Braulio Carrillo National Park

Leaving San José, you will drive through the scenic road to the Caribbean Coast. Crossing the Park you will enjoy the landscape with tall mountains and steep slopes covered by dense virgin forest, and several rivers that carve deep canyons with beautiful waterfalls. Approximately 30 minutes later, you will arrive at the main entrance of this Park with an area of  45.899 ha (113,415 acres) of mountainous forest and the Meseta Central’s most critical watershed.  The park was established in 1978 and the highway, an extraordinary feat of engineering versus nature with the country’s only mountain tunnel, opened in 1987. Two official park entrances with ranger stations are located at Zurquí, and Quebrada Gonzáles (also called Carrillo).  Both have short hiking trails.  Here, accompanied by a naturalist guide, where a baffling 347 species of birds have been identified, you can also observe barrel hawks, yellow-eared toucan, black hawk eagles and mixed flocks of tanagers. Frogs and toads abound also in this National Park characterized by a rugged terrain of towering mountains densely covered with evergreens and wild rushing rivers cascading down canyon walls so deep they seem almost vertical. 

 Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio  is the perfect combination for nature lovers. Discover the rain forest of this unique National Park and enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches of Manuel Antonio. There are four especially interesting features of the park which can be visited. The first is the "tombolo" on Cathedral Point which joins the ancient Cathedral island to the mainland and where Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio Beaches are located. The second is the blow-hole at Escondido Harbour which is best viewed when the tide comes in. The third is Serrucho Point, an awesome, deeply eroded cliff that looks like a saw and that is honeycombed with sea caves. The fourth is the pre-Columbian under water turtle trap on the western tip of Manuel Antonio Beach, which is also the best place to observe innumerable tiny fish at low tide.

The main habitats of this park are primary forest, also found Secondary forest areas, mangrove swamps, marshes, and littoral woodland, lagongs, herbaceous swamps Some of the predominant species in the primary forest are the contonron (Luebea seemannii), bully tree (Hieronyma oblonge), Santa Maria (Calophyllum brasiliense), etc. To date, 350 species of vascular plants have been identified in the park. The mammals identified come to 109 species and an variety of 184 species of birds.  Some of the resident avian species are the brown pelican, laughing falcon, black-collared hawk, white ibis, white-billed chachalaca, white-collared cuejo, fiery-billed aracari, green kingfisher and northern jacana. While walking through the park you may see some monkeys resting in the branches of low trees at a minute distance of 1 mt from you.

Irazu Volcano National Park

The Irazú Volcano is located 32 kms. in the northeast of Cartago Province in the Central Mountain Range and its size is about 2,309 hectares.
It is an active strato-volcano with an irregular subconical  shape and towers 3,432 meters (11,260 ft) above the sea level covering an area of 500 square kilometers, which makes it the largest volcano in Costa Rica.
Huge, spurting clouds of steam, ash and scoria are continuously ejected from the volcano and are often accompanied by seismic tremors and underground rumblings. There are four craters on the summit. The main crater, which is almost perfectly round, measures 1,050 meters in diameter and 250-300 meters deep .It is filled with a permanent lake of yellowish-green water.

Diego de la Haya crater is round and measures 690 meters in diameter and 100 meters deep. The other two smaller craters are nestled on the southeast and on the northwest side.
The last eruption took place between 1963 - 1965, and it is known that the volcano has never been inactive for periods over 30 years, though occasional bursts of steam, gas and ash and underground tremors inspire respect.  The Volcano's name come from the word Istarú, which means, “Thunder and Earthquake Mountain” an apt description, for Irazú has been active and highly destructive since colonial times at least.  The first recorded eruption took place in 1563.

Arenal Volcano National Park

You will drive on the Interamerican Highway and later up the mountains passing through the picturesque city of Zarcero where you will visit its famous park.
Then, after passing the city of Tapesco you will begin the descent of the San Carlos Plains. This region is an important agricultural center. Passing through Ciudad Quesada and San Carlos, you arrive at the Arenal with its almost perfect cone sitting majestically on the Plains.  Formed roughly 4,000 years ago, 1,633-m-tal (5,356 ft) the volcano was sacred to the pre-Columbian Indians who inhabited this area.  It was dormant in modern times and covered in thick rainforest until July 1968 when the mountain trembled and suddenly blew its top.  

The volcano is active and you will most probably see one of its lava eruptions. This behemoth erupts several times daily. Spewing molten lava and noxious gases, hurtling house-sized stones and clouds of ash into the deep blue sky, and rumbling with the ferocity of an angry giant.  Arenal is mesmerizing at any time of day, but it’s especially magical on clear nights,  when a river of red-hot magma flows down its northern slopes.  The nearest major town to Arenal is La Fortuna, a busy agricultural center packed with restaurants, budget hotels, tour operators and other services.

Poas Volcano National Park

Directly north of Alajuela (although by an indirect route) is the simmering Volcán Poás, looking 2,704 m (8,871 ft) see the Meseta Central.  The road weaves up the mountains during the 90-minute ride from Alajuela to the crater, passing vistas of regimented rows of coffee plants, swirls of smoke rising from cattle ranches and rivers flowing in deep green valleys. The air feels moist and chilly as you climb, and a gray-white mist streaks the sky. For blue skies and shimmering vistas, see Poás early in the morning before fog shrouds the peaks, though visiting in a shroud of drizzle and mist is enjoyably eerie as well.
Poás is by no means inactive, its first recorded eruption was in 1747, its biggest on January 25, 1910. Poás spewed ash, stones and steam again in the 1950s, and the area was temporarily closed in 1989 when gases and ash belched from the crater.  The unmistaken smell of sulfur draws visitors to the edge of the volcano's main crater, a short walk from the ash-covered parking lot at the entrance to Parque Nacional Volcán Poás. On clear days you may spot the milky-green lake cupped in the barren crater and see plumes of muddy water spewing in the air.  Trails lead from rain collecting in an inactive crater. Poás has five craters in all, and several trails lead through stunted forest to misty groves filled with bromelias, epiphytes and a variety of bird species.

Las Baulas National Park

The park is located on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica, 8 Km. from Matapalo and 20 Km. from Tamarindo by road (5 Km. crossing the swamp), in Santa Cruz, province of Guanacaste. It belongs to Tempisque Conservation Area. The park’s flora consists of residual species from dry tropical forest and mangroves. At dry tropical forest species cocobolo, laurel and Tempisque can be found. On the coast, panama, guácimo and vanilla predominate. Mangrove is mostly well developed and trees can reach 25 to 30 meters. Red mangrove or “caballero” is the main specie but black, white and piñuela mangrove can be found as well. Its main tourist attraction, also relevant regarding conservation, it is the leatherback turtle (Baulas, in Spanish) that nests in the beaches of these protected areas. This sea turtle is the largest of the world and is in danger of extinction, according to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and flora (CITES). Fauna is not very abundant, excepting Baula sea turtles, but other species, such as deer, monkeys, coyote and raccoons. Reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates are abundant and easily seen. The most common are crayfish, boa, garrobo and crocodile.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Rincón de la Vieja National Park was created by law No. 5398, on the 23rd of October, 1973. Located in Guanacaste and Alajuela provinces, it covers a little over 14, 083.9 hectares. With 26°C of temperature and 2000 mm rain fall average. Rincón de la Vieja is one of the protected areas within the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG.), along with Guanacaste and Santa Rosa National Parks, Junquillal Bay Wildlife Refuge and the Horizontes Forestry Station.
To make management and operations more efficient, Rincón de la Vieja National Park has been split into two sectors, Las Pailas and Santa María.
Las Pailas Sector owes its name to the volcanic features found here, which include fumaroles, mud pots, and steam vents.

Santa Maria Sector, from the end of the 19th century until 1973 was one of the largest haciendas of the region. Cattle raising (for both meat and milk) was the principal purpose of the hacienda, along with cultivation of coffee and sugar cane. Las Pailas Sector is located about 25 km northeast of Liberia. Travel north on the Inter-American Highway, 5 km from Liberia to the community of Guadalupe, then take the gravel road to the east, for 20 km. Santa María Sector begins about 25 km from barrio La Victoria, in the town of Liberia. Keep on the road to the community of Colonia Blanca, and then, turn left. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for these rough roads.
Due to the range of altitudes, rainfall and ages of volcanic ash fields, there is a good variety of vegetative formations on Rincón slopes and craters.
On the highest forested slopes the trees become dwarfed, gnarled, and covered with moss mats, which provide arboreal soil for orchids and other epiphytes. Rincón is, also, a protected refuge of a large population of the lovely national flower of Costa Rica, the Guaria Morada orchid (Cattleya skinerii).
Representative trees include Laurel (Cordia alliodora), Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum), Cedro Amargo (Cedrela odorata), the Naked Indian Tree, (Bursera simarouba) and the Copey, (Clusia sp.). Common mammals include collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), agoutis (Dasyprocta puntacta), tayras (Eira barbara), ninebanded armadello (Dassypus novecinctus), white-faced monkeys (Cebus capuccinus), howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), and spider monkeys (Ateles gefroyi). The mountain is home to about three hundred bird species, including the Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens), Blue-crowned Moment (Moment momotta), Mountain Robin (Myadestes melanops), and the Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus).

Isla del Coco National Park

Isla del Coco (Coco's Islands) is located in the Pacific Ocean 535 kilometers southwest of Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica. This national park was established on June 22, 1.978, through Executive Decree No.8.748?A, and was declared a Humanity Heritage Site (by UNESCO) on December 4, 1997, and a Ramsar Site in May of 1.998.  The island was discovered by the Spanish pilot Joan Cabezas in 1.526, and by 1.556 it showed on the planisphere by Nicolas Destiens as "Isla de Coco". In the 17th and 18th centuries it served as a hide-away for the pirates and privateers who flourished along the Pacific coasts of Spanish America.
There are stories of treasures hidden here, such as the Lima Booty, consisting of tons of gold bars and sheets of gold that covered the domes of churches; William Davie's treasure, which was hidden in 1.684; and the one that belonged to Benito "Bloody Sword" Bonito, hidden in 1.819.  These fabled riches have attracted over 500 expeditions of treasure hunters, including an official one from the Government of Costa Rica that claimed the island for Costa Rica on September 15, 1.869. An evergreen, dense forest covers the rugged terrain of the island, which is frequently cloudy and lashed by heavy rains. Scientists have identified 235 species of plants (10 terrestrial vascular species that are endemic; 48 non-vascular; an orchid; and 17 endemic ferns) and 90 fungus species.

The predominant tree species in the island include the copey and three endemic species: huriki, guarumo and a palm.  Also known are 362 species of insects (64 endemic); 5 species of reptiles (2 endemic terrestrial species: the Coco´ s Island angle and the Coco´ s Island gecko and 3 species of turtles; 97 species of birds (12 resident, 3 endangered and 3 endemic); 60 species of arthropods (57 species of crustaceans and 3 species of spiders); 510 species of sea mollusks; 32 species of corals, the most abundant being Porites lobata; and more than 250 species of fishes (5 fresh water ones, three of them endemic). Of the fishes, there is an abundance of white-tipped sharks, the gigantic hammerheads, yellow fin tuna, parrot fish, mantes, and horse mackerel, among others. Among the birds, the endemic stand out: the Coco's island flycatcher, the Coco's Island cuckoo the Coco's Island finch. In the forest, it is usual to see the Holy Spirit dove, a white bird that visits the island to nest and that stands out because it hovers over visitors heads. There are 10 species of mammals: 5 marine and five land ones. The latter were introduced and have lived on the island for over 200 years: the wild hog, goat, white-tailed leer, the rat, and the house cat.

Tortuguero National Park

This wildlife area was created in 1975. It is located in the Costa Rican Caribbean region, 80 km north from Limón City. One of the main reasons of its creation (promoted by the herpetologist Archie Carr II), was the protection of the Green turtles, Tortuguero is the most important nesting area in the Occidental Caribbean region. Besides, this area is a very important zone because of its remnants of Tropical Rain Forest that just 50 years ago covered all the Northeastern area of Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park has an extension of 26.156 ha. of land and around 50.160 hectares of marine zone. In this area it predominates the Tropical Rain Forest with an average annual temperature of 26°C and with an annual precipitation around 4.500-6.000 mm.

The abundant rivers, channels and lagoons are constantly used by the locals and the tourists to navigate in the park.
These water ways are like windows that help the tourist admire the exuberant flora and fauna, making the trip a wonderful experience for those who love nature Tortuguero National Park has an extension of 26.156 ha. of land and around 50.160 hectares of marine zone. In this area it predominates the Tropical Rain Forest with an average annual temperature of 26°C and with an annual precipitation around 4.500-6.000 mm. The abundant rivers, channels and lagoons are constantly used by the locals and the tourists to navigate in the park. These water ways are like windows that help the tourist admire the exuberant flora and fauna, making the trip a wonderful experience for those who love nature In Tortuguero there is a very high biodiversity We can find more than 400 species of trees and even 2.200 species of other Kinds of plants. This is due to the variety of environments the park presents, such as: The typical coast vegetation of the Caribbean zone with species such as "uva de playa" and "icaco".
The coco palm, a typical species from the South of India, is also common. Behind the coast sand strip, the forest grows on flooded or swampy lands. There, it is common to find trees such as "sangrillo", "cativo", "gavilán", and "poponjoche". In easily flooded zones grows the yolillo palm. In places with deeper water floating vegetation can be found, for example, the aquatic iris and the aquatic ferns.
In areas as highs as 311 meters above sea level (such as Lomas de Sierpe), the Tropical Rain Forest grows majestically. The average precipitation is around 5.000 mm/year This forest has an extraordinary diversity of flora. Among the most characteristic trees, the tourist can observe pilón, canfin and jicaro de montaña.
In this park there is also an enormous diversity of fauna that includes endangered species of mammals such as jaguar, ocelot, manatee, tayra, sloth, three species of monkeys and tapir (the biggest animal of the American tropical forest).
This area contains approximately 50% of the birds and reptiles species of Costa Rica. The 405 bird species present in the region overcomes those of the entire European Union. This diversity is repeated in relation to the amphibians and reptiles, fish and insects. One of the main attractions of the park is the sea turtle nesting. Tortuguero is the place where the four turtle species of the Caribbean Sea come to nest. These species are the giant Leatherback turtle. the Green turtle (2nd in size and the most abundant in the park) the Hawksbill turtle (brown color) and the Loggerhead turtle (the smallest in size and threatened around the world due to the value of its shell to make art crafts).

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park protects the last portion of Tropical Humid Forest of the Mesoamerican Pacific. Due to its geographical location, climate, soil conditions and topography, this area is home to an amazing diversity of biological species. Blessed with such richness, the area has awakened great interest among Costa Rican and foreign scientists, and its resources are continuously being investigated.  The genetical potential found in the living forms that find refuge in Corcovado could be of invaluable benefit to agriculture, medicine and other equally important fields that seek the well being of humanity.  Before the Spanish conquest, the region was inhabited by indigenous groups who probably settled there due to the abundance of wildlife.  Arqueologist believe the area is important because of the information that could be discovered about the relationship these people maintained with Nature and the manner in which they made use of their resources. These expectations are based on evidence found to date even though the area has been virtually unexplored. Until 1978, there was no access by land to the Península and the population in the region was very sparse. In 1975, when Corcovado National Park was created, the 300 farmers who lived in the area were compensated for their land and relocated in other areas.

Since then, the park has been destined exclusively to conservation goals, scientific investigation, environmental education and the type of tourism suitable to a National Park.
Corcovado is located 368 km from San Jose, following the Pan American Highway south, taking the detour toward Puerto Jimenéz at the community of Chacarita. It is also possible to enter by boat from Sierpe.  Corcovado is made up of a unique combination of terrestrial and marine ecosystems which interact in harmony and whose origins science has yet to fully understand. The area as a whole possesses thousands of species of flora, many only found in this area and others which have disappeared from other regions. We can cite the case of the “ajo” (Caryocar costarricense), the “ojoche” (Brosimun costaricanum) and the caracolito cedar (Ruptiliocarpon caracolito).  Corcovado's diverse fauna is remarkable; many of the species of this region are in danger of extinction, despite the large numbers still found in the region. The red macaw or "Guacamaya" (Ara macao), the wild boar (Tayassu pecari), the jaguar (Felis onca) and the crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) confirm this fact.  Just as in the case of the caracolito tree, in the future, studies could reveal the existence of other unknown species, which if it were not for the conservation of the park, would be lost forever without ever having been described.

Carara National Park

Was created in April 27, 1978, and measures at the present 5.242 ha (about 12.952 acres). It was part of huge Hacienda El Coyolar, one of the biggest ever in Costa Rica, where the last significant stand of primary forest of its kind has been preserved. Carara is a transitional zone from the dry North Coast of Costa Rica, to the very humid coast of the South east in fact, Carara is the only piece of land along the Central Pacific Area of Costa Rica.  The reserve is located 90 km (60 miles), from San José, on the right side of" Grande de Tárcoles" river following the coastal highway. It takes about 2 hours tc get there from San José. Carara the evergreen complexity and beauty, However. Carara has three life zones; can be distinguished at the Reserve and they are the tropical humid forest that covers 20%, transition from pre-montane tropical and premontane rain forest, 15%; and montane rain forest that extends over 5% of the area.  Carara has the ten finest hardwood and soft? wood of Costa Rica and they are: caoba. cedro amargo, cenizaro, cocobolo, guapino, guayacán, nazareno, and roble sabana. Some of the rarest and most spectacular animals of tropical America are also here; scarlet macaw, american corcodile, great anteater, ocelot, Central American spider monkey, great curassow, fiery?billed aracari, and black and green poison arrow frog. These species are in danger of extinction, with reduced populations.  Carara Biological Reserve has numerous archaeological sites of precolonial times. Studies undertaken indicate 15 sites that correspond to different periods of occupation: The Pavas Phase (300 B.C. to 300 A.D.) and Cartago Phase (800 to 1.500 A.D); with agriculture as the basis of subsistence. Some sites from the second period stand out: Carara with a rectangular foundation of 4x6, built with river stones and limestone, and Lomas de Entierro, an extensive village with habitational and funeral zones at the top of hilly terrain facing "Grande de Tárcoles" river. The later was one of the main pre-colonial settlements in Costa Rica and its political economical influence extended over the lower river area.

Tenorio Volcano National Park

Tenorio Volcano National Park was created on April 27th 1.995. This volcano is the second elevation of the Guanacaste Mountain Range. Because of it location and geographic alignment, this mountain range functions as a natural wall that blocks the way of the clouds , blown by the Trade Winds coming from the northwest. This gives origin to the formation of rain, with orographic character.
This National Park is formed by a puzzle of natural resources of incomparable beauty. One of the most attractive ones, is the Rio Celeste or "Light Blue River" , with light blue waters provoked by the emanation of sulphurs and the precipitation of carbonated calcium.  
1. San José - Cañas. From Cañas 7 km north on Interamericana highway then 44 km to Upala road then to east 8 km (4 w. drive all year).
2. San .José - Ciudad Quesada - El Tanque ( in San Carlos ) . From El Tanque follow 80 kilometres on the way to Upala, and 24 kilometres on the way to Cañas. Then turn to the East for 8 kilometres by a ballasted road , for 4WD vehicles all year around.  Due to the climate variability, Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to many different species of plants and trees; the most common ones are: Oak tree, "Aguacatillo", "Chicle" tree, "Platano", "Danto" and many palms,ferns, epiphytes, bromeliads, orchids and heliconias.  Some of the most watched species of fauna are: tapir, collared peccary, tayra, howler monkey, white-faced monkey, spider monkey, wild cats ( puma, margay and ocelot ), birds like three-wattle bellbird, turkey vultures and different roadside hawks and tanagers.

Gandoca Manzanillo National Park

Gandoca - Manzanillo is a mixed National Wildlife Refuge. The most important ecosystems within the Refuge are the wetlands: swamps, lagoons, flooded forests, the reef and marine plant and alga floors. It protects the habitat of endangered species such as manatee or seacow (Trichechus manatus) and marine turtles such as leatherback's (Dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), which nest on the costs of the Refuge. Also, it gives shelter to mammals and birds. South of Punta Mona there is the only cativo (Prioria copaifera) forest left on the South Caribe of the country. Conservation and sustained management of these ecosystems, with the participation of the local communities, is the main objective for the activities of this Refuge.  Gandoca - Manzanillo is located on the South - East Caribbean coast, between the mouths of Cocles and Sixaola rivers, in the province of Limón, canton of Talamanca, district of Sixaola. The Refuge is located 203 kilometers from San José and 71 kilometers from Limón. Gandoca Sector is 95 kilometers from Limón, by the Bri Bri - Sixaola road.  In Gandoca Manzanillo marine and terrestrian enviroments provide a very diverse habitat, which allows the permanence of fringing, patch, barrier reef.  Wetlands are conformed mainly by golillo palm trees (Raphia taedigera), mangroves, cativo trees and herbaceous swamps.  Alluvial forests in drained terrains and forests on hills hold species such as golillo palm trees, “orey”, “cativo”, “sangrillo”, “caobilla” and several species of mangrove. Herbaceous swamps are formed by species such as “uña de gato” (cat claw), “varilla negra” (black stick) and floating vegetation. Hillside forests contain enormous trees of “almendro de montaña”, “cerillo”, “caobilla”, “cativo” and “sangrillo”. The coral reef and marine plant and alga floors provide shelter and food to species such as manatee and the thorny lobster. Other protected species are crocodiles, caimans, otters, peccaries, pacas, spider monkeys, curry toucans, parrots and great curassows.

Santa Rosa  National Park

Santa Rosa National Park is located 35 km, north of Liberia. Seven kilometers from the entrance are located the Casona Santa Rosa Historical Museum, camping area and the administration of Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG), where information of other protected sectors can be asked.
The Casona of Santa Rosa was created as National Monument by law on June 27th, 1.966. On March 20th, 1971 was declared as National Park together with the land near by. In 1.980, it was widened with the Murcielago sector by Executive Decree. Murciélago sector is located at 9 km from Cuajiniquil, (60 km, north of Liberia on the International road).  Santa Rosa is one of the protected areas within the ACG, along with Guanacaste and Rincon de la Vieja National Parks, Horizontes Forestry Station and Junquillal Wildlife Refuge.  

The Hacienda of Santa Rosa is registered in the pages of our country history from the XIX century.
The 20th of March 1.856 the most important battle, against American invaders called filibusters, took place. It also has been stage of other historical battles. Naranjo Beach (located 12 km away of the administration area) is surrounded by mangrove and with great beauty. There are two ways to access the beach on defined paths: in four wheel drive during the dry season and hiking during the rainy season. In the same direction of Naranjo Beach (17 km from the administration area), it is found Nancite Beach one of the most important nesting sites for Olive Riley Turtle on the Pacific coast of Central America. Due to the ecological characteristics the access to Nancite is restricted.   Other beautiful beaches are located in Murcielago sector, White Beach (17 km from the camping area), Santa Elena Bay and El Hachal Bay (5 km from the camping area).
Santa Rosa preserves the most important portion of Dry Forest protected in Central America. High temperature, long dry season and trees that lose their leaves characterize this forest, that looks totally different during the rainy season. Common species of trees are the Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum), Pochote (Bombacopsis quinata), Guapinol (Hymenaea courbaril), the Naked Indian tree (Bursera simaruba) and the Caoba (Swietenia macrophylla).  In the coasts, mangrove are well represented with species like the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), as well as, other typical species of the Pacific slope of Costa Rica. In Santa Rosa are found 115 species of mammals; among them the White Tail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata) and White-face Monkey (Cebus capucinus), as well as Coatis (Nasua narica) can be seen. The common bird is the White-throated Magpie Jay (Calocitta formosa). Representative reptiles are the Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus), and the Ctenoaur or Garrobo (Ctenosaura similis).

Marino Ballena National Park

National Park Marino Ballena protects important habitats, as sandy beaches, rocky beaches, swamps, mangroves, cliffs, islands, coral reefs, which represent a very important environment for marine diversity reproduction. Its land is limited by the line of official boundary stones that delimitate the inalienable public area, the restricted part of the maritime-terrestrial area and the border of adjacent mangroves and wetlands. The marine limit is formed by an imaginary line that encloses a rocky cliffs line formed by Punta Uvita's Tómbolo, Isla Ballena, Tres Hermanas and surroundings, originated at Boca del Río Higuerón or Morete and ending at Punta Piñuelas.  It is located on the Central Pacific coast, between Higueron River’s outlet (also Morete) and Punta Piñuelas, Bahía Ballena district, province of Puntarenas. It belongs to Osa Conservation Area.

Absolute Reserve Cabo Blanco

Since 1963, after being declared as protected area, natural regeneration of the forest took place. Visitors may appreciate the way nature has reconstructed the forest. Absolute Reserve Cabo Blanco is much more than a monument to human hope; it is a good example of nature in the search of its own balance. It has an extension of 1,272 Ha.(land) and 1,700 Ha (marine area).
It is located on the southern end of Nicoya peninsula, at North Pacific coast, 18 Km. from Cobano and 11 Km. from the tourist village of Montezuma, at Cobano district, province of Puntarenas. It belongs to Tempisque Conservation Area.

La Amistad National Park

It is located along the Talamanca range, in southern Costa Rica. La Amistad International Park (P.l.L.A.), for its acronym in Spanish, is surrounded by other protected areas and indigenous territories.  P.l.L.A. has 194.129 hectares in total and is considered as the protected area with the highest biological diversity in the country due to its wide altitudinal range, deep climatic changes, and soil variety.

ALL these elements together originate diverse ecosystems and a high endemism. The most extense and untouchable forest is protected in P.I.L.A.

As a result of these characteristics, P.l.L.A. was denominated as a World Heritage Site, as well as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Chirripo National Park

One of the most interesting geomorphologic findings made at Chirripó are the molded and varied glacier formations, such as U-shape valleys, varves, glacier terraces, lakes and glacier circuses, which show the passing of large masses of ice –about 203 Km long- 25,000 years ago. The park boasts the highest peak in Costa Rica, Chirripó Mt., at 3.820 meters above sea level.

The upper reaches of the park are exposed to chilly winds, frost, drizzles and wide temperature variation. The lowest temperature registered at Chirripó, and in the country, was -9º C. Chirripó National Park, located on the Cordillera de Talamanca, northeast of the town of San Isidro de General, occupies 50,920 Hectares and is included in La Amistad Pacífico Conservation Area.

The park comprises different areas as the northernmost páramo and the rain forest. The upper reaches of the park contain six areas of pristine beauty and geological and ecological relevance. Sabana de los Leones, Valle de las Morrenas, Cerro Ventisqueros, Cerro Chirripó, Valle de los Lagos and Valle de los Conejos. The rain forest is characterized by a high presence of arborescent ferns, moss, palms, orchids and bromeliads, which are distributed in different areas. Coyotes, jaguars and other felines, squirrels, rabbits, frogs, bird’s owls and quetzals are the most common species found.

Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park involves 1.067,9 hectares of continental area, 600 hectares of coral reefs area and 22.400 hectares of marine area.  It protects one of the most important reefs of the country and the most developed reef of the Caribbean coast. Within the Park, there are also important sections of wetlands and swamps, mostly dominated by the “yolillo” palm and the “sangrillo” tree. The golden- sand beaches that border the coastal area of the Park are extra ordinally beautiful.

Ostional Wildlife Reserve

Ostional Wildlife Reserve presents 12 Km. of sandy coastline and it also hosts the village of Ostional. Sea turtle nesting was the reason why this wildlife reserve was established. Turtle massive arrivals (or arribadas) occur between La Roca, Las Cocineras and Estero Ostional.  The reserve is located on the coast, between Santa Cruz and Nicoya, in Guanacaste province. It consists of 352 hectares and 200 meters of coast. It is included in Tempisque Conservation Area.  At Ostional Wildlife Reserve it is allowed by law to collect lora sea turtle eggs during the first 36 hours after arrival (arribada). This phenomenon affects approximately 200 turtles per night, during three to seven nights, to an average of 100,000 nesting turtles. Usually, this happens once a month, more frequently from September to November. Sea Turtles that nest in Ostional are: Lora (year round), Baula (September thru February), Green, world’s biggest turtle (September thru February), and Carey, which occasionally nest at Ostional.

Tapanti National Park

Tapanti National Park formerly known before as Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge was established on April 23, 1992. It forms part of La Amistad (Friendship) Conservation Area and is one of the most diverse areas of Costa Rica.
The park covers 6.080 hectares (15.057 acres) and is located in the Orosi district, in Paraíso of Cartago. It is mostly surrounded by the Rio Macho Forest Reserve.
The Park's altitude ranges from 1.220?2.560 meters (4.002?8.397 feet) above sea level. Tapanti has four different life zones: Premountain Pluvial Forest, Premountain Forest, Low Mountain Pluvial Forest, Mountain Pluvial Forest. Tapanti National Park is notable for being one of the rainest areas of Costa Rica. The rainest month is October. The area is bisected by the Grande de Orosi River into which many smaller rivers and creeks empty their waters. This vital liquid is used to generate hydroelectric power and to supply drinkable water to a great part of the population of the San Jose Metropolitan Area by the Orosi aqueduct.

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Barra Honda Caverns

Barra Honda stands apart from other Costa Rican parks because the main attraction here is below the ground: the country’s largest limestone cavern system. More than three dozen labyrinths and caves has been discovered here over the past 20 years, with the deepest (Santa Ana Caves) gaping more than 200 m (60 ft) below the surface.  The caverns are marvelous, filled  with stalactites and stalagmites of a thousand different shapes and sizes. Among the more remarkable caves are Terciopelo, La Trampa, Pozo Hedionda and Nicoa (where prehistoric man once lived).  Millions of bats also call these caverns home, as do fish and salamanders which have adapted to life in total darkness.  Visitors must have reservations and a ranger guide to enter the caves.