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Just miles from the Nicaraguan border is the Cano Negro Wildlife Refugee.  Part of the ambitious Costa Rican government’s commitment to conservation and preservation, this park is one of the hardest places to get to independently, but access is readily available through a variety of tour companies.  Renown as one of the most important wetlands in the world, the park has received Wetland of International Importance stature since 1991.  The Cold River (Rio Frio) is the largest river in the area and is the main water source for the Cano Negro Lake.  The lake is over 2000 acres and plays a big role in the environment of the area.  In the rainy season the lake overflows its banks flooding the nearby lowlands creating the migratory homeland to numerous species.  The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Rio Frio are biological humid areas considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. Here you can find a great variety of resident and migratory birds plus several different species of monkeys, as well as, iguanas, sloth, turtles and caimans.  This delicate eco system provides perfect conditions for many diverse animals, as well as a plethora of exotic plant life. 


Many of these species are endangered or rare.
The refuge is home to literally thousands of kinds of birds and plants and many types of fish. During the summer green season when the water is high the entire reserve turns into a shallow lake that becomes the winter home to millions of migratory birds from North America. During the dryer winter season the reserve becomes home to many other interesting birds, including the Glossy Ibis, Wood Stork, White Ibis, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Green Backed Heron, and Blue-winged Teal.  This is one of the few places on earth where one can see the rare Nicaraguan Grackle.  Cano Negro also boasts one of the largest communities of cormorants in Costa Rica.
The once magnificent rain forest that covered his part of northern Costa Rica has been replaced by scenic views of citrus groves and sugar cane plantations, as well as pastures for cattle and other livestock.  Regardless of this development, Cano Negro remains one of the most biological diversity in Costa Rica.  Besides the enormous bird population, there are numerous types of monkeys, including the spider and howler varieties.  There are also jaguars, turtles and sloth to be seen along the banks of the river in great number.  There is also a large variety of fish around; most unusual are the bull sharks and gar.

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