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The oldest protected area in Costa Rica, Cabo Blanco is an absolute nature reserve. What this means is that initially no visitors were allowed here. However, in the 1980’s this strict policy was relaxed slightly and tourists can now visit here apart from Mondays and Tuesdays, when the reserve is closed to the public to minimize environmental damage.
Part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, the Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve was created in 1963 by a Scandinavian couple, Olof Wessberg and Karen Morgenson. The first major conservation project in Costa Rica, this reserve came into being to protect the deforestation that was taking place along the Nicoya Peninsula in the 1950’s. Located on the southern tip of the peninsula in Puntarenas province, this nature reserve covers a total land area of 1272 hectares as well as safeguards over 1700 hectares of the surrounding ocean. Eleven kilometers south of Montezuma and nearby the popular beaches of Mal Pais, Santa Teresa and Playa Tambor, the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve is a must visit place for any avid nature lover.
Protecting several important ecosystems including Pacific lowland tropical forests, this reserve also looks after waterways that supply water to remote parts of the peninsula. Home to many beautiful beaches and a host of birds and animals, the Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve offers a wonderful way to spend some time amidst nature at its very best. The habitat of 119 species of flora and countless fauna species, there is plenty to see and enjoy out here. Monkeys, squirrels, deer, agoutis, sloths, raccoons, coatis, armadillos, anteaters and peccaries are a common sight here.
Along the beaches, you can spot several seabirds including the brown booby, which is known to nest in this area. Frigatebirds, brown pelicans and laughing gulls are also found living along the coast. The reserve is a great destination to go hiking as there are two main trails to trek along. The first goes towards the beaches of Balsita and Cabo Blanco, while the second trails goes from Balsita onwards to the reserve’s boundary.
With only 40 visitors allowed into the park on a daily basis, it is a good idea to make a reservation in advance to come here. Camping is not allowed at the Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve, and no food or drinks are sold here as well.
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