Area: 25,100 acres
Marine Area: Approx. 250 acres
Temperature: 70ºF - 90ºF
Precipitation: 120 inches annual average
Location: Alajuela Province, 80 miles N of San Jose
Date of Creation: 20 January 1984
Caño Negro is a RAMSAR site of worldwide importance for wetlands conservation. The refuge is vital to the environmental balance of the country's Northern Zone. This habitat shelters a wide variety of plant and wildlife species, many of which are unique or in danger of extinction, including seabirds such as the jabiru and reptiles such as caimans and turtles.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
During the dry season, the refuge becomes an important feeding ground for the thousands of seabirds that arrive at the wetland. The plumage of some of these birds will change color and take on a pinkish hue due to the mollusks consumed by the birds. The natural wealth here includes plant and animal species found nowhere else in the country, including the prehistoric Gaspar fish considered a living fossil. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, lodging, restrooms and drinking water.
Park Attractions
The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is host to record numbers of migratory waterfowl. The freshwater lowlands lake which forms in the rainy season is fed by the Frio River. Fishing is allowed during certain parts of the rainy season.
Driving Directions
From San Jose, take the highway to Alajuela. From there, drive to Ciudad Quesada, also known as San Carlos, then drive toward Los Chiles. About 4 miles before you reach Los Chiles, you will see the turn-off to the new bridge to Caño Negro.
Park Facilities and Hours
There are no public facilities at this park. Due to the wetlands, this area can only be explored by boat.
Protected Areas 
