 Location: South Pacific Coast just north of the Osa Peninsula in the
Puntarenas Province
See South Pacific Tourism Region
Size: 66,850 acres
Max Elevation: sea level
Date of Creation: March 1994
Part of: Osa Conservation Area
About:
This extensive national wetland protects the river mouths of the Terraba and Sierpe Rivers and the vast network of canals, mangrove forests and wetlands in between.
Mangrove forests are considered the most important coastal ecosystem along the Pacific coast of Central America (Jimenez 1984) and the Terraba- Sierpe Wetlands rank among the most significant wetlands in the world.
Weather:
Hot and humid; rainy season runs mid-April to late November
Average Annual Rainfall: 3600mm
See South Pacific Weather Region
Activities:
Boat tours, bird watching and kayaking are popular with visitors.
Facilities:
There are no public facilities in these wetlands.
Trails:
There are no trails, only canals.
Flora & Fauna:
Flora: At least eight species of mangrove are found, with the most abundant being the red mangrove and tea mangrove. Other mangrove species found include black and grey.
Fauna: The wetlands provide an important coastal ecosystem to many species of mammal, bird, reptile and aquatic animals. Numerous bird species live in the wetlands. Herons (boat-billed, green-backed, tiger-throated, great blue and little blue), egrets, pelicans, osprey, roseate spoonbills, black-necked stilts, mangrove black hawk, kingfishers and other small song birds may be encountered. Both resident and migratory birds visit the wetlands. There are two endemic bird species, the mangrove hummingbird (Amazilia boucardi) and the yellow-billed cotinga (Carpodectes antoniae).
Fish and mollusks are found in waters and wetlands. Many species of reptile including crocodiles, caimans, boa constrictors, iguanas and lizards also call this their home.
Howler and white-throated capuchin monkeys, northern and crab-eating raccoons, silky and collared anteaters, white-tailed deer can be spotted.
Fees and Schedule:
There are no facilities or ranger stations. Tours are arranged by either chartering a boat, reserving a tour through a hotel or tour operator in Drake or Sierpe. Corcovado Expeditions in Drake Bay offers kayak rental or guided tours.
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Getting There:
From Sierpe, as you travel towards Drake, you pass through the wetlands on the Sierpe River before entering the ocean. Tours are available from Sierpe.
Recommendations:
Bring insect repellent: biting gnats can be annoying. The sun is hot: bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Nearby Parks:
Corcovado National Park
Contact info:
Check with hotels in Drake Bay or tour companies in Sierpe, Dominical or Puerto Jimenez for tour options.
ACASA: Osa Conservation Area in Puerto Jimenez
Telephone: 506-2735-5036 or
Email: corcovado(at)minae(dot)go(dot)cr
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