Curu Wildlife Refuge tour: White-Faced Monkeys & Wildlife

The refuge sits on one of the Nicoya Peninsula's most protected bays, where monkeys and macaws live alongside the beach.

A private nature tour of Curu Wildlife Refuge on the Nicoya Peninsula with a certified bilingual naturalist guide, private transportation, snacks and all fees included. The refuge protects abundant wildlife (White-Faced monkeys, Howler monkeys, Spider monkeys, Scarlet Macaws, White-Tailed Deer, Collared Peccary, Coati, Raccoons, Coyotes, Iguanas and hundreds of tropical and migratory birds) in easy-access terrain. The tour runs four to five hours and requires a minimum of two people. Children from age three are welcome, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Curu Wildlife Refuge

• Visit Curu Wildlife Refuge
• Observe White-Faced monkeys
• See Howler and Spider monkeys
• Spot Scarlet Macaws and birds
• Look for White-Tailed Deer and Coati
• Discover local wildlife species

The experience

The refuge occupies one of the most beautiful and protected bays on the Nicoya Peninsula, and the terrain makes wildlife viewing accessible without technical hiking. You move through the reserve with a certified naturalist guide who speaks both English and Spanish, spotting the species the refuge is known for: White-Faced monkeys, Howler monkeys, Spider monkeys, Scarlet Macaws, White-Tailed Deer, Collared Peccary, Coati, Raccoons, Coyotes, Iguanas and hundreds of tropical and migratory birds. The guide is a local born on the Nicoya Peninsula, so the commentary carries the history of the area alongside the wildlife.

Private transportation picks you up and brings you back, and snacks are included during the tour. The four to five hour outing fits one morning or afternoon, and the minimum group size is two people. Children from age three can join. Infants travel in a pram or stroller if needed. The tour operates year-round and all fees and taxes are built into the price.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your location.
• bilingual naturalist guide certified in wildlife education.
• snacks during the tour.
• all entry fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Manakin Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish fluently, so you can follow the commentary and ask questions in whichever language you prefer. This works equally well for English-only travelers and Spanish speakers, or for families mixing both languages.

Traveler reviews

4.92★★★★★★★★★★

49 verified traveler reviews

5 ★46

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What monkeys and birds will I actually see at Curu Wildlife Refuge?

The refuge hosts White-Faced monkeys, Howler monkeys and Spider monkeys, along with Scarlet Macaws and hundreds of tropical and migratory bird species. The easy terrain and protected bay make sightings reliable, though wildlife spotting is never guaranteed on any given day.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the refuge?

Private transportation is included in the tour price. The guide picks you up and returns you afterward, so you do not need to arrange a separate vehicle or navigate to the refuge yourself.

How long does the tour take and what should I bring?

The tour runs four to five hours and includes snacks during the outing. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection and insect repellent, and plan for warm, humid weather typical of the Nicoya Peninsula.