Cabo Blanco National Park
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve became the first protected park area in Costa Rica when it was established in 1963. The park is famous for the white cape, a group of rocks located at the southern tip of the reserve that serves as a dwelling ground for a plethora of bird species. The two beaches of Cabo Blanco, Playa Cabo Blanco and Playa Balsitas are an excellent location to witness hundreds of pelicans as they soar while scouring for fish.
Wildlife
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is in an ideal location for trees to flourish as it is located between tropical dry and wet forests. The park is home to over 140 different species of trees, including the wild plum, trumpet tree, lance wood, and the sapoditta – famous for producing the material that is used to make chewing gum. Within these trees, visitors will see, white throat magpies, ringed kingfisher, toucans, cattle egrets, green herons, scarlet macaws, parrots, and turquoise-browed motmots. Some mammals that call Cabo Blanco home are white faced monkeys, porcupines, cougars, gray fox, anteaters, hog nosed skunks and the margay.
Location
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is located in the province of Puntarenas at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, 10 kilometers southeast of Montezuma.
Activities
Activities in Cabo Blanco Nature reserve mainly include hiking, swimming and bird watching.
Park Admission Fees and Hours
Admission is $10, and it is open 8-4 Wednesday - Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday. It is a 5 kilometer hike from the ranger station to the beaches. Be sure to take one of the guided hiking tours to view all the wildlife Cabo Blanco has to offer.
Weather and Packing List
The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: The “blanco” part of the name Cabo Blanco is a result of a section of cliffs and rocks which are permanently colored white due to bird droppings.
