National Parks in Costa Rica

Although Costa Rica is a small territory, it holds about 5 percent of the earth’s biodiversity. Fortunately, this natural treasure is protected by the National System of Conservation Areas, preserving a total of 25 percent of the national territory.

Visitors can enjoy the country’s majestic volcanoes, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, tropical dry, wet, and rain forests, as well as exhilarating jungle landscapes, all without traveling long distances.

It gives us great pleasure to invite you to visit our natural wonders.

Arenal Volcano National Park
Located 15 kilometers from Fortuna in the northwest part of Costa Rica, between the foothills of the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range and the San Carlos plains, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the most visited destinations in the Northern Zone. Several trails—Heliconias, Coladas, Tucanes and Los Miradores—allow observation of much of the park’s flora and fauna, as well as the remains of lava tracts. The park covers a 12,124-hectare area. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, communication means, restrooms and drinking water.

Ballena National Marine Park
Watch in awe as whales and dolphins put on a show as they emerge from the water.
This is the favorite spot of humpback whales and several types of dolphins. Depending on the season, the park turns into natural scenery for viewing these animals.

Humpback whales arrive every year (from July to October) to carry out their reproductive cycles, at a point in the park with a rocky and sandy formation resembling a whale’s tail. This curiosity is the park’s main attraction.

Inside the park you can visit the tombolo (whale’s tail), enjoy and walk along the beaches, or snorkel or scuba dive to see a wide variety of marine life. You can also enjoy the calm ocean that bathes these shores or take a boat trip to nearby islands.

In addition to humpback whales, species like the spotted dolphin can be found in these waters, as well as bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, parrotfish and mackerels.

“Take advantage of your visit and enjoy the attractions of the area, such as horseback riding, canyoning and waterfalls,” Gallardo said.

The Ballena National Marine Park has four official access routes for visitors to enjoy, all via the Inter-American Highway South: Uvita, Colonia, Ballena and Piñuela.

Barbilla National Park
This protected area was first declared a biological reserve in 1982 and later in 1998 it officially became a national park. It holds an important tropical wet rainforest and its 30,000 acres is an important water source.

It is located 11 miles from Siquirres and is difficult to access. That’s why there aren’t any of the necessary facilities, so visitors must be used to hiking and use a local tour guide from Las Brisas de Pacuarito community, who can be found in the national park’s administrative offices.

The area has primary forests, both wet and very wet tropical rainforests. There is a great diversity of biological wildlife due to the many different altitudes ranging from 360 ft. to 5,300 ft. above sea level. It rains on average between 213 to 280 cubic inches per year. In the forests you can find pumas, jaguars, ocelots, tapir, monkeys, and many bird species.

Barra Honda National Park
This park is located around 12 miles northeast of Nicoya. It measures some 5,000 acres and protects an important geological resource, which is a system of caves with stalactite and stalagmite formations. The Barra Honda Peak is 1,476 ft. high and is made up of old coral reefs that were pushed up by tectonic faults.

Nineteen caves have been discovered. The Terciopelo Cave is open to the public because it is the easiest to access. The area provides a park, potable water, restrooms, lodging, an information center, trails, and lookout points where visitors can take in the scenery of the Tempisque River.

Braulio Carrillo National Park
Protecting and conserving for the enjoyment of generations
Braulio Carrillo National Park is located north of the Central Valley in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, between the Poás and Irazú volcanoes. This wonderful natural treasure includes Barva and Cacho Negro volcanoes, and extends from Alto de la Palma, north of the canton of Moravia, to the La Selva Protected Zone in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Its maximum elevation is 2,906 MASL at the peak of Barva Volcano, and has a low temperature of 3° C and a high of 24° C. Due to the high altitudinal slope throughout the park, precipitation is highly varied, ranging from 2,500 mm on the slopes down to the Central Valley up to 5,734 mm on the Caribbean slope.

Covering 50,000 hectares, Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica, located in one of the country’s steepest topographical regions. The landscape consists of tall mountains densely covered by forests, and multiple canyons with rivers and streams that are of great importance for hydroelectricity production.

Braulio Carrillo National Park has two sectors for public use: Quebrada González and Barva Volcano, which both have visitor facilities. The Ceibo Sector is for conservation and research only.

This national park is named in honor of Braulio Carrillo, the third head of state who governed Costa Rica from 1837-1842.
In 1977, construction began on the current San José-Guapiles highway. A year later, to prevent unchecked destruction of the forest, Braulio Carrillo National Park was created by Executive Decree No. 8357 on April 15, 1978, and ratified by Law No. 6280 on Nov. 14, 1978.

Subsequently, Executive Decrees No. 17003 MAG (1986), 20358 MIRENEM (1991) and 22620 MIRENEM (1995), expanded the national park to a total of 47,586 hectares.

In 2015, Executive Decree No. 39259-MINAE, published in La Gaceta No. 237 on Dec. 7, added to the national park a sector established by Law Decree No. 65 in 1888, increasing the park’s size to 50,000 hectares.

Cahuita National Park
Cahuita is a unique national park in Costa Rica because of its close relationship with the community. It’s an example of shared management for sustainable development between the community and government. The participation of park rangers and community lifeguards stands out through shared governance and management.

Discover the most preserved coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean and enjoy the scenery, culture and cuisine offered in the area.
White sand beaches, a turquoise sea and diverse marine life are some of the attractions that await you in Cahuita National Park, in the province of Limón.

In this ecosystem, embedded in the Caribbean but with a forest environment, you will find species like raccoons, coatis, sloths, iguanas and lizards. You can also find snakes like the eyelash viper and the rainforest hognosed pitviper, and birds like the common black-hawk.

Inside the park you can practice recreational sports and hike the trails, or simply enjoy the beaches, swimming and sunbathing.

The park is supported by guides and tour operators from the community, who have been trained by the National Learning Institute and are accredited by the Costa Rican Tourism Board to help inform and provide services to visitors.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro is a RAMSAR site of worldwide importance for wetlands conservation. The refuge is vital to the environmental balance of the country’s Northern Zone. This habitat shelters a wide variety of plant and wildlife species, many of which are unique or in danger of extinction, including seabirds such as the jabiru and reptiles such as caimans and turtles.

During the dry season, the refuge becomes an important feeding ground for the thousands of seabirds that arrive at the wetland. The plumage of some of these birds will change color and take on a pinkish hue due to the mollusks consumed by the birds. The natural wealth here includes plant and animal species found nowhere else in the country, including the prehistoric Gaspar fish—considered a living fossil. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, lodging, restrooms and drinking water.

Carara National Park
Carara National Park is located in the Turrubares and Garabito cantons, in the provinces of San José and Puntarenas, between coordinates 9º51′ and 9º44′ North latitude, 84º36′ and 84º29′ East longitude. In other words, it is 90 kilometers from San José on the Costanera Sur (southern coastal) highway. The main entrance is located 2 kilometers south of the Río Grande de Tárcoles bridge.

Carara National Park, which means “river of lizards” in the Huetar indigenous language, has the only transitional forest in the Central Pacific, resulting in a diversity of flora and fauna where native species of both dry forests and rain forests converge.

This national park is a world-renowned ornithological destination and has extremely diverse birdlife, specifically the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), an endangered species that is the second largest Psittacidae species in Costa Rica.

Without a doubt it is one of the main sites in the country for birdwatching, which is why it will be included in the next guide published by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for this segment of national tourism.

Because of its location and ease of access on Route 34, the park is ideal for a one-day visit, with easy access from the capital in your own car, in a rental car or by public transportation.

It is the first national park with a universal access path, where visitors can experience being in the forest and viewing endemic species like the giant cafecillo (Erythrochiton gymnanthus), as well as observing the relationship between some of the species.

Chirripó National Park
Variations in altitude, climate and soil give rise to one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Costa Rica. This park is situated in the Cordillera de Talamanca, which, at 320 kilometers, is the longest mountain range in the country. To get to Chirripo, visitors must travel to San Gerardo de Rivas. From its peak, on clear days, both Caribbean and Pacific coasts may be admired.

On the route to the summit, hikers enjoy lush vegetation and bird-watching. Chirripo features various sculpted glacial formations such as U-shaped valleys, lakes (moraines) and terraces. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, signage, restrooms, drinking water, several natural viewpoints and lodging.

Cocos Island National Park
The treasure is the Island
This national park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 for its unmatched natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The island is located between parallels 5″30′ and 5″34′ and meridians 87″10′ and 87″6′

The blue-turquoise water is extraordinarily clear and makes a great habitat for an abundance of marine life, making this island one of the most extraordinary places in the world for diving. It also has beautiful evergreen forests and numerous impressive waterfalls.

For visitors, there is an information center, a park ranger’s station, trails, signage, restroom services, potable water and several lookout points.

Corcovado National Park
Protecting 41,788 hectares of shallow lagoons, marsh, mangrove swamps, rivers, wet forest and low-altitude cloud forest, as well as 46 kilometers of sandy beach, Corcovado is one of Central America’s most unique ecosystems. Within its extensive territory, visitors can observe some 6,000 insects, 500 trees, 367 birds, 140 mammals, 117 amphibians and reptiles, and 40 freshwater fish species.

The park has numerous hiking trails and rustic camping refuges. It is mandatory to enter with an authorized guide. Less adventurous visitors can also enjoy the park by boat or arrive by plane at the Sirena station. Visitors can see whales and macaws in Corcovado, as well as many other animals in danger of extinction. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, signage, restrooms, drinking water, a landing field, camping area, radio communication and rustic lodging.

Diriá National Park
This park is located in Santa Cruz and is home to a system of wetlands and more than 3,000 acres of forest. Two-thousand feet up are primarily Evergreen species, with moss and giant bromeliads.

Gandoca-Manzanillo-Natural-Wildlife-Refuge
Gandoca-Manzanillo is a mixed (state- and private-owned) National Wildlife Refige in which the combination of land, beach and sea landscapes along with the local culture make for a very attractive destination for visitors.

The conservation and sustainable management of these ecosystems is carried out in parallel with community participation, leading to the protection of threatened species such as manatees and sea turtles.

Its most important ecosystems are the golden sand beaches and wetlands: swamps, lagoons, reefs, beds of undersea plants and seaweed.

The refuge includes a protected reef of around 5 km2 in size that extends over Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Punta Mona. The coral species living here include brain coral and sea fans. It also protects the only natural habitat of the mangrove oyster, Crassostrea rhizophorae, held within the coastline reef area. Furthermore, it is home to many species of wildlife that are endangered or whose populations have been reduced.

Guanacaste National Park
This park is around 70,000 acres and is home to the Orosi and Cacao Volcanoes, which are its main attractions. There are three main areas Maritza, Pitilla, and Cacao, which are described below:

The Marita area measures 2,132 ft. above sea level in the foothills of the Orosi Volcano. There is a forest that transitions from wet to dry, springs and ravines. There are also a wide variety of birds and a large collared peccary population. Available services include potable water, restrooms, trails and an information center.

The Pitilla area is located less than a mile from La Cruz. Its primary resource is rainforest. Along the trails the sightings of birds and other animals as well as a spectacular view of Lake Nicaragua are memorable.

The Cacao area is located in the foothills with the same name and measures 3,600 ft. above sea level. There are trails that connect the transitioning dry to wet forests with the cloud forest. With prior permission, visitors can scale to the top of the volcano.

Guayabo National Archeological Monument
The Guayabo National Monument is located to the northwest of the city of Turrialba, Santa Teresita district, Cartago province. The archeological site is located on approximately 20 hectares of the protected area. This part consists of a group of pre-Hispanic architectural structures made of stone – rounded river stones – which were built over a period ranging from 1000 BC to 1400 AD, indicating a prolonged occupation of some 2,400 years.

The wildlife area, consisting of 233 hectares, protects a remnant of evergreen premontane rainforest which extends over an elevation range of 990-1,300 meters above sea level with an annual average temperature of 24°C.

The United States Association of Civil Engineers, one of the leading organizations in this area worldwide, has accorded Guayabo National Monument the status of World Heritage in Civil Engineering. This designation recognizes the engineering achievements and techniques used by the first inhabitants of the Guayabo National Monument, which have endured to the present day.

Irazú Volcano National Park
This park protects colossal Irazu, which, at 3,432 meters above sea level, is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica. The active volcano has a long history of eruptions. This protected area’s many geological features include the Hermosa Beach, Principal and Diego de la Haya craters, as well as the Sapper formation—the highest point in the massif, from which both Caribbean and Pacific coasts may be seen. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, signage, a cafeteria, parking and several natural viewpoints.

Juan Castro Blanco National Park
This park features thermal pools (Fila Chocosuela), active volcanic vents (Platanar Volcano), inactive volcanic vents (Cerro Viejo, Cerro Pelon), volcanic cones and rugged topography. Wildlife is varied, and includes species such as quetzals, wild turkeys, chachalacas, black guans, monkeys, armadillos, agoutis and tapirs. The park is home to Pozo Verde Lake, the source of about 50 rivers and some of Costa Rica’s biggest waterfalls: Toro, Aguas Gatas, Gorrion and Claro River. Visitor services are offered in the San Jose de la Montaña sector, Quesada City district, and include an information office, trails, restrooms and drinking water.

La Amistad International Park and Biosphere Preserve
Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, La Amistad International Park protects lands in both Costa Rica and Panama, hence its name: “Friendship.” Considered the largest tropical forest-covered mountain system in the country, the park contains wet, rain and cloud forest. An extraordinary number of different habitats give rise to a wealth of biodiversity.

The largest mountain system in Central America, this protected area includes Tapanti National Park–Macizo de la Muerte, Chirripo National Park, the Hitoy Cerere Biological Preserve and La Amistad International Park, in addition to several forest and indigenous preserves. Visitor services include a series of trails and natural viewpoints. The area designated as La Amistad Biosphere Preserve includes La Amistad International Park, Chirripo National Park, the Hitoy Cerere Biological Preserve and the Talamanca, Tayni, Telire and Cocles Indigenous Reservations.

La Cangreja National Park
La Cangreja National Park is located in the province of San José, in the canton of Puriscal, in Mercedes Sur and Chires districts, between the coordinates: N 4956392 W 1072932. The main entrance is located 35 kilometers southeast of the city of Santiago de Puriscal.

La Cangreja refers to the unique shape of the hill at its highest point at 1,305 meters above sea level. The site has great panoramic and scenic beauty, and according to an indigenous tale, the mountain resembles a crab, and the hillsides a crab’s pincers. The park protects abundant and crystalline water sources such as the Black River and Quebrada Grande, which flow between rock formations shaped by nature, allowing visitors to enjoy and relax while bathing or simply contemplating the surroundings.

The park spans 2,570 hectares and houses 44 species of plants endemic to Costa Rica, including two that stand out: the Ayenia mastatalensis (Sterculiaceae) and Plinia puriscalensis (Myrtaceae), which produces fruit on its trunk that can be seen in August.

The park has over 300 bird species, including macaws, trogons, toucans, sunbitterns, guans and more. In addition, noteworthy animals include agoutis, coatis, pacas, peccaries, deer, pumas, ocelots, green and black poison dart frogs and others.

Its highest elevation is 1,305 meters above sea level, and its lowest is 300 MASL, with temperatures ranging from 24-40° C. Average annual rainfall ranges from 2,400-3,500 mm. The park has a low number of visitors; the most-visited months are January to April, and the least-visted are August to November.

Las Baulas National Marine Park
The park’s main attraction is the Leatherback Sea Turtle nesting, which is the largest such nesting ground in the world, and the sea turtle itself is an endangered species that is protected in Costa Rica.

Within the refuge, another big attraction is the mangrove with full grown trees. The most common mangrove types are: red, black, white, and tea. These mangrove forests are an optimal place for fish, crustaceans and mollusks to thrive. While reptiles, amphibians and birds are also abundant.

There are tours to observe the Leatherback sea turtle nesting and to explore the Tamarindo Estuary.

Los Quetzales National Park
Los Quetzales National Park is located in the district of Copey and canton of Dota, San José province, 76.5 kilometers south of the capital. It is a special area for birdwatching, particularly the quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), a near-endangered species according to the UICN list.

The type of cloud forest generated by different climatic conditions includes trees covered with a wide variety of plant species, which makes them attractive to birds and animals that inhabit the area. It is home to many endemic species of flora and fauna. The areas of most endemic vegetation are high, subalpine and alpine montane floors, which include more than 50% of the 53 endemic species registered in the Savegre basin.

In addition, the park is located at the head of the Savegre River Basin, a catchment and feeding area for aquifers. It is bordered to the north by La Amistad-Pacífico Conservation Area (separated by the Pan-American Highway), and to the northwest by Cerro Las Vueltas Biological Reserve. On one end, it borders the Pirris River Basin and the Reventazón-Parismina River Basin.

The park’s maximum elevation is 3,190 meters above sea level, and the minimum is 1,240. Temperatures range between 5-14° C, with annual average rainfall of 2,648 mm.

Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio Park has 683 hectares, it has the most varied and beautiful landscapes. Surrounded by a lush tropical very wet forest and in their paths can be observed capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and many species of birds, as well as the squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus), endemic to Manuel Antonio, i.e. that is only in that part of the world, increasingly threatened, left only 1,500 individuals according to the most recent census.

The Park protects also 12 Islands that represent excellent shelter for several species of marine birds. It also has excellent beaches: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido. There is also a 14 hectare lagoon and mangroves. Cathedral point connecting Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur beaches is a place of great natural beauty. In terms of the services the visitor is: information, home of Rangers, trails, health services, potable water, signage and several natural viewpoints.

Palo Verde National Park
Palo Verde National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica. It encompasses a rich mosaic of over 15 different natural communities, including the deciduous lowland forest, the evergreen forest, the flooded forest, the deciduous limestone hill forest, grasslands and mangroves. The wetlands, which represent some 50% of the park’s area, are a sanctuary for thousands of aquatic birds, both migratory and non-migratory. This led the park to be declared a Wetland of Importance under the Global Convention on Wetlands.

Incredible resources
Over 750 species of plants have been identified, including the palo verde, pochote, Spanish cedar and the Guanacaste tree. In addition, 5 of the 6 species of mangrove present in the country can be found in the park. In terms of fauna, over 280 species of migratory and non-migratory birds have been identified, some of which are endangered or whose populations have been shrinking, such as the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), jabiru (Jabiru mycteria), great curassow (Crax rubra), along with the long-tailed manakin (Criroxiphia liniaris), caracaras (Polyborus plancus), ducks (Anas spp.), grey herons (Casmerodis albus), among many more. In terms of amphibians and reptiles, the park inventory includes around 55 species, including the frog-eating snake, boa constrictor, the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) and coral snake (Micrurus nigrucintus), along with crocodiles, iguanas and alligators.

Main attractions
Various trails, called Senderos in Spanish, can be found in Palo Verde, which offer visitors a unique experience:

SENDERO LA ROCA: This trail takes you on a 540 meter circuit to a lookout from where you can see a large portion of Palo Verde’s lake, as well as the majestic Río Tempisque and the Gulf of Nicoya.

SENDERO EL GUACAYÁN OR CERROS CALIZOS: This is a challenge for the more adventurous spirits. A steep trail, 1,460 meters in length, takes you to the Guayacán or El Cactus lookouts, from where you will be able to observe Lake Palo Verde and the tempisque flatlands.

SENDERO LA CANTERA: A 1,400 meter tour in which you will be taken on an intense emotional journey through nature until you reach a beautiful lookout from where you will be able to observe the serpentine Río Tempisque.

EL MAPACHE: This 710 meter trail through the forest will show you three different habitats: the lowland deciduous forest, the limestone forest and the evergreen forest.

LA VENADA: At 2,100 meters in length, this trail borders Lake Palo Verde on some of its stretches.

SENDERO EL PIZOTE: With a length of some 650 meters, it offers visitors the opportunity to admire enormous trees and to enjoy the impressive dryland vegetation as they ascend the trail. La Jacana boardwalk: Walk above Lake Palo Verde over an 80-meter-long path with a special birdwatching area.

Other attractions
Isla Pájaros
2.3 hectares in area, this island is the nesting ground for at least eight species of birds, including the country’s largest colony of the black-crowned night heron. The island is located on the Río Tempisque, meaning that it can only be visited by boat.

Laguna Palo Verde
An excellent birdwatching site. From September to March, thousands of herons, egrets, ducks and northern jacanas, among others, flock to the lake and neighboring areas to feed and reproduce, creating a unique space. This lake contains a 20 meter boardwalk that has become one of the best spots for birdwatchers, researchers and the general public.

Ríos Tempisque y Bebedero
Sections of both rivers form the natural limits of the park. They are navigable waterways during high tide, and a wide variety of aquatic and riverine fauna can be observed here, including birds, crocodiles, iguanas and turtles, among others. There are park entrances on both rivers: Chamorro via Puerto Humo and Catalina via El Bebedero.

Piedras Blancas National Park
Along with Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce Forest Preserve, Piedras Blancas forms an important biological corridor that, aside from being rich in itself, protects the great diversity of plant and wildlife species inhabiting Golfo Dulce. Visitor services include only trails and natural viewpoints.

Poás Volcano National Park
The Poas is a volcano that rises to 2,708 metres above sea level, since 1989 has increased markedly the emission of gases causing acid rain phenomena that have damaged the flora in some sectors of the Park and surrounding agricultural plantations to the area.

At the top there are two craters, the principal of 1.5 km in diameter and 300 deep, and the Botos lagoon, cold water and source purely rain, that drain into the Caribbean by the Angel river, tributary of the Sarapiqui River. Today the volcano emits large amount of gas and water vapor from the different fumaroles that are located in the inner cone of the crater. Identified several volcanoes, the Chompipe 2259 m above sea level, the Turu 2139 metres above the level of the sea, Cerro Cacho Negro at 2250 m and the Barva which has several craters, the well-known Tres Marias at an average altitude of 1725 meters.

Rincón de La Vieja Volcano National Park
This national park is where the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is located. There are two 31,000 acre areas: Las Pilas and Santa Maria. There are nine cones all together and a lagoon called “Los Jilgueros.”

Pailas Area: trails (4 miles long) to the Von Seebach craters (6,200 ft. above sea level); Rincon de la Vieja (6,000 ft. above sea level) trail to Las Pailas (1.5 miles); trail to the La Cangreja Waterfalls (3 miles) and Escondidas (2 miles); trail to Blanco River well (2,000 ft.); trail to the fumaroles and mud pits.

Santa Maria area: trail to the Encantado (Enchanted) Forest waterfall (3500 ft.); trail to Pailas area (4.5 miles); trail to Las Pailas de Agua Fria (5,200 ft.); trail to hot springs (1.5 miles). Around the administration area there are restroom services and picnic areas, as well as a camping area. There is also a historical house and a mill. The park can be accessed on the Buenos Aires de Upala side.

Santa Rosa National Park
Here, there are various beaches, such as the Hachal, Danta, Coquito, Santa Elena, and Blanca as well as a lookout point and trails.

The Santa Rosa Park is home to the most famous dry tropical forest in Central America. There are a variety of species in this forest like the white-tailed deer, howler and white-faced monkeys, etc. There are also two beaches: Naranjo and Nancite where Olive Ridley sea turtles nest. This area also has historical importance because of the Santa Rosa Battle that was fought here.

There are also many trails and lookout points, as well as other places of interest: the Monument to the Heroes from 1856 and 1955, the historical house, which was completely rebuilt in 2002.

Tapantí-Macizo de La Muerte National Park
With a 58,323-hectare area and altitudes ranging from 1,220 to 2,560 meters above sea level, this park is located in one of the rainiest parts of the country and is home to 45 species of mammals, 260 bird species and 30 reptile species, as well as ancient oak and alder forests. Fed by several tributaries, the Grande de Orosi River runs through the area and its waters are used to produce hydroelectric energy which provides part of the metropolitan area’s water supply. Macizo de la Muerte is home to the Historical Heritage site “La Picada de Calderon,” a trail still used by horseback riders at various times of the year. Visitor services in the Tapanti area include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, drinking water, signage and natural viewpoints.

Tenorio Volcano National Park
This park is located in the volcanic mountain range in Guanacaste and is home to lowland mountain rain forests, tropical wet forest, and the very wet premontane forest. Its highest point measures 6,289 ft. above sea level. Some of the more prominent plant species include palm trees, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids.

White-faced monkeys, anteaters, pumas, tapirs, and peccaries as well as exotic bird species like trogons and the three-wattled bellbird are sighted here. This area has a park, potable water, restrooms, lodging for researchers, an information desk, trails, and lookout points for your convenience.

Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero was declared a national park on Sept. 24, 1970, and its boundaries were extended three times (1980, 1995 and 1998). Its area has increased from 64,701.45 hectares to 76,937. Of that area, 50,284 hectares are marine territory, and 26,653 are on land.

Of the land area, 99% is used for absolute protection of resources, and 1% is used for visitation facilities. The marine area is 100% designated for absolute conservation.

Tortuguero National Park (TNP) is located in northeastern Costa Rican and is one of the country’s main tourist icons, internationally recognized for its protection of the largest green turtle nesting beach in the Western Hemisphere.

Far-removed from the city and composed of an extensive network of rivers and streams, access is possible only on small boats. Tortuguero National Park is a place like no other, where small communities around the protected area – such as Barra del Tortuguero and San Francisco – still retain their traditions and move around on bicycles as the only means of transportation. All of this makes a trip to Tortuguero a genuine encounter with Caribbean culture.

The TNP also is a paradise for research and ecotourism, as the area’s ecosystems are so complex and diverse that visitors can expect anything during tours, from complete tranquility to discovering typical species of flora and fauna that are characteristic to the Costa Rican Caribbean.