 Location: The Golfito National Wildlife Refuge is
located on the Interamerican Highway, 339 kms southeast from the
capital city of San Jose. The refuge is located near the harbour of
Golfito. The refuge includes a chain of mountain, which forms an
interesting pattern of initially rising and then falling into the
sea. However, its proximity with the town has resulted in wildlife
being hunted, which has resulted in many missing birds and
animals.
Habitat: It's a perfect wilderness habitat receiving a lot of
rainfall through the year. The refuge is made up of a jagged
coastline. The area is surrounded by tropical rainforests.
Animal species: The animals one can find here include
mammals like collared peccary. There are raccoons, white-faced
capuchin, squirrel spider, anteaters, jaguraundies, margay cats,
howler monkeys, agouties, frogs, snakes and coatis. The place also
has some 146 species of birds. So you might spot here macaws, brown
pelicans, Riverside Wren, Yellow-billed Cotinga, Orange-collared
Manakin, Golden-naped Woodpecker, and Baird's Trogon, ibis herons,
parrots, and owls.
Floral species: There are some 400 species of trees that
exist here. The trees dotting the scape of the refuge are very
tall. Common among them are the butternut tree, plomo and purple
heart. These species found here in abundance face the fear of
extinction elsewhere. The other trees include manwood, silk cotton
and bully tree. Another plant growing here is the black palm. A
primitive plant that is found here is the quira.
Nearby attractions: The area of Golfito has achieved a
reputation as a sportfishing destination. There are many charters
operating from here. There are nice beaches also around which are
great for swimming and surfing like Playa Zancudo. Also visit the
Chirripo National Park, which is spread over a huge expanse housing
many oak trees and has glacial lakes. It is more famous as the home
of Mt. Chirripo, is the highest peak in South Central America and
it stands at 12,500 feet above the sea level. The place is a
hiker's delight and it takes on an average about 2 days to climb
and come back. The place is famous for its short-heighted Alpine
vegetation. One place not to be missed is the Ballena National
park, which has the largest coral reef on the Pacific Coast. There
are beautiful corals and sea creatures inhabiting this reef island.
There is also the La Amistad National Park, having as many as eight
ecosystems in place.
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