Corcovado National Park: Feel the intense of nature

Corcovado is one of the few places on earth that you can surely call paradise. The region that National Geographic has described as "the most biologically intense place on earth."
The park is located in the pacific coast, in the Península de Osa, province of Puntarenas. Corcovado is located in the life zone that correspond to the very humid tropical forest in the south pacific of Costa Rica and you can be sure that no other wild area in the country protects plants and animal as this park. This wild area is considered an excellent life laboratory, in which you can study the structure and function of the tropical ecosystems and the relationship between them.
The very humid forests of Corcovado, are some of the last places that still maintain the ecosystem of the very humid tropical forests in the American pacific, with precipitation over 5.000mm annual.
There are like 500 species of trees in the whole park, which is equivalent to the fourth part of all the tree species in Costa Rica. The tropical rain forests protected in the area, no only constitute the best ecosystem in the pacific, but the last of them in Central America.

Corcovado National Park protects various threatened plant and animal species, and is known to have about 124 species of mammals (over 50 bats); 375 species of birds (perhaps 5-8 endemics); 117 species of reptiles and amphibians (2 crocodilians, 4 sea turtles); 66 freshwater fish species; and 70 species of marine crabs.Among the mammals are 4 monkey species (e.g. Central American squirrel monkey, white-faced capuchin), anteaters, sloths, southern river otter, crab-eating raccoon, 5-6 cat species (e.g. ocelot, margay, jaguar), peccaries and Baird's tapir.

Park Facilities and Hours
Entrance to Corcovado National Park is permitted through ranger stations at San Pedrillo in the northwest, La Leona in the southeast, and Los Patos in the northeast.Camping is allowed at these stations campgrounds, or there are modest accommodations at the park headquarters and research center in Sirena, located on the Pacific shore within the park boundaries.

Manuel Antonio National Park: A charming combination of rain forest, beaches and spectacular views

Manuel Antonio National Park is perhaps the most visited park in Costa Rica. The picturesque Punta Catedral was once an island off the coast. Over the years, sedimentation filled in a bar of sand, connecting it to the mainland.
Four beaches are contained within the limits of the park: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Escondido, and Playita. With their large light sand berms, it is easy to see why they attract beach goers of all ages. The first is separated from the second by a "tombolo", or natural land bridge formed by sand accumulations. Visitors may enjoy a roughly hour-long hike from Espadilla to the top of Punta Catedral (100 m). Both Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur contain tidal pools and offer the possibility of snorkeling. There are good chances that while hiking you will see monkeys and other animals, but please do not feed the animals, especially the monkeys.
Although Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's smallest national park, the breath taking beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 6.83 km² is unequaled with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Both Three-toed and Two-toed Sloths (perezosos) are a major feature, as are the Mantled Howler Monkey, Central American Squirrel Monkey, and White-headed Capuchin Monkey (feeding them is strictly prohibited). Spiny-tailed Iguanas, Green Iguanas, Basilisks, Coatis and many snake and bat species are also common in the park. Included in the 184 bird species are toucans, woodpeckers, potoos, motmots, tanagers, turkey vultures, parakeets and hawks. Dolphins can be observed there, as well as the occasional migrating whale. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking provide great opportunities to experience the tropical wildlife that enriches Manuel Antonio, arguably one of the country's most beautiful and protected costal areas.

Park Facilities and Hours
Near Quepos Costa Rica, the Manuel Antonio Ranger Station is open for visitor attention from 8am to 4 pm, and has drinking water and restrooms.
An extensive trail system winds through the Manuel Antonio Park, see the trail map above. The Sendero Serrucho offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.

Tortuguero National Park is located in the Tortuguero Conservation Area, on the Caribbean coast, and its beaches are key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, such as Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks. The rivers within the park are home to sensitive populations of manatees, as well as caimans, crocodiles, and Tropical Gar, which is considered a living fossil.
Tortuguero is the third-most visited park in Costa Rica, despite the fact that it can only be reached by airplane or boat.
Tortuguero National park has incredible biological variety, due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. The forests are home to jaguars, three species of monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced Capuchin), and three-toed sloths. Basilisk lizards and poisonous frogs also inhabit the area, along with 375 species of birds including kingfishers, toucans, blue herons, peacocks, and parrots. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants.
There are a number of facilities at the park, such as Cuatro Esquinas Headquarters and the Mawamba Lodge, both of them located in the village of Tortuguero, in the northern part of the park. The Sector Jalova Station is further south near Jalova Lagoon and the town of Parismina. Aguas Frias Station is on the western edge close to the town of Cariari.

The trip to the park is usually made traveling through the channels of Tortuguero, which by itself, is a beautiful trip in which a lot of animal species can be seen, such as otters, caymans, howling monkeys, spider monkeys, tucans, and other birds. It's best to travel with a guide, so you won't get lost in the canals or miss seeing the animals. Manatees are also known to live in the canals, by they are very difficult to spot.
But the main reason visitor come is to see the green turtle, which nests in the park's beaches between June and November. Throughout the year, 3 other species of sea turtles also come to nest, but in smaller numbers.

Rincon de la Vieja, the largest volcano in the country's northwest, comprises a remote volcanic complex in the Guanacaste Range. At least nine eruptive vents are located within a 15-kilometer-wide caldera. The twin cone of 1,916 meter Santa Maria volcano, the highest peak of the Rincon complex, features an inactive crater 500 meters across.
The last major eruption of Rincon de la Vieja volcano, occurred about 3,500 years ago. All subsequent eruptions, including numerous historical events dating back to the 16th century, have occurred in the mountain's lake-filled active crater.
The nearest city is Liberia to the south of the park, and there are two facilities at the park for visitors information and guides the Santa Maria and Pailas stations which are both on the southern side of the park.
The park has a variety of wildlife, such as over 300 species of birds, three-wattled bellbird (Procnias tricarunculata) and emerald toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus), and also various quetzals, curassows, eagles, etc. Mammals seen in the park include cougars, monkeys, kinkajous, jaguars and many more.
One the biggest benefits of this wild area is the protection of the hydro graphic river basins. In this park exist probably the mayor population in wild state of the "Guaria Morada", the national flower. Has a great tourist potential due to the attractive it posses, especially the great beauty and the geologic characteristics.
In the foot of the volcano, of the south size are the areas called Las Pailas and the Hornilllas, exist three thermal fountains that give place to hot broken waters, lagoons occupied by small depressions in which the water boil continually, orifices in which vapor flow elevates during the rainy season and small mud volcanoes of different shapes.

Park Facilities and Hours

Camping areas at Rincon de la Vieja National Park are open 24 hours. Also available are restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Well marked park trail systems lead visitors through the tropical forest to the park's attractions. Trail guides can be arranged at either the Pailas or Santa Maria Station.

The Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is a wonderful place to visit with its unique Afro-Caribbean culture. The Caribbean area offers a natural and cultural environment that is completely different from the rest of the country. This region has become a tourist favorite for those who are looking to relax, and for those who are looking for a quiet place, the South Caribbean coast is plenty of remote areas in the region, where you can stay in the middle of the jungle. Manzanillo is one of these nice small towns.
Punta Cocles is located in the South Caribbean coast of Costa rica, very close to Puerto Viejo Beach. It is a popular destination, known for surfing, its culture and reggae music.
Cahuita National Park is located in the Tropical Basal Atlantic Region of Costa Rica and you can be sure that any other wild area of the country protects the resources of plants an animal present in this region as this. The park was created to protect the flora and wild life, the choral reef and several sea ecosystems.
Cahuita protects beaches and lowlands, and attracts tourists and other visitors who are able to scuba dive and snorkel in the protected marine area which contains the Coralline Reefs, as well as being a nesting ground for sea turtles. Many coral and fish species are found : 35 species of coral, 140 species of mollusks, 44 species of crustaceans, and 123 species of fish. On land there are many types of animals as well including tamanduas, pacas, coatis, raccoons, sloths, agoutis, howler and capuchin monkeys. It has a variety of birds as well including the green ibis, rufous kingfisher and keel-billed toucans.

Park Facilities
There is a scenic trail from the Kelly Creek Station along the coast to the beach camping area, then to the Puerto Vargas Station. Both ranger stations are open for visitor attention from 8am to 4pm, and have potable water and restrooms.

The beach camping area has restrooms, showers and picnic tables. Swimming is allowed only in this area, as other beaches of the park have strong currents or are protected turtle nesting areas.

Monteverde is humid, misty and cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Annual rainfall averages around 3,000 mm or 117 inches.
Monteverde town was founded by Quakers from the USA who took a religious stand to not take part in any war or preparation for war during the build-up of the Korean War, and who found a safe haven in this country without an army, it still retains a North American feel yet is less of a town than a spread of dwellings couched off the main through-road. It was chosen by its founding fathers for its cool climate in aid of dairy farming. The Quakers donated a vast amount of Monteverde's cloud forest to the Tropical Science Center, which now manages and preserves the land. This reserve, the Bosque Nuboso de Monteverde, has become a major tourist attraction, and rapidly increasing numbers of tourists caused a sizable influx of Costa Ricans into the area.
In 2007, Costa Ricans voted Monteverde one of Costa Rica's 7 Wonders, along with Isla del Coco, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chirripó, Rio Celeste and Poás Volcano.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve protects 130 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles as well as 3,000 species of plants. Many of these species are endemic.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest has excellent trails for hiking and exploration. However, this reserve is not meant for the weak at heart. A great way to explore the forest is to take a skywalk or a Rappelling Tour or Canopy Tour, where visitors can view the forest from a series of bridges and cables that offer a bird's eye view of the reserve below. Due to the fragile nature of this reserve, a maximum of 120 people are allowed on a single trail at the same time, which are often bordered with exotic flowers such as 'hot lips' and a variety of ferns and plants.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is owned and administered by the Tropical Science Center (TSC). The Center, established in 1962, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with headquarters in San José, Costa Rica. The objective of the Center is to conduct and support scientific research and education, particularly in relation to the understanding and rational management of tropical environments.

Visitors can enter the Preserve on a natural history walk, or on their own. There are over 20 kilometers of trails, as well as three refuge areas with basic living accommodations (water,gas stove, bunk beds).

Arenal Volcano National Park is located in the central part of the country, forming the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area. The park encompasses the Arenal Volcano the most active in the country, which had previously been believed to be dormant until a major eruption in 1968. It neighbours Lake Arenal which is the site of the country's largest hydroelectricity project, the Lake Arenal Dam.
The park also contains a second volcano, Chato, whose crater contains a lagoon, it is also called Cerro Chato (literally Mount Chato) as it has been inactive for around 3500 years-coinciding with the creation and growth of Arenal itself. The site has accommodation in the form of the Arenal Observatory Lodge and also the Museum of Vulcanicity, as well as a ranger station.
The 120.16 square kilometre Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal lies within the 2,040 square kilometre Arenal Conservation Area, protecting eight of Costa Rica's 12 life zones and 16 protected reserves in the region between the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges, and including Lake Arenal. The park has two volcanoes: Chato, whose collapsed crater contains an emerald lagoon surrounded by forest, and the perfectly conical Arenal. The park is most directly accessed from La Fortuna, but is also easily accessed via Tilarán and the north shore of Lake Arenal.
Arenal Volcano is one of the most scenic volcanoes in Costa Rica. It has the shape of an almost perfect cone, and can be seen from very far away, although not every tourist has the luck of observing its top, since clouds appear and disappear constantly, sometimes in a matter of seconds.
It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world: it makes a small eruption approximately every 45 minutes. Sometimes the sound of the eruption can be confused with thunder, depending on the distance to the volcano. Between the XIII and XIV Century its activity ceased, but erupted in 1968. Arenal's eruptions are strombolian in type, being frequent but moderate and can be viewed without danger as long as the viewers are behind the safety perimeter. This constant activity and minimal endangerment makes Arenal a popular tourist destination, especially at night.
During the night, if the clouds do not obstruct the view, the flow of lava can be seen and photographed. Numerous hotels, spas and hot springs are located near Arenal Volcano National Park, being the town of La Fortuna, the main settlement near it. Several hotels are located near the Tabacón Grand Spa and Baldi, so they offer hot springs, which can be accessed by paying a fee. The volcano view and the hot springs are the reason most visitors come.

Park Facilities and Hours

The visitors' center near the Arenal volcano has an auditorium, an exhibition hall, a souvenir store, and restrooms. Marked hiking trails lead to various points of interest and scenic overlooks. Open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Santa Rosa National Park is located in Guanacaste province, north Pacific, 36 km north from Liberia City. This park has an extension of 37.117 land hectares and 78.000 sea hectares.
Is one of the areas of mayor history importance of the country. The old house and the rock yard were stage of the mayor national battle: The Santa Rosa Battle, on March 20,1856. The park is important for the protection and restoration of the Pacific Dry habitats. The beaches of Nancite and Naranjo are of great beauty and very important for the spawning of the sea turtle's like the parrot and baula.
In Santa Rosa exists about 10 habitats: the deciduos forests, the encino forests, always-green forests, mangrove, swamps, riberenos forests, short forest, beach vegetation and savannas.
Different trees constitute the savannas: like the encino oak, nance, the chumico de palo o raspaguacal, the cornizuelo and jícaro. The forests contents about 240 trees and shrub: the guanacaste, national tree, the naked Indian, the savanna oak, the chaperno, the jobo, the pochote, and the guacimo.
The alwaysgreen forest the domain species are: the níspero, the encino, the tempisque and the aceituno. The wild life is very abundant. Has been observed 155 mammals species, more of the half are bats, 253 birds, 100 amphibians and reptiles, more than 10.000 of insects, including 3.140 butterflies species.
The most common mammals are: the congo monkey, the whiteface monkey, the armadillo, the venado, the danta, the pizote, the saíno, the puma. The jaguar and raccons. The thorny mouse is the most abundant of all.
Some of the birds are: the magpie, the orange front parrot, the red widow, the soterrey matraquero, the carga huesos, the pavón, the gavilán cangrejero and saltarín colilargo.

Park Facilities and Hours

The Museum is open from 8am to 4pm, and the camping area is open 24 hours. Picnic areas with tables and charcoal cookstoves, potable water, restrooms and showers.

Chirripó National Park is an enchanting and awe-inspiring expanse of rugged peaks and rock formations, vast valley and glacier lakes, a place that will touch the soul of anyone who braves the challenge of ascending its towering heights. Each of Costa Rica's many national parks has its own unique allure. But rising above all the others is a singular and mystical "Place of Eternal Waters", as described by the Chirrió park's indigenous name, "Chirripó"
Chirripó Peak which is the highest in the Talamanca Mountain Range, reaches a height of 3 820 meters(12,530 ft.) and is the tallest mountain in the southern part of Central America. It was made a national park by Law No. 5 773 on the 19th of August of 1975, and it covers a range of 43 700 hectares. A park superintendent and a team of park ranges protect the park, care for the visitors and study the biology, geology and meteorological phenomena of the area. Chirripó has mountain cabins for hikers and several different trails which are kept up regularly.

The natural resources of this national park are extremely varied and insteresting. Chirripó has much to offer to all its visitors: paramos for the biologist, lakes of glacial origin for the genologist, an important system of waterways for the hydrologist, dramatic changes in temperature from day to night for the meteorologist, beautiful landscapes for every visitor and plenty of rocks to climb for the mountaineer.
You may be able to visit several places throughout the park in the same day if you are in excellent shape and weather is on your side. But you have to take it slow, and enjoy the mystical and breathtaking scenery that will linger in your memories long after the pain in your legs has faded.

The Chirripo National Park protects forested areas in the southern Talamanca Mountain region, south of Tapanti National Park. Mount Chirripo is the highest peak in Costa Rica.
The mountains in this area are covered in thick primary cloud and rainforest to about 9,000' elevation. From there, the Paramo, or wet desert is the primary ground cover.
There is more than 8,000' of elevation change from the San Gerardo Station to the peak at Mount Chirripo, Costa Rica. Vegetation and climate conditions change with elevation, and temperatures can be below freezing at certain times of the year.

Park Facilities and Hours

The Ranger Station is found in San Gerardo de Rivas, and is open for visitor attention from 5am to 12pm. No technical climbing or mountaineering expertise is necessary to reach the peaks in the Park, but the steep trek is approximately a 30 mile round trip, and typically planned for 3 days.

Las Baulas National Marine Park (Parque Marino las Baulas) is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica near the town of Tamarindo. It supports the largest nesting colony of leatherback sea turtles (baulas) on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, with a population size of about 800 female turtles nesting per year. Nesting season is approximately November through April.

The National Park is comprised of the 50-meter zone of four beaches (Carbón, Ventanas, Grande and Langosta), as well as the Tamarindo estuary and mangroves at the mouth of the Matapalo River and the San Francisco River Estuary. To the north, the Cerros Morro and Hermosa are also included. (see park map above).

Two routes exist to arrive: Santa Cruz-Belén-Matapalo-Huacas-Playa Grande, of 52 km. Also Liberia-Guardia-Filadelfia-Matapalo-Huacas-Playa Grande, 70 km. This park protects to Playa Grande, one of the most important sites of the planet for laying eggs of the baula turtle. The Baula, greater turtle of the world, gets to measure two meters and a half of length and weight more than 700 kg; dark color, it is the only turtle that instead of shell has a very heavy skin, of similar appearance to the leather. It's easily identifiable by his very extended front fins. He is nomadic and their poisonous favorite food is medusas.

Baulas passes their life in waters of the tropical seas and temperings. They only leave the sea and goes to earth for laying its eggs, from November to April. They dig a nest of 1 meter. of deep, which covers after putting their eggs. When the new turtles are born, after 60 to 90 days, the small turtles try to cross the 70 meters. That separate them from the sea, but often are imprisoned easy of crabs, marine birds and other animals, reason why just a few of them survive.

Also in Playa Grande some lora turtles occasionally, lay its eggs. Another interesting place, in the Park, is the Tamarindo mangrove, with 440 he, in which great amounts of the slime and clays have been deposited. In this precious mangrove we can find the 6 species of mangroves own of the pacific coast: two species of salty mangrove, the mariquita, the red one, piñuela and botoncillo.

Park Facilities and Hours

The ranger station at Playa Grande is open from 8 am to 4 pm. Guided tours are available with bi-lingual park employees. For minimum impact, a limited number of visitors is allowed each evening.

This park is located in the Pacific, between Punta Uvita and Punta Piñuela in the Cortés district, in the province of Puntarenas. It has an extension of 110 land hectares and 5.375 sea hectares. Marino Ballena National Park is one of Costa Rica's newest national parks, created in an attempt to conserve some of the marine resources of the South Pacific region, which are under siege from over fishing and unchecked tourism development. Bordered on the south by Punta Piñuela, then extending out to sea for 9 kilometers, heading north 6 kilometers before coming back to shore at Punta Uvita in the southern end of Playa Hermosa, the park is ideal for scuba diving and beachcombing activities as it includes open ocean, islands and long, wide beaches
This area was created to secure the reproduction and desove of many sea species, and also to preserve the productivity of biological communities that lives in the zone. Also protects different environments like: sand beaches, rock beaches, cliffs, islands, organic reefs, etc. It has a great value for environment education and tourism.

One of the most important sea environments of the area is the organic reef, also called coral reefs. The structure of these reefs is porous, with 50% empty space. When the reefs grows, many canals are created that communicate with each other, allowing great variety of life to grow.
This coral reef is tropical communities that grows in a temperature between 18ƒ and 23ƒ. They are very sensitive to changes in temperature, exposition and sediment depositions. Only three species of coral are known here.
Crabs, worms, lobster, several species of fish, sponges and mollusks are common species protected in other environments off the park. Also two kind of reptiles are reported. Among sea birds we find pelicans, bobo birds and others.
The piece of land that joins Punta Uvita Island to the coast is one of the geological formations that scientists and tourists like most.

Park Facilities and Hours

Camping is permitted within the park. The entrance fee is $6, but is rarely collected.