Wildlife Watching in Gandoca-Manzanillo

Information

This protected area is an excellent option to get to know a large number of wild species, as it has two sectors through which you can access and observe its biodiversity:

1. Manzanillo Sector: it has as advantages its easy access from the village of Manzanillo (you enter from it by a footbridge) and the fact that it has a pedestrian path with which you can walk through its jungle and reach its beaches. Among the things that can be sighted frequently:
- Of the mammals it is common to see the brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus), and you may also get to see the Hoffmann's two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni). Red-tailed squirrel (Sciurus granatensis) and Mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), common species in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, are often seen in the trees.
- This area is abundant with reptiles such as basilisks, geckos, snakes, etc. Two frequent species are the brown basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus) and the yellow-headed gecko (Gonatodes albogularis).
- The number of bird species is enormous, and it is possible to observe along the trail everything from birds of prey to different woodpeckers.

2. Gandoca Sector: undoubtedly, it is important its protected beach where sea turtles nest. It is of great interest for the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which is in danger of extinction, and which can be seen here mainly in April and May.