Private Tour

Hike in Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

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.

3 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Entrance to the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge

binoculars telescope

Bottled water

Options

Hike in Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge

Reviews

5.00

18 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing Experience!
Tessa W,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This 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
5.00
It 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
5.00
We 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
5.00
Enormous 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
5.00
If 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
5.00
It 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
5.00
Shailo 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!
So much learned in a short time, he is amazing in explaning what you see and what kind of animals or plant it is
suzanv496,,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing tour by night, Shailo knows a lot about al the nature in the forest. Earlier on the day we had the dolphin tour. We were impressed by the knowledge and booked for the same day a night walk tour. It was funny and interesting, he can see so many things in a short time 👌
Shailo is the Best Local Guide!
U9555DAnancyl,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the pleasure of experiencing three different trips with Shailo. We did the Dolphin Tour, the Hike in Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge and a Hike in Cahuita National Park. He was friendly, professional and so incredibly knowledgeable about the local wildlife, plants, environment and culture. Our trip wouldn’t have been the same without him, so we highly recommend him to anyone traveling to the Puerto Viejo area.
Magical Manzanillo jungle tour
lewiswD3498YX,,Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the most amazing and magical woods walk with Emanuel, who has been in the area 9 years and is incredibly knowledgeable, curious and easygoing. We walked for hours in the woods and by the beach, took a short swim, and talked and learned about birds, sloths, monkeys, poison dart frogs, many types of lizards, trees, vegetation, even fungi! And of course we saw all of these things. Our group of four will likely be talking about this tour for years to come! We are so grateful to Emanuel for one of our best experiences of Costa Rica.