Carate Wildlife Refuge
Carate Wildlife Refuge is located just south of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, of Southern Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Only accessible via a boat ride, the refuge is known for being home to over two miles of beaches covered in black volcanic beach sand. It was established in 1998 to protect forest and beach areas on the Osa Peninsula. The park encompasses 304 acres, and due to constant rainfall, is considered to be one of the wettest places in the world. The overabundance of rainfall is conducive to an environment that renders some of the most vibrantly colored plants around.
Wildlife
Visitors to Carate Wildlife Refuge will see all four species of monkeys that exist in Costa Rica: capuchin, howler, spider, and squirrel. Anteaters, sloths, agouties, coatis, pacas, kinkajous, raccoons and various reptiles are all commonly observed. In addition, birdwatching is a popular activity here as well. Visitors have the opportunity of catching a glimpse of 150 different species which reside here year round, along with others that migrate through.
Park Admission Fees and Hours
Carate Wildlife Refuge does not have any public facilities and there is no entrance fee.
Weather and Packing List
The South Pacific is a region of vast contrasts in weather. Temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of December through April being the driest.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: The Osa Peninsula is one of the wildest places in the world and home to nearly five percent of the planet's biodiversity.
