Audio Guide to Curú Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with exit allowed until 4:00 p.m. It is located near Paquera and is easily accessible by car or bus; you can see the exact location on Google Maps to plan your route.

General admission for foreign visitors is around $15 USD (plus taxes), and for Costa Rican nationals about 2,500 colones. Tickets are purchased directly at the ticket office upon arrival, and the money goes toward trail maintenance and wildlife protection.

I suggest setting aside at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit. This will allow you to walk a couple of trails at a relaxed pace, observe monkeys and deer, and spend some time enjoying the peaceful Curú Beach.

Curú is a pioneering example of private conservation in Costa Rica, established in 1933 by the Schutt family. They achieved a unique balance between sustainable agriculture and nature, protecting critical habitats for threatened species such as the spider monkey.

The dry season, from December to April, makes all the trails easier to access, although the park is green and beautiful year-round. Ideally, you should arrive right at 7:00 a.m., when the animals are most active and easier to spot.

The main administrative area and the surroundings of the beach are flat and easy to move around, but the deeper trails are uneven dirt paths. However, in the central gardens it is very common to see plenty of wildlife without needing to go deep into the forest.

Boat tours to the idyllic Tortuga Island, famous for snorkeling, depart from the refuge’s own beach. In addition, you are just minutes from the Paquera ferry and the beaches of Tambor and Pochote.

Bring closed-toe walking shoes, plenty of water, and biodegradable insect repellent. It is vital not to feed the animals, especially the white-faced monkeys, as this alters their health and natural behavior.