Yellow-sand beaches, a coral reef and wetlands on the southern Caribbean coast, from the Cocles river to the Sixaola on the Panama border.
Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT): Gandoca-Manzanillo, in English
Run by: SINAC, La Amistad Caribe Conservation Area (ACLAC).
Created: 1985 (Decree 16614-MAG). Law 9223 of 2014 sets its boundary.
Ramsar site: Since 11 December 1995.
Size: 5,092 ha of land and 5,360 ha of sea, 10,452 ha in all.
Wildlife: 377 bird species, 38 mammal species and 1,209 species of vascular plants.
Manzanillo sector: +506 2759 0600
Checked with official sources, as of 31 Oct 2026.
Beaches, a coral reef and wetlands. The refuge counts 377 bird species and 38 mammal species, and it protects the habitat of manatees and nesting sea turtles.
The Manzanillo sector is at the end of the main road through Puerto Viejo, 71 km from Limón. The Gandoca lagoon sector is reached from the Bribri–Sixaola road, 95 km from Limón.
Nothing. Entry is free, every day from 8:00 to 16:00.
The ICT's Caribbean guide lists guided tours to watch leatherbacks nest from February to May.
No. It is a mixed refuge of state and private land, and people live inside it. In the villages, most people live from tourism and small-scale fishing.
Stay on the trails. Don't stand on the coral or take shells or coral. No pets, alcohol, weapons or drugs. Don't swim where signs mark danger.
A reef you can walk to from town. Playa Blanca runs on donations.
The largest park in the country, shared with Panama. Remote trails from the Coto Brus side.
Rainforest south of Siquirres, with a guided river hike. Few people, gravel road in.
The highest peak in the country. A booked permit, a 3 a.m. start, and a night at the base lodge.
Rainforest on the Golfo Dulce, near Golfito. Rivers decide the day in the wet months.
River and rainforest at the end of the Orosi road, a day trip from Cartago.
