CABO BLANCO NATIONAL PARK

Cabo Blanco has its own special place in the history of Costa Rica, becoming the first National Park in the country in 1963. Cabo Blanco encompasses 1,270 hectares of mixed forest and 1,788 hectares of ocean belong to the protected area as well.

The forest provides refuge to a large variety of animals like white-tailed deer, pacas, armadillos, anteaters, howler and capuchin monkeys, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons, coatis, wild cats like ocelots, jaguarundis and margays. Around 240 species of birds have been recorded in Cabo Blanco, along with seabirds you can also see magpie jays, motmots, long-tailed manakins, egrets, crested caracaras, black-headed and elegant trogons, chachalacas, ringed kingfishers and various types of parrots and parakeets.

The most abundant tree in Cabo Blanco is the Pochote (Spiny Cedar) with some specimens over 40 meters high. Other impressively tall trees are the Ceiba (Silk Cotton Tree), which can tower up to 60 meters, and the fast growing Espavel (Wild Cashew).

A naturalist guide will help you sharpen your senses while in the park trials. Choose from our short hike or our more strenuous long hike to Cabo Blanco beach. We always recommend visiting the park in the morning, which is when animals are typically more active.

Quick Guide:

  • Availability: Wednesday through Sunday.

  • Departure: 7:00 am or 7:30 am.

  • Length: approximately 2 hours for the short hike or 5 hours for the long hike.

  • What to bring: closed-toe shoes, water, bug spray, camera, light clothes and snacks for the long hike.

  • Suggested Transportation: car rental, taxi.

  • Max. Occupancy: 4 - 6 people per guide recommended.