Sendero El Manglar / Mangrove Trail

Overview

Sendero El Manglar is the park’s signature elevated boardwalk through lush forest that transitions into true mangrove. It’s easy, flat, and purpose‑built for accessibility, so just about everyone can enjoy it. Official info lists the boardwalk at roughly 726 m one way (about 0.45 miles); earlier materials cite up to 784 m. At Playa Espadilla Sur there’s an additional 164 m accessible beach ramp to reach the water. Expect interpretive signage (including Braille) and rest bays along the way.

Route and Connections

From near the main entrance, take the boardwalk instead of the gravel access road. At the fork, go right to continue through the mangroves to the quieter far end of Playa Espadilla Sur, or stay straight to merge onto Sendero Pérezoso (Sloth Trail) toward the park’s central junction (cafe/bathrooms). The boardwalk surface stays wide, stable, and non‑slippery, with occasional benches for breaks.

Accessibility

This is a universal‑access trail built to national standards: elevated, about 2.4 m wide, with signed rest bays and interpretive/Braille information. Wheelchair users can continue onto the 164 m beach access at Espadilla Sur; an amphibious wheelchair is available by reservation with the park.

Wildlife and Scenery

Because the walkway is raised, wildlife can move beneath you. Common reports include deer, agoutis, iguanas/lizards, and birdlife like toucans and macaws; capuchin monkeys show up at times. Some local guides note occasional crocodile sightings along the short mangrove spur—treat it as a possibility, not a promise.

Best Time to Hike

Year‑round. The shaded, non‑slip boardwalk works in both dry and rainy seasons. For a calmer start to your day, begin here and take the right fork toward Espadilla Sur—fewer visitors choose that direction early.

Tips and Rules

Use El Manglar for a more immersive approach than the gravel road, then connect onward via Sloth Trail if you want to reach other viewpoints. Hiking/walking only—no bikes. Pets aren’t allowed (service dogs by authorization). Park entry requires a valid ticket; staff check passports at the entrance. The park is open daily except Tuesdays. Food and drinks are generally not permitted inside, and feeding wildlife is prohibited.