Estero Mata de Limón

Tip

Bring binoculars and come in the morning or on a falling tide, when the birds are feeding along the edges. Pair it with the village's pedestrian suspension bridge.

Be careful

Mangrove mud is soft and the tide moves quickly: stay on firm ground. Crocodiles live in Costa Rican estuaries, so don't wade or let kids and dogs near the water's edge.

Places nearby

• Parque Marino del PacíficoParks & WildlifeAquarium park in Puntarenas' old railway station, about three hectares of tanks with sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, crocodiles and large sharks, plus a small pool and play area for children - an easy family stop at the east end of the seafront.
• El Jardín Orotina (buffet & souvenir stop)Food & CoffeeBig roadside stop near Orotina with a self-service Costa Rican breakfast and lunch buffet, a large souvenir hall, an ice-cream counter and live marimba music.
• Soda El GuácimoSodas & Local FoodOpen-air roadside soda on the Costanera north of Tárcoles with big portions, quick service and clean tables.
• Hotel Cerro LodgeParks & Wildlife · from $10A small lodge built for birders and photographers, a few minutes from the Tarcoles River and Carara National Park, with sea and mountain views.
• Bar y Restaurante La TrankaFood & CoffeeCasual country bar-restaurant on Route 131 just outside San Mateo, known among locals for rice dishes and seafood soup.
• Jose's Crocodile River TourParks & WildlifeBoat tours on the Tárcoles River to see big American crocodiles up close, plus scarlet macaws, roseate spoonbills, ospreys and mangrove channels.