Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve covers the forested southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, a short drive south of Mal País. Created in 1963, it's described as Costa Rica's first protected area. It's best for a half-day hike through dry tropical forest to a quiet beach, with a good chance of seeing monkeys on the way.
Why it matters
In the late 1950s, a Swedish-Danish couple, Nicolás Wessberg and Karen Mogensen, settled near Montezuma and were alarmed to see the forest at the tip of the peninsula being cleared. They raised money abroad to buy the land, and in 1963 Cabo Blanco became a protected reserve. It's described as Costa Rica's first protected area, and it helped start the country's national park system. The two main trails are named after the founders' home countries: the Swedish trail and the Danish trail.
"Absolute" reserve means the protection here is especially strict. For many years the area was closed to visitors entirely, and only part of it is open today. The marine area around the cape is protected too.
What you'll see
The reserve protects dry and moist tropical forest that has had decades to grow back. Walking quietly, you have a good chance of seeing howler monkeys and white-faced monkeys, plus coatis, agoutis, lizards and plenty of birds. Offshore, the small island of Cabo Blanco is a nesting site for brown boobies and pelicans.
The trails
- Sendero Sueco (Swedish trail): the main hike, climbing over the forested ridge and then dropping down to a beach at the tip of the cape. Reports of its length vary, so plan on about 4 to 5 kilometers each way and around 4 hours for the round trip. It's hot and has steep sections, so start early.
- Sendero Danés (Danish trail): a shorter loop of about 2 kilometers near the entrance, good if you have less time or energy.
Bring more water than you think you need, sturdy shoes, insect repellent and a snack. Take everything back out with you, including shells and driftwood, which must stay in the reserve. Don't sit under manzanillo trees, whose sap irritates skin.
Practical information
The entrance is near Cabuya, at the end of the coast road south from Mal País. The reserve is usually open Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday, with last entry in the early afternoon so hikers can finish in daylight. Hours and entry rules can change, and there's an entry fee for visitors, so check with SINAC or your hotel before you go. Arriving when the gates open gives you the coolest hours on the trail.
If you're driving, the road from Mal País is unpaved for part of the way. You can combine a morning at Cabo Blanco with lunch in Cabuya or an afternoon in Montezuma. See our day trips guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cabo Blanco open every day?
No. It's usually closed on Monday and Tuesday. Confirm current days and hours with SINAC or locally before you drive down.
How long is the hike to the beach?
Plan on around 4 hours for the round trip on the Sendero Sueco, including time at the beach. The trail is hot and has steep climbs.
Will I see monkeys?
There's a good chance. Howler and white-faced monkeys both live in the reserve, and early mornings are best for wildlife.
Can I bring a dog or drone?
Pets aren't allowed in Costa Rica's protected areas, and drones need permits. Leave both at your hotel.
