Home to numerous species of birds and both dry and rainforest areas, the Montes de Oro Protected Zone delivers variety and a unique natural habitat not found elsewhere.

The Penas Blancas Wildlife Refuge is also located within the limits of this protected zone. To reach the area, visitors must take an unpaved road from Miramar. This is on the northern most section of the Gulf of Nicoya, near Puntarenas.

There are no public facilities in Montes de Oro Protected Zone. Visitors should go with a guide for safety and all around experience as wildlife is camouflaged.

Weather and packing list

Central Pacific 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 name is quite ambiguous as Montes de Oro means Gold Mountains, and that could be taken as referring to the gold that can be found here, or from the golden color of the hills in the dry season.

Nearby Destinations

Monteverde60 km
Puntarenas25 km
Alajuela89 km
Jaco77 km
Manuel Antonio146 km

The Penas Blancas Wildlife Refuge is also located within the limits of this protected zone. To reach the area, visitors must take an unpaved road from Miramar. This is on the northern most section of the Gulf of Nicoya, near Puntarenas.

There are no public facilities in Montes de Oro Protected Zone. Visitors should go with a guide for safety and all around experience as wildlife is camouflaged.

Weather and packing list

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