Click aquí para ver esta página en Español
The Costa Esmeralda National Wildlife Refuge is a private refuge created on May 17th, 1994 in order to protect mangroves and tropical forest areas near Punta Gorda on the Pacific Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Mangroves and estuaries scattered throughout the area are ideal for observing the incredible diversity of flora and fauna, there are thousands of 
species including plants, birds, butterflies, insects, reptiles and mammals.
Costa Esmeralda Wildlife Refuge is located in an area where the sun commands. Cool winds from northern latitudes lower temperatures pleasantly along the coast from December to April. From May to November, the prevailing warm and sunny weather, although occasionally may be accompanied by some rain, usually in the afternoon.
There are no public park facilities at this national wildlife refuge. Nearest tourist attractions are at El Coco and Ocotal beaches. To the south you will find the Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge and Las Baulas National Marine Park. To the north you will find Iguanita Wildlife Refuge and Santa Rosa National Park.
Getting to Costa Esmeralda Wildlife Refuge:
From San José, drive north to Puntarenas and then follow the Pan-American Highway to Liberia until you reach Belen. There, turn right and continue on the road until you get to Huacas. Once in Huacas, turn right and follow the signs to Flamingo and Brasilito, following the signs to Flamingo and Potrero. Before coming to Flamingo you will see a drift towards Potrero. Take this street to Potrero. This route requires a total of 4 hours from San José.
From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south until you reach Belen. There, turn right and continue on the road until you get to Huacas. Once in Huacas, turn right and follow the signs to Flamingo and Brasilito, following the signs to Flamingo and Potrero. Before coming to Flamingo you will see a drift towards Potrero. Take this street to Potrero.
By bus
Take a bus from the route San Jose – Brasilito/Conchal – Flamingo – Playa Panama, which takes 5 hours (Alfaro-Tracopa, 2222-2666).
You can also take a bus from the route San José – Huacas – Flamingo – Brasilito, which takes from 4 to 5 hours (Tralapa, 2221-7202).
In both cases you can rent a car and drive or take a taxi from Flamingo to Costa Esmeralda Wildlife Refuge, which takes about 15 minutes. We also recommend buying the ticket a day earlier to be sure your seat is saved.
By plane:
You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport tothe Tamarindo airport, either with Sansa or Nature Air airlines every day. From here you can rent a car and drive or take a taxi to Costa Esmeralda Wildlife Refuge, which takes about 20 minutes.
Location: north from Potrero Beach in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica.
Potrero Beach GPS Coordinates: 10.4458,-85.772253 (10°26’44.88″N, 85°46’20.11″W)
Size: 22ha (54 acres)
Elevations: sea level
Tempisque Conservation Area (ACT) Telephone: +(506) 2686-4967 / 2686-4968
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Related posts:
