Pijije: Nature Nearby

Pijije is a small village along the road, with a turnoff nearby. The Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve is also nearby and provides a clear point of reference for the natural surroundings. This gives you two perspectives to consider when planning your trip: the named village and the nearby protected area, with its landscapes and wildlife. If you are considering Pijije as a destination, you can weigh the village’s location separately from your interest in the surrounding nature.

A protected area with several forest types

The reserve was established on March 5, 1986, to protect significant areas of tropical dry forest as well as scrub and riparian forests. The date places its establishment in a historical context; the three forest types specify what the protection covers. To understand the landscape, it is important to note that scrub and riparian forests are mentioned alongside tropical dry forest. This lets you consider the reserve’s natural profile across several types of vegetation, rather than equating it solely with dry forest.

Insects and birds in the natural surroundings

The reserve is known as the “Park of Insects” for its diverse insect life. The tourism guide estimates that there are around 250 bee species—nearly 25 percent of all bee species worldwide. There are also about 60 moth species and more than 60 species of nocturnal butterflies. In addition, wasps and both diurnal and nocturnal butterflies are found here. The species counts are estimates from the tourism guide and may change with further research. The comparison with the worldwide number of bee species places this estimate in a broader context; the figures for moths and butterflies add other insect groups to the picture.

Birdlife offers another way to experience nature. The reserve and its tropical dry forest provide good opportunities for birdwatching. According to an estimate by the tourism guide, more than 200 bird species live there; actual wildlife sightings may vary. This makes the focus on birds distinct from the information about insects: alongside species diversity, a specific activity—birdwatching—is also highlighted.

Water sources even in summer

Another aspect of the landscape concerns the summer. Even during summer, the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve has abundant water sources, including the Río Cabuyo, numerous streams, and natural springs. This seasonal note adds another concrete natural feature to the forest types and identifies different forms of water. The species counts are estimates, while the water sources are a lasting feature of the landscape; the abundance of water in summer is explicitly part of this description.

For choosing a destination based on your interests in nature, a simple comparison may help: forest types and water sources relate to the landscape, while insect diversity and birdwatching draw attention to wildlife. The figures for bees and birds give an indication of scale, but do not guarantee what you will see on any particular wildlife outing. You can use these different aspects of nature to consider which matters most when choosing Pijije as a destination.

Discover more destinations: El Real, Puerto Humo, Ángeles, Santa Elena, Nacascolo, Santa Bárbara, Palmira, San Francisco de Coyote

See the broader travel overview: Guanacaste.