Manzanillo Travel Guide

Manzanillo, Costa Rica is a small laid back fishing village in the Caribbean Coast, the last town south from Puerto Viejo, Limon. A relatively quiet area, Manzanillo has a unique atmosphere of its own. Largely influenced by the Afro-Caribbean traditions and customs, this town is a tranquil place with several colorful markets and restaurants known for the fresh and delicious seafood. Since Manzanillo lies at the end of the coastal road, all you will find after the town is the tropical jungle.

Things to do in Manzanillo Costa Rica

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge offers many hiking trails that allow you to sample the different ecosystems of the area. The abundant vegetation of this coastal forest forms a biological corridor of great importance for the wildlife of the refuge. The area also offers many freshwater habitats, coral reefs and patches of primary forest.

Snorkeling
Manzanillo Beach is the perfect spot for snorkeling with an amazing coral reef offshore. Also perfect beach for swimming.

Kayaking
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge has incredible biodiversity, with abundant wildlife, forests, marshes, lagoons and mangroves,  this protected area is one of the wonders of Costa Rica. On a kayak you will know the spectacular and diverse areas of the Refuge, enjoying a privileged point of view, in direct communication with the water.

Night walk in Manzanillo
Visit the tropical forest and learn about the history, uses and classification of the fauna species. Prepare your senses and sight to look for and hear the wildlife during the night, mainly frogs, snakes, birds, insects and rodents will be the species that you can appreciate.

Hike in Manzanillo
Learn the history, use and classification of the species, with the opportunity to observe the incredible wildlife. You will enjoy this picturesque Caribbean town hiking along the coastal path with incredible views. Entering the primary forest, you will easily spot snakes, frogs, monkeys, sloths, birds, insects that at best you can appreciate very closely.

Manzanillo tours to other destinations nearby

Cultural Visit to Indigenous Reserve
Visit and share with families from the Bribri community. Visit their medicinal garden and listen to their stories and experiences about the traditional process of chocolate making.

Cahuita National Park
The Cahuita National Park Tour is a wonderful hiking opportunity to explore both the beach and the tropical rainforest. This national park is part of La Amistad Conservation Area which is a World Heritage site protecting the local tropical rainforests, beaches, and recovering coral reefs nestled in the Caribbean waters. The well maintained trails along the beach and within the rainforest make hiking in Cahuita’s National Park a leisurely experience with wooden boardwalks and handrails passing over the wetland areas.

Snorkeling in Punta Uva
Punta Uva is one of the most exotic beaches in Costa Rica. It has a very rich coral reef with abundant marine life, crystal clear waters and lush coastal vegetation.

Location and Map

Manzanillo, Costa Rica is a coastal village located in the Costa Rica Caribbean coast. From the San Jose International Airport it is an approximately a 5 hour drive (245 kms/152 miles) via Braulio Carrillo/Route 32.