NATIONAL PARKS & PRIVATE RESERVES

(The Caribbean, Northern Region, Central Valley, North Pacific, Mid Pacific,
South Pacific)

HIGHLIGHTS

Costa Rica is famous because of its firm protection of natural habitat. More than 20 percent of the country’s territory is protected by the government’s national park system. Add to that a series of private reserves and refuges and you will find yourself with one of the most ecologically inclined countries in the world. At these National Parks and reserves, you’ll be able to learn all about the amazing ecological and biological diversity of Costa Rica.
If you’re interested in making a stop at one of these parks in particular, please feel free to send us a message. We’ve got plenty of schedules and options available for you to access these flora and fauna sanctuaries!

THE CARIBBEAN

Tortuguero: National Park since: 1975 / Extension: 31,387 hectares (77,065 acres).
At this park located on the northern Caribbean region of Costa Rica, you will be able to witness the arrival of nesting green and leatherback turtles from June to October. Also, this park boasts a series of impressively scenic water canals and small lagoons. Among the wildlife you’ll be able to observe you’ll find crocodiles, monkeys, sloths and over 85 species of fresh water fish. Tortuguero National Park is the most important nesting site in Central America for the green turtle.

Cahuita: National Park since: 1975/ Extension: 1106 hectares (2,733 acres) inland, 600 hectares (1,482.65 acres) of coral reef and 22.400 hectares (55,352 acres) of ocean.
Located on the Caribbean coast, Cahuita is the home of Costa Rica’s most extensive coral reef. Here you will be able to find 35 species of corals, 140 mollusk species, 44 types of crustaceous, 128 species of algae and 123 kinds of fish. The waters here are perfect for snorkeling all year round. Moreover, the park boasts gorgeous white sand beaches lined with large palm trees: iconically Caribbean.

La Selva Biological Station:Functional since: 1971 / Extension: 5,600 hectares (13,838 acres).
La Selva is located in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, 35mts (114 feet) above sea level and is dedicated to the protection of primary rainforest. This area of Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the entire American continent. It is the proud home of 2,000 species of flora (400 of which are trees), 400 species of birds (almost half the bird fauna of the entire country) and 1600 species of insects (35 different types of grasshoppers and 479 species butterflies, among others). At La Selva, the average temperature all year round is 24° C (75.2°F) and the level of humidity can surpass 80%. If you decide to visit, make sure you brain raingear and waterproof shoes since heavy rains are usual throughout the entire year.

Arenal Volcano: National Park since: 1991 / Extension: 12,124 hectares (29,959.47acres).
This conically shaped colossus has been in constant activity since its 1968 eruption. Throughout the decades it has become one of the most visited volcanoes in Costa Rica and is undoubtedly the main attraction in the country’s Northern Region. This park protects a great variety of flora, such as a series of different kinds of orchids, ferns and bromeliads (including the endemic species Pitkaimia Funkiae). Apart from the volcano, there other places to visit within the park, such as Chato Hill (Arenal Volcano’s extinct neighbor) and an observation platform overlooking the lush landscape.


Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge: Year of creation: 1991. Extension: 9,969 ha. (24,634 acres). The essence of this protected area, located just near the border with Nicaragua, is in its waterways. A big lagoon, along with wide flooded plains, provide an excellent milieu for bird reproduction, especially during the rainy season (May – November). The area is rather humid, so visitors are advised to take light clothes. Boat tours within this refuge are arranged from La Fortuna, and result ideal for birdwatchers.

Monteverde: Functional since: 1972 / Extension: 10,500 hectares (25,946.4 acres).
Monteverde is a private biological reserve, administered by the Tropical Scientific Center. It is located on both sides of the Continental water division and thus, it protects both Caribbean and Pacific river sources. Within its territory, 6 defined ecosystems can be found; nonetheless, the reserve is best known for its misty cloud forests. It is a region with a vast biodiversity and is the home of more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds (including the gorgeous quetzal), 120 types of amphibians and reptiles as well as approximately 2,500 species of plants (420 of them correspond to different types of orchids) and more than 1,000 kinds of insects. Since it is located up in the mountain, Monteverde’s weather is fresh and rainy so you are advised to bring warm clothes and raingear when stopping for a visit.

Poás Volcano: National Park since: 1970 / Extension: 6,506 hectares (16,076.9 acres).
Due to its scenic beauty, and its close location to San José, Poás volcano is the most visited national park in Costa Rica. Nowadays the volcano is active but not in eruption. Boasting one of the largest craters in the world, its main crater has a diameter of 1.5kms/0.9 miles and is 300mts/984 ft deep; its sulfuric composition gives it a nice turquoise/light-blue color. Within its cloud forests, 79 different species of birds have been identified. When visiting the park, make sure to bring warm clothes and a light jacket, even if the weather is sunny.

Irazú Volcano: National Park since: 1955 / Extension: 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres).
This magnificent colossus located in the province of Cartago possesses 5 craters but only one of these can be visited. Irazú (3432mts / 11,260 feet above sea level) is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, even though its last significant eruption happened over 40 years ago (1963-1965). The vegetation of the park is typical of high altitudes and you will find oak trees as well as abundant moss. If you plan on visiting, don’t forget to wear warm clothes and jackets even if the sun is shining.


Braulio Carrillo: National Park since: 1978 / Extension: 47,583 hectares (117,581.79 acres).
This national park bears the name of Costa Rica’s third chief of state, who in the 19th century built a road that connected the Central Valley (the country’s economical and cultural center) with the port of Limón in the Caribbean coast. It is the home of one of Costa Rica’s largest transitional forests, dividing the Central Valley’s cloudy mountains from the humid Caribbean lowlands.

Turrialba Volcano: National Park since: 1978 / Extension: 1257 hectares (3,106.16 acres).
At an altitude of 3340mts/10,958.20 feet above sea level, the dormant Turrialba Volcano has an average temperature of 16°C / 60.8°F and an annual precipitation of 3,000 to 4,000 mm (117.81 to 157.08 inches). Visitors should expect very little human presence along the volcano trails, astonishing mountain scenery and welcome fresh air. The volcano can be accessed only by 4 wheel drive vehicles up to a certain point; the rest of the visit needs to be done on foot.

Rincón de la Vieja: National Park since: 1974 / Extension: 14,161 hectares (34,993 acres).
Located in the province of Guanacaste, Rincón de la Vieja volcano (1,806mts/ 5,925.3 feet above sea level) is the one of the few volcanoes in Costa Rica hosting a dry tropical forest. The small geysers scattered throughout the park and its boiling mud pools are the main attractions of this scenic park. Additionally, you will find numerous trails leading to all kinds of breathtaking places: the main crater with its fantastic view of the North Pacific plains of Costa Rica, pristine waterfalls and intense blue rivers. Within the park, 3 different species of monkeys have been spotted along with the whitetail deer and 282 species of birds.

Santa Rosa: National Park since: 1966 / Extension: 38,674 hectares (95,566 acres).
Once an inhabited hacienda, Santa Rosa is best known for being the location of the historical battle that took place against North American Filibusters in 1856. History aside, this national park safeguards the most important protected dry forest in all Central America. You will find more than 100 species of mammals living in the park and its Nancite beach is one of the major sites in Mesoamerica for olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting. Due to its ecological conditions, access to this beach is very restricted.

Marino Las Baulas: National Park since: 1991. Extension: 379 ha. (936.5 acres). During the months of December through March, Playa Grande (just south of Tamarindo) hosts Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) that come to lay their eggs. Other important turtle species protected in this national park include the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and occasionally, the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Las Baulas National Park comprises both mangrove and tropical dry forest ecosystems.

Cabo Blanco: National Park since: 1963 / Extension: 1,172 hectares (2,896 acres) inland and 1,790 hectares (4,423.2 acres) of protected ocean waters.
This park is located on the southwestern tip of Nicoya Peninsula, really close to the beach of Montezuma and Malpaís. It is famous for its winding forest trails leading directly to deserted gorgeous beaches. Here, more than 119 species of plants have been identified here, of both mainland and marine fauna. Other species that are found in forests of this park include deer, monkeys and porcupines. In its protected waters, you’ll be able to find clams, crabs, lobsters and a great variety of fish.

Palo Verde: National Park since: 1978 / Extension: 18,418 hectares (45,512.5 acres).
Located on the mouth of the Tempisque River, Palo Verde is best known for being the home of a wide variety of bird species. The picturesque landscape of this part is essentially covered by wide grasslands and waterways. Also, seasonal floods usually occur during the months of June to October, creating the perfect flourishing habitat for some of the local and migrant birds. If you plan on visiting, make sure you bring insect repellent since mosquitoes are abundant in this park, especially during the rainy season.

Carara:National Park since: 1978 / Extension: 5,242 hectares (12,953 acres).
This national park is famous for being a transition zone between habitats. It separates the Pacific Ocean from Costa Rica’s Central Valley and is the home of a great variety of wildlife. Among these is the beautiful scarlet macaw (Ara macao), almost extinct along the Pacific coastline. Furthermore, Carara protects species such as monkeys, two-toed sloths and 750 species of plants. The park is located only a 15min drive away from Herradurra Beach and only 20mins away from Jacó. If you are staying in Quepos or Manuel Antonio and wish to visit, it’s a 1½ hour drive.

Manuel Antonio: National Park since 1972 / Extension: 1,625 hectares (4,015.5 acres).
This park hosts the most visited protected beach in the whole of Costa Rica. It is the proud protector of primary and secondary rainforests, mangroves and ocean fauna. Within its boundaries you will be able to find two and three-toed sloths, 109 species of mammals as well as 184 species of birds. Additionally, the park protects the endangered Costa Rican Squirrel Monkey, also known as the Titi Monkey. Apart from its 3 immaculate beaches, the park boasts a series of mountain trails crossing the rainforest and the famous Punta Catedral, a former island that is now attached to the mainland by a strip of sediment accumulation and is one of the park’s main attractions.

Marino Ballena: National Park since 1992 / Extension: 172 hectares (425 acres).
This park is located near Dominical Beach and Punta Uvita, to the south of Puntarenas Province. It was created with the specific purpose of protecting vital habitats for the reproduction and spawning of different marine fauna. The park bears its name in honor of the migratory humpback whales that pass by and breed in these waters every year.

Corcovado & Caño Island: National Park since: 1975 / Extension: 42,469 hectares (104,944 acres).
The jewel of Costa Rica’s national park system, Corcovado preserves the last portion of primary Tropical Humid Forest in the entire Mesoamerican Pacific. It is the steadfast protector of species that are on the brink of extinction, such as the scarlet macaw (Aro macao), the Black peccary (Tayassu pecari) and the Jaguar (Felis onca). Within the park you will find three main ranger stations: two located along the coast (San Pedrillo, can be reached by boat from Drake Bay; and Sirena, reached by car from Puerto Jiménez) and one located inside the rainforest (Los Patos). There are numerous trails for you to explore but before venturing out, you should make sure to check with one of the rangers; some routes can only accessed according to the tides. Caño Island, located near Drake Bay and San Pedrillo station, is an ideal spot for scuba diving. It offers 5 spectacular diving points in the island’s surroundings.

La Amistad: National Park since: 1982 / Extension: 199,147 hectares (492,109.8 acres).
La Amistad is famous for being the only international park in Costa Rica; it encompasses areas from both the territories of Costa Rica and Panama. It boasts amazingly humid jungles as well as cloud forests. Within the boundaries of this biological sanctuary you will find more than 263 species of amphibians and reptiles as well as 400 different kinds of birds (including the beautiful quetzal).

Chirripó: National Park since: 1975 / Extension: 50,849 hectares (125,652.37 acres).
Located at an altitude of 3820mts (12533 feet), the famed Chirripó is Costa Rica’s highest peak. It is the host of a Paramus ecosystem, filled with small bushes and plants no higher than 4mts (13,12 feet). This park is only accessible by foot so if you wish to visit, you will need to prepare for an 11kms (6.87 miles) trek uphill to one of the park’s shelters. Access to the park is restricted and only 40 people a day are allowed to visit. Therefore, if you are interested in hiking up this magnificent peak you will need to book in advance. Make sure you bring warm clothes and thick jackets since temperatures can drop to 0 °C (32° F) during the night and there is no heating system available at the shelter.

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