Refuge national de Gandoca-Manzanillo

Le Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge est une zone protégée située sur la côte caraïbe du Costa Rica. Il est connu pour sa riche biodiversité et ses écosystèmes vierges. Le refuge englobe une variété d'habitats, notamment des forêts tropicales, des mangroves et des zones côtières, offrant un sanctuaire à de nombreuses espèces végétales et animales. Les visiteurs peuvent explorer le refuge par des sentiers de randonnée, faire du kayak dans les mangroves et observer la faune et la flore dans leurs habitats naturels.

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    Situation et moyens d'accès

    The Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is situated along the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The refuge spans from the village of Manzanillo to the border with Panama, encompassing lush rainforests, mangroves, and pristine beaches.

    • By Car: From Puerto Limón, take Route 36 south toward Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. Continue past Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo, where the refuge begins. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
    • By Bus: Buses run regularly from Puerto Limón to Puerto Viejo. From there, take a local bus or taxi to Manzanillo.
    • By Taxi: Private taxis can be hired from Puerto Limón or Puerto Viejo for direct access to the refuge.

    Heures d'ouverture et billets

    The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There is no formal entrance fee, but donations are encouraged to support conservation efforts. Guided tours may have separate costs.

    Meilleur moment pour visiter

    The dry season (February to April) offers the most pleasant weather for exploring. Early mornings are ideal for wildlife spotting, while late afternoons provide stunning light for photography. Sea turtle nesting (March to July) is a seasonal highlight.

    Durée de la visite

    A half-day is sufficient for a leisurely walk along the trails or a beach visit. Full-day excursions allow for deeper exploration, including guided tours of the mangroves or snorkeling.

    Activités

    • Hiking through primary and secondary rainforest trails.
    • Birdwatching, with over 350 species recorded.
    • Snorkeling or swimming in the coral reefs near Manzanillo.
    • Guided tours to observe sea turtle nesting (seasonal).
    • Kayaking through the Gandoca Lagoon’s mangroves.

    Installations

    • Basic restrooms are available near the entrance in Manzanillo.
    • No cafes or gift shops within the refuge; bring snacks and water.
    • Limited parking near the trailheads in Manzanillo.
    • Trails are not wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain.

    Ce qu'il faut apporter et porter

    • Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for humid conditions.
    • Sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals.
    • Insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat.
    • Reusable water bottle and snacks.
    • Binoculars and a camera for wildlife viewing.

    Règles et règlements

    • Restez sur les sentiers balisés pour protéger les écosystèmes fragiles.
    • No littering; carry out all trash.
    • Do not disturb wildlife or remove plants.
    • Pets are not permitted in the refuge.
    • Camping and fires are prohibited.

    Informations sur le contact

    For guided tours or further details, consult the MINAE (Ministry of Environment and Energy) office in Puerto Viejo or local tour operators. An official website is not readily available.