Location & Size: Alajuela Province, the refuge is managed by Los Chiles and Guatuso Counties. The refuge has 9,940 Ha.

Characteristics: Caño Negro Lake, an 800 Ha. freshwater/seasonal lake, that attracts a wide range of migratory and endangered species.

Fauna: Waterfowl species: American anhinga, roseate spoonbill, northern jacana, stork, black-bellied tree duck, cattle egret, neotropic cormorant and Nicaraguan grackle.

Mammals: Felines, tapirs.

Reptiles: Crocodiles, turtles and caiman (spectacled caiman.)

Marine Life: Fish: Bull shark, caribbean snook and gar.

Flora: Flooded or seasonally flooded mixed forest including species such as copaiba and manni; palm groves such as : holillo, royal palm and corozo palm. Also herbaceous plants: junco, shrubs and grasses (gamalote grass.)

Importance of the refuge: Conservation of one of the most important wetland regions in the country as the well as the protection of a wide range of unique and endangered species, not found anywhere else in Costa Rica.

Visitor facilities: Refuge headquarters. No trails available. Most travel is done by boat.