Ecologically rich and vastly biodiverse
Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands
One of the largest mangrove wetlands in Central America, the Terraba - Sierpe National Wetlands is an important habitat for many species of birds, fish, shellfish, mammals, and reptiles - making this wetland reserve a popular bird and nature tour destination.
Explore the wetland wonders of Terraba Sierpe
A natural paradise awaits
The Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands are not just a feast for the eyes – they’re a thriving ecosystem that supports an incredible array of wildlife.
Just a short trip from Uvita, you can visit one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking natural wonders – the Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands Reserve. This magnificent ecosystem boasts an intricate network of meandering rivers, serene canals, and tranquil lagoons that wind their way through lush mangrove forests. As you navigate these captivating waterways, you’ll realize it is a thriving ecosystem that supports an incredible amount of life, both in and out of the water.
Whether you’re a passionate bird watcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to connect with nature, Terraba Sierpe offers an experience like no other.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a symphony of nature, from the calls of exotic birds to the occasional splash of playful river inhabitants.
So, keep your camera ready as you spot majestic herons, elegant egrets, and colorful kingfishers in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as playful monkeys swing through the treetops and stealthy crocodiles glide beneath the water’s surface.
Birdwatching haven in Costa Rica
With over 300 bird species having been recorded in the Terraba – Sierpe National Wetlands, this is an area of interest for birdwatching and conservation.
This extraordinary wetland ecosystem offers a diverse array of habitats, from mangrove forests to open waterways, each supporting its unique birdlife which include migratory, endemic, and resident species.
Popular species you’re likely to encounter include the colorful Scarlet Macaw, the musical Melodious Blackbird, and the stunning Bare-throated Tiger-Heron. Keep your binoculars ready for some of the area’s more intriguing residents:
- The endangered Yellow-billed Cotinga, a striking white bird with vibrant yellow bill
- The elusive Mangrove Hummingbird, endemic to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast
- The impressive Boat-billed Heron, with its distinctive shovel-like bill
- The tiny American Pygmy Kingfisher, often spotted darting above the water
From novice birders to seasoned ornithologists, Terraba Sierpe offers an unparalleled opportunity to add numerous species to your life list – just don’t forget to bring your field guide!
Join us for a birdwatching and wildlife tour through the mangroves of Terraba Sierpe
Join our tour to Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands
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Get to know the Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands
About the protected area
Costa Rica’s national parks are must-see destinations for nature-lovers, and the protected areas in Osa are no exception. Find out more about the Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands below and then join us on a tour.
The Terraba Sierpe protected area
Its protection
Nationally designated as a Forest Reserve in 1977 and registered as a Wetlands International RAMSAR site in 1995, the Sierpe Terraba Mangroves National Wetlands are located near the Osa Peninsula approximately 45 minutes south of Uvita – Bahia Ballena and encompass 30,654 ha. The site is entirely state-owned and managed by the Ministry for the Environment and Energy. The wetland reserve is a bird and nature tour attraction and host an important habitat of many species of birds, fish (55 species), shellfish (10 commercially exploited species), mammals and reptiles. Resident and migratory bird species often found in Terraba Sierpe include Herons, Egrets, Cotingas, and Pandion haliaetus. Common mammals include Agouti paca and Lutra annectens; and reptiles Caiman crocodilus, Crocodylus acutus and Tree Boas. Many of these species depend on this ecosystem for their complete life cycle; reproduction, growth and feeding.
Primary actionCharacteristics of the Terraba Sierpe Mangroves
The ecosystem
The Terraba-Sierpe wetland is characterized by a woodland ecosystem with periodically flooded swamps and mangrove forest, palm swamp forest, sandy beaches and cliffs and covers the mouths of the Terraba and Sierpe Rivers and adjacent lagoons of Sierpe and Porvenir. The Terraba River is the main source of freshwater into the estuarine system and it drains a basin of approximately 5,000 square kilometers. Its main tributary is the General River along with its tributaries. The Sierpe River, which forms the border of the mangrove woodland has tributary rivers and streams too. The mangrove vegetation of Terraba Sierpe plays a basic role in erosion protection, both from run-off and wind erosion and in maintaining water quality. Rainwater and run-off are stored in the wetland. Terraba Sierpe and its area of influence are geologically formed by materials from the Cretaceous, Tertiary and Quaternary periods. The materials are of volcanic, erosive or alluvial origin. The majority of the soils in the site have a high water content, variable salt quantities and low levels of oxygen. These soils are semi fluid, poorly consolidated, grey or black in color reflecting high sulphate content. The alluvial soils, with good to poor drainage, derive from sediments and volcanic ash. The site is periodically flooded by tides, transferring fine mud’s rich in organic material. The average total tidal fluctuation is about 2 meters. The climate is very hot and humid, and precipitation is abundant from May to November. The average annual rainfall is 3,638 mm.
Primary actionHuman uses of the Terraba Sierpe Mangroves
Its uses
Within the Terraba Sierpe Mangroves, products are extracted by organized groups, familiies and individuals. The main income generating activity in the area comes from the harvesting of the clam Anadara tuberculosa, commonly referred to as “piangua”. There is also small scale artesanal line fishing permitted in the estuary of the Terraba Sierpe. The “pianguas” and the mangrove bark-Rhizophora harrisonnii found here have been harvested by the indigenous Terraba Indians for estimated 1,200 years. The wetland is also used by tour operators to promote the beautiful landscape, flora and fauna. Very few people live in the Terraba Sierpe Mangroves and the main human settlements are in the surrounding communities of Sierpe, Palmar and Cortes.
Primary action
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The national parks we visit are some of the most biologically diverse and wild places in Costa Rica. The southern Pacific of Costa Rica is truly a nature-lover's paradise. Experience them for yourself!
