Travel Guide Caño Negro

This lake is located near the border with Nicaragua, 20 kilometers south of Los Chiles. Fed by the Rio Frío during the rainy season, the area can be explored by boat. A natural swamp refuge of the same name is home to many species of birds and crocodiles on over 10,000 hectares; it is the largest wetland reserve in Costa Rica! During the rainy season, the lake reaches 800 hectares and becomes deep enough for a boat trip to discover its abundant wildlife. But also during the dry season, it is possible to see crocodiles and caimans without any problem, while birdwatchers will enjoy the spectacle of migratory birds. Popular with nature lovers, the excursion to the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge is home to fragile and endemic wildlife, including migratory birds and endangered species. It was designated a Ramsar site in 1991, which means that it is of international importance. Half of the country's bird species can be found there, while the famous sloths, monkeys and other tapirs complete the picture. No less than 160 species of mammals have been identified, including 90 species of bats and 70 species of land mammals. The visits, which are done only on boats, are often organized by agencies from La Fortuna or Bijagua, but nothing prevents you from staying there by your own means.