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The capital of the canton of Montes de Oro in North Puntarenas, Miramar is situated approximately 110 kilometers from the city of San Jose.
The population in this relatively small city is approximately 6,540 and the area features a number of shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican fare.
Visitors to the city of Miramar who want to take advantage of eco-tourism can enjoy hiking in the Tilarán Mountains, which run throughout the entire community. Approximately 300 meters above sea level, Miramar is a six hour walk from the town of Zapotal, which is higher in the mountains at 1,500 meters above sea level.
This hike is an excellent place for tourists to enjoy birdwatching and check out some breathtaking views of the Pacific Coastline and the Gulf of Nicoya. Upon arrival in Zapotal, travelers can view some spectacular gardens and a beautiful cloud forest atop the Tilarán Mountain Range.
Montes de Oro, the canton in which Miramar is located, is translated as "hills of gold," and hiking through these hills will offer tourists a glimpse into the diverse wildlife found in Costa Rica.
With thick forests and winding rivers making up the majority of the mountainous region, travelers can spend time in a variety of ecosystems that are home to some of the country's most exotic plant, animal and bird species.
After hiking through the mountains in Miramar, travelers should head over to the nearby Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, which is known for protecting Costa Rica's marine turtle population, including the Olive Ridley and leatherback turtles.
Travelers who visit the wildlife refuge between July and December can expect to enjoy the Arribada, which is the turtles' egg laying season. Tourists will be able to get an up-close look at a significant number of these turtles during this time period.
The ranger station at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and visitors can book guided tours, which are available with bi-lingual guides.
With the impressive natural landscape and wildlife population in and around the city of Miramar, visitors to the community can enjoy the true essence of Costa Rica, from its mountain tops to the Pacific Coastline.
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