Private Nature Tour in Cabo Blanco: First Protected Area

Costa Rica's first protected area still holds the wildlife and forest it was created to save.

A private guided nature tour of Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve near Santa Teresa, where you hike through tropical forest for two hours with a naturalist guide, spot birds, mammals and reptiles through a telescope, and eat a picnic lunch in the reserve. Hotel pickup is included, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. The reserve was established in 1963 as Costa Rica's first protected area.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve

• Pick up at hotel or villa
• Drive 45 minutes to park
• Guide explains park history and ecology
• Spot wildlife with telescope
• Hike 2 hours through jungle
• Enjoy picnic with fruits and snacks

The experience

Your guide picks you up at your hotel or villa and drives about 45 minutes to the reserve, pointing out interesting sites and lookout spots along the way. Once inside Cabo Blanco, the guide explains the ecology and history of the reserve: why it mattered to Costa Rica's conservation movement and what makes this particular stretch of forest distinct. You'll spend two hours hiking through the jungle in transition, the kind of terrain where you can watch for birds, mammals and reptiles. The guide carries a telescope so you can see the animals in detail instead of as distant shapes.

After the hike, the guide sets up a picnic with fresh tropical fruits, water and snacks. The whole outing is private, so the pace and stops are yours to set. Children from age one are welcome, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one. The 45-minute drive each way means you leave early and return mid-afternoon, which leaves the rest of your day open.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel or villa.
• telescope for wildlife viewing.
• picnic with fresh tropical fruits, water and snacks.
• park entry fees and taxes.
• specialized infant seats if needed.
• guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to Sunday

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Manakin Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private hike where you can pause for wildlife sightings without keeping pace with a group, and you're comfortable with two hours of steady walking.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What animals might I see on the hike through Cabo Blanco?

Birds, mammals and reptiles live in the reserve. The guide uses a telescope to help you spot them clearly and identify the species as you walk.

How long is the hike itself, and how difficult is it?

The hike lasts two hours and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The terrain is tropical forest, and the guide sets the pace.

What's included in the picnic after the hike?

Fresh tropical fruits, water and snacks are provided. The guide sets up the picnic in the reserve after the two-hour walk.

Why was Cabo Blanco created, and what makes it different from other reserves in Costa Rica?

Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve was established in 1963 as Costa Rica's first protected area. The guide explains its ecological importance and the history of conservation efforts that began here.

How much time should I plan for the whole tour, including the drive?

The drive to the reserve takes about 45 minutes each way, and the hike and picnic take two hours, so plan for a half-day outing from your hotel.