Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge

It was created in July, 26 th., 1985. It is located in the North – Caribbean of Costa Rica, in the border of Nicaragua.

It is a protected area with a 50 kilometer long coastline and 78977 hectares of canals, lagoons, rivers, etc.

General Information

The climate is hot and humid. Precipitation is very abundant all year round, going from 5500 to 6000 millimeters. The average annual temperature goes from 26º Celsius to 28º Celsius.

Flora and Fauna

Flora is one of the most diverse of Costa Rica. There are about 58 endemic species around the Coronel and Cocori hills. There are several types of palm trees, some of them have not been described yet. Here, there are mammals, reptiles, amphibious, birds, among others.

Tourist Attractions

Sport Fishing: Barra del Colorado has internationally been well recognized as a good place for sport fishing. You can practice different styles: “fly”, “casting”, and “trolling”. In order to do so, you must get a fishing license at the checking point of Barra del Colorado, at the park rangers’ station.

Cerro Tortuguero (Tortuguero hill): it has an altitude of 119 meters above the sea level. There is a 45 minute trail, with a rough slope. Some animals might be seen during the walking to the top of the hill. From the top of the Tortuguero hill, the visitor will be able to have a very nice view of the Caribbean coast and sea, the vegetation, and the Tortuguero canals.

Caño Palma: for a narrow canal of the same name, you are taken to a biological station. You can do some activities there.

The visitor can find services and facilities in Barra del Colorado, such as: lodging, food, boat rental, public phone, electricity, etc.