If you are an avid birder or angler, you’ll most likely want to make your way down the peninsula to the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Caño Negro. During the fishing season, you’ll find the waters plentiful with snook, the 18kg highly sought after fish although, unless you are the world’s best fisherman, you shouldn’t plan on catching one—even though they are plentiful they are also hard to pin down. No matter what time of year you visit, you will find the refuge filled to the brim with all types of birds, waterfowl and tree fowl alike. If you have time between fishing and birding, you can take a stroll down the banks of the Rio Frio marsh. But stay away during wet season, since the banks breakaway to form an 800-hectare lake and you never know how stable the ground on the banks is. Don’t forget to try the fresh seafood at the local restaurants and stay in one of the five unique seaside hotels.

Getting there
Caño Negro is accessible via Highway 4, the pothole covered road connecting Upala and Los Chiles. You’ll either have to take a bus or a 4WD to reach the refuge but if you’re serious about fishing or batty over birds, it’s definitely going to be worth the extra effort.