Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife refuge in Garabito Canton, Costa Rica
Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge protects a stretch of coast with dense forests, wetlands, and sandy beaches that extend along the Pacific shore. The reserve divides into two sections separated by a river, combining dry land habitats with marine protection.
The refuge was formally established in 1998 to protect the coastal ecosystems and their wildlife populations. This protection arose from national efforts to safeguard key natural habitats across Costa Rica.
Local communities participate actively in sea turtle protection by running a hatchery where Olive Ridley eggs are cared for away from poachers. You can see this conservation work firsthand and understand how people here defend the wildlife.
You can access the refuge from the villages of Playa Hermosa and Esterillos Oeste, both located along a main road with clear entry points. The river dividing the two sections affects which trails and areas are reachable, so checking conditions ahead helps you plan your visit properly.
Large flocks of scarlet macaws, numbering 20 or more, move through the coastal woodlands feeding on beach almond tree fruits. This impressive bird display is something visitors often notice while walking along the protected shoreline.
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