Península de Nicoya - Costa Rica - page 714

Activities
Wildlife-Watching
Monkey, squirrel, sloth, deer, agouti and raccoon are usually present, and armadillo, coati,
peccary and anteater are occasionally sighted.
The coastal area is known as an important nesting site for the brown booby, mostly
found 1.6km south of the mainland on Isla Cabo Blanco (White Cape Island) (White Cape
Island). The name 'Cabo Blanco' was coined by Spanish conquistadors when they noticed
that the entire island consisted of guano-encrusted rocks. Seabirds in the area include the
brown pelican and the magnificent frigatebird.
Hiking
From the ranger station, the Sendero Sueco (Swedish Trail) leads 4.5km down to a wilder-
ness beach at the tip of the peninsula, while the Sendero Danes (Danish Trail) is a spur
that branches from Sendero Sueco and reconnects 1km later. So, you can make this small
2km loop and stay in the woods, or take on the considerably more difficult but much more
rewarding hike to the cape, heading down one way and taking the other path back up. Be
advised that the trails can get very muddy (especially in the rainy season) and are fairly
steep in certain parts - plan for about two hours in each direction.
The wide, sandy pebble beach at the end of the trail is magnificent. It's backed by
jungle, sheltered by two rugged headlands including one that stretches out into a rock reef
with island views just offshore. The water is striped turquoise at low tide, but the cool cur-
rents still make for a refreshing dip. Visibility isn't always great for snorkeling but you
may want to bring a mask anyway. Driftwood is smooth, weathered and piled haphazardly
here and there. There are even picnic tables and a grill, if you care to get ambitious. Sim-
ply put, it is a postcard, and frankly a must do. Leave the beach by 2pm to get out before
the park closes.
Information
The ranger station ( 2642-0093; www.caboblancopark.com ; adult/child under 12 US$10/1;
8am-4pm Wed-Sun) is 2km south of Cabuya at the entrance to the park, and trail maps are
available. It is not possible to overnight in the park, though there are plenty of options in