 Location
Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge is situated in Northern
Alajuela province, amid Guatuso lowlands, 20 kilometers south of
Los Chiles.
Topography
Caño Negro has a rugged terrain and uneven landscape.
Traveling begins from Los Chiles where you can board a boat up the
Río Frío via canyons of green, and moving towards the
marshland like Lago Caño Negro. Besides, Caño Negro is a
lowland area, and it is seasonally flooded that leads to formation
of lakes, marshes and holillo groves.
Climate
The climate of Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge is very hot
and humid. The dry season embark from the beginning of February
through April. The rainy season lasts from May to October.
Flora and Fauna
Major bird species found in Caño Negro are glossy ibis,
black-necked stilt, cormorants, American anhinga, northern jacana,
American widgeon, wood stork, white ibis, black-bellied tree duck,
northern shoveler, snail kite, green backed heron, roseate
spoonbill, and blue-winged teal. It is an ideal place to see the
Nicaraguan grackle - the only Costa Rican habitat is Caño
Negro.
The park's marshland provides sanctuary for endangered species of
cougars, tapirs, jaguars and ocelots as well as tayras, two-toed
sloths, otters and howler, white-face capuchin and spider monkeys.
The rivers in and around Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
harbors tortoises, caymans and some 30 species of freshwater fish,
including the gar which is considered to be a living fossil.
Major Attractions
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge harbors grand collection of
migratory waterfowls. Fishing is yet another activity that is
carried out during the rainy season. Fishing is possible only from
March to July, as no fishing is allowed from April to June. Also,
tourists require licenses for fishing. The licenses are obtainable
from the ranger station in the village, or through the various
fishing lodges. The park is also a perfect place for bird watching,
as it offers a rich collection of migratory birds.
The park offers sports and recreational activities to the
tourists. Caño Negro's waters almost boil with tarpon, snook,
drum, guapote, Manchaca and mojarra. It also offers lagoon tours
and horseback tours. You can also hire kayaks and bicycles. Natural
Lodge Caño Negro also offers fishing, including three to six
day fishing packages, besides birding and ecological tours.
 Ideal time
Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge receives the lowest
rainfall count in the whole of Costa Rica. The rainy season is the
ideal time to visit the wildlife refuge, when the rivers are
overflowing to their banks. A road runs for 42 kilometers between
Upala, Colonia, Puntarenas, and Caño Negro and connects the
park with the rest of the country.
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