This remote jewel extends from Punta Uva, 4.8 kilometres south of Puerto Viejo, to the Rio Sixaola, forming the border with Panama. The refuge combines lush lowland rain forest with a coral reef and an amalgam of wetland habitats where visitors may spot manatees, crocodiles, and even an endemic species of freshwater dolphin. With more than 360 bird species on hand, don’t rule out a sighting of the rare harpy eagle.

The 9,450-hectare refuge protects an invaluable mangrove system as well as the nation’s only remaining orey swamp and two equally rare jolillo palm swamps where tapirs can find safe haven in watery sloughs.

The wetlands back a supremely beautiful palm-lined beach – Playa Gandoca – made of brown sand that four species of marine turtles consider a perfect place to deposit their precious eggs. The sanctuary also enshrines a live coral reef.