Visiting CURU National Wildlife Refuge and farm in the southern Nicoya Peninsula of northwestern Costa Rica with family. CURU is located about an hour drive from Santa Teresa. This one is definitely a whole day trip, so be prepared to leave early, or alternatively, you can pre-book cabin and a meal at Curu to stay overnight or longer- the prices are really affordable: https://curuwildliferefuge.com/.

Curú contains Costa Rica’s first private National Wildlife Refuge and is an example of a successful sustainable development program. The hacienda still includes low levels of cattle grazing and produces tropical fruits such as mangos on an annual basis. Curú National Wildlife Refuge and farm is managed sustainably to produce a profit and local employment while also protecting its threatened and endangered forested habitats such as mangroves, tropical moist and dry forests, and coral reefs.

The area contains a total of 1,496 hectares, including deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, mangroves, beaches, marine habitats, pastures, and plantations. A total of 1,100 hectares are protected forest (75%), 312 hectares are for grazing and agriculture (20%), and 84 hectares contain the Curú National Wildlife Refuge (5%). The area is known to contain a high level of diversity due to its protection of several habitat types. 232 species of birds, 78 species of mammals, 87 species of reptiles, and more than 500 species of plants have been identified. Curú contains a great example of tropical dry and moist forests as well as coastal and marine habitats, ie White-faced Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Scarlet Macaws, White-tailed Deer, Collared Peccary, Coati, Raccoons, Coyotes, Iguanas, and hundreds of species of tropical and migratory birds as well as Amphibians and Reptiles like Giant Toad, Boa Constrictor, Iguana, Sea Turtles, Anolis Lizards, and Crocodiles!

When at CURU there is plenty to do with little ones (no matter the age)- there is a beautiful beach that is easily accessible from the parking area, as well as many trails throughout the property that vary in distance and settings. The trials are well kept and maintained. There is also an option to book an 1-hour or 3-hour long horseback ride tour at CURU, or to take a boat to a Tortuga Island, and enjoy snorkeling on the way there.

There is a restaurant at the premises (*featuring super simple and reasonably priced Costa Rican food), and a gift store. 

What to pack: I will highly recommend packing your own snacks and water supply. I will also highly recommend a carrier or all terrain stroller if you are traveling with little ones. All terrain strollers will not get you through all trails, but it will through most of them!