National Parks

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.

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

Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica was created on October 6th, 1995 in order to protect forested and beach areas near Punta Uvita and Ballena National Marine Park, on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.

Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of a forest reserve with both, primary and secondary tropical wet forest as well as mangrove estuary. It’s located in front of the beach and the Morete river. The refuge offers very well informed guided jungle hikes, bird watching tours and horseback rides on the beach and through the jungle, as well as a wide variety of environments to explore, where visitors can find a great diversity of amazing birds, reptiles, insects and mammals such as monkeys, sloths, peccaries, coatis and raccoons. Here you can enjoy hiking around the trails of the reserve, enjoy the tropical rain forest, the mangrove or visit the Ballena Marine National Park which is located next to the refuge.

Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge promotes wildlife and rainforest conservation on many levels, so a visit is not only fun and very informative but also serves to protect and promote conservation of the area, as this has been protected from hunting for many years and is an active member of South and Central Pacific Nature Friends Association (Asociacion de Amigos de la Naturaleza del Pacifico Central y Sur or ASANA in Spanish), and as well part of the Tapir’s Path Wildlife Corridor (Corredor Biologico Paso de la Danta).

Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge has a house that can lodge up to 10 people. They also offer a cabin that lodges up to 3 persons, equipped with 1 double bed, 1 single bed, refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave oven. Electricity is 110 Volts AC, and water is heated using solar energy. Other nearby Costa Rica Parks include Ballena Marine National Park, Hacienda Baru del Pacifico National Wildlife Refuge, Portalon National Wildlife Refuge, Transilvania National Wildlife Refuge and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Getting to Rancho La Merced 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 travel south for 58km (35 miles) on the highway until the Ballena National Marine 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 the Rancho La Merced 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, where you turn southwest taking the exit to Dominical and then driving for about 26 km (16 miles). In Dominical turn southeast and continue for about 16 km (10 miles) to Uvita.

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 travel south for 58km (35 miles) on the highway until the Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Quepos / Manuel Antonio – Ballena National Marine Park, which takes about 4 hours, making the stop at Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge (Transportes Morales, 2223-5567).

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 from the route San Isidro de El General – Uvita, which takes about 2 hours, (Transportes Blanco, 2771-4744).

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 Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge, which takes about 40 minutes.

Location: near Uvita, some 10 miles south from Dominical, district: Bahia Ballena, canton: Osa, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 60504.
Uvita GPS Coordinates: 9.161983,-83.735036 (9°09’43.14″N, 83°44’06.13″W)
Size: 510 ha (1,255 acres)
Telephone: +(506) 2771-4582
Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA) Telephone: +(506) 2735-5580 / 2735-5276
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Website: www.rancholamerced.com

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

Location: about 120 miles (190 km) southwest of San José on the Pacific coast, in Uvita, district: Bahia Ballena, canton: Osa, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 60504.
GPS Coordinates: 9.156925,-83.747561 (9°09’24.93″N, 83°44’51.22″W)
Size: 5161ha (12,752acres)
Altitude: sea level
Ballena National Marine Park Telephone: +506 2786-5392
Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA) Telephone: +506 2735-5580 / +506 2735-5276
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Website: www.marinoballena.org

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

Ballena Marine National Park Costa Rica was created on February 6th 1989, to protect the various coastal marine habitats, the beaches, estuaries, mangrove swamps, islands, coral reef and also the marine endangered species. This marine park was the first in Latin America with 110 hectares of land and 5375 hectares of ocean. Located south of Dominical on the Costa Ballena, the park is bordered on the south by Punta Piñuela, then extends out to sea for 9 kilometers, heading north 6 kilometers before coming back to shore at Punta Uvita in the southern end of Playa Hermosa, the park is ideal for scuba diving and beach walking as it includes islands and long and wide beaches with open ocean.

The park includes Punta Uvita, where a sandy spit connects with an island forming a whale tale, through a tombolo and two offshore islands, Las Tres Hermanas (The Three Sisters) and Isla Ballena (Whale Island), which provide nesting sites for Magnificent Frigate birds, Brown Booby, Brown Pelicans and White Ibis.

The tiny village of Bahia is the location of an endangered turtle-nesting beach – Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles come ashore between May and November – with a protection system administrated by the local community. Also of interest are the Green Marine Iguanas that graze on the algae in the saltwater pools.

Marino Ballena National Park is named from the Spanish word for whale, “ballena”, after the Humpback Whales that migrate here each year from December to April to mate before returning to the frigid waters of the north. In fact, each year from August to October and from December to April, pods of massive humpback whales migrate through the warm waters of Marino Ballena National Park. It used to be thought that the Humpbacks were on migration to their breeding grounds off Mexico and Hawaii, but improved identification techniques suggested that some of the whales may breed in Costa Rican waters. The park also has Pilot Whales, Melon-headed Whales and Sperm Whales.

In addition to whales, dolphins are abundant, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, as well as common striped and spinner dolphins are seen throughout the year.

The marine park has four entrances regulated by park rangers. At the Uvita sector visitors can observe Punta Uvita, the famous rock and reef formation that fittingly resembles a whale’s tail. The calm waters off Punta Uvita are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with mild currents and decent visibility. The park’s beaches are protected by a network of crescent-shaped reefs and a scattering of rocky islands.

The park is specialized in whale and dolphin watching tours and also on sport fishing both inshore and offshore. In addition, people can take a trip to the Isla del Caño Biolgical Reserve or to Corcovado National Park, and if you like you may also take an adventure expedition to Mangroves Swamps, where you can see the wildlife and birds of this area. Camping is allowed on the beaches, but there are no amenities, and you can only get drinking water at the ranger stations.

Environmentalists, however, are worried by the effect that the construction of the coastal highway has had on the coral reef. They claim that it has polluted the water and the latest estimate is that 60% of the coral has been destroyed. Shrimp trawling is also consider a threat.

If you are planning to visit the Marino Ballena National Park, you should consider that the Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles can be seen laying their eggs on night visits to the beach between May and November, and that the Humpback Whales migrate here each year from December to April.

Getting to Ballena Marine 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 travel south for 58km (35 miles) on highway until the Ballena Marine 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 the Ballena Marine 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 the Pan-American Highway for about 135 km (81 miles) to San Isidro, where you turn southwest taking the exit to Dominical and then drive for 26 km (16 miles). In Dominical turn southeast for about 16 km (10 miles) to Uvita.

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 travel south for 58km (35 miles) on th highway until the Ballena Marine National Park.

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).

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 – Uvita, which takes about 2 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 Ballena Marine National Park, which takes about 40 minutes.

Location: Pacific coast, 7km (4 miles) north from Corcovado National Park, district: Sierpe, canton: Osa, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 60503.
Drake Bay GPS Coordinates: 8.690428,-83.664175 (8°41’25.54″N, 83°39’51.03″W)
Size: 405ha (1000 acres)
Punta Rio Claro Wildlife National Refuge Telephone: +506 8877-3535
Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA) Telephone: +506 2735-5580 / +506 2735-5276
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Website: www.puntamarenco.com

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Drake Bay Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps
Protected for 20 years as a Biological Reserve, this land was once known as Punta Marenco Biological Reserve, but thanks to the effort of the owners, it was declared in April 17th 1997, by the government, as Punta Rio Claro National Wildlife Refuge, to protect the rainforest and beach areas in the Drake Bay area of the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, but primarily, for the protection of species in danger of extinction such as the Scarlet Macaw, Squirrel monkey, Howler Monkey, tapirs, Jaguar, Humpback Whales as well as many other species of mammals, birds and sea life.

It encompasses a 500 hectare of growing primary tropical rainforest with miles of pristine beaches. Without roads or airports, the difficult access has allowed this corner of the world to maintain its natural beauty. Punta Rio Claro is your gateway to Corcovado National Park, one of the most important natural preserves in Central America. Punta Rio Claro is one of the last refuges for Jaguars, Giant Anteaters, Tapirs, White lipped Peccaries and a host of other rare rain forest animals. High plateau forest, with trees towering over 140 feet and supporting hundreds of species of ferns, bromeliads and orchids, combines with palm swamps and mangroves to make the refuge a botanists dream.

Punta Rio Claro National Wildlife Refuge is a very discreet place, perfect for relaxing or for experiencing a tropical paradise adventure and get fascinated with the lush flora and fauna, and enjoying the opportunity of partaking in many different exciting activities. Experience adventure tours and sports like bird and whale watching, snorkeling, swimming, horseback riding and more, or simply stay, relax and enjoy the rainforest and wildlife that the refuge has to offer.

During your visit you will have a chance to see monkeys playing around and the noisy Scarlet Macaws, and during the whale season, from June through April, Humpback Whales migrate each year from both the Northern and Southern hemisphere to their breeding grounds just off the coast of Costa Rica. It is one of the most spectacular gatherings in nature.

Punta Rio Claro also has knowledgeable guides of these areas who give tours to nearby Corcovado National Park, Caño Island or walks through the Punta Rio Claro National Wildlife Refuge. Throughout the course of the walk along the primary rain forest trails, you may visit a beautiful creek or a giant tree of several hundred years. The naturalist will point out wildlife and also explain points of interest in the ecology of the rain forest. The trails are relatively steep in places, but the pace is slow. A system of trails through various areas of Punta Rio Claro National Wildlife Refuge, are excellent for bird watching, wildlife observation and exploration. People can expect to see numerous birds such as toucans, parrots and other exotic species as well as various animals including the 4 species of monkeys.

The hike will lead you to the mouth of the Rio Claro (Clear River), a natural fresh water swimming pool right next to the ocean. After arriving to Rio Claro you can continue an additional 20 to 30 minutes along the beach trail to a beautiful beach called San Josecito, where visitors can have a picnic lunch under the palms or mango’s trees.

Punta Rio Claro’s hilltop lodgings accommodate a maximum of 25 guests in comfortable, rustic cabanas, each with private deck, offering a panoramic view of the Pacific and surrounding jungle.

Getting to Punta Rio Claro Wildlife National Refuge:

Take the Interamerican Highway from San Jose to Piedras Blancas until the La Chacarita gas station and then take the exit to the right (dirt road) to Puerto Jimenez, or you can take the exit to Sierpe and then take a boat to Punta Rio Claro Wildlife National Refuge which is south of Drake Bay. The total trip from San Jose takes about 7 hours.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Puerto Jimenez, which takes about 8 hours (Transportes Blanco, +506 2771-4744). From here you can rent a taxi to Punta Rio Claro Wildlife National Refuge, which takes about 50 minutes.

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – Puerto Jimenez, which takes about 8 hours, and get off at Palmar Norte (Transportes Blanco, +506 2771-4744). From here go to Sierpe and there take a boat to Drake Bay and then take a taxi to Punta Rio Claro Wildlife National Refuge.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Puerto Jimenez Airport, either with Sansa or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a car or take a taxi to Punta Rio Claro Wildlife National Refuge, which takes about 50 minutes.

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

Quillotro Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica was created on April 26th, 1999, in order to protect forested and beach areas in the Drake Bay region of the Osa Peninsula, Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

It is a very important nucleus for wildlife, allowing conservation and management within a sustainable development while serving as environmental regulator. The refuge is also very important for the management of natural resources, especially for the protection and conservation of living species typical of this type of ecosystem, in addition to being responsible for the integrated management of natural resources by helping to meet regional needs for research, recreation, environmental education and the use of renewable natural resources rationally.

The Quillotro National Wildlife Refuge has an extraordinary forest cover and important protected areas in and around their limits, such as the Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands, Piedras Blancas National Park, Golfito National Wildlife Refuge, Cano Island Biological Reserve, Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, Pejeperro National Wildlife Refuge, Carate National Wildlife Refuge and Corcovado National Park.

Among the most representative plant species in the area are the guarumo, “cerillo” (Symphonia globulifera), cabbage bark (Andira inermis), “Guapinol” (Hymenaea courbaril), palm (Astrocaryum), purpleheart (Peltogyne purpurea), raffia palms (Raphia), “Guayabón” (Terminalia oblonga), guanandi (Calophyllum brasiliense), Coco Cabuyo (Couratari guianensis), “Cedro macho” (Carapa guianensis), “Cedrillo” (Tapirira myriantha), Tabacon (Triplaris melanadendron), Sapodilla (Manilkara Zapota) “Aceituno” (Simarouba amara), “Ronrón” (Astronium graveolens), “Guácimo” (Guazuma ulmifolia), Gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba) and the prehistoric Zamia (Zamia pseudoparasitica).

Due to its proximity to the Corocovado National Park, biodiversity results very similar with animals such as monkeys, squirrels, sloths, raccoons, peccaries, armadillos, agoutis, anteaters, jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), the ocelot (Leopardus tigrinus) and jaguar (Panthera onca), as well as frogs, glass frogs (Centrolenidae), poisonous frog (Phyllobates vittatus, Dendrobates granuliferus), green and black poison frog (Dendrobates auratus), the iguana (Ctenosaura similis), the lizard (Norop sp), the green iguana (Iguana iguana), the bushmaster (Lachesis muta), the fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper), boa (Boa constrictor), the coral snake (Micrurus nigrocinctus), Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), the Mexican Vine Snake (Oxybelis aeneus), the tigre snake (Spilotes pullatus) and the rainforest hognosed pitviper (Porthidium nasutum).

The Quillotro National Wildlife Refuge also has a great variety of birds like parrots, macaws, trogons, hummingbirds, toucans, Pale-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus guatemalensis), White-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta formosa), Blue-crowned Motmot ( Momotus momota), Pale-vented Pigeon (Patagioenas cayennensis), White-faced Dove (Leptotila megalura), Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) and Passerini’s Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii), among others.

Getting to Quillotro Wildlife National Refuge:

Take the Interamerican Highway from San Jose to Piedras Blancas until the La Chacarita gas station and then take the exit to your right (dirt road) to Puerto Jimenez, or you can take the exit to Sierpe and then take a boat to Quillotro Wildlife National Refuge which is south of Drake Bay. The trip takes about 395 kilometers (240 miles) by road. The total distance from San Jose takes about 7 hours. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway (route 27) to Puntarenas and then follow the Pan-American Highway south until you get to Sierpe.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Puerto Jimenez, which takes about 8 hours (Transportes Blanco, +506 2771-4744). From here you can rent a taxi to Quillotro Wildlife National Refuge, which takes about 50 minutes.

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – Puerto Jimenez, which takes about 8 hours, and get off at Palmar Norte (Transportes Blanco, +506 2771-4744). From here go to Sierpe and there take a boat to Drake Bay and then hire another transportation service to Quillotro Wildlife National Refuge.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Puerto Jimenez or Drake Airports, either with Sansa or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a taxi to Quillotro Wildlife National Refuge, which takes about 50 minutes.

Location: 8 miles north of Corcovado National Park in Drake Bay, district: Sierpe, canton: Osa, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Drake Bay GPS Coordinates: 8.690428,-83.664175 (8°41’25.54″N, 83°39’51.03″W)
Size: 78 ha (190 acres)
Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA) Telephone: +506 2735-5580 / +506 2735-5276
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

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

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño Costa Rica

Lying in the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean, some 20 km offshore from the Osa Peninsula at Drake Bay, Isla del Caño (Caño Island) is an amazing marine biological reserve in Costa Rica. Part of Puntarenas province and just northeast of the Corcovado National Park, Isla del Caño is an island of considerable geographical and archeological importance. It was formerly a cemetery or burial ground dating back to the pre-Columbian era. Isla del Caño was named in 1519 by Juan de Castañeda. In 1976, the island was annexed to be a part of Corcovado National Park and it was declared a biological reserve in 1978.

The real beauty of Isla del Caño is not found on its land, but underwater. This island’s virgin waters are some of the bluest in the country, and are home to a spectacular variety of stunning marine flora and fauna as well as some beautiful coral reefs. Rated as being one of the best underwater adventure diving spots in the world, the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve is also home to a huge variety of fish, whales and sharks.

Isla del Caño is noted mainly for its coral reef. With fantastic underwater visibility, snorkelers and divers can see on any given day spiny lobsters, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, manta rays, sea fans, cup corals, head corals, moray eels, sea snakes, barracudas, lots of sharks (whitetips reef shark) ranging in size from 6-10′, sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, huge snappers, groupers, tuna, needlefish and a whole range of colorful tropical fishes. Beneath the low cliffs, the white sand beaches are attractive to Olive Ridley turtles, while the offshore waters contain migrating orcas, false orcas, Bryde’s Whales, Pilot Whales, Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales, Pygmy Sperm Whales and plenty of Common Bottlenose Dolphins.

So far, scientists have been able to identify 19 different species of coral and 60 species of mollusk. The dominant species of coral is the Porites lobata, which is highly resistant to environmental fluctuations. Because of this, combined with the fact that it recuperates quickly and has very few animals that prey on it, the ecosystem of the waters surrounding Caño Island is one of the healthiest and best preserved in the Costa Rican Pacific.

Isla del Caño Biological Reserve other claim to fame is of an archeological nature, as it was a burial ground for the pre-Colombian cultures from the Chiriquí communities from 1500-700 B.C., with a clear South American influence. The perfectly round stone spheres made by the former natives of this land, the lithic spheres of the Diquis tribe, are found here in abundance, along with other artifacts. In the center of the island lies a vaco (Brosimun utile) plantation, which is thought to have been used for religious purposes by the Quepos and Cotos.

Wildlife is scarce, consisting mainly of insects like bees, moths, beetles and mosquitoes, as well as some frogs and small lizards. You can also find the Boa Constrictor, pacas, opossums, bats and pigs. The island has only 13 species of terrestrial birds, but plenty of sea birds such as the osprey, black hawk, phalaropes, the Brown Booby and Cattle Egrets. Aside from the evergreen forest found on the island, the only other trees growing out here include the rubber tree, the wild cocoa tree and some shrubs and bushes.

The greatest attractions of Isla del Caño lie beneath the waters surrounding the island, because the island is surrounded by five platforms of low coral reefs, it could very well be Costa Rica’s finest diving spot! Skin Diver magazine has rated the site as among the best in the world and one of the newest hot spots for adventure diving. This virgin area offers a variety of unique diving attractions, from 15’ – 16′ to 80′ reefs “walls”.  However, because it is a biological reserve, diving numbers are strictly regulated. There are only 5 dive sites and only 10 divers are allowed to be in the water at one time. Also, by law, it is totally prohibited to remove any marine objects dead or alive (shells, corals, etc.)

There is a single trail that runs inland from the ranger station through the forest. Camping is allowed on the beach near the ranger station, with potable water but there are no facilities. Many dolphin and whale watching tours are offered from the Osa Peninsula. While the experience is great, it is recommended that you take note of regulations for these activities, in order to make sure that you do not adversely affect the behavior of these marvelous visitors.

Considering all of this, it’s not surprising that many people regard Isla del Caño as the best scuba diving spot in the entire country. So if you plan on visiting here, don’t forget to bring your snorkeling or diving gear and be prepared for an underwater adventure of a lifetime!

Getting to Caño Island Biological Reserve:

Take the Interamerican Highway from San Jose to Piedras Blancas until La Chacarita gas station and then take the exit to your right (dirt road) to Puerto Jimenez, or you can take the exit to Sierpe and then take a boat to Drake Bay. Distance is about 395 kilometers (240 miles) by road. The total trip from San Jose takes about 7 hours.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Puerto Jimenez, which takes about 8 hours (Transportes Blanco, 2771-4744). From here you can rent a boat to Caño Island Biological Reserve, which takes about 50 minutes.

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – Puerto Jimenez, which takes about 8 hours, and get off at Palmar Norte (Transportes Blanco, 2771-4744). From here go to Sierpe and there take a boat to Caño Island Biological Reserve.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Puerto Jimenez Airport, either with Sansa or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a boat to Caño Island Biological Reserve, which takes about 50 minutes.

Location: 20km (12 miles) west of the Osa Peninsula, in southern Puntarenas province, Costa Rica.
Isla del Caño GPS Coordinates: 8.705333,-83.878367 (8°42’19.20″N, 83°52’42.12″W)
Drake Bay GPS Coordinates: 8.690428,-83.664175 (8°41’25.54″N, 83°39’51.03″W)
Size: 300ha (741 acres)
Altitude: sea level to 110m (361ft)
Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA) Telephone: +(506) 2735-5580 / 2735-5276
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

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