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Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge

Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge

Quick Facts

  • Location : Manuel Antonio
  • Altitude : Sea level
  • Area : 25 acres
  • Hours : 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
  • Telephone : 2777-0850
  • Entrance Fee : $15 adult & $8 children

Watch your step as you join the jungle night tours scouring the floor of the Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge aquatic gardens for the neon-green and black glow of poison dart frogs.

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Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge is a private reserve committed to protecting local flora and fauna in danger of extinction. Both a nature conservatory and living laboratory, the refuge is home to some 220 animal species, such as hummingbirds, poison dart frogs, crocodiles, toucans, two-toed sloths, silky anteaters, and the endangered titi monkey.

The refuge’s current exhibits include the aquatic gardens, butterfly garden and crocodile lagoon. From tadpoles to adult frogs, the aquatic gardens house 15 types of amphibians, including one unique frog species that hatches fully-formed from an egg. The butterfly garden features a unique design with multi-level walkways, as well as tropical plantings that play host to the four stages of butterfly metamorphosis. American crocodiles, caimans, turtles and snakes inhabit a series of reptile lagoons, where visitors enjoy an aerial view from suspended walkways.

Naturalist guides offer a jungle night walk at 5:30 p.m. daily, in addition to tours of each exhibit. Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, long pants and insect repellent are recommended. Entrance fees to Fincas Naturales range from $15-45 for adults based on the number of exhibits visited, and include a bilingual guide.

Getting There: 

Take the Caldera highway to Orotina and follow signs to Jaco. The toll is around $3. Just before Jaco, you’ll cross the Tarcoles River Bridge where dozens of enormous crocodiles can be seen. From Jaco, it's an easy one-hour drive to Quepos. Continue a couple miles south on the road to Manuel Antonio and follow signs to Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge, which located in front of the Si Como No hotel.

Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge in Pictures

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