Curú Wildlife Refuge, Paquera, Nicoya Peninsula

Published on 22 February 2022

Paquera is the 5th district of the province of Puntarenas, located in the southeastern part of the Nicoya Peninsula and is home to great natural beauty. 80 kilometers of coastline are home to more than 32 different beaches, with different types of waves and sand colors. It has more than 10 different islands, including Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island), which has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. In Paquera there are 3 protected areas, among them the Curú Wildlife Refuge. One of the most important and oldest places for wildlife management.

In the valley of Curú, there is a river, three beaches, 1100 hectares of forest, nature trails, 400 hectares of pastures, plantations and agricultural areas with vegetation (natural corridors) that have been strategically cared for in order to house one of the most important populations of white-faced monkeys, Congo monkeys and white-tailed deer in our country. Curú Bay is part of a Responsible Fishing Area that allows a sustainable management of 20 thousand hectares of waters in front of the district of Paquera, where you can find natural reefs, artificial reefs, beaches and rocky areas. Humpback whales come to these waters to birth their calves during two seasons a year, in addition to being able to see dolphins and turtles in its waters. During the night you can observe the phenomenon of bioluminescence in the area of Curú, a natural phenomenon without comparison. On the nature trails and accompanied by a guide, you can see a large number of birds, mammals and vegetation.
Access to Paqueras can be made from the northern part of the country, whether you come from the Nicoya, Liberia or Arenal, Monteverde, San Ramón or San José areas through the Puente de la Amistad (bridge over the Tempisque River). There is also access via ferry either by taking the ferry from Puntarenas to reach either of the two ports on the Peninsula, Playa Naranjo or Puerto Paquera.

Agriculture is one of the great riches of this area, where guava, pitahaya, papayas, mangoes, bananas… are grown. All of them of excellent quality.
150 meters east of the ferry terminal in Puerto Paquera is the base of operation of a fishermen’s cooperative, where you can enjoy seafood prepared on site or take fresh seafood home and enjoy it. This cooperative is in charge of the Paquera Responsible Fishing Area, the first area that combines sustainable fishing activities with sustainable tourism.
Tourist activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, horseback riding, snorkeling, surfing, nature walks can be found in Curú all year round.