Private Tour
Private Nature Adventure Tour in Curu Wildlife Refuge
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Our grandfathers were some of the original founders of this Nicoya Península and it is a privilege to take visitors around the peninsula to learn the local history and first steps of our ancestors in this important sector of Costa Rica.
Each and everyone of our services alongside with the other companies involved is provide by locals born on the Nicoya peninsula, thus driving on integral development in our communities, allowing us to provide a foretaste of our traits and cultures.
100% certify naturalist guides
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
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
Curu National Wildlife Refuge
This area is teaming with abundant wildlife and hosts one of the most beautiful beaches and protected bays on the Nicoya Peninsula. The refuge offers easy access to seeing some of the most sought after species such as White-Faced monkeys, Howler monkeys, Spider monkeys, Scarlet Macaws, White-Tailed Deer, Collared Peccary, Coati, Raccoons, Coyotes, Iguanas and hundreds of species of tropical and migratory birds. TOUR IS OPERATED WITH MINIMUM OF 2 PEOPLE.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Bilingual tour guide
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Nature Adventure Tour in Curu Wildlife Refuge
Pickup included
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend Manakin Tours.
C6392VCpatrickg,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Manakin Tours delivered an absolutely top-tier experience, and Douglas in particular made our time in Costa Rica (Nicoya/Santa Teresa/Cabuya) truly unforgettable. His local knowledge is extraordinary — from wildlife and geography to history and culture, he provided insights you simply wouldn’t get without a guide who truly knows the area inside and out. Douglas was professional, punctual, and exceptionally well organized. Every detail was handled smoothly, timing was impeccable, and the day flowed effortlessly. Beyond that, his passion for Costa Rica was evident and contagious. He was attentive, patient, and genuinely invested in making sure we had the best possible experience. If you’re looking for a tour company that is reliable, knowledgeable, and authentic — and a guide who elevates the entire experience — Manakin Tours is the clear choice. Ask for Douglas if you can; he is a true professional and an outstanding ambassador for Costa Rica. Highly recommended without hesitation.
A trip to remember
Daniel F,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Doug was a fantastic guide, he was very excited when we saw certain animals. Lots of wildlife and fantastic views of the ocean. Highly recommend this adventure!
Curu refuge experience
mackenziet917,,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Douglass was very nice and educated about the animals. His magnifying camera was also a great resources. I do wish I saw more animals, but what can you do. Great experience though, would definitely recommend.
Fun Experience for the Family
amyeD3963YQ,,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our hiking and kayaking adventure tour was well planned before we even arrived. Doug was very knowledgeable about all of the wildlife we saw on our hike. Afterwards, we were treated to a snack, water, and lots of delicious fruit. Then he took us kayaking in the bay. He was helpful and accommodating. I highly recommend this tour! It was a highlight of our trip to Costa Rica!!
Wonderful Experience
Scott V,,Apr 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the most fabulous tour of Cabo Blanco and Curu national parks. Our tour guide (Douglas M) really knew his stuff. His knowledge of plants, history and animals was excellent. He pointed out so many animals and birds that we would have missed. The tour company was timely and picked us up and dropped off at our AirBNB. We highly recommend these tours and would tour again with Douglas.
So much to see!
emmalI6837ZF,,Apr 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Such a beautiful tour. We saw so much wildlife but even if we hadn't the beautiful forest alone was worth it! Would reccomend this tour for sure!
My son says, “Best thing in the world!”
Worktravelgal,,Mar 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Douglas was phenomenal! He is a native of the peninsula, so he knows a lot about everything here. Douglas arrived to our hotel with a very nice vehicle to drive my 6 year old son and I 1 hour to from Santa Teresa. Once there, the experience was fantastic! We saw all the animals we were hoping to see in Costa Rica - white faced capuchin, howler monkeys 🐒, basilisks, lots of birds including a scarlet macaw, a coati, and even a crocodile! 🐊 We ended the tour with some fruit by the bay. My son did not want the excursion to end, which says a lot about how interesting and educational it was for the entire time. We thank Douglas for the best part of our trip to Costa Rica! 🎉 Don’t miss this tour!
Well organized and enjoyable tour with Manakin A very enjoyable easy walking experience through Curu’s forest trails
Jeremymichaels1309,,Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A tranquil and beautiful refuge park with plenty wildlife. Excellent private tour with Ernesto with Manakin Tours. Ernesto was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to chat with throughout our three hour guided tour. We saw howler and capuchin monkeys, abruti, white tailed deer , herons and numerous birds. The park stood out for its peaceful surroundings and pretty trails through the woods The transit ( an hour each way from Santa Teresa ) was comfortable and very timely.
Above expectations!
A6098OVerikh,,Dec 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I had high expectations for this excursion, and believe me, it was better than expected! Douglas picked us up at our hotel and started talking about nature and Costa Rica in general with enthusiasm. On site in Curú, it only took about twenty seconds, so Douglas had set up his binoculars straight at a bunch of howler monkeys. Along our walk we got to see Agouti, White faced monkey, Howler monkey, butterflies, White tailed deer, Tiger heron, Jesus Christ lizard, Leaf cutter ants, Coati, fish, mushrooms, flowers palm trees and trees! Everything told about with great knowledge and commitment. You can tell Douglas works as a teacher and that he loves nature! To top it off, we were treated to fresh fruit and freshly opened coconut at the beach when the tour was over. If you like animals and nature, I highly recommend you to take the tour with Douglas and Manakin Tours!
Unique forest experience
Tourist22198599784,,Aug 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This walking in the Nature is a must do in Costa Rica. Curú wild reservation forest is a breath taking. This company is very reliable, they picked me up at my hotel in Montezuma and while driving me, my tour Guide name Douglas explained throughout how the reservation forest was maintained and he explained every single possible animal we will encounter on our hike. A lots fresh fruit and coconut water. I saw beautiful unique birds that have never seen before, and many different species. Thank you for showing me this beautiful part of Costa Rica in Curu forest reservoir. Thank you Douglas you are a fantastic tour guide!
Related Experiences
Operated by Manakin Tours