Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve, Costa Rica on 18/03/10

The Nicoya Peninsula offers visitors and locals alike a rare chance to experience Mother Nature at her finest. Thanks to the country’s large strides to preserve its natural resources, Costa Rica now boasts some of the world’s most beautiful Nature Reserves. Situated at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula is one such reserve and our top pick for must see parks in Costa Rica,, Cabo Blanco Reserve.

Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, established in 1963, was Costa Rica’s first protected National Park. The reserve encompasses some 1,172 hectares of mixed forests, identified as tropical forests. So far around 150 trees have been identified, making room for an abundant array of wild animal and bird life. During your visit to the reserve, you can expect to see anything from howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, white-tailed deer, porcupines, collared peccary, coatis, magpie jay, long-tailed manakin, cattle egret, crested caracara, elegant trogon, white bellied chachalaca, ringed kingfisher and sulphur-winged parakeet and much more.

On top of the land preserved by the Cabo Blanco Reserve, there is an additional 18 hectares of ocean that is protected by the reserve. Here under the deep blue waters, of the sea, there is an even more abundant amount of animal life than on land.

Though at first established as an “Absolute Nature Reserve,” meaning only park rangers and scientist could enter the area, Cabo Blanco is now completely open for the public to enjoy and explore. Today, visitors can hike on the “Sueco” and the “Danes Trail.” The park is open for visitors from Wednesday to Sunday from 8 am-4 pm and costs around 8USD to enter.

The Sueco Trails winds through the forest, crossing small rivers and rising steeply until you descent into the beach. It is a rather strenuous hike, so plan on being on the trail early, so you can relax along the way. The trail ends off at half-moon bay, which is framed by cliffs and rocks. From here you can enjoy the stunning white sand beach of Playa Cabo Blanco, where you can enjoy a relaxing and refreshing soak after your hike and enjoy the work of Mother Nature. 

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