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Despite its small size, Curú refuge contains a great variety of fauna and flora, both terrestrail and marine. The existing habitats are semi-deciduous forest, with a mixture of evergreen and semi-deciduous species; the forest on the low altitude mountain sides and located near the beach; the deciduous forest composed of species that lose their leaves in the dry season; the mangrove swamp, in which the most common species is the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and the beach vegetation.
One species that is very common in Curú and of great biological interest is the swollen thorn acacia (Acacia collinsii) a bush in which the phenomenon of symbiosis can be observed; ants of the genus (Pseudomyrmex) live in its hollow thorns.
In the refuge and in the neighbouring forests it is possible to see mammals such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), common raccoon (Procyon lotor), and paca (Agouti paca); ; white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) are very numerous in the areas adjacent to the beaches.
Thirty three species of birds, both terrestrial and marine, have been recorded. Besides numerous crabs, in the coastal waters large oysters (Ostrea iridescens), which are very rare along the whole of the Pacific coast, giant conches (Strombus galeatus), lobsters (Panulirus sp.) and chitons (Chiton stokesii) have been recorded. With their scenic beauty and very fine sand, the three beaches in the refuge are very suitable for swimming and diving because of the gentle waves, slight slope and clarity of the water.
Curú on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a mixed refuge belonging to the Schutt family and the State. You can reach it from Nicoya via Paquera (70 km) . You can also take the ferry between Puntarenas and Paquera. There is bus service available between Paquera and Cóbano, which stops at the entrance of the refuge. In Paquera there are hotels, restaurants and grocery stores, and taxis can be hired. In the refuge there are cabins. To visit the protected area call (506) 661-2392.
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