We first wrote about Cabo Blanco in 2014. It hasn't changed much, which is the point: it's still one of the quietest protected areas in the country, at the end of the road below Cabuya.
What it's like
Cabo Blanco covers the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, about 12.7 square km of land plus a marine area. It sits where dry forest meets wet forest, so you walk under a mix of trees that drop their leaves in the dry season and trees that stay green all year. About 140 tree species have been identified here.
Its history is worth knowing. In the early 1960s, Nicolás Wessberg and Karen Mogensen, a couple farming near Montezuma, saw the forest being cleared for pasture and raised money to buy the land. The reserve was created in 1963, the first protected area in Costa Rica. Wessberg was killed in 1975 while campaigning to protect the Osa Peninsula. Costa Rica Journeys tells more of the story in its guide to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.
What you'll see
The beaches inside the reserve include Playa Cabo Blanco and Playa Balsitas, and the white rock island off the cape is a nesting colony for seabirds such as brown pelicans, frigatebirds and brown boobies. In the forest, capuchin and howler monkeys are the most common sightings. Coatis, deer, iguanas and scarlet macaws are also recorded here, along with harder-to-see cats like ocelots and margays.
Planning your visit
The reserve opens Wednesday to Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which catches out a lot of visitors. There's an entrance fee, a ranger station and toilets, but no lodging or food inside.
The main trail to the beach at the tip is a long out-and-back through the forest, so allow most of a morning, start early, and carry plenty of water. The heat and humidity build fast after 10 am. Wear proper shoes: parts of the trail are steep and rooty. Swim only where it's calm, and ask the rangers about conditions.
Getting there
Most people visit from Montezuma (about 17 km), Mal País and Santa Teresa (about 7 km) or Cabuya. The final road through Cabuya to the entrance is dirt, and a 4x4 is the sensible choice, especially in the rainy season. From San José, you'll take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, then drive south via Cóbano and Montezuma.
Where to stay nearby
There's no lodging inside, so base yourself in Montezuma, Cabuya, Mal País or Santa Teresa. Horizon Yoga Hotel in Santa Teresa and Barceló Tambor farther up the coast are both on this site. Read our Nicoya Peninsula guide to plan the rest of the area, including Playa Montezuma and Santa Teresa beach.
Frequently asked questions
Which days is Cabo Blanco open?
Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm. It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Do I need a 4x4?
The last road through Cabuya is dirt. A 4x4 is recommended, especially from May to November.
Can I swim at the beach at the end of the trail?
Many hikers do, but conditions vary. Check with the rangers and stay out of the water if the surf is up.
Is Cabo Blanco a national park?
Strictly, it's an absolute natural reserve, a stricter category. In practice, visitors use the same kind of ticketed entrance as a park.
