| South Caribbean Protected Areas |
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Hitoy Cerere Biological Preserve
Created in 1978, this 9,949-hectare preserve is surrounded by three indigenous reservations-Telire, Tayni and Talamanca-and is part of the La Amistad Biosphere Preserve. Hitoy Cerere, whose indigenous names mean "river of moss-covered rocks" and "river of clear waters," respectively, is located in the Estrella and Telire river basins. The altitude here ranges from 100 to 1,025 meters above sea level. The preserve's forests are primarily tropical very wet and premontane pluvial life zones. Representative tree species include palms, espavels, ojoches, large guayabons and many more. In terms of wildlife, there are amphibians, frogs, reptiles, raccoons, white-faced monkeys, tapirs, peccaries and ocelots, as well as around 230 bird species. Swimming is possible in rivers and streams, one of which features a lovely waterfall that may be visited by hiking a natural trail alongside the river. To get to the preserve, visitors must travel to Valle de la Estrella; five kilometers after Finca Cartagena is the administration office. The preserve offers parking, drinking water, restrooms, information, trails, viewpoints and swimming areas
Created in 1978, this 9,949-hectare preserve is surrounded by three indigenous reservations-Telire, Tayni and Talamanca-and is part of the La Amistad Biosphere Preserve. Hitoy Cerere, whose indigenous names mean "river of moss-covered rocks" and "river of clear waters," respectively, is located in the Estrella and Telire river basins. The altitude here ranges from 100 to 1,025 meters above sea level. The preserve's forests are primarily tropical very wet and premontane pluvial life zones. Representative tree species include palms, espavels, ojoches, large guayabons and many more. In terms of wildlife, there are amphibians, frogs, reptiles, raccoons, white-faced monkeys, tapirs, peccaries and ocelots, as well as around 230 bird species. Swimming is possible in rivers and streams, one of which features a lovely waterfall that may be visited by hiking a natural trail alongside the river. To get to the preserve, visitors must travel to Valle de la Estrella; five kilometers after Finca Cartagena is the administration office. The preserve offers parking, drinking water, restrooms, information, trails, viewpoints and swimming areas
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Cahutia National Park
Established as a national monument in 1970 and made a national park in 1978, this wilderness area protects 1,067 hectares of land, 600 hectares of coral reef and 22,400 hectares of marine territory.Its two main areas, Cahuita and Puerto Vargas, feature highly scenic beaches as well as the largest fringing coral reef in the Costa
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Rican Caribbean. Various species of marine life may be seen here, including coral (brain, moose- and deer-horn, fire, rose and lettuce), mollusks, crustaceans, turtles, multicolored fish (angelfish, isabelitas, etc.) and many others.The park also protects its distinctive plant life, both marsh and coastal, as well as wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, squirrels, coatis and many birds and insects. Light-sand beaches, thousands of coconut palms, turquoise-blue seas and a coral reef make this one of the most scenically beautiful areas in the country. The park offers various activities, such as hiking, swimming, diving, sunbathing, beach volleyball, observing the wealth of biodiversity or simply doing nothing and enjoying the marvelous scenery. To make visits enjoyable, Cahuita offers the following visitor services: information, drinking water, restrooms and showers, picnic tables, trails and a camping area.
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Gandoca - Manzanillo wildlife Refuge
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This beautiful refuge has an area of 9,449 hectares (4,436 marine and 5,013 land). Located in Talamanca, its coastline stretches from the mouth of the Río Cocles near Puerto Viejo to the mouth of the Sixaola on the Panamanian border. Its highest point is the Manzanillo hills at 185 meters above sea level. Its | |
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Its wooded floodplains and hills are home to tree species such as cativo, caobilla, yolillo palm, mangrove and mountain almond. Monkeys, including spider monkeys, crocodiles, peccaries, agoutis and other animals make up the predominant wildlife. There is also a large variety of birds, such as parrots, harriers, toucanets and more. Beautiful beaches cover the entire coast, excellent for walking, sunbathing, swimming, nature-watching and diving in the reefs. Trails, viewpoints, drinking water, restrooms and other services may be found all along this corridor and in towns such as Manzanillo, where the refuge's administration office is located. The giant leatherback turtle is protected in the Gandoca area. Boat tours are available to Gandoca. |
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