The National Parks and equivalent reserves of Costa Rica protect the best of the country’s natural and cultural heritage. These outstanding wilderness areas preserve a large number of the plant and animal species that live in the country. They provide shelter for 205 species of mammals, 845 of birds, 160 of amphibians, 218 of reptiles and 1,013 of salt and freshwater fish. At the same time, they protect most of the approximately 10,000 species of vascular plants that have been identified, which corresponds to almost 4% of the total number of plant species that exist in the world. They also conserve almost all of the existing habitats, such as deciduous forest, mangrove swamp, rainforest, herbaceous swamp, cloud forest, paramo, holillo forest, oak forest, coral reefs, riparian forests and swamp forest.
The Costa Rican system of national parks and equivalent reserves consists of 35 units that cover a little over 622,000 hectares of land.
BOLAÑOS ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE
Location: Guanacaste Province, Bahía Salinas, approximately 4 kms. West of Puerto Soley on the Pacific Coast
Size: 25 hectares.
Bolaños Island lies in one of the driest regions in the country, with less than 1,500 mm of annual rainfall. It is a rugged oval-shaped mound, 81 meters high and located 1.5 kms. From Descartes Point. There is a white sandy beach on the eastern tip of the island strewn with snail and clam shells. The surrounding sea of transparent blue water teems with fish.
Bolaños Island is especially important for the conservation of seabirds which build their nests there.
SANTA ROSA AND GUANACASTE NATIONAL PARK
Location: Northwest of Guanacaste Province
Size: 82,027 hectares (marine sector)
These two contiguous national parks lie in the climate zone known as the Dry Pacific. They cover a vast expanse and range of altitudes, from sea level to almost 2,000 meters on the summits of Orosi and Cacao Volcanoes. Consequently, they house one of the most diversified groups of habitats in Costa Rica. At the same time, they have become one of the most important international research centers for studying the ecology of the tropical dry forest.
Santa Rosa is a major historic site in Costa Rica. The ranch house and corrals, which date from the colonial period, was the scene of a victorious battle fought on 20th March, 1856, against troops of filibusters.
PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK
Location: Guanacaste Province, Bagaces Canton, Tempisque Lowlands.
Size: 16,804 hectares.
Palo Verde National Park forms part of the biogeographically zone known as the “Tempisque Lowlands”, a mosaic of various habitats of flooded plains. They are divided by several rivers and a ridge of limestone peaks. The area is subject to extensive seasonal flooding. As a result of poor drainage, the plains are flooded during the rainy season by the combined action of rain, tides and the overflowing of the Rivers Tempisque and Bebedero.
Palo Verde is one of the regions with the greatest ecological diversity in the country with more than 12 different habitats. These include freshwater and saltwater lagoons and marshes, grassland with black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), mangrove swamps, grasslandswith rough-leaf trees (Curatella Americana), thorn scrub, deciduous mixed forest on alluvial plain, hillside mixed forests, riparian or gallery forest, savannah woodland, swamp forest and evergreen forests.
The largest concentration of waterfowl and wading birds in all of Central America takes place at Palo Verde.
LAS BAULAS DE GUANACASTE NATIONAL MARINE PARK
Locación: Guanacaste Province, Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Cruz Cantón
Size: 500 hectares (land sector), 22,000 hectares (marine sector)
Grande Beach, which belongs to the park, is one of the most important nesting sites in the World for the leatherback turtle (Dermochelyscoriacea). This species, which is the largest on the sea turtles, is dark blue in color with 7 long, narrow ridges along its carapace. It can measure over 2 meters long and weight up to 700 kilos.
The mangrove swamp, which covers 440 hectares, consists of the six species of mangrove known on the Pacific Costa Rican coast. Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), which grows in almost uniform groves, is the predominant species with some trees over 30 meters high. The wildlife in this wetland habitat is quite varied and abundant. Identification has been made of 57 avian species, including lovely roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja), and there are Caymans (Caiman crocodylus and crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus)
BARRA HONDA NATIONAL PARK
Location: Guanacaste Province, 22 kms. East of the city of Nicoya
Size: 2,295 hectares.
Barra Honda Peak, which stands 450 meters above sea level, is composed of reef-type limestone that is about 60 million years old. It emerged as a result of the elevation of a number of faults. Its flanks are very steep, especially to the south, but is almost flat on the summit. The predominant vegetation consists of deciduous species. The wildlife is somewhat varied with white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebuscapucinus), coyotes (Canis latrans) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virgianus)
The peak is riddled by a vast network of caves, nearly 42 which are independent of each other. At the present time, only 19 have been explores.
There are three special-interest sites in the park. These are El Mirador, a look-out point on the southern rim of the peak, which commands a view of a large part of Nicoya Gulf, the region known as Los Mesones, wh ich has an unusually tall evergreen forest and supplies several neighboring villages with water, and La Cascada, a spectacular waterfall that flows over beautiful tiers of trartine dams.
OSTIONAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Location: Guanacaste Province on the western coast of the Nicoya Peninsula
Size: 162 hectares (land sector)´, 587 hectares (marine sector)
The wide Ostional Beach together with Nancite Beachin Santa Rosa National Park constitute the most important nesting sites in the world for the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). The usual sector of beach where the turtles land is 900 meters long and lies between the estuary of the River Ostional, which runs parallel to the beach, and a rocky point that juts into the sea. Huge arribadas of turtles take place from July to November, usually at night during the last quarter of the noon. Other species of sea turtles that occasionally nest on these beaches are the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Pacific green (Chelonia mydas).
The sparse vegetation of the refuge consists of a mixed forest of deciduous species, among which grows the frangipani (Plumeria rubra). Howler monkeys (Alouatta palliate) and white-faced capuchinmonkeys (Cebus capucinus) can be observed among other species of vertebrates.
A large mangrove swamp grows at the mouth of the River Nosara, southeast of the refuge. It is surrounded by hills composed of sedimentary rock. Identification has been made in the area of 100 species of birds.
GUAYABO, NEGRITOS AND LOS PAJAROS BIOLOGICAL RESERVES
Location: Province of Puntarenas, Nicoya Gula
Size: 91 hectares
These tour islands – Negritos are two- are located at Esther end of Nicoya Gula. Guayabo is an imposing mound of sedimentary rock that is 50 meters high. It is rhomboid in shape and can only be reached with difficulty by landing on its one and only beach. The little cove is strewn with pebbles from an ancient landslide. The rest of the terrain consists of towering cliffs. The vegetation is made up of shrubs and small plants that grow barely one meter high. The island is of vital importance as it is the largest of the four known nesting sites in the country for the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) with a population of 200-300 individuals. Besides providing an excellent refuge for numerous seabirds, it is also the wintering site of the peregrine falcon(Falco peregrinus)
Negritos Islands are composed of basalt and breccias that belong to the Nicoya Complex. Pajaros Island is almost completely round and dome-shaped. At low tide it is possible to walk around the island by following its two small beaches and a narrow ledge. The predominant species is the wild guava (Psidium guineense). As on the other islands, seabirds are the most numerous and varied vertebrates.
CABO BLANCO STRICT NATURE RESERVE
Location: Puntarenas Province, on the southwestern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula
Size: 1,172 hectares.
Cabo Blanco is a vital refuge for the protection of seabirds and one of the most beautiful scenic regions on the Dry Pacific Coast. Annual rainfall is 2,300 mm. The predominant species in the forest at CaboBlanco are evergreen, although mixed with some deciduous species, such as spiny cedar(Bombacopsis quinatum). This is the most abundant tree with specimens that grow over 50 meters high. There are 120 tree species in the reserve.
Despite the small size of the reserve, there is a considerable variety of wildlife, although populations are not large. Besides tree squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides), which are indeed numerous, other species include the tiger cat (Felis wiedii), Mexican treeporcupine (Coendou mexicanus), common long nosed amardillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), howler monkey (Alouatta palliate), spider monkey (Ateles geoffoyi) and white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus).
Cabo Blanco Island, located 1,6 km off the coast is a sheer, rocky mound completely devoid of vegetation but covered in guano. It is an impregnable refuge for seabirds. Another interesting site to visit is a wide, rocky ledge that juts out from the tip of CaboBlanco where the Nicoya Peninsula ends.
CARARA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
Location: Puntarenas and San Jose Provinces
Size: 4,700 hectares
Carara Biological Reserve lies in a transition zone between a dry region to the north and a wet region to the south. Consequently, it has an incredible variety of plant life with over 750 species, most of which are evergreen. Several streams flow through the reserve and as most are permanent, the reserve takes on the appearance of a cool, green oasis during the dry season.
In the northeastern sector of the reserve, the seasonal floods of the River Grande de Tárcoles form several marshes that are very rich in waterfowl and wading birds, as well as reptiles and amphibians. A U-shaped lagoon fills a large, abandoned meander of the River Grande de Tárcoles that is about 600 meters long, 40 meters wide and 2 meters deep.
Primary forests cover most of the reserve. Two areas typical of this habitat are Lomas Pizote and Montañas Jamaica. They feature a 20%-60% incline, heavy rainfall, several layers of vegetation and a wealth of vines and epiphytes.
In addition to the numerous aquatic animals that mainly live in the lagoon and marshes, there is a variety of wildlife that includes the rate two-toed sloth(Choloepus hoffmanni) and the endangered scarlet macaw (Ara macao), which has almost completely vanished from the Dray Pacific. An Indian cemetery, which covers 6 hectares and reveals a definite Mesoamerican and Central Atlantic influence, has been excavated at Lomas Carara.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Puntarenas Province, Pacific Coast, 7 kms. South of Puerto Quepos.
Size: 683 hectares.
Manuel Antonio lies in one of the most beautiful, scenic regions in all of Costa Rica. The park has four interesting geomorphologic features. The first is the tombolo at Punta Catedral. It was formed by two coastal currents that at one time ran parallel to the shore and then converged, accumulating deposits of sand that later joined the mainland to Cathedral Island. This is where the white, sandy beaches of Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio can be found. The second feature is the blow-hole at Puerto Escondido, wh ich can be seen when the tide comes in. The third is Punta Serrucho, a formidable, jagged cliff that looks like a saw. The fourth is the pre-Coulumbian underwater turtle trap at the western tip of Manuel Antonio beach.
The park houses a variety of wildlife. Identification has been made of 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Underwater studies have identified 10 species of sponges, 19 of corals, 24 of crustaceans, 17 of algae and 78 offish. This park includes 12 coastal islands that provide an excellent refuge for seabirds and a vital nesting site for the brown booby (Sula leucogaster). Dolphins abound in the surrounding sea and sometimes whales can be seen on their migratory journeys.
BALLENA NATIONAL MARINE PARK
Location: Puntarenas Province, Pacific Coast, Coronado Bay, in the south of the country.
Size: 50 hectares (land sector), 4,500 hectares (marine sector).
The most extensive habitat in this national park is a mangrove swamp that consists of the following mangrove species: red (Rhizophora mangle), black(Avicennia germinans), tea (Pelliciera rhizophorae), buttonwood (Conocarpus erecta) and White (Laguncularia racemosa). The vegetation is occasionally broken by mora trees (Mora megistoperma). The mora is a huge tree with long, thin buttresses and seeds that are the largest in the world of the dicotyledon group.
The coral reefs are composed of 5 of the 18 species that have been identified in the Eastern Pacific. Besides the wealth of fish and abundance of marine invertebrates, common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and bottle-nosed dolphins (Tursiops truncates) make their home in the park waters. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have also been seen, occasionally with their young and in groups of 2 or 3 individuals.
CAÑO ISLAND BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
Location: Puntarenas Province, Pacific Ocean, 16,5 kms. West of the Osa Peninsula
Size: 300 hectares (land sector), 2,700 hectares (marine sector).
Caño Island lies about 20 kms. West of the Osa Peninsula. It is 100 meters above sea level at its highest point and most of the coast consists of cliffs up to 70 meters high. The white, sandy beaches are small – no more than 100 meters long- and often vanish at high tide. The island is of great archaeological interests it was used as a pre-Columbian cemetery. It is still possible to see several, almost perfectly round, stone spheres made by the Indians. The island has a wide plateau 90 meters above sea level that is covered with a tall evergreen forest. The predominant species is the enormous cow tree (Brosimun utile), also known as the “milk tree” because of a white latex it exudes that can be drunk like milk.
Although wildlife is scarce, various species of birds can be seen, such as the osprey (Pandiion haliatus) and the brown booby (Suyla leucogaster).
The island is surrounded by 5 marine platforms or low coral reefs where 15 species of stony coral have been identified. The most abundant is the Porites lobata. Two endangered species that live in the waters around the inland are lobsters (Panulirus sp.) and giant conches (Strombus galeatus).
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Puntarenas, Province, southern Pacific Ocean, southwest of the Osa Peninsula
Size: 54,539 hectares (land sector), 2,400 hectares (marine sector)
Corcovado National Park lies in one of the regions with the heaviest rainfall in the country. As much as 5,500 mm has been recorded on the highest peaks. There are 8 main habitats in the park. Themontane forest covers over half of the parkland and houses thee greatest variety of flora and fauna in the area. Cloud forest grow on the summits with a wealth of oak (Quercusspp) and tree ferns, while the lowlands are covered with alluvial plains forest. There are also swamp forests that are flooded almost all year round and holillo forests with a predominant growth of holillo palm (Raphia taedigera). A mangrove swamp grows along the estuaries of the Rivers Llorona, Corcovado and Sirena. Lastly the coast is lined with rocky and sandy vegetation.
The wildlife of Corcovado is as rich and varied as its plant life. Identification has been made of140 species of mammals, 367 of birds, 1117 of amphibians and reptiles and 40 of fresh waterfish. It is estimated that there are 6,000 species of insects. The park protects the largest population of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) in the country.
The wide beach at Llorona is used fairly frequently as a nesting site by four species of sea turtles. Given its extraordinary biological diversity, Corcovado has become a major international research centre for studying the tropical rain forest.
COCOS ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Location: Pacific Ocean, 5o30´34” latitude north and 87o18`6” longitude west. It is 548 km.s. from Cab Blanco on the Nicoya Peninsula (Guanacaste) which is the closets point of the mainland.
Size: 2,400 hectares (land sector), 73,100 hectares (marine sector)
Cocos Island, a “green bouquet in the middle of the sea” as it has been called, lies approximately 500 kilometers off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is of volcanic origin and rises 3,000 meters from the ocean floor. It was discovered by the Spanish pilot Joan Cabezas around 1526. It is famous for three buried treasures that were h hidden by the pirates William Davies, Benito Bloody Sword Bonito, and William Thompson between 1684-1821. The Lima Booty, hidden by Thompson, is considered to be the most valuable as it includes a life-size statue of the Virgin Mayand Child in solid gold.
The island terrain is very rugged, which has led to the formation of many waterfalls. Some plunge from spectacular heights down to the sea. Annual rainfall is 7,000 mm. This guarantees an almost permanent cloud cover, mainly on the summit of Iglesias Peak. At 634 metres above sea level, it is the highest point on the island. The vegetation consists of an evergreen forest. Identification has been made of 87 avian species, among which there are three endemic residents: The cocos Island cuckoo (Coccyzus ferrugineus), the Cocos Island flycatcher (Nesotriccusridgwayi), and the CocosIsland finch (Pinaroloxias inornata).
The coral reefs that surround the island include 18 species of coral, them most abundant being Porites Iobata. The blue, transparent water teems with over 300 species of fish, and there are numerous sharks, especially the giant hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) and white-tipped sharks (Triaenodon obsesus).
RINCON DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK
Location: Alajuela and GuanacateProvinces. Guanacaste Mountain Range, 25 kms. Northeast of Liberia
Size: 14,084 hectares
Rincon de la Vieja is a strato-volcano that soars 1,916 meters above sea level and spreads over 400 square kilometers. It was formed by the simultaneous eruption of several volcanic cones that eventually merged into a single mountain. It has been possible to identify 9 sites of volcanic activity on the summits. One site that is active is Rincon de la Vieja, while the others are gradually being eroded. Towards the south of the active crater is a freshwater lake that is about 400 metres long by 16 meters wide. It is a favorite watering site for tapirs (Tapirus bairdii).
The last period of violent activity dates from 1966-1975, and the most recent eruptions took place during the first months of 1991. At the foot of the southern flank of the volcano there is an area known as Las Pailas orals Hornillas (Kitchen Stoves”), which covers approximately 50 hectares. It consists of hot springs, solfataric lakes, soffioni or vapor holes that expel clouds of steam, and mud pots that bubble continuously as a result of the release of steam and sulphurous gases.
The park has different habitats according to altitude. Near the summit the low-growing, stunted forests have heavily branched trees wreathed in mosses and other epiphytic plants. The predominant species is cupey (Clusia major). Studies carried out in the park have identidied257 avian species, including the trhee-wattled bellbird (Procnias tricarun-culata) which is named for its strange and loud metallic all.
POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Alajuela Province
Size: 5,600 hectares
Poás is an andesitic-balsatic strato-volcano that towers 2,708 meters above sea level. It has breathtaking scenery and is one of the three volcanoes on the American continent that is accessible by road. It has a sub-conical shape and several calderic depressions near the summit. The main crater is a huge depression that is almost 2 kms. In diameter and 300 metres deep. At the botton of the crater there is a hot-water, mineral lake that is 350 meters in diameter. Occasionally it dries up, which intensifies the emission of sculpture and produces acid rain that drainages the vegetation and crops grown on the slopes. North of the active crater stands the extinct Von Frantzius crater, which is the oldest centre of eruptions on the summit of the volcano. There is another cone to the southwest known as Botos, w which is presently filled with a beautiful, cold-water lake that is about 400 meters inn diameter. The volcano has cyclical, geyser like eruptions. There are 4 main habitats in the park.
The area around the crater is devoid of vegetation or has only a few adapted species, such as the paddle fern (Elaphoglossum lingua). The area ofarrayans (Pernettia coriacea and Vaccinium poasanum) is covered with dwarf vegetation that grows no higher than 3metres. Although wildlife is scarce, there are numerous birds. Among the 79 avian species that live in the park, the most attractive are the hummingbirds and the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus nocinno), which is the most beautiful bird on the American Continent.
BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Heredia and San José Provinces, Central Mountain Range
Size: 45,899 hectares
This park was named after Brauio Carillo, a national benefactor and third present of Costa Rica. The park lies in one of the most rugged wilderness areas in the country. A road with excellent look-outpoints crosses it from north-east to southwest. The main feature of the landscape consists of towering volcanic mountains. There are three extinct volcanoes in the park. Barba, which rises 2,906 meters above sea level, is a strato-volcani with two lakes: Barba, which is 100 meters indiameter,and Danta, which is almost 500 meters. Cacho Negro Peackat 2,250metres above sea level is cone-shaped volcano and can easily be seen from the road that crosses the park. Lastly, Zurqui Volcano consists of several very steep cones and can be seen to the left on entering the park from San Jose.
Most of the parkland discovered with a thick, evergreen primary forest that houses about 6,000 species of plants. The tallest and most varied of these grow in the lowland forest in front of the Caribbean plain. These are rich in three ferns, heliconias of the Heliconiagenus, palm trees, bromeliads and poor man’s umbrella (Gunnera insignis), which is easily recognized by its immense leaves.
There is a wealth of wildlife. Birds are especially numerous with 347 species, including the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno).
IRAZU VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Location: 32kms. In the northeast of CartagoProvince, Central Mountain Range
Size: 2,309 hectares.
Irazú or “the deadly powder keg of Nature” , as it has been nicknamed, is an active strato-volcano with an irregular sub-conical shape. It towers3,432 metres above sea level and covers an area of 500 square kilometers, which makes it the largest volcano in Costa Rica. A road provides access to the summit of the main crater. On clear days, Alto Grande Peak comands a panoramic view of both oceans and a large part of the country. 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. It is obstructed and some-times a small lake forms when it rains. There are two other small craters, one to the southeast and the other northwest of it.
At the present time, the colossus is showing signs of becoming more active in the near future. The last eruption took place between 1963-1965, and it is known that the volcano has never been inactive for periods over 30 years.
LA AMISTAD BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Location: San José,Cartago, Puntarenas and Limon Provinces. Salamanca Mountains.
Size: 248,337 hectares (strictly protected sector)
This vast, protected wilderness area consists of the Tapantí national WildlifeRefuge, Chirripó National Park, Hitoy-CerereBiological Reserve and La Amistad International Park, together with several forest reserves and Indian reservations. This region houses the greatest biological diversity in all of Costa Rica and is the largest natural forest in the country. It was declared a “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO in 1982, and a “World Heritage Site” in 1983. The entire protected area includes a large part of the Talamanca Mountain Range, the longest chain of mountains in the country. One of the most interesting geormophological discoveries made on Chirripò Peak, the highest in Costa Rica at 3,819 meters above sea level, is the existence of several, almost perfectly preserved, glacier features. There include small U-shaped valleys, murrain deposits, glacier lakes and cirques. There were formed approximately 35,000 years ago by the movement of masses of ice.
The number of different habitats in the Biosphere Reserve is amazing. Such variety is the result of the variations in altitude, soil, climate and topography. The paramos, which begin at 2,900 meters above sea level, are covered with vegetation similar to that of the Andean paramos. This consists of a stunted forest where one of the predominant species is bataba (Chrusquea subtessellata), a kind of bamboo.
CAÑO NEGRO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Location: Guatusos Plains, in the north of Alajuela Province. Size: 9,969 hectares
This wilderness area includes a lake and marshlands formed by alluvial sediments. Lake Caño negro, which covers 800 hectares and is 3 meters deep, is a seasonal overflow site of the River Rio. It almost completely disappears during the dry season from February to May. There are 5 main habitats in the refuge. The lake shore and channels feature mainly h erbaceousvegetation, such as gamolote grass (Passpalum fasciculatum) and dormilona (Mimosapigra). There are also several species of small trees, such as the provision tree (Pachira aquatica) and swampwood (Pithecellobium longifolium).
The primary swamp forest grows in areas that are flooded all year or almost all year round. These forest house a wide variety of tree species, such as emery (Vochysia guatemalensis) and tamarindo(Dialium guianense).
The amazing wealth and variety of bird life in the region was the main reason for setting it aside as a wildlife refuge. Some of the most numerous or unusual waterfowl are the anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), roseatespoongill (Ajai ajaj), white ibis (Eudocimus albus), Norhern jacana (Jacana spinosa), woodstork (Mycteria Americana), black-bellied tree duck (Dentrocygtna autumnalis). The refuge also protects the only permanent population in the country of Nicaraguan grackle (Qyiscalusnicaraguensis), as an endemic bird of the Lake of Nicaragua, Basin.
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK AND BARRA DEL COLORADO NATIONAL REFUGE
Location: Limón Province,Tortuguero Plañís
Size: 110,947 hectares
This wilderness area is the most important nesting site in the entire western half of the Caribbean for the green turtle (Cheloniamydas). Other species of sea turtles that also nest on the wide beaches of the parkland refuge are the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and hawksbill (Eretmochelysimbricata) The park and refuge consist of a vast, alluvial floodplain. It was formed by the coalescence of deltas that filled part of the ancient Nicaraguan Trench with their twisting, meandering riverbeds. The vast plain is dotted here and there with a few peaks and low cones, which are there mains of a small archipelago of volcanic origin.
The park and refuge are located in one of the wettest regions in the country. Average annual rainfall is 5,000-6.000 mm. But is also one of the wilderness areas with the greatest biological diversity. Identification has been made of as many as11 habitats.
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
Location: the southeast of Limon Province, on the Caribbean coast.
Size: 1,068 hectares
Cahuita is one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in Costa Rica. Its main attractions are white, sandy beaches fringed with h hundreds of coconut palms. The water is calm and crystal-clear, and there is a coral reef. The reef rests on a vast underwater platform and fans out in front of Chamita Point between the River Perez’s and Vargas Harbour. It is the only mature reef on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. It is a marginal reef with an outer ridge and a kind of inner lagoon. It is made up of ancient coral debris, patches of sand, stands of live coral and underwater prairies of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum).
Most of Cahuita Point consists of a swamp that lies in the depression between the coral platform and the mainland. The predominant tree is the cativo (Prioria copaifera). Other habitats in the park include a mixes forest that does not flood, a mangrove swamp with a predominance of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), and littoral woodland with an abundance of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) and sea grapes (Coccoloba uvifera)
Typical resident mammals are the howler monkey (Alouatta palliate), crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) and white-nosedcoati (Nasua narica.
GANDOCA-MANZANILLO NATIONAL REFUGE
Location: The southeast of Limon Province near the border with Panama.
Size: 5,013 hectares (land sector) 4,436 hectares (marine sector)
Gandoca Manzanillo lies in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the country. The coast of the refuge consists of several reef outcrop interspersed with white, sandy beaches. The beaches are fringed with in-numerable coconut palms and slope gently down to the lapping waves. There are coral reefs that extend as far as 200 meters of-shore. The coral reefs that lie off Uva, Manzanillo and Mona Points ocer5 square kilometers and consist mainly of corals of the Diploria, Siderastrea, Agaricia, Acropora and Porites general.
A large part of the refuge, which is flat to gently rolling, is covered with forest, while the rest is grassland and cultivated fields. The predominant species in the forest is cativo (Prioria copaifera), which is especially abundant in the under storey. South of Manzanillo and Mona Points there is a swamp that covers400 hectares and consists mainly of holillo palm (Raphia taedigera) and sajo (Campnosperma panamensis). The predominant species in the littoral woodland are the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) and the sea grape ( (Coccoloba uvifera).
The refuge has a wealth of bird life and also protects several species threatened with extinction in Costa Rica, such as the tapir (Tapirus bairdii) and thecrocodile (Crocodylus acutus).
ARENAL VOLCANONATIONAL PARK
ENERGY HEART FROM COSTA RICA
A WORLD DISCOVER
Location: Northwest of the Mountain range of Tilarán, in the north of Costa Rica
Located to the northwest of the Mountain range of Tilarán, understood in the north region of Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano National Park owes its name to the colossus that raises majestic to 1633 meters above sea level with an almost perfect conical conformation that makes it stand out of the rest of the landscape. It’s worth it the international recognition as a first order attractiveness.
From the pre-Hispanic periods, the area of Arenal, for its good ecological conditions, was very favorable for the establishment of human establishments. Diverse archaeological studies carried out in the area, report evidence of the existence of indigenous occupations, since the year 4.000 B.C. until the Spanish contact.
TENORIO VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Volcanic Mountain range from Guanacaste.
It is located in the Volcanic Mountain range from Guanacaste to an altitude of 1916 meters, where the climatic currents of the coasts converge; this park has the conditions to impress for its natural wealth.
The humid, very humid and cloudy Tropical forest has created the conditions to put up to a great quantity of species. From an enormous ceiba tree to a jaguar, a tapir, a quetzal, or a black little turkey populate the park.
The scenic wealth supplements the lagoon, refuge of hundred of birds, the Celeste river, this way name by the coloration that it receives from the minerals that drag their waters, the boilers, thermal sources with temperatures that arrive until 94oC and an impressive view from to the Guatuso, San Carlos and Guanacaste plains.
