The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica is considered to be among the most important wetlands of the world.  Named the “Wetland of International Importance” in 1991, the Cano Negro Refuge is located in Costa Rica’s Northern Lowlands near the border with Nicaragua.

Getting to Cano Negro is a bit difficult if trying to get there on your own.  There are few accommodations in the area, just a handful of lodges if you decide to stay within the area.  However, the best way to explore these wetlands is by taking a day tour from the nearby towns of either La Fortuna or Los Chiles.

Tours in the area will typically start off by arriving at the small town of Los Chiles, in the northern region of the province of Alajuela.  This small town lies 4 kilometers south from the border with Nicaragua and displays a mixture of Costa Rica and Nicaraguan culture.  Here, a boat ride will take you along the Frio River through the tropical rainforest where a myriad of birds, mammals and reptiles will entertain you during this 4 hour river safari which precedes the marshes.

Once at the marshlands, bird watchers will find themselves in paradise.  There are over 200 species of birds in this region alone which include wood storks, roseate spoonbills, white belly whistling duck, the green backed heron and many more.  Other wildlife such as cougars, jaguars, monkeys and the caiman have made the Refuge their home.  The freshwater bull shark has also been spotted in these waters before heading up to the Nicaragua Lake.

The Cano Negro wetlands flood during the wet season which typically lasts from May to November.  During the dry summer season, the area dries out and is reduced to small lagoons.

Several hotels in the Arenal area as well as along the Northern Pacific Beaches offer one day tours to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.  When visiting Costa Rica, try to fit this must see tour into your schedule, it’s well worth the adventure!

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