At a glance
- From Santa Teresa
- About 1 hour by car, via Cóbano and Tambor
- From the airports
- San José airport (SJO): about 4½–5 hours via the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry (Curú is 6 km from the dock). Liberia airport (LIR): about 3–4 hours by road
- Swimming
- A gentle bay with small waves: good for swimming and snorkeling with kids
- Best for
- Families with kids of all ages, birders and nature lovers
- Facilities
- Refuge office on the beach, six simple cabins for overnight guests, meals on request. Day visitors must leave by 4 p.m.
- Getting there
- Entrance on the main road between Paquera and Tambor, then 2 km of farm track to the beach
- Surf
- None: it's a calm Gulf bay
What is Curú?
Curú is a private refuge on a working farm, run by the Schutt family since 1933. The property covers about 1,496 hectares of dry and moist forest, mangroves and beaches on the Gulf of Nicoya. The entrance is on the main road about 6 km from Paquera, and a 2 km farm track leads down to the office on the beach.
What wildlife will you see?
Howler and white-faced monkeys, white-tailed deer and a long list of birds, including parrots, parakeets and scarlet macaws. The trails range from easy walks near the beach to longer hikes; some are open only in the dry season. The hike to Playa Quesera is about 5 km, 1½ to 2 hours each way, or you can go on horseback with a guide.
Can you swim at Playa Curú?
Yes. The bay has only gentle waves, which makes it one of the best places on the southern peninsula to swim with kids, and there's snorkeling off the beach. As always, keep an eye on little ones: there's no lifeguard.
Insider tip: Arrive in the morning, when the animals are active and before the heat. Walk a trail first, then spend the rest of your time in the water. Day visitors have to be out by 4 p.m., so don't leave it for the afternoon.
How do you visit?
Day visits run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is sold on the refuge's website, and at the entrance they take cards only (Visa or Mastercard), no cash. Plan on half a day or more. You can also stay in one of its six simple cabins. From Santa Teresa it's about an hour; arriving on the Paquera ferry, it's the first stop on the peninsula. Boats to Isla Tortuga also run from this stretch of coast. For the rest of the area, see Tambor, Curú and the Gulf side and our parks and reserves guide.
Nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Is Curú good for kids?
Very. The trails near the beach are easy, monkeys are common, and Playa Curú has only gentle waves, so it's a great place to swim with kids. Arrive in the morning and bring snacks and water.
What are Curú's opening hours?
Every day, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for day visitors; only overnight cabin guests may stay later. Some trails can close after landslides in the rainy season, so check with the refuge before you go. Pay by card: the entrance doesn't take cash.
How far is Curú from Santa Teresa?
About an hour by car, via Cóbano and Tambor. It's 6 km from the Paquera ferry dock.
Can you stay overnight at Curú?
Yes, in one of six simple cabins that sleep 6 to 14 people. Overnight guests can stay after the 4 p.m. closing, and meals can be arranged.
Can you go to Isla Tortuga from Curú?
Tortuga lies just offshore, and boats run from this stretch of coast as well as from Tambor and Montezuma. See Isla Tortuga.