Plizio Visual Lab

Chacocente Wildlife Refuge

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The Rio Escalante-Chacocente Wildlife Refuge is one of the most critical conservation areas on Nicaragua's Pacific coast. Spanning the departments of Carazo and Rivas, it protects one of the few remaining examples of tropical dry forest in Central America. The refuge is globally renowned as one of the very few sites where the mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles (locally known as Paslama) occurs, an event called 'Arribada.' During these periods, thousands of turtles emerge from the ocean simultaneously to lay their eggs on the beach. Beyond its importance for marine life, the refuge supports a diverse range of terrestrial animals, including howler monkeys, iguanas, and over 80 species of birds. Safeguarding this ecosystem is vital for maintaining regional biodiversity and preventing the extinction of sensitive species. Rangers from the Ministry of the Environment (MARENA) and local communities work together to protect nests from poaching and environmental threats. Public access to the nesting beaches is strictly controlled during peak seasons to minimize human impact. For naturalists and eco-tourists, Chacocente gives an unparalleled chance to witness profound ecological events in a pristine coastal setting.

Location: Nicaragua
Nearby: La Concepción (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	28	28	29	29	28	28	28	28	27	27	27
Rain mm	1	1	4	24	201	199	119	181	286	322	137	8

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time to visit is during the peak nesting season, typically from late spring to early winter. During these months, you can witness spectacular mass arrivals of olive ridley turtles on the beaches.

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Best time of day

Sea turtles primarily come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Early morning hours may still offer sightings of turtles returning to the ocean.

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Etiquette

Keep at least ten meters away from the turtles and do not use flash photography. Feeding or disturbing the animals is strictly prohibited.

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What to bring

Bring a red-filtered flashlight to avoid blinding the turtles. Sturdy footwear for the sandy beach and insect repellent are recommended.

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Getting there

The refuge is located on Nicaragua's Pacific coast, near the town of La Florida. Access is via paved and unpaved roads; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended during the rainy season.

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What to expect

Arribadas are unpredictable; you may need to wait for several hours. Check local forecasts to improve your chances of witnessing nesting.

Geography

Coordinates

11.56000, -86.15000

Facts

Chacocente is one of only nine locations in the world to host 'Arribada' events.
The refuge covers a terrestrial area of approximately 4,600 hectares.
The primary nesting season for Olive Ridley turtles runs from July to January.
The critically endangered Leatherback turtle (Tora) also nests at this site.
The protected shoreline extends for about 11.5 kilometers along the Pacific.
The dry forest within the refuge contains rare tree species like mahogany and cedar.