
Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 36 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge worth booking?
Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge is a 3-hour experience in Limon, Costa Rica, from $65 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (36)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $65 per person
We will pick up guests at 7:30 a.m. from the farthest locations, with prior coordination. Upon arrival at the Refuge, our guide will lead visitors on a tour through the reserve, where they can experience the wildlife and natural beauty of its unique forest and beaches. Guests may encounter three species of monkeys, a variety of birds, reptiles, and sloths while exploring different ecosystems. This pristine South Caribbean jungle remains untouched and free from pollution, making it a truly special place to connect with nature. The hike follows a mountain path and returns along the coastal trail, offering spectacular views and landscapes. This experience is perfect for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in biodiversity, observe wildlife, and understand how nature interacts in this protected environment. Join us for an authentic adventure in the tropical forest. Come and enjoy nature interacting in a quiet spot. Pura Vida Costa Rica
What you get
About this experience
We will pick up guests at 7:30 a.m. from the farthest locations, with prior coordination. Upon arrival at the Refuge, our guide will lead visitors on a tour through the reserve, where they can experience the wildlife and natural beauty of its unique forest and beaches. Guests may encounter three species of monkeys, a variety of birds, reptiles, and sloths while exploring different ecosystems. This pristine South Caribbean jungle remains untouched and free from pollution, making it a truly special place to connect with nature. The hike follows a mountain path and returns along the coastal trail, offering spectacular views and landscapes. This experience is perfect for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in biodiversity, observe wildlife, and understand how nature interacts in this protected environment. Join us for an authentic adventure in the tropical forest. Come and enjoy nature interacting in a quiet spot. Pura Vida Costa Rica
What's included
Included
- A pair of Binoculars
- Snacks
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Gandoca - Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
They will hike in the refuge and see the exsuverant biodiversity that love there, like mamals, reptils, anfibiants, spiders, bads, tropical plants, among others.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Limon
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Braulio Isaac Vanegas Rojas
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 36 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
36 verified traveler reviews for Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An expert guide!
Braulio is a fantastic and friendly guide! He really knows his stuff, I would not recommend going here without him! He takes you off the main path to truly explore this wild and wonderful refuge and has knowledge on all plants, insects and animals.
via Tripadvisor
Day Hike with Braulio
We had a fantastic tour of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife refuge with Braulio! He went above and beyond to locate animals in the refuge that we would never have found on our own. Among the animals we saw were two-toed sloths, yellow-throated toucans, tarantulas and other spiders, strawberry poison frogs, land crabs, hummingbirds and butterflies. Braulio even took us off the main path to find a troop of howler monkeys and a yellow eyelash viper. I would highly recommend this hike and Braulio as your guide!
via Viator
Nice Backwoods Hike through Gandaco-Manzanillo Refuge
Had a nice hike with Braulio in the Gandaco-Manzanillo refuge. He was very knowledgeable of the area and did a great job taking us quietly off the beaten path through the refuge, spotting lots of birds and animals.
via Viator
Best way to see natural wildlife in Costa Rica!
Braulio created an amazing experience through Manzanillo! He is a very experienced guide and knew all the best spots for viewing all the amazing natural life the Caribbean Costa Rica has to offer. He is very knowledgeable and was very excited to share his country with us. It was such a lovely way to spend the morning, he even provided us with watermelon! This is a hike anyone can do, but you really need a local to know how to spot animals. I'm very happy we found Braulio!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Braulio made your Manzanillo experience so special and that his knowledge and enthusiasm helped you spot so much amazing wildlife. We’re glad you enjoyed the hike and the little touches like fresh watermelon. It means a lot that you felt guided by a local. pura vida
via Tripadvisor
Brauillo gives a great tour of the refuge
Brauillo was a wonderful guide and we were able to see all sorts of different flora and fauna. He even took close up pictures of animals and sent them to us. There are dozens of small paths in the jungle, and it was imperative to have a guide. Brauillo grew up in the area and knows it well. We felt very safe with him. I would highly recommend this tour and this guide. A great introduction to Costa Rica!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that Braulio made your tour safe, enjoyable, and full of amazing wildlife experiences. It’s wonderful that you appreciated his knowledge of the area and the personal touches, like sharing close-up photos. We’re so glad you had a great introduction to Costa Rica and appreciate your recommendation
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Limon.
How much does Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge cost?
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Prices start at $65 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Limon usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Limon is not rushed.
Is Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 36 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Limon, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Limon can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Limon and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Limon within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Limon?
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On Outty we rank every Limon experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Tour to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Limon, The Sloth and Kayak Tour - Ethical wildlife encounters, Bribri Magic Chocolate and Waterfall Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Limon?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Limon?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge?
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Included: A pair of Binoculars; and Snacks. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 21 listed pickup locations in and around Limon. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Tropical Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wild life Refuge?
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Across 36 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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