Caño Negro Wetlands

Caño Negro Wetlands

by | Mar 20, 2023 | TIPs to travel to Costa Rica

Location and definition

The Caño Negro wetlands are located about 1.5 – 2 hours from La Fortuna. The best way to get there is along the road from Muelle to the North, towards Los Chiles.

The Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge is a wetland and wildlife protection area located in the northern part of Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua.

It is considered one of the most important wildlife refuges for hundreds of resident and migratory bird species, as well as other species of fauna.

The extensive wetlands, which are actually flooded extensions of the Rio Frio and other arms, also provide a unique landscape for nature photography lovers.

The large number of birds that live in Caño Negro, in addition to migratory species, make it a privileged destination among ornithologists and those who enjoy bird watching since in addition to having a large number of species, they live in this sanctuary in large numbers and the landscape of the place makes them relatively easy to see.

Animals in Caño Negro

Caño Negro is a sanctuary that performs as a habitat for many species of fauna. There is an important population of fish, some in certain danger of extinction such as the Tropical Gaspar.

But also species, such as caimans, crocodiles, freshwater turtles, reptiles, amphibians in general, and a lot of insects.

As for mammal species, you can find the white-tailed deer, the ocelot, the puma, the caucel or Margay, the Jaguarundi, the Tolomuco or Taira, sainos (wild pigs), and three of the four species of monkeys in Costa Rica, including the Howler Monkey, the Capuchin Monkey, and the Spider Monkey.

Bird species in Caño Negro

Bird species are also abundant, including herons, roseate spoonbills, hawks, large birds of prey such as eagles, and several species of parrots and macaws. Tours to Caño Negro

Although it is possible to visit the area on a self-guided tour, there are many benefits to visiting the area on a professionally guided tour.

Perfect logistics

including the knowledge of the guide, perfect logistics, transportation, and many private types that only the guides know. The tours include transportation from La Fortuna, or if you have your own transportation or a rental car, you can drive to the area and take the tour without ground transportation from La Fortuna.

 

The best Tours in Caño Negro:

 

Unique Caño Negro

The classic Pontoon boat tour will take you to the most unspoiled part of the Rio Frio and the wetlands of the area. As you sail up and down the river in this comfortable boat, you will possibly see monkeys, bird species, reptiles such as iguanas and snakes, and much more. The tour lasts half a day and a little more if the travel time from La Fortuna is included in case you book it with transportation

Canoeing in Caño Negro

This tour is an eco-adventure classic! Not only is it the most silent and eco-friendly way to discover Caño Negro’s wetlands, but it involves exercising while silently observing the fantastic natural environment.

 

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Traveling to Costa Rica in 2023

Traveling to Costa Rica in 2023

by | Mar 19, 2023 | TIPs to travel to Costa Rica

If you’re planning to visit Costa Rica as a foreign tourist in 2023, there are a few things you should know about travel restrictions and requirements.

Arrival:

You can currently enter Costa Rica by air, but also, now the land borders are open thus you can enter Costa Rica driving from Panama or Nicaragua, just be sure to have enough time to do it.

Traveling within the country:

Once you arrive in Costa Rica you have several options for traveling around the country, such as: renting a car, taking public transportation, hiring a private driver, or using shuttle services.

Masks are no longer mandatory on public transportation nor in all enclosed public spaces, however, to use of them is highly recommended.

Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica

Most tourist attractions in Costa Rica are open, including national parks, beaches, and other outdoor activities. Nevertheless, some indoor attractions may be closed or have limited capacity. Masks may be required in indoor spaces.

Travel Restrictions:

To enter Costa Rica, foreign tourists must present a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity, COVID-19 PCR tests are no longer asked, The requirement to have COVID-19 insurance has been lifted, but it’s still recommended to have it to cover any unexpected medical expenses. Upon arrival, vaccination against COVID-19 is not currently required to enter Costa Rica, but it’s recommended too.

Overall, Costa Rica has been successful in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and continues to be a popular destination for tourists. However, it’s important to follow all local health guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

If you will be visiting Arenal, La Fortuna, you should take a look at our tours and activities, with more than 20 years of experience in the area, we provide some of the most booked activities in the region.

If you have more questions about the documentation required to enter Costa Rica, you can find it on the following link:

https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements

Keep in mind that all this information can be updated by authorities at any time, thus this article may no 100% updated.

Bird watching in La Fortuna Costa Rica

by | Mar 19, 2023 | TIPs to travel to Costa Rica

Bird watching in La Fortuna Costa Rica

Bird watching in La Fortuna Costa Rica is a fascinating experience. Enjoy it with a professional birding tour guide, and make it unforgettable.

The dramatic topography makes the abundance of species extremely high, combining sightings from diverse climatic zones, habitats, and microclimates, resulting in a festival for bird watchers.

Bird-watching tours in La Fortuna

For bird lovers, La Fortuna is the place to be. While it is true that La Fortuna is located in the plains of San Carlos, in the hot lowlands influenced by the Caribbean, it is also surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains that descend from the cloud forests of Monteverde.

This dramatic topography makes the abundance of species extremely high, combining sightings from diverse climatic zones, habitats, and microclimates, resulting in a festival for birdwatchers.

Peñas Blancas Safari and Birding

This exciting kayak tour is one of the most popular tours we offer. It provides the opportunity to travel along a jungle river surrounded by tropical rainforests with large jungle trees. Most of them are home to many species of birds. We recommend booking in the early morning or late afternoon hours.

Additionally, it is an ideal tour to see other species of fauna, such as sloths, reptiles like snakes and iguanas, basilisks, and river turtles among others species.

Birding tour in Caño Negro

The Caño Negro Refuge and its extensive wetlands are almost completely flooded during the rainy season. It is one of the most important places to watch birds in Costa Rica.

Although it is not close to La Fortuna, the refuge can be reached in 90 minutes. Once there, it can be explored in several ways, from canoe tours, silent motorboat tours, or the classic boat tour (Pontoon).

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El Burrito Hike

The El Burrito hike takes you to the top of a relatively high mountain, which is located to the east of Cerro Chato. Because there is a difference in altitude between the lower part and the summit, and therefore the weather is changeable, the number of birds is equally varied and interesting.

In addition, you travel through diverse habitats and ecosystems, from forests, charrales (scrubland, an area of land that is covered in low bushes or trees; thicket, dense growth of small trees) to grasslands and open fields, which makes birding easier while being able to see species from different habitats.

In conclusion

If you’re a bird enthusiast or simply appreciate nature, La Fortuna, Costa Rica is an excellent destination for birding tours. The region’s diverse bird species and natural habitats make it an ideal spot for observing and photographing these beautiful creatures, and there are various guided tours available to make the most of your experience. Furthermore, the area offers a variety of other activities and attractions, making it a well-rounded destination for travelers. So, if you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, be sure to consider La Fortuna for your birding adventure.

Visit our landing page to learn more about our birding activities

Sloths in La Fortuna Costa Rica

by | Mar 18, 2023 | TIPs to travel to Costa Rica

Sloths in La Fortuna Costa Rica have become one of the most iconic animal species for national and foreign visitors.

Sloths in Costa Rica are highly acclaimed by tourists for several reasons. First, Costa Rica is home to both two-toed and three-toed sloths, which are known for their slow-moving and relaxed demeanor.

Sloths spend most of their time hanging upside down from trees, sleeping up to 20 hours a day, and moving slowly when they do move. This makes them easy animals to spot and observe in their natural habitat.

In addition to their unique behavior, sloths are also incredibly adorable and have become somewhat of an internet sensation in recent years. Many tourists come to Costa Rica specifically to see sloths up close and to take photos of them. Sloths are also considered a symbol of Costa Rican wildlife and are often featured in the country’s tourism advertisements.

Furthermore, sloths are a keystone species in the rainforest ecosystem, and their conservation is critical to maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystem. Many tourists are interested in learning about the importance of sloths and the efforts being made to protect them from habitat loss and other threats.

Overall, sloths are a beloved and iconic animal in Costa Rica, and their popularity among tourists is due to their unique behavior, adorable appearance, and ecological significance.

See Sloths in a guided tour

It is possible to see sloths in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. La Fortuna is a popular tourist destination, located near the Arenal Volcano National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including sloths.

Many tour companies in the area offer guided tours to see sloths in their natural habitat, either by hiking through the rainforest or by taking a boat tour along the rivers.

One of the most famous tours is our Safari Float River Raft

You may also have the opportunity to see sloths on your own by exploring the national park or other nearby areas known for their wildlife.

Keep in mind that sloths can be difficult to spot since they tend to blend into their surroundings and move very slowly. It’s always best to hire a guide or join a tour to increase your chances of seeing these fascinating animals.

One curiosity about Sloths

As may you know they are very lazy, and they can sleep up to 20hrs a day, however, something that you may be doesn’t know is that they are surprisingly strong swimmers.

Book one of our activities and listen to our professional tour guide talking about them.

Tour Operator in La Fortuna – Costa Rica

by | Mar 18, 2023 | TIPs to travel to Costa Rica

Tour Operator in La Fortuna – Costa Rica

Canoa Aventura is a tour operator located in La Fortuna de San Carlos, at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. The company was born 20 years ago, and today is one of the most stable, professional, and strongest tour operators in the region.

Canoa Aventura started with the canoe tour, which is the name origin. Canoeing down the rivers of the area, especially the Peñas Blancas River, an arm of the San Carlos River, as well as other rivers in the northern region.

Another tour that soon became popular was the canoe trip through the Caño Negro wetland.

The years went by, and due to the great satisfaction of the clients, word-of-mouth recommendations as well as the integration of several national and international travel agencies as well as hotels in the area which started to send clients, the company grew rapidly.

Today, Canoa Aventura offers a smartly chosen selection of tours which includes the canoe tours at Rio Peñas Blancas, canoe tours at Caño Negro, but additionally, with the incorporation of inflatable rafts as well as land transport units and several Pantoon-type boats, the option of excursions grew even more.

Star tours of Canoe Adventure

Canoa Aventura today also contributes to the local economy of La Fortuna, as it has a fairly large staff, including office personnel for reservations, operations department, as well as guides, transporters, boat captains, concierges and more.


While the company grew in size it never lost its sense of personal service to the client. Another important point that differentiates us is that we always offer unique tours, thus showing our clients the beauties of the northern region and La Fortuna, both famous destinations but also unique and authentic destinations, which is to the liking of many people.


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