yes that is the route and it;s really easy to find a guide/boat at the village. there will be several people there asking if you need 'information'. we paid $70 US for 4 people and had the boat to ourselves. look for a young man with a bird guide book, field glasses. he speaks some English and really know his birds and wildlife and was very helpful. we went on a Sat and there was no problem and no need to get there early, so take your time and enjoy.

I think that you must be referring to the Alligator Gar as one of the most ancient fish species, and some very large ones have been taken from the Rio Frio in or near the wildlife refuge. There are also Snook and Tarpon, in season, but these migrate to the Atlantic Ocean at other times. As to how many species exist there you would have to ask an icthyologist who has studied that watershed. And, who knows, there may also be dozens of minnows and other small fish species, some of which might be new to science!

If you are adventurous, just drive to Cano Negro...its about an hour drive off the main road through farmland. The road is gravel and dirt. Use the WAZE APP and head straight into town. The road basically ends at the river. There is a "INFORMATION" booth,gate, whatever you want to call it. Ask for Captain DON LOLO. His house is actually just past the "INFO" booth across from the town park. He's a 75 year old local who is AWESOME. He speaks very little English but we had no problem because hablamos un pocito espanol.

not at all, unless it is raining.