Today we will visit the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, which we have heard wonderful things about.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
We had an early breakfast at the hotel. In Cahuita the restaurants open later than in other areas of Costa Rica and it is difficult to find a place to have breakfast before 7.30 am.
We take the bus to Manzanillo from the station in Cahuita. These are the approximate timetables 7.15 a.m. 7.45 a.m., 9.15 a.m. and more that you can see on the Mepe website.
As it is very hot we decided to take the 7.15 which arrives in Manzanillo at 8 a.m.. The ticket is paid on the bus and costs 1,650 colones/pax each way. You can pay in dollars but the exchange rate is very bad.
Manzanillo beach
How to see and do in Manzanillo
Manzanillo is one of the last villages before arriving in Panama. Unpaved streets and low houses in a cosy place in a beautiful setting.
Manzanillo
Although there are better beaches in the reserve, Manzanillo beach itself with its beached boat is worth a visit.
Manzanillo beach
The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is completely free of charge although you can make a donation for the conservation of the refuge.
The trails are not well signposted but are very intuitive. The only one open to the public is the one that runs parallel to the coast to Punta Mona. If you prefer to go as far as Gandoca, you can go by boat or along the lagoon trail, which requires a guide.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
We had a coffee before entering the Refugio at Tutu Bakery, 1 coffee, 2 chicken empanadas, 1 meat pie and a passion fruit flauta for 2,750 colones. Highly recommended.
Tutu bakery
A man comes along with a van selling fruit and we buy some bananas from him for 200 colones.
Fruit stand
We enter the refuge and make a donation of 3,000 colones.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
We start the trail to Puente Escondido where we see several morpho butterflies.
Morpho butterfly
We return and start the coastal path. You can visit the viewpoint (obligatory) overlooking Manzanillo beach and Punta de Vista, the most iconic photo of Manzanillo.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
We continue to La Cueva beach. Be careful with the tide that sometimes plays tricks to enter the cave. The path continues with several ascents and descents.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
We continue to the beach of Paulo Mena. You have to descend a steep slope to reach the beach but it is worth it.
La Cueva beach
La Cueva
Spider
From here we continued practically alone to Punta Mona and it is a pity because the place is beautiful and it is where we saw the most animals. Lots of red frogs, arrow frogs, caterpillars, butterflies, lizards and congos just for us.
Paulo Mena beach
Trail
Punta Mona is a paradisiacal place with a small island in front of it. Coconut trees and a white sandy beach, what more could you ask for? You can snorkel all along the coastline, the visibility is quite good.
Punta Mona
Punta Mona
The return journey is by the same route. We start to hear thunder and a storm is brewing. Thank goodness it was almost at the entrance.
Red frog
Caterpillar
On the way out we return to the Tutu bakery. We had 2 milkshakes of passion fruit and lemon in water, a handkerchief of dulce de leche and a strawberry flute 3,700 colones. Brutal.
Red frog
We walk along the beach of Manzanillo until we reach a stranded boat.
We take the bus back to Cahuita, the last one leaves at 5 p.m. We leave you the timetables in this link.
Manzanillo beach
Back in Cahuita we have a short swim in the pool.
Today we have dinner at the restaurant Cocos, a chifrijo and beer for 5.987 colones.
Chifrijo
Bus ticket from Cahuita to Manzanillo: 1,650 colones/pax each way.
Tutu Bakery: 2 chicken empanadas, 1 meat pie and a passion fruit flute (to go) for 2,750 colones.
Tutu Bakery: 2 passion fruit and lemon shakes in water, a dulce de leche handkerchief and a strawberry flute for 3.700 colones.
Cocos Restaurant Dinner: one chifrijo and beer 5.987 colones.
Accommodation: Cabinas Cahuita 45,77$/night, double room with bathroom, air conditioning, hammock and swimming pool. Private parking.
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