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Curú
National Wildlife Refuge:
Travel
to Costa Rica
The mere 84 ha. of this coastal refuge are effectively
enlarged by being part of the 1,214 ha. farm that surrounds
the reserve and protects much more forested habitat
than the typical farm/ranch found in the region. The
ecological-mindedness of the Shutz family, the farm's
proprietors, has maintained natural habitat along the
ridges, rivercourses, and beach areas in the refuge
and the farm. Several trails traverse the area and permit
good wildlife viewing opportunities.
White-throated Capuchin Monkeys tend to be quite easily
seen in the refuge, as are White-nosed Coatis, Variegated
Squirrels, Nine-banded Armadillos, and White-tailed
Deer. The bird life is representative of the tropical
dry forest and includes Black-headed Trogons, Turquoise-browed
Motmots, Rose-throated Becards, Thicket Tinamous, Lesser
Ground-Cuckoos, and Canivet's Emeralds.
Additionally, an area of mangrove swamp and three picturesque
beaches are part of the refuge. The largest beach, Curú
Beach, is an excellent swimming beach with very little
wave action. The crystalline waters off the other two
beaches, Poza Colorada and Quesera, offer good snorkeling
around some coral formations. On top of Quesera Point
a large shell midden can be seen that is evidence of
pre-Columbian habitation of this easterly end of the
Nicoya Peninsula.
Getting there: From Puntarenas, take the Paquera
ferry (lancha) across the gulf. The entrance
to the farm is 5 km. south of Paquera, and from the
farm gate (first one on your left after leaving Paquera)
to the refuge is another 1.5 km. Phone: 661-2392.
Fishing: Although located on the Pacific coast,
this area is not known as one of the deep-sea fishing
hot spots, perhaps because it is too far into the Gulf
of Nicoya or because of overfishing by the regional
fishermen(?).
Climate: Hot and sunny mornings are the norm
throughout the year. Afternoon showers are a possibility
from May through November.
History: The desire of the late Federico Shutz
and his family to spare this beautiful beach area from
development and overharvesting of its marine resources,
led to the creation of the Curú National Wildlife
Refuge in 1983.
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