin exploring the Tropical Dry Forest, spotting birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Playa Avellanas
Enter the Mangrove Forest and estuary, where freshwater meets saltwater, creating a rich habitat for diverse wildlife.
$2pp donation to the Mangrove Consevation Program
Full Access to the Avellanas Mangrove Bridge
Naturalist or Biologist Guide
1% of sales in go to the NGO Funga Conservation
Optical Equipment (Spotting Scope or Binoculars)
Snacks
Bottled water
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
mollyw484,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My group of 4 had an amazing walk through diverse areas with our guide. We explored areas we would not have found- even after visiting Costa Rica multiple times. Plenty of time for education and history of the area. Communication was excellent-
Karen H,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
Thank u Marcelo for being an excellent guide on our tour of playa avellanas wildlife! We were able to see tarantulas, blue crabs, sea slugs and more. We were also able to explore the shores during sunset. It was gorgeous! Thank u again Marcelo! This is a great opportunity of playa avellanas to learn about local wildlife and how we can be good stewards of it as guest.
621daniaf,,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We took a fungi walk with Marcelo and it was an awesome experience. We learned so much and met like minded people. We went with our 3 year old and he even kept him engage throughout the walk. Will do it again next season!

Navigate16970577428,,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Interesting to learn about the unique ecosystem in the Avellanas mangrove. Marcelo is passionate and cares deeply for the Costa Rican environment- and teaches as well as he guides.
Vicky J,,Jul 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
We had an excellent walk with Marcello. It was really interesting and he pointed out so many small bugs, crabs, plants etc. My child loved painting his hands red with the sap from the teak leaves and crossing the channel in the beach was a highlight. Marcello is so knowledgeable and passionate about this area and his enthusiasm is infectious. I would definitely recommend the walk.
Claire C,,Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
Marcelo was an incredible host for our tour. We would highly recommend this for anyone, including families! My husband and I booked this tour with our two children (ages 4 and 7) while we were in Avellanas. Marcelo toured us around 4 different ecosystems and had a keen eye for finding animals perched in their natural settings. He stopped along the 3 hour tour to show us interesting insights into the local plants, trees, and more. Our children were captivated by his knowledge and he was kind and patient with them. We just loved this experience.





CarlosBolanosSibaja,,Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
While visiting Guanacaste it can be difficult to find activities for hardcore nature enthusiasts. This is one of those jewels. We had Chelo as our guide, he's a local biologist who definitely knows this place like the back of his hand. He showed us a dozen of different bird species, trees and the unexpected small fauna from the mangroves. His knowledge and passion are contagious, this tour is a must if you want to do something different and help young people doing their part to protect nature.
NazGM,,Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What an incredible experience! Our guide, Chelo, was fun and super attentive. We learned how to use the spotting scope and saw birds we would have never noticed on our own. The tour ended on the beach right at sunset. Pure magic!
MartyCampanella,,May 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
José Pablo was our guide and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better. He spotted a baby howler monkey, helped us identify tons of bird species, and explained every detail of the ecosystem. You can tell he truly loves this place. Thank you for such a special experience!




U2090WWsantiagoe,,May 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was one of the most respectful and well-thought-out nature tours I’ve ever joined. No rushing, no big crowds—just a small group and a knowledgeable guide who clearly cares about this place. A model for sustainable tourism!
Operated by Oropopo Experience