Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge
Rancho La Merced was bought by don Enrique Odio Herrera in 1970, and it used to be a cattle farm. From the beginning -with the help of their son, Walter, graduated in zootechnics in the United States, the Odio family looked for ways to preserve and enhance the natural resources of their farm. They prohibited hunting and tree felling and have planted thousands of trees over the years.
The refuge has an area of 1250 acres, which comprises a variety of habitats (primary and secondary tropical rainforest, pastures, mangroves, beach and river frontage) and 21 km of hiking trails. They also offer lodging in the old farm house (sleeps up to 10) and a little cabin (sleeps 3) for those who want to stay longer.