Duration: 1 or 2 Days · Price: From $250 USD per group of 1–4 · Difficulty: Moderate
About this tour
Curú is a small, privately run wildlife refuge tucked into the southeastern corner of the Nicoya Peninsula, on the Gulf of Nicoya near Paquera. It is one of the most reliable wildlife spots in the country and far quieter than the famous national parks — a mosaic of mangrove estuary, tropical dry forest and quiet beaches where white-faced capuchin monkeys move boldly along the trails, howler and spider monkeys call overhead, and coatis, agoutis, deer, iguanas and scarlet macaws (reintroduced here) are part of an ordinary morning. The walking is mostly easy and shaded, the wildlife is close, and it suits families and first-time naturalists especially well.
The other reason to come is Playa Quesera — a small white-sand cove with clear, calm water, reached by a roughly 5-kilometer trail (about 1.5–2 hours each way) that climbs over a forested headland before dropping to the beach. It is moderately strenuous with some steep sections and is by reservation only, which keeps it close to deserted; the reward is a tucked-away beach with good snorkeling and almost nobody on it.
This tour is offered two ways:
**Option A — Full Day from San José ($250).** A long single day. Early pickup for the drive to Puntarenas and the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera — the crossing is part of the fun, with frigatebirds overhead and the odd pod of dolphins — then a short hop to Curú. You explore the refuge trails with your guide and make the Playa Quesera hike if the group is up for it, returning to San José in the evening.
**Option B — 2 Days from San José ($450).** The relaxed version, and the one we recommend. Day 1: travel to the Paquera/Curú area, check in to your lodging (breakfast included), and take an afternoon walk in the refuge. Day 2: an early, cooler start for the Playa Quesera hike and a morning on the beach before the return ferry and the drive back to San José. Two days removes the rush and gives you the best wildlife hours, early morning and late afternoon.
A couple of practical notes. The refuge entrance fee (about $13 per person) is paid on site and is not included in either price. Access to the Playa Quesera trail is by reservation, which we arrange for you. Bring water, closed walking shoes, a swimsuit and reef-safe sunscreen.
What's included
- Private round-trip transport from San José
- Round-trip ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Advance reservation of Playa Quesera trail access
- Bottled water
- 2-day option: 1 night accommodation near Curú with breakfast (budget, regular or luxury — confirmed at booking)
Not included
- Curú Wildlife Refuge entrance fee (about $13 per person, paid on site)
- Lunch and meals
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
Good to know
- The day-trip option is long — it includes the drive to Puntarenas plus the Paquera ferry, so pickup is early
- The 2-day option is more relaxed and catches the best early-morning wildlife
- The Playa Quesera hike is about 5 km each way with steep sections — moderate fitness needed, and it is by reservation only (we arrange it)
- White-faced capuchins are bold here — keep food packed away and bags zipped
- Refuge entrance (~$13 per person) is paid on site and not included
- Bring closed walking shoes, a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen and water; the beach has good snorkeling
- Best in the dry season (December–April); free cancellation 48 hours prior