Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Bahía Junquillal
This 505-hectare wildlife refuge is part of the ACG, administered from the park headquar-
child 6-12yr/child 5yr & under US$13/5/free, camping per person US$2;
8am-5pm)
in telephone
and radio contact with Santa Rosa.
The quiet bay and protected beach provide gentle swimming, boating and snorkeling
opportunities, and there are tropical dry forest and mangroves. Two short trails (totaling
1.7km) hug the coast and take the visitor to a lookout for marine bird-watching in one dir-
ection and to the mangroves in the other. Pelicans and frigate birds are seen, and turtles
nest here seasonally. Volcán Orosí can be seen in the distance. This is a very popular
campground among domestic tourists, and it's outfitted with brick grills and picnic tables
at every site. Campers should note that, during the dry season especially, water is at a
premium and is turned on for only one hour a day. There are pit latrines.
There's no sign pointing the way from Cuajiniquíl. Once you enter town, continue for
about 2km on the paved road and turn right onto a dirt road after you pass SuperCompro.
Continuing 4km along the dirt road (passable to ordinary cars) brings you to the entrance
to Bahía Junquillal. You'll know you're getting close when that glorious cobalt bay appears
from out of nowhere on your left. From the entry post there's a sign pointing out the 700m
dirt road leading to the beach, ranger station and camping area. If you miss the turn to the
refuge you'll land in an estuary fishing village where stilted houses overlook a tidal chan-
nel, and several
sodas
serve fresh seafood. The refuge road is passable to all cars.
