The Mangrove Walk

The unique mangrove environment supports a variety of wildlife from its thick web of exposed roots to the safety of its dense branches, a haven for nesting water birds. On the Mangrove Walk you can enjoy strolling through the National Wildlife Refuge at Hacienda Baru, a large nature reserve than spans across 815 acres of rainforests, wetlands, and of course, mangrove estuary. The Mangrove Walk is a great hike for nature lovers and birding enthusiasts because of the abundance of wildlife thriving in this unique ecosystem.

To start the tour off, your knowledgeable and bilingual nature guide will meet you at the main office and tell you a brief history about the area and what you might expect to see. You will hike for about 2 to 3 hours, making your way through the secondary rainforest and lowlands before finally ending up at the mangroves. Your guide will bring along a spotting scope so everyone can have a chance to see the bird and animal life visible on the day of your hike. Feel free to bring your own camera and binoculars, too.

A mangrove ecosystem grows in tropical saltwater swamp regions, where only a select amount of plant species can thrive. These fascinating trees and shrubs have a built-in saline filtration system, taking in only the pure water and releasing the salt. Giant exposed tree roots are iconic characteristics of the mangrove plants seen at Hacienda Baru and provide habitats for small animals.

Even though there is a limited amount of plant species in a mangrove, there is an abundant amount of wildlife. Birdwatchers from all over the world visit mangroves to witness certain types of birds that make their home in this unique environment. Keep your eyes open for a multitude of birds, reptiles and mammals.

The Mangrove walk at Hacienda Baru is a moderate hike on well maintained trails. It is suitable for bird and nature lovers, as well as children who love to explore. Please wear comfortable lightweight clothing, hiking boots or running shoes, bring bug spray and pack a bottle of water.

Transportation is not included on this half-day hike so please meet at the main office of Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge and Lodge. No transportation is needed from Hacienda Baru. Transportation is not included from other area hotels. It is not suggested for children under 8 years of age. This activity is not available on Sundays.