Diquis Valley, Sierpe is an important town from a conservation point of view, as it serves as the entrance to the largest mangrove reserve in Latin America.
In 1977, the Térraba-Sierpe was nationally designated as a Forest Reserve and now it is home to many large colonies of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic life forms. The Térraba-Sierpe National Wetlands is situated where the mouth of the Sierpe and Térraba rivers meet and features some of the biggest mangroves in the world.
Mangroves themselves are plants that have evolved for survival in low oxygen contents submerged in salt water. They have long roots that extended to reach the ground below and they provide the perfect habitat for many shellfish and mollusks.
A river boat ride through the snaking mangrove canals is very enjoyable and suitable for everyone, and thereafter a leisurely lunch at any one of the local restaurants is a must as their daily catches are always served up fresh and with local flavour. As an added bonus, on your way to Sierpe you will drive through the palm plantations and it sets the tone for a mindset to go back in time, to a simpler way of life, at least for a little while.
Additionally, the central park in this quaint river town is one of the few places in Costa Rica where you can see the large and mysterious Pre-Colombian spheres.
How to get to Sierpe
Getting to Sierpe will take you down by the small airport in Palmar Sur, which is just past the large bridge that divides Palmar Norte and Palmar Sur.
