This area consists of swamp land, almost totally devoid of wooded areas. The topsoil is unsuitable for supporting agriculture or livestock. However, the refuge has great tourist appeal and possesses a wide range of wildlife. This is a very hot and humid tropical rain forest environment.
Special Activities
The canals of Barra del Colorado do not present
an environment condusive to canoeing. The
currents are much greater than at Tortuguero and the wildlife is much less prolific along
the inland canals. There are a few small,
quite lagoons which we recommend you visit
if you have the time and can arrange the transport.
Lagoon Nueve is the most popular and tranquil
in the region. Several of the lodges now offer
kayak/canoe trip from thier lodges. Most tourists,
however, visit Barra del Colorado to fish
for snook and/or tarpoon. There are several
lodges which offer these services and few
who visit leave dissapointed.
How To Get There
Barra del Colorado does not offer the ease
of access, as does Tortuguero. Unlike Tortuguero,
travel to Barra del Colorado via launch is
not recommended. Few, if any, launches continue
north from Tortuguero, and those which do
will charge you a good penny. Organized tours
do not normally transport their passengers
to Barra del Colorado, via the canals. The
trip north to Barra del Colorado will add
an additional 2-3 hours to your trip from
Moin, depending on the size of your launch
and its motor. Much like the trip from Moin
to Tortuguero, very few of the local merchants
provide naturalist guides, food and/or beverages.
While the northern canals are interesting
if viewed properly, passing them at 40 m.p.h.
is hardly an eco-experience. We recommend
that you fly!!!
Both Travel Air and Sansa fly regularly to Barra del Colorado. Flights are short, comfortable and present a unique perspective of the canals and inland waterways below, along with the mountain range which seperates the Cental Valley and the Caribbean coast. Several other small, independent carriers are available upon request. While more expensive, these flights operate on demand and can help maximize your stay in Barra del Colorado.
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