Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Golfito
NATURE RESERVE
( SINAC Office in Golfito 2775 2620; park fee US$10; 8am-4pm)
This small, 28-sq-km reserve encompasses most of the steep hills surrounding Golfito,
though it's poorly publicized and easy to miss. It was originally created to protect the
town's watershed, though it also protects a number of rare and interesting plant species. It
is home to several cycads, which are 'living fossils,' and are regarded as the most primit-
ive of plants. The reserve also attracts a variety of tropical birds, four species of monkeys
and several small mammals.
There are no facilities for visitors, save a gravel access road and a few poorly main-
tained trails, but for those who don't have the time or ability to hike in Corcovado, it
provides a quick alternative. About 2km south of the center of Golfito, a gravel road heads
inland, past a soccer field, and winds 7km up to some radio towers (Las Torres) 486m
above sea level. This access road is an excellent option for hiking, as it has very little
traffic.
A very steep hiking trail leaves from Golfito, almost opposite the Samoa del Sur hotel.
A somewhat strenuous hike (allow about two hours) will bring you out on the road to the
radio towers. The trail is easier to find in Golfito than at the top.
Finally, there are several trails off the road to Playa Cacao. Hikers on these routes will
be rewarded by waterfalls and views of the gulf. However, the trails are often obscured, so
it's worth asking locally about maps and trail conditions before setting off.
Fundacíon Santuario Silvestre de Osa
WILDLIFE RESERVE
(Osa Wildlife Sanctuary;
8888-3803, 8861-1309;
www.osawildlife.org
;
Caña Blanca; minimum dona-
tion US$25; 8am-noon)
Run by Earl and Carol Crews, who began with a lodge that became a bird santuary, which
then turned into a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals of all kinds, this nonprofit
reserve now rehabilitates and releases all manner of local wildlife. Those that can't be rein-
troduced into the wild - like the resident spider and howler monkeys - remain at the sanc-
tuary, where visitors can meet them up close and personal.
