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Gandoca Manzanillo
Biological Reserve
This important refuge protects the wildlife
in the region, especially species in danger
of extinction or having reduced populations.
It also safeguards the only naturally occurring
mangrove oyster beds to inhabit the reefs
alone the coastline.
The remaining primary forest in this regions
is unique throughout the Atlantic coastal
lowlands because of the relatively small surface
area available to support the area's abundant
wildlife. This area contains a wide range
of lowland habitats with patches of primary
forest and numerous rare and unique habitats,
including one of the least spoiled coral reefs
on the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica. This
part of the Atlantic coast is classified as
a tropical rain forest. The region's natural
resources make it especially attractive to
scientists and recreation-seeking visitors.
How to get there:
By Car
From San Jose, your trip to Manzanillo, or
the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is
fairly direct. Take the Braulio Carrillo highway
north of the city towards the Atlantic coast
city of Limón. The trip takes approximately
2:15-2:30 to Limon. The road through Braulio
Carrillo National Park has recently been improved,
however, there are still an enormous amount
of huge potholes littering the highway. It
is unsual to find this road without cloud
cover on the upper region, particularly during
the rainy season. That in combination with
the potholes and steep decline make this a
very dangerous road. We do not recommend that
you make the trip at night.
Once you arrive in Limon, make a right at
the first major intersection, there will be
a Texaco station on the right corner. From
this intersection stay on this road and follow
the signs for Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. The
road which separates Limón and Manzanillo
is in poor condition, littered with potholes
and single lane bridges; thus proceed slowly.
In all it is about 77 km ( 48 miles ) from
Limon to Manzanillo, approximately 12 km (
7.2 miles ) south of Puerto Viejo. While a
four wheel drive would certainly help it is
not absolutely necessary for the trip. Manzanillo
is approximately 6-6 km (3 miles) from Puerto
Viejo.
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Surfing
Snorkeling
