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Peñas Blancas National Wildlife Refuge: Another fairly recent addition to the National Wildlife Refuge system, the 2,400 ha. Peñas Blancas Refuge was declared to protect what remained of three different forest types on the slopes of this region. While already significantly deforested, the lower portions of the refuge contain examples of tropical dry forest. Going up higher in elevation, you will encounter tropical moist forest, and as you approach the ridge, premontane moist forest, characterized by the predominance of live oaks.
Given the disturbed nature of much of the original habitat, wildlife viewing opportunities here are less than superlative, though the more common and widespread mammal species are present, as are a wide variety of birds due to the occurrence of three distinct life zones. However, there are no visitor facilities in the refuge, nor is the area itself well-marked.
Getting there: Take the PanAmerican Highway to the Miramar exit (6 km. north of Barranca). From Miramar, take the road out of town to the east (ask directions for Sabana Bonita). Beyond Sabana Bonita, take the left fork at the T-intersection which will bring you to the village of Peñas Blancas. A four-wheel-drive may be necessary, depending on what the current road conditions are.
Climate: Warm in the lower sector of the refuge and cooling as you gain elevation, the rainy season is from May to November.
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