Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
here by boat. Beyond its function as a transit point, there is little reason to spend any more
time here than necessary, though you won't have to if you time the connection right.
and info center next to the boat dock, is the hub of Sierpe - arrange your long-term park-
ing (US$6 per night), grab a bite at the lovely riverside restaurant (do not miss the coconut
flan), book a tour and take advantage of the free wi-fi before catching your boat to Drake.
If you get stuck here, the dockside
Hotel Oleaje Sereno
( 2788-1111;
www.hoteloleajesereno.com
; s/d incl breakfast from US$30/50; )
is a surprisingly nice little
motel overlooking the Río Sierpe. It has pleasant rooms with wood floors and sturdy fur-
niture, and is the most convenient digs in town.
Scheduled flights and charters fly into Palmar Sur, 14km north of Sierpe. If you are
heading to Bahía Drake, most upmarket lodges will arrange the boat transfer. Should
things go awry or if you're traveling independently, there's no shortage of water taxis
milling about - be prepared to negotiate a fair price. Regularly scheduled
colectivo
boats
depart Sierpe for Drake at 11:30am (US$15) and 4:30pm (US$20).
Buses to Palmar Norte (US$0.75, 40 minutes) depart from in front of Pulpería Fenix at
5:30am, 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm and 6pm. A taxi to Palmar costs about
US$30.
Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe
The Ríos Térraba and Sierpe begin on the southern slopes of the Talamanca mountains
and, nearing the Pacific Ocean, they form a network of channels and waterways that
weave around the country's largest mangrove swamp. This river delta comprises the
Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe, which protects approximately 330 sq km of wetland
and is home to red, black and tea mangrove species. The reserve also protects a plethora of
birdlife, especially waterbirds such as herons, egrets and cormorants.
