Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge – Boat Tour on the Rio Frio on the Outskirts of the Refuge (the Best Area for Wildlife Viewing)
Often nicknamed the everglades of Costa Rica, the area leading the Cano Negro Natural Wildlife Refuge is one of the best spots for seeing wildlife in the entire country. Situated on a stretch of wetlands along the Nicaraguan border, the 9,969-hectare (24620 acre, or 38 square miles) Cano Negro reserve follows the Rio Frio and eventually emptying out into a grassy marshland. The refuge and the area leading to the reserve boasts one of the highest diversities of wildlife in the Americas and is of special interest to birders.
TThe full day tour leaves La Fortuna at 7.30am (earlier from Arenal hotels) and includes lunch. Transport will pick you up at your hotel to begin the 1 hour or so long drive to the city of Los Chiles at the entrance of the reserve. There is a lot to see on the journey to Los Chiles as you will pass through one of the most productive agricultural areas of Costa Rica with immense plantations of Pineapple, Papaya, Beans, Rica and Sugar Cane
Some tours stop at the town of El Muelle, which is a major intersection in Northern Costa Rica. Here a local businessman has created a breeding ground for green iguanas that is impressive in scale. Some of the adult animals measure at almost four feet long! The iguanas bask in the top of the trees along the river here and a convenient bridge allows for a great view of the startling number of these huge creatures. Although the green iguana is not officially endangered it does suffer from habitat destruction and in this area some people still hunt the green iguana for food to this day.
Upon arrival in Los Chiles, the group departs the bus for a motorized covered boat to travel up and down the Rio Frio. This part of the river is full of fish; including large fish called snook, silver-gold tarpon and garfish. The fish in the river attract a huge number of birds including anhinga, roseate spoonbills, storks, ducks, kingfishers, herons and cormorants. You can also see many species of mammals along the banks including white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, two and three toed sloths, pumas, jaguars and bats. There are even reptiles to see; caimans, lizards and turtles are all around.
Tour takes place on the River Frio and lasts around four hours, including an hour lunch break. The boat will frequently stop for photo opportunities so bring lots of film (or memory space). The river can be buggy so repellent can prove useful, and sunscreen is always a good idea.
Tour pick-up time approx. 7.15am from main hotels in Arenal and La Fortuna.
Tours return about 4.00pm
.
Price per person is $63 including all land transport, boat trip, natural guide and lunch.
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