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The National Wildlife Refuge of Golfito

 

 

pizoteThe National Wildlife Refuge of Golfito has special characteristics since the town with the same name is at its borders. The flora and fauna found there are considered the northernmost point for many species found in the southern part of the Continent, and many of these are endemic.  For this reason, the area around Golfito is ideal for Scientific Tourism which makes it unique within the entire country for its great value and exuberance.  It was created in 1945 by the Banana Company of Costa Rica who later passed it on to the Costa Rican government in 1984 and it has 6,944 acres.

The protection of the humid forest and the mountain range around the “Golfo Dulce” or “Sweet Gulf” is complemented by the creation of the White Rocks National Park (Piedras Blancas) which was created in 1991 with 34,647 acres.  In 1975, Corcovado National Park was created with 104,943 acres.

Golfito is surrounded by a spectacular primary rainforest.  As part of the National Park System, the Wildlife Refuge of Golfito provides a home to more than 125 species of trees, including 4 that are in danger of extinction such as: the Peltogyne Purpurea, the Tachigalia Versicolor, the Butternut and the M.Guianensis.  There are 11 species of Heliconias, 31 species of orchids, and more than 12 species of ferns. Four species of monkeys also live here, along with 300 species of birds (120% more than those found in North America), 139 mammal species and more than 200 species of amphibians and reptiles. This rainforest is only a few hundred meters from the main dock, and visitors can learn about it and enjoy it with the help of some of the local tour guides.  Visitors can also take tours to explore the forest and the waterfalls on horseback, observe the living collection of more than 300 exotic bird species and other animals, swim in the rivers of this pristine rainforest, kayak on the calm waters of the gulf of Golfito, and enjoy sports fishing.  This activity has garnered international fame with several tournaments that take place at least four times per season.  At the end of an enjoyable day of sports fishing or of a tour of the area, take time to enjoy the multicolored sunsets at the bar facing the ocean, in a casual atmosphere while drinking refreshing drinks and natural cocktails and commenting on the experiences of the day.  This is the appropriate time to start the evening and dine in a restaurant where they offer you fresh seafood of the season at reasonable prices as well as other specialties from the multicultural gastronomic offerings of the area.