Private Tour
Hike in Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Venture through this natural wonderland with someone who has an intimate connection to the land, its history, and its wildlife. Your knowledgeable guide, deeply rooted in the culture and environment of the region, offers more than just a tour; Shiloh provides a unique perspective that brings the refuge to life. This journey is about more than just visual splendor—it’s about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories that make the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge truly unforgettable.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Gandoca - Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Embark on an immersive adventure as you hike through the lush landscapes of the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. Pass through tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and serene beaches, all while learning about the rich ecosystem from an experienced local guide. Discover the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this protected area. This hike offers not only an opportunity to connect with nature but also a deeper understanding of the region’s history, culture, and geographical significance. Whether you're an avid nature lover or simply seeking a peaceful escape into the wild, this hike provides an unforgettable experience filled with stunning views and enriching encounters with the local environment.
What‘s Included
Entrance to the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
binoculars telescope
Bottled water
Options
Hike in Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We recommend :)
madlines2026,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shiloh is a very nice guide, he explained a lot and took my arachnophobia very serious - I felt very seen and comfortable throughout the whole tour. We definitely recommend a tour with him. Thanks a lot! :)
Pura Vida!
corriee926,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most wonderful day with Shailo! He was extremely knowledgeable, kind, and patient. Our excursion surpassed all expectations. Shailo made our trip feel so private and tailored to our interests. I highly recommend! Pura Vida!
Hiking with Shailo in Gandoca Manzanillo
L2888MRshaunw,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My Wife and I had a great hiking experience with Shailo! He is very knowledgeable! We saw so much of the rainforest we wouldn’t have seen without him. We ended going in the rain and it was amazing. Thanks Shailo!
Amazing Experience!
Tessa W,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our favourite guided tour of our trip. Shailo was extremely knowledgeable and an all-star at finding wildlife. He possessed much plant knowledge and provided us with a very interactive walk through Manzanillo Refuge. Would highly recommend this for anybody who would like to get to know the area more intimately. Thank you!!
The best!
795luisem,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great day with our very friendly and knowledgeable quide. We learned so much and I would highly recommend to book here!
Emmanuel (guide) was a superstar - A+ tour
752shawnj,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time with Emmanuel as our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and had a great eye for spotting things we would have never seen. Certain paths aren’t marked well and the route we took we would have never went on had it not been for Emmanuel leading. He brought a telescopic lens which was crucial for seeing most of the birds and animals spotted up close. We saw a sloth, monkeys red frog and multiple types of birds. Would absolutely recommend you go on a guided tour or you will be seeing 1/10 of what you should be. A+ absolutely worth it. Ask for Emmanuel as your guide.
Top professional and a great guy
Trip537833,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enormous knowledge of plants, animals, and the entire Costa Rican eco-system. And a very pleasant, warm person with a sense of humor. We spotted several sloths, howler monkeys, frogs, and magnificent birds, and learned about beautiful trees and plants. We could never have experienced this without Shailo's guidance. Undoubtedly one of the best guided experiences we've ever had.
Awesome 10 out of 10
Kimberly E,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are in peuto Vieja Manzilla area around an hour out this dudes the best. He will take just you your partner or a group his an expert in finding wildlife we were so impressed even after the Cahuita national park tour he took us for a hands on experience of making chocolate we ground the cocoa beans by stone and make chocolate hot chocolate to drink and choc coated organic bananas from the cocoa farm. He then took us around explained the plants and medicine use the Bri bri tribe use for all ailments even plants for natural make up and nail polish on way home he spotted sloths on the roadside and stopped for photos. We were so impressed by his ultra friendly attitude and amazing knowledge, we booked him for a twilight tour he found sloths of a night moving around with a redlight torch not to hurt their eyes He found red eyed green frogs their baby sacks full of baby frogs hanging from the reeds, tralanchelurs tree frogs, large moths, turtles he didnt disappoint, we may do a night tour of area with local music & dancing too, he does bird watching tours kyak tours park tours chocolate tours.whale watching He was born and bred here and loves his country and so so proud to show it off nothing is too much for him
Beautiful hike with a very friendly guide.
fabianj537,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience to hike with Shailo in the Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Shailo is a very friendly guide and showed us the beauty of this beautiful wildlife refuge. Also the price is very fair for a long hike.
Nature tour with Shailo
carladR6540XN,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shailo is an amazing nature guide who knows how to connect visitors with the unique nature of this part of Costa Rica. He will show you all sorts of animals and plants you would have walked past and he also knows about the history, culture and geology of the area. You will learn a lot even when you are more experiences with wildlife. Shailo made the tour relaxed and fun while pointing out the importance of conservation. From spidermonkeys to small birds, he knows it all!
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