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Location: 2.5 km (1.5 miles) south from the Tarcoles River bridge, district: Tarcoles, canton: Garabito, in the province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 61102
GPS Coordinates: 9.780475,-84.60685 (9°46’49.71″N, 84°36’24.66″ W)
Size: 4500ha (11112 acres)
Altitude: 10m (32ft) to 150m (492ft)
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Carara National Park Phone: +506 2637-1054
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/pages/Carara-National-Park

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Carara National Park in Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps
  

Carara National Park Costa Rica protects the river basin of the Tarcoles River, near Orotina, on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This exuberant park has Primary and Secondary tropical forest, lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

Carara National Park is well worth a visit. In fact, in terms of visitor numbers it is one of the most popular reserves in the country. There are a number of reasons for this. The first is accessibility, as Carara is a mere 45 minutes from San Jose and right on the main road leading to the coast. Secondly, Carara has a vast range of wildlife because it occupies a transition zone between tropical moist forest and tropical dry forest and has species from both habitats. The word “Carara” is an indigenous term, reputedly meaning “river of crocodiles”. Pre-Columbian archaeological sites are scattered throughout the area. The area in which the reserve is located was occupied by an indigenous culture that is thought to have been allied with groups located in the Central Valley from 300 B.C. to 1500 A.D. Extensive tomb sites have been excavated here and the burial places of people of high status are remarkably complex.

Carara National Park is almost a must for anyone interested in tropical biology, specially birds. The trees, therefore, are mixture of evergreen and deciduous varieties. The park also includes stretches of the Tárcoles River, with its marshy flood plain and particularly attractive oxbow lake covered with water hyacinths.

Carara National Park was established on April 27th 1978 as a biological reserve, but its growing popularity after 1990 forced the government to upgrade its category to national park due to the massive numbers of tourists that visited it. Thus on November 1998 Carara was upgraded to national park category. In fact, Carara was once part of a huge cattle ranch known as El Coyolar. The ranch was taken over by the Costa Rican Land Reform Agency in 1970, and divided into small farms for landless peasants, but fortunately the Agency had the foresight to pass the forested area on to the National Park Service, thus creating the biological reserve.

The park is located between the dry forests of the north and the humid ones of the south, which results in an “ecotone” or melding area that gives Carara its diversity. It is the beginning of the transition zone into the tropical dry forests of the northwest zone. There are two hiking trails in Carara National Park: the Quebrada Bonita, one-half mile south of the Tárcoles River Bridge, as you head towards the rangers station; and the 2.7 mile Araceas Nature Trail, that begins parallels to the Tárcoles River and has short branches to the Meandrica Lagoon and marshes (this trail is ideal for bird watching, as well as some mammals and crocodiles).

Carara is considered a sanctuary of the extraordinary and beautiful Scarlet Macaw, the park’s symbol, which is on the endangered species list. In the park there are approx 200 couples which live and breed in absolute freedom, being the second highest concentration of birds in the country.

Carara has a surprising number of mammal species, including anteaters, agouties or pacas, tayras, three and two-toed sloths, kinkajous, collared peccaries, coaties, raccoons, armadillos, white-tailed deers, opossums, monkeys – howler, capuchin and spider monkeys – margays, jaguarondi and ocelots. Carara National Park is also a stronghold of a number of Costa Rica’s seven species of poison dart frogs and it has also recorded 19 out of Costa Rica’s 22 poisonous snakes. However, it’s the birds what most people come to see, particularly the Scarlet Macaw, which breeds in the park. Other bird attractions include various toucans, trogons and guans, while along the riverside stretch a variety of egrets and herons can be spotted, including the strange Boat-billed Heron, the Anhinga, the Collared Aracari, Fiery-billed Aracari, American Egret, Great Tinamou, Turkey vulture, Long-billed Gnatwren, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Black-hooded Antshrike, Jacanas, Pied-billed Grebe and Mexican Tiger-bitterns.

This is also where many cruise ship’s passengers are bused for a day trip when the liners dock just up the coast at Puerto Caldera, and a common destination for field trips by school children. It is always hot and humid in the forests of Carara. Even during the drier season from late December through April when there is significantly less rain, transpiration keeps the humidity under the canopy near saturation, so it is VERY important to bring mosquito repellent. The wettest months are from August to October when the trails near the river may at times be impassable because of flooding. Camping is not allowed at Carara National Park.

The best time to visit Carara is during the dry season, from December to April, early in the morning, so you can see a higher amount of birds. The ranger station is at the side of the coastal highway, 3km (1.8 mile) south of the bridge. The trails start from there, so guides are available and are highly recommended.

Before entering the reserve, take some time to stop at the nearby Tárcoles River Bridge, which is possibly the best place in the country to see crocodiles – the endangered American Crocodile and the Caiman. Large numbers of these fearsome reptiles can be seen lounging on the tidal mud.

Getting to Carara National Park:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway north passing through Atenas up to Orotina. Take the Tárcoles and Jaco exit. Continue for about 14 km (8 miles), passing the bridge over the Tarcoles River, until the Carara National Park. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27), taking the same exit to Tárcoles and Jaco and following the same directions until you get to the Carara National Park. The Caldera trip takes about 45 minutes from San Jose while the other takes about 1:30 hours.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Interamerican Highway to Puntarenas. From there, take the new Caldera Highway and then the exit to Tarcoles and Jaco. Continue for about 14 km (8 miles), passing the bridge over the Tarcoles River, continue for about 1 mile and Carara should be on your left.

BUS

Take a local bus from the route San Jose – Jacó or Quepos, which takes about 1.5 hours (Transportes Morales, +506 2223-5567). This buses has daily express departures from San José, at the Coca Cola Terminal and are a great option as they will drop you at the ranger station.

PLANE

You can also take a flight from the Daniel Oduber Airport to the Quepos Airport, either with Sansa Airlines or Aerobell every day. From here you can rent a car and drive, or take a bus or taxi to Carara National Park, which is about 1.5 hours.

Photos

Location: 13 km (8 miles) south of Tarcoles River, district: Tárcoles, canton: Garabito, in the province of Puntarenas. Zone postal code: 61102
GPS Coordinates: 9.711847,-84.635911 (9°42’42.65″N, 84°38’09.28″W)
Size: 20ha (50 acres)
Altitude: sea level
Central Offices Telephone: +506 2231-3131
Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge and Hotel Telephone: +506 2630-1000
Fax: +(506) 2232-0791
In U.S. call us at: +1 888 301-9473
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Website: www.hotelpuntaleona.com

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Punta Leona Wildlife National Refuge in Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Punta Leona has one of the most important reserves on Costa Rica’s central pacific due to its geographic location and conservation plan. It consists of an area of 20 hectares of primary and secondary forest declared a Wildlife Refuge in April 26th 1994, by the MINAE: Ministry of Environment, energy and telecomunications.

MINAE declared Playa Blanca (White Beach) a protected marine land, which is one of the most important and richest ecosystems on the planet where many species reproduce and feed. Its existence is directly related to water resources. Playa Blanca was awarded four stars by the Bandera Azul Ecológica (Ecological Blue Flag) program, the only beach in Costa Rica to achieve this level.

The refuge is of great biological importance because it is one of the few areas that has remained in the transition zone between the dry tropical forest of the North Pacific and the tropical rain forest of the South Pacific. For the last two decades its main function has been as a center for investigation of mammals and birds, as to protect tropical forest and beach areas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

Punta Leona is considered an excellent place for the observation of birds with more than 330 migratory and resident species; including the spectacular Red Macaw, toucans, woodpeckers, fly trappers, owls, among others. This reserve is also the home of white-faced monkeys, raccoons, kinkajous, tayras, anteaters, spider monkeys, iguanas, coaties and a great number of butterflies. In fact, the butterfly farm of Punta Leona represents a viable alternative to protect species and their habitat, and is an example of sustainable use of natural resources in harmony with a tourism project.

Punta Leona’s Wildlife Refuge has many easily accessible trails that are well marked for visitors. Wake up to the sounds to some of the over 330 exotic bird species living in the area. Participate in an early morning nature walk on our private wildlife reserve, rich in plant and animal life. Explore amongst giant tropical trees and hundreds of fascinating plant species.

Getting to Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway north passing through Atenas up to Orotina. Take the Tárcoles and Jaco exit and follow the coastal highway for about 13 km (8 miles). The hotel is located on the right side of the road, about 15 minutes after you pass over the Tarcoles River. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27), taking the same exit to Tárcoles and Jaco and following the same directions until you get to Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge and Hotel. The Caldera trip takes about 1 hour from San Jose while the other takes about 2 hours.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Puntarenas. From there, take the new Caldera Highway and take the exit of Tarcoles and Jaco and follow the coastal highway for about 13 km (8 miles). The Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge and Hotel is located on the right hand of the road, about 15 minutes after you pass over the Tarcoles River.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Jaco, which takes about 1 hour to Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge and Hotel entrance (Transportes Jaco, +506 2223-1109).

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Daniel Oduber Airport to the Quepos Airport, either with Sansa Airlines or Aerobell every day. From here you can rent a car and drive, or take a bus or taxi to Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge, which is about 1 hour.

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Playa Hermosa Costa Rica

In Costa Rica there are several Hermosa Beaches; one of them is in Guanacaste – which is not a surfing beach – and another is in Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge, which is located in the Central Pacific. This recently created refuge, December 2nd 1999, comprises the strip of beach where the mangrove swamp is. Birds and nesting Olive Ridley turtles may be seen here. In fact, the Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge is intended to protect the beach that serves as nesting site for the Olive Ridley turtle. These are one of the smallest sea turtles, weighing in at a mere 90 pounds. Females typically arrive solo or in small groups ashore to lay their eggs between the months of July and December.

Playa Hermosa is a place of undeniable beauty, with a broad grey-sand beach contrasted by pounding white surf. Although it is much less developed than neighboring Jaco, it attracts experienced surfers from around the world for its consistent waves which can reach as tall as 13ft, the annual surf contest and to the air of tranquility. Swimmers are advised to take caution as strong riptides are common. There are no organized turtle tours in this area; however visitors during the nesting season may spot an Olive Ridley come ashore at night. There are no public park facilities at this national wildlife refuge.

Getting to Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge:

Drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Pozón exit (to Jaco), and continue for about 42 km (26 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right at Hermosa Beach entrance and continue until you reach the Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge, after passing the Jaco entrance. This route requires a total of 1.5 hour from San Jose.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Drive to the northeast towards Liberia. Once in Liberia, continue along the same highway to Puntarenas for about 120 km (75 miles). Once at the entrance to Puntarenas, continue on route #27 to San Jose for about 25 km (15 miles) until you reach the exit to Pozon and Jaco, take it and continue for about 42 km (26 miles), passing over the Tarcoles river, and then turn right at Hermosa Beach entrance and continue until you reach the Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge, after passing the Jaco entrance. This route requires a total of 2.5 hours.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Quepos / Manuel Antonio, which takes about 1 hour to Hermosa beach (Transportes Morales, 2223-5567).

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Daniel Oduber Airport to the Quepos Airport, either with Sansa Airlines or Aerobell every day. From here you can rent a car and drive, or take a bus or taxi to Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge, which takes about 1 hour.

Location: 5km (3 miles) south of Jaco. District: Jaco, canton: Garabito, in the province of Puntarenas. Zone postal code: 61101
GPS Coordinates: 9.574658,-84.602631 (9°34’28.77″N, 84°36’09.47″W)
Size: 68ha (109 acres)
Altitude: sea level
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +(506) 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Playa Hermosa Wildlife National Refuge in Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica is located on the pacific coast, 7 km south from the town of Quepos, between Damas and Matapalo. It is one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica, but because of its stunning beaches, beautiful trails through the lush rainforest, easy accessibility and a superb range of wildlife, it is one of the country’s most visited parks (probably competing with the Poás Volcano National Park for the top position).

The creation of Manuel Antonio was a triumph for the local conservation, because the area had been in private hands for a long time, although the public has always been allowed to use the beaches. In 1968, the land was bought by an North American, who put up fences and gates to keep the public out. After vandalism by locals, the local council ruled that the road must remain open and access to the beach should not be restricted. The land was then bought by a French man, who planned to develop the land as a resort. In October 23rd, 1972, the area was expropriated by the government and declared a national park, with additional land added in 1980. Today, the park protects a beautiful remnant piece of the tropical forest that once covered a wide variety of marine life.

This is definitely one of the most exuberant places in Costa Rica, with spectacular white sand stunning beaches fringed by thickly forested green hills, a magnificent setting with islands offshore with sanctuaries for marine bird species, fascinating jungle blended with a network of trails and a welcoming and abundant wildlife. There is a huge variety of things to do, like walking the park’s easy trails, whitewater rafting, ocean cruising, horseback riding, fishing, sea kayaking, just to name but a few. And the volcanic-sedimentary cliffs rise steeply from the shoreline, providing scenic views and hiking trails.

The park has four lovely beaches, each with its own personality: Espadilla Sur (South Little Sword Beach), Manuel Antonio Beach, Puerto Escondido Beach (Hidden Beach), Gemelas Beach, and Playita Beach(Small Beach). The prettiest is Manuel Antonio Beach, a small scimitar of coral-white sand with a small coral reef. It’s separated from Playa Espadilla Sur by a tombolo – a natural land bridge formed over the years through the accumulation of sand – tipped by Punta Catedral (Cathedral Point), an erstwhile island now linked to the mainland. The hike to the top of Punta Catedral is 100m along a steep and sometimes muddy trail with various viewing points in route, giving superb views of the offshore islands, which takes about an hour from Espadilla Sur Beach (also known as the Second Beach). This is covered with water at high tide, to enter the reserve it may be necessary to wade through this water. At low tide it isn’t a problem, but at high tide it can be a meter and a half deep. Check with the rangers about the state of the tide. In the same manner be careful with the Capuchin Monkeys, who will steal food and anything else that they can get in their hands. Espadilla Sur Beach and Manuel Antonio Beach offer tidal pools brimming with minnows and crayfish, plus good snorkeling, especially during dry season, when the water is generally clear.

There are trees of interest in the park, such as the the Gaupinol Negro, an endemic species that is in danger of extinction; the Cedro Maria, which produces a yellow resin used as a traditional medicine; the Vaco Lechoso, which exudes a thick white latex that also has medicinal properties, and the Manchineel tree (Manzanillo), or “beach apple”, common along the beaches. The Manchineel is highly toxic and possesses a sap that irritates the skin. It’s tempting apple like fruits are also poisonous. Avoid touching any part of the tree. Also, don’t use its wood for fires; the smoke will irritate your lungs.

At Manuel Antonio national park you will find red, white and brown mangrove forests. Offshore a number of small islands provide nesting sites for sea birds, including the Brown Pelican, Anhinga and the Magnificent Frigatebird. In the inland forest, rich in wildlife, all four species of monkeys – Howler, Spider, Capuchin and Squirrel or Titi – can be seen. Even though it is illegal to feed the monkeys, insensitive people still do it. Note that if you’re caught, you may, quite rightly, be ejected from the park. Recent studies have found a worrisome increase in heart disease and heart failure among the local monkey population. Unfortunately, the animals are much more prone to rises in cholesterol than humans, so please do not leave food lying around. Also Olive Ridley and Green turtles occasionally come ashore at Manuel Antonio Beach.

Other mammals often seen in Manuel Antonio National Park are the Two and Three-toed Sloths, coaties, raccoons, marmosets, ocelots, toed anteaters, pacas, iguanas, millions of colorful little crabs, river otters and spectacled caimans in more remote riverine areas. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded, such as the Green Kingfisher, Laughing Falcon, Lineated and Red-crowned Woodpeckers, Blue-crowned Motmot, Rufus-tailed Hummingbirds, various tanagers, Tyrant Hawk-Eagle or Black Hawk-Eagle, Gray-headed Chachalaca, Slater’s Antbird, Toucans, Scarlet Macaws, Bananaquit and Red-legged honeycreeper.

The popularity of Manuel Antonio has brought its own difficulties. With over 150,000 visitors a year comes the problem of overuse. At one stage the park authorities considered closing the park completely, to let it recover from the pounding of many feet. Eventually it was decided to close the park on Mondays and limit the number to 600 a day. It is essential, therefore, to arrive early, before the quota has been reached.

The climate is hot and humid. Some rain can be expected even in the dry season, which is from January to February. There are no accommodations within the park and no camping is allowed, but there are a lot of hotels in the vicinity to suit all pockets.

Getting to Manuel Antonio National Park:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway north passing through Atenas up to Orotina. Take the Tárcoles-Jaco-Quepos-Manuel Antonio exit. Once in Quepos go further for 7 km (4.4 miles) to Manuel Antonio National Park. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27), taking the same exit to Tárcoles / Jaco / Quepos / Manuel Antonio and following the same directions until you get to Manuel Antonio National Park. The Caldera trip takes about 3 hours from San Jose while the other takes about 4.5 hours.

There is another route from San Jose through the Cerro de la Muerte. Drive south on Pan-American Highway for some 135 km (81 miles) to San Isidro. Continue 37Km on a winding, mountainous road to an intersection where you meet the coastal highway. Take the exit to your right onto the coastal highway heading towards Quepos and go further for 7 km (4.4 miles) to Manuel Antonio National Park. The whole journey takes between 4 and 5 hours.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Puntarenas. From there, take the new Caldera Highway (route 27) and take the exit of Tarcoles/Jaco/Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Once in Quepos go further for 7 km (4.4 miles) to Manuel Antonio National Park.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Quepos / Manuel Antonio, which takes about 4 hours (Transportes Morales, +506 2223-5567).

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – San Isidro de El General, which takes about 4 hours, (MUSOC, +506 2222-2422) and then take another bus San Isidro de El General – Quepos, which takes about 1.5 hours, (Transportes Blanco, +506 2771-4744) and then go to Manuel Antonio National Park, which can take about 15 minutes.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Quepos Airport, either with Sansa or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a car and drive or take a taxi to Manuel Antonio National Park, which takes about 15 minutes.

Location: Pacific coast, 7km (4 miles) south from the town of Quepos, district: Quepos, canton: Aguirre, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 60601.
GPS Coordinates: 9.389633,-84.147428 (9°23’22.68″N, 84°08’50.74″W)
Size: 682ha (1685 acres)
Altitude: sea level to 50m (160ft)
Schedule: from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Monday.
Manuel Antonio National Park Telephone: +506 2777-5185 / +506 2777-5155
Fax: +506 2777-4122
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/parquenacional.manuelantonio

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Manuel Antonio National Park Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

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Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Transilvania Costa Rica

Transilvania Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica was established on May 22nd 1998 to protect tropical forest areas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The Refuge is located right in between the Manuel Antonio National Park and Marino Ballena National Park. At just 10 minutes from the Portalon Wildlife Refuge, at one of the most beautiful beaches in the southern zone, the Matapalo beach, which is also a nesting site for the Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). There are no public park facilities at the Transilvania national wildlife refuge.

Getting to Transilvania National Wildlife Refuge:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway north passing through Atenas up to Orotina. Take the Tárcoles-Jaco-Quepos-Manuel Antonio exit. Once in Quepos follow the signs that say airport and Dominical. The road becomes a dirt road, follow it for a little over 20 kilometers. You will pass several small villages and across the Savegre River. After crossing the river you will pass through the village of Pasito just before getting to Portalon, then follow the road for 4km to the south. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27), taking the same exit to Tárcoles-Jaco-Quepos-Manuel Antonio and following the same directions until you get to Transilvania National Wildlife Refuge. The Caldera trip takes about 3 hours from San Jose while the other takes about 4.5 hours.

There is another route from San Jose through the Cerro de la Muerte. Drive south on the Pan-American Highway for some 135 km (81 miles) to San Isidro. Continue 37Km on a winding, mountainous road to an intersection where you meet the coastal highway. Take the exit to your right onto the coastal highway heading towards Quepos until you get to Transilvania National Wildlife Refuge. The whole journey takes between 4 and 5 hours.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Puntarenas. From there, take the new Caldera Highway (route 27) and take the exit of Tarcoles-Jaco-Quepos-Manuel Antonio. Once in Quepos follow the signs that say airport and Dominical. The road becomes a dirt road, follow it for a little over 20 kilometers. You will pass several small villages and across the Savegre River. After crossing the river you will pass through the village of Pasito just before coming to Portalon, and follow the road for 4km to the south to Transilvania National Wildlife Refuge.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Quepos / Manuel Antonio – Ballena National Marine Park, which takes about 4 hours (Transportes Morales, 2223-5567). When you board the bus ask the driver to please stop at Portalon, when you get to that stop, you can walk to the Transilvania National Wildlife Refuge, which can take about 5 minutes.

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – San Isidro de El General, which takes about 4 hours, (MUSOC, 2222-2422) and then take another bus San Isidro de El General – Quepos, which takes about 1.5 hours, (Transportes Blanco, 2771-4744). Get off at Portalon and then go to Transilvania National Wildlife Refuge, which can take about 5 minutes.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Quepos Airport, either with Sansa or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a car or take a taxi to Transilvania National Wildlife Refuge, which takes about 20 minutes.

Location: Pacific coast, 4km (2.5 miles) south from Portalon, district: Savegre, canton: Aguirre, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Matapalo GPS Coordinates: 9.3288,-83.954256 (9°19’43.68″N, 83°57’15.32″W)
Size: 97ha (156 acres)
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +(506) 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Matapalo, Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Portalón Costa Rica

Portalon National Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica was created on May 27th 1996 to protect tropical forest areas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The Refuge is located right in between the Manuel Antonio National Park and Marino Ballena National Park. Only 25 minutes from Manuel Antonio/Quepos airport or 25 minutes from Dominical beach and just 10 minutes from the most beautiful beach in the southern zone, the Matapalo beach.

The refuge consists of a beach, with remains of forest in the mountains parallel to the coast and a mangrove that joins the extensive mangrove forest located at the mouth of the Savegre River. In the wetland you can see big trees such as the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), reaching up to 40m high, and this is a spot often visited by the Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja) and Chocuaco or Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius). The beach is a nesting place for the Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). There are no public park facilities at the Portalon national wildlife refuge, although, the Costanera Sur highway passes through the refuge.

Getting to Portalon National Wildlife Refuge:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway north passing through Atenas up to Orotina. Take the Tárcoles/Jaco/Quepos/Manuel Antonio exit. Once in Quepos follow the signs that say airport and Dominical. The road becomes a dirt road. Follow this road for about 20 kilometers. You will pass several small villages and across the Savegre River. After crossing the river you will pass through the village of Pasito just before getting to Portalon.
You can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27), taking the same exit to Tárcoles/Jaco/Quepos/Manuel Antonio and following the same directions until you get to Portalon National Wildlife Refuge. The Caldera trip takes about 3 hours from San Jose while the other takes about 4.5 hours.

There is another route from San Jose through the Cerro de la Muerte. Drive south on Pan-American Highway for some 135 km (81 miles) to San Isidro. Continue 37Km on a winding, mountainous road to an intersection where you meet the coastal highway. Take the exit to your right onto the coastal highway heading towards Quepos until you get to Portalon National Wildlife Refuge. The whole journey takes between 4 and 5 hours.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Puntarenas. From there, take the new Caldera Highway (route 27) and take the exit to Tarcoles/Jaco/Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Once in Quepos follow the signs that say airport and Dominical. The road becomes a dirt road. Follow this road for about 20 kilometers. You will pass several small villages and across the Savegre River. After crossing the river you will pass through the village of Pasito just before getting to Portalon.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose/Quepos/Manuel Antonio – Ballena National Marine Park, which takes about 4 hours (Transportes Morales, 2223-5567). Get off on Portalon and then go to Portalon National Wildlife Refuge, which can take about 5 minutes.

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – San Isidro de El General, which takes about 4 hours, (MUSOC, 2222-2422) and then take another bus San Isidro de El General – Quepos, which takes about 1.5 hours, (Transportes Blanco, 2771-4744). Get off on Portalon and then go to Portalon National Wildlife Refuge, which can take about 5 minutes.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to Quepos Airport, either with Sansa or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a taxi to Portalon National Wildlife Refuge, which takes about 20 minutes.

Location: Pacific coast, 20km (13 miles) south from Manuel Antonio National Park, district: Savegre, canton: Aguirre, in Puntarenas province.
Portalon GPS Coordinates: 9.354331,-83.979956 (9°21’15.59″N, 83°58’47.84″W)
Size: 408 ha (1,025 acres)
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +(506) 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Portalon, Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Location: Pacific coast, 2km (1 mile) from Dominical, district: Savegre, canton: Aguirre, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 60602.

GPS Coordinates: 9.261911,-83.871347 (9°15’42.88″N, 83°52’16.85″W)
Size: 330ha (815 acres)
Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Reserve Telephone: +506 2787-0003
Fax: +(506) 2787-0057
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Website: www.haciendabaru.com

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Reserve in Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Reserve Costa Rica has come a long way since 1970, when the Ewings first managed it as a cattle operation, undergoing a metamorphosis that now brings a wildlife refuge, which was created on October 6th, 1995, to protect tropical forest areas on the Pacific Coast, near Dominical. It is a private national wildlife refuge which includes primary forest, secondary forest, tropical wet forest, swamp forest, mangrove estuary, shrubbery, river bank and seashore.

Some visitors arrive in the tropical forest expecting boas to be hanging from the trees and jaguars to appear on the trails. Boas are on Barú’s reptile list, but no jaguars have been spotted here, though there are pumas, jaguarundi and ocelots.

But visitors still have plenty to see, with more than 310 species of birds counted, 57 species of mammals (including bats) and reptiles and amphibians that run the gamut from caimans to red-eyed tree frogs and tiny, colorful, poison-dart frogs. Also, Humpback whales pass by offshore from December to April, and Olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles lay eggs on the beach from May through November. The hacienda helps with a nursery where about 2,500 baby turtles are hatched and released every year. Dolphins inhabit these warm waters too. Moreover, the refuge has about 250 orchid species and growing.

Day visitors are welcome at Hacienda Barú Wildlife Refuge, choosing from a variety of hikes with naturalists or native guides: a three-hour Mangrove and Beach Walk includes a look at reforestation with native species; the popular six-hour Rainforest Experience explores tropical wet forest; and two- to three-hour horseback rides take in tropical waterfalls, beach, jungle trails and pastures. More than a mile (2 km) of self-guiding trails over level terrain are free for overnight guests, with a nominal fee for day visitors. Day and overnight guests can kayak through mangroves, no experience necessary; try whitewater kayaking; or experience a guided night estuary tour by kayak.

Furthermore, an incredible experience awaits those who ascend into the canopy by rope. Harnessed and helmeted, the visitor is gently lifted more than 30m (100ft) to an observation platform, with fantastic views of canopy vegetation and surrounding forest guaranteed. Possibilities of wildlife to be seen are countless. For more adventure, choose tree climbing, with a naturalist guide beside you all the way.

Spend a night in the jungle, camping in tents next to a shelter with flush toilets and shower. Observe nocturnal animals; take a night hike or morning bird-watching. If your taste runs more to cabins, there are six two- and three-bedroom units with double and single beds, kitchenettes, fans, screened windows with shutters and bamboo sofas. Cabins are near both forest and beach.

In addition, there are areas of silviculture (tree farming) with many different species of commercially viable timber, fruit orchards and pasture. It is important to say that the refuge receives income to maintain and protect its natural treasure from only two sources: ecological tourism and tree farming.

Getting to Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Reserve

From San Jose, drive north towards Puntarenas on route #27. Take the Tárcoles-Jaco-Quepos-Manuel Antonio exit. Once in Quepos travel south for 32.5km ( 17.5 miles) on highway until the Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Reserve entrance. Take the exit to your right and go 100 meters on a gravel driveway to the reception office. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27), taking the same exit to Tárcoles-Jaco-Quepos-Manuel Antonio and following the same directions until you get to the Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Reserve. The Caldera trip takes about 3 hours from San Jose while the other takes about 4.5 hours.

There is another route from San Jose through the Cerro de la Muerte. Drive south on Pan-American Highway for some 135 km (81 miles) to San Isidro. Continue 37Km on a winding, mountainous road to an intersection where you meet the coastal highway. Take the exit to your right onto the coastal highway heading towards Quepos. Hacienda Barú Natural Reserve is 2.5 Km up this road. You will find the entrance immediately after the Gas Station on the left. The whole journey takes between 4 and 5 hours.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Puntarenas. From there, take the new Caldera Highway and then the exit of Tarcoles/Jaco/Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Once in Quepos travel south for 32.5km ( 17.5 miles) on highway until the Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Reserve entrance. Turn right and go 100 meters on a gravel driveway to the reception office.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Quepos / Manuel Antonio – Ballena National Marine Park, which takes about 4 hours (Transportes Morales, +506 2223-5567). Remember to let the bus driver know that you wish to get off on Dominical and then go to the Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Reserve, which can take about 15 minutes.

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – San Isidro de El General, which takes about 4 hours, (MUSOC, +506 2222-2422) and then take another bus San Isidro de El General – Dominical, which takes about 1.5 hours, (Transportes Blanco, +506 2771-4744).

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to Quepos Airport, either with Sansa or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a taxi to Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Reserve, which takes about 20 minutes.