# Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve: trails, rules and what you'll see > Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve covers the forested southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, a short drive past Cabuya, and was Costa Rica's first protected area when it was created in 1963. Visitors can walk two trails: the long Sueco trail down to Playa Cabo Blanco, or the short Danés loop. Source: https://www.cabuyacr.com/cabo-blanco-reserve/ Last checked: 2026-10-20 Location: Cabo Blanco, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica Type: nature, park, hiking, wildlife Created: 21 October 1963, after a campaign by Olof Wessberg and Karen Mogensen Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm; closed Monday and Tuesday (check before you go) Trails: Sendero Sueco, about 4.5 to 5 km each way; Sendero Danés, a short loop Entrance: the ranger station just south of Cabuya village Managed by: SINAC, Costa Rica's national conservation agency ## What it is Cabo Blanco is the reason a lot of people find Cabuya at all. The reserve takes up the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, starting just past the village, and it's one of the oldest protected areas in Costa Rica. It was created by decree on 21 October 1963 and is widely described as the country's first. It exists because of two people. Olof (Nicolás) Wessberg from Sweden and Karen Mogensen from Denmark settled near Montezuma in 1955, watched the forest around them being cleared for cattle and farming, and raised money abroad to buy and protect what was left at the cape. Wessberg was murdered in 1975 on the Osa Peninsula while working to protect the land that became Corcovado National Park. The couple are buried in a small reserve near Montezuma that carries his name. "Absolute" is the strictest kind of protection in Costa Rica. For years only rangers and scientists could go in. Today visitors can use 2 trails, and the rest of the reserve stays closed so the forest can do its thing. ## The trails **Sendero Sueco (the Swedish trail)** is the one most people come for. It runs about 4.5 to 5 km each way through the forest, up and over ridges, with a few steep stretches and small stream crossings, and ends at Playa Cabo Blanco, a quiet beach facing the open Pacific. Plan on about 2 hours each way at an easy pace, plus time on the beach. It's a proper hike, not a stroll: wear real shoes and bring more water than you think you'll need. **Sendero Danés (the Danish trail)** is a much shorter loop of roughly 1.5 to 2 km that branches off near the start. It's a good choice if you're short on time, hiking with kids, or it's the hottest part of the day. Because the reserve closes in the afternoon, rangers ask hikers heading to the beach to start by about 11 am. Earlier is better anyway: it's cooler and the animals are more active. ## What you'll see Monkeys are the headline. Mantled howler monkeys are easy to hear and usually easy to find, and white-faced capuchins often move through the canopy near the trail. Coatis and deer turn up regularly, and the reserve is also home to anteaters and small wild cats such as margays, though you'd be lucky to see one. More than 200 bird species have been recorded. From the beach you can see **Isla Cabo Blanco**, the small island about 1.6 km offshore. It's white with seabird droppings, which is where the cape gets its name, and it holds Costa Rica's largest colony of brown boobies, along with brown pelicans and magnificent frigatebirds. ## Rules and practical tips - **Opening days:** the reserve is generally open Wednesday to Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm and closed Monday and Tuesday. Schedules can change, so check with SINAC or your hotel before you go. - **Take your trash home.** There are no bins on the trail. - **Don't sit or shelter under manzanillo trees** near the beach. Their sap and fruit are toxic and can burn skin. - **Swimming at Playa Cabo Blanco** isn't recommended: the bottom drops off quickly and there are no lifeguards. - **Bring food and plenty of water.** There's nothing to buy inside the reserve. [Indígena Café & Chocolate](/indigena-cafe-chocolate/), just before the entrance, is a good stop afterward. - **Don't feed the animals**, and keep your bag closed when monkeys are nearby. ## Getting there The entrance and ranger station are just south of Cabuya, at the end of the road from Montezuma. From Montezuma it's about 15 minutes by car. From the village itself you can walk, cycle or take a short taxi ride. See [getting to Cabuya](/getting-to-cabuya/) for the ferry, bus and road details. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Cabo Blanco open every day? No. It's usually open Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm, and closed Monday and Tuesday. Check the current schedule before you go. ### How long is the hike to the beach? The Sueco trail is about 4.5 to 5 km each way. Most people take around 2 hours each way, so allow 5 to 6 hours with a rest on the beach. ### Do I need a guide? No. The trails are well marked and you can walk them on your own. A local guide will help you spot far more wildlife, though. ### Can I swim at Playa Cabo Blanco? It's not a good swimming beach. The seabed drops off sharply and there are no lifeguards, so most people just cool off at the edge. ### What wildlife will I see? Howler and capuchin monkeys are the most common sightings, along with coatis, deer and plenty of birds. Brown boobies nest on Isla Cabo Blanco, just offshore.