The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Costa Rica. A wide variety of birds, animals and fish inhabit this tropical lowland of 24,620 acres. It preserves one of the most important wetlands of our national territory, considered internationally as very important, for lodging a great amount of migratory species that are in threat of extinction.
The Caño Negro lagoon is the biggest and most natural of the northern zone, “is a shallow lake of sweet water with an extension of 800 hectares. The lagoon and its surroundings is one of the most diverse and of vital importance to keep the quality of the environment at the north part of the country.”
.“Besides, the area is the habitat of a great variety of flora and fauna (307 species of birds, 78 species of mammals, and 96 species of amphibians and reptiles, complemented by over 300 species of plants and trees), which makes this site of international importance, because while being so close to the Nicaraguan Lake, it becomes one of most important areas of wetlands in Mesoamerica.
The wetland refuge was created to protect the diverse aquatic birds that live and breed there like the White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Northern Shoveler, Snail Kite, Green Backed Heron, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Blue-winged Teal, Black-necked Stilt, the country's largest colony of neotropical cormorants and the Nicaraguan grackle, whose only Costa Rican habitat is Caño Negro.
Best time for bird watching is January to April!Description of the tour
The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge tour is one of the best wildlife tours in Costa Rica. This tour is recommended for all ages and it is a “Must see” for wildlife lovers.
We will depart from La Fortuna at 7:30 a.m. heading towards the town of Los Chiles. On the way we will drive by many beautiful farmland in our air-conditioned van.
Upon arrival, we will start our 4-hour boat journey up the Rio Frío, where we will be able to view an incredible amount of wildlife, including many birds, caimans, sloths, iguanas, turtles and lots of monkeys. A Costarrican style lunch will be served on the riverbank.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing
Binoculars
Sun cream, Sun hat
Camera
The tour includes
Transportation
Entrance fees
Bilingual Naturalist guide
Cold drinks and lunch
Departure from your hotel in La Fortuna: 7:30 a.m. and return at 3:30 p.m
The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour can be booked directly at your hotel.
The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Costa Rica. A wide variety of birds, animals and fish inhabit this tropical lowland of 24,620 acres. It preserves one of the most important wetlands of our national territory, considered internationally as very important, for lodging a great amount of migratory species that are in threat of extinction.
