Wawashang Natural Reserve

Description

The Wawashang Natural Reserve is a huge area encompassing 350 thousand hectares in three different municipalities (Pearl Lagoon, El Tortuguero, and Kukra Hill). Towns and villages are situated within the boundaries of the reserve and part of the protected forest has been cut and used for agricultural purposes. Nevertheless there are several areas where beautiful tropical forest still dominates and where tourists can enjoy the superb natural surroundings.

One of these areas is located not far a small town called Pueblo Nuevo, located on the shore of the Wawashang River. This forest can be reached after an hour-long hike crossing an agricultural region. This area was strongly hit by Hurricane Beta at the end of 2005, and traces of this disaster are still visible along the way to the forest. Many fallen trees can be seen along the path, especially close to the river. The forest itself has also fallen victim to this tropical storm, but the vegetation remains spectacular and full of animal life.

There are several trails set out in the forest. Hikes take one to two hours, and small huts alongside the trail provide nice resting areas. Animals that can be seen in this part of the reserve include monkeys, deer, sloths, butterflies, dragonflies, and many different birds.

Prices and practical information

There is no entrance fee for the reserve. Right before the entrance there is a house where a park guide lives. This guide can accompany tourists in the reserve for a small fee. It does take some effort to reach the reserve from Pearl Lagoon. It is a boat ride of about an hour and a half, crossing the lagoon and going up the Wawashang River.

In this area, however, there are several other attractions, including the Wawashang agricultural/forestry project (less than 10 minutes away) and several indigenous villages. These attractions can all be visited during a one day-trip. The price for such a trip consists of a flat fee for the boat rental and a per-person fee for food and other services. The price for a boat that can hold up to ten people is around $220, depending on the gasoline, and the additional fee per person is around $5. These trips can be arranged in Pearl Lagoon at hotels or with fishermen.

Getting There

You can get here from any of the towns that surround it. You can contact any of the fishermen of the area to guide you. Tourists usually enter the reserve by traveling on the Wawashang river, which is reached from the town of Laguna de Perlas. You can organize the trip with a hotel of this area or with local fishermen at the pier.