This campsite is tucked within the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, located at the very northern part of Costa Rica right up against the border with Nicaragua. This area is known for its canals that run along a unique wetlands ecosystem that is an important habitat for many aquatic animals and migratory birds. It’s definitely worth the visit if you want to get away from the crowds and experience some of the best bird watching in the country.

Poponjoche is a large hotel property that is surrounded by tropical trees and large grassy areas where you can set up camp. They have all the proper facilities, including clean restrooms, a kitchen, and shelters in the case of a rainy evening. The property also has access to fishing on the Caño Negro Lagoon and is walking distance from a local restaurant which uses an old-fashioned wood burning stove to prepare a traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

You can speak to the hosts about organizing a boat tour, which is a highly recommended way to experience all the wildlife that this region has to offer. The humid sunny weather and low elevation conditions of the area make it the ideal habitat for many animals, including caimans, alligators, monkeys, fish, and many many birds.

Caño Negro can be a nice area to include in your travels if you are already visiting the Northern Highlands of the country. It’s just a 2 hour drive from La Fortuna and 1 hour from Rio Celeste, so it’s a great way to get in a wetland boat tour not too far from the active Arenal Volcano or the crystal blue Rio Celeste river and waterfall.