Curu National Wildlife Refuge
Westbound on the road from Paquera is this small, yet biologically rich coastal refuge near the town of Curu. Before being purchased from the Pacific Lumber Company in the 1930's, the land that now makes up the Curu National Wildlife Refuge was used for small-scale cattle grazing and a sustainable development project consisting of agricultural production and selective logging endeavors.
By 1981 the area's dry and wet tropical forests received protective status which opened the door for the foundation of the national park, established only two years later.
This 208 acre (84 ha) refuge forms the heart of the larger 3,696 acre (1,496 ha) private cattle ranch that originally encompassed the entire area in the 1930's. The area is home to 232 different bird species as well as a multitude of plant and animal life common to the region. The Curu River winds its way through the park, fueling the complex mangrove ecosystem that borders its murky waters. The swampy river bank transitions into a combination of wet and dry tropical forest which is common in Nicoya's south, further inland.
Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles use the park's white-sand beach to lay eggs during nesting season. The beach also offers rudimentary cabin accommodations at $6 a bed, per night-a great option for visitors seeking ample time in the park to explore its many wonders. Here, food and horse rentals are available at a modest price.
Accommodations can be made at any of the surrounding tourist towns, as well as guided tours through the park. Because Curu is privately owned, there are also some rustic lodges onsite that can be rented.
The road to Curu is unpaved, thus a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary to navigate the area.
Experiences in Curu National Wildlife Refuge
Explore hand-picked Curu National Wildlife Refuge tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Curu Wildlife Refuge
Where to stay in Curu National Wildlife Refuge
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Curu National Wildlife Refuge accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Tango Mar Beach Resort & Villas
The Tango Mar Resort is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, on the beautiful and secluded beach of Quisales. This place will surely deliver an unparalleled Costa Rican vacation, boasting exquisite rain forest packed with wildlife and private, secluded beaches awaiting your footprints. Great waves, lots of good fishing and endless sight seeing opportunities make this an ideal destination for any traveler.
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
The Ylang Ylang Beach Resort is located on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, in the town of Montezuma. This area is a hot spot for nature and beach buffs who love endless sunshine and tropical beauty. The town of Montezuma is a hip little fishing village known for its alternative and international culture, energetic night life, spectacular natural beauty, waterfalls and unique shops and galleries.
El Sano Banano Village Hotel
The Sano Banano Village Hotel is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, in Montezuma. The southern Nicoya Peninsula is one of Costa Rica's most secluded gems. You can walk long stretches of beach and stumble upon secluded coves and tide pools. The always perky Montezuma is rich in art and has many quaint restaurants and cafe's.
Casitas Sollevante
Casitas Sollevante in Montezuma, part of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula region, provides a dream vacation getaway. Guests enjoy unwinding at the resort’s charming apartment or Villa style accommodations set against an unforgettable ocean and rainforest backdrop while having the excitement and wonders of the beautiful Montezuma area at their fingertips.
Casa Marbella
Casa Marbella is a boutique hotel perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Needless to say, the view from here is awesome, with sunsets that are acclaimed as being some of the best in the area. The hotel itself is small and quaint, featuring Spanish architecture.
Hotel Horizon
The Horizon Yoga Hotel is located on one of Costa Rica's most secluded gems, the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, in the town of Santa Teresa. The peninsula is renowned for its stunning marine life, jagged islands and cliffs, sunshine, secluded beaches and one of a kind sunset.
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach offers modern, air‑conditioned rooms with flat‑screen cable TVs and views of the sea or garden. Each bathroom features a shower and complimentary toiletries, and guests enjoy complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout the property.
Casa Chameleon
Casa Chameleon is a luxurious resort in the surf town of Mal Pais, which is located on the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. It has a look defined by natural materials and old-world elegance.
Canaima Chill House
Just a short walk from Santa Teresa’s white sand beaches along the Nicoya Peninsula, the Canaima Chill House offers a luxurious place to lounge in a jungle setting. The “rustic boutique hotel” fulfills the image of tropical paradise with its wood and bamboo décor and swimming pool pillow area blending in seamlessly with the rain forest.
Zula Inn Bungalows
Zula Inn Bungalows is located in Santa Teresa, only a few minutes from amazing white sandy beaches on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Set back from the road in a quiet location, the Zula Inn Bungalows consists of self-contained houses. If you are looking for a more independent way to spend your vacation, this hotel is a great option.
Atrapasuenos Lodge
Visit Costa Rica’s stunning Nicoya Peninsula region, where Atrapasuenos Lodge is situated in a tropical beach setting just a minute walk from the beaches of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais. The lodge, built in harmony with the natural environment, is ideal for surfers, beach lovers, and adventure seekers and has options for large group accommodations.
Nautilus Hotel
Hotel Nautilus is found in Santa Teresa, a leisurely beach town along the Nicoya Peninsula where visitors can enjoy surfing, scuba diving and more.
Flora & fauna in Curu National Wildlife Refuge
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Curu National Wildlife Refuge, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
