Costa Rica National Parks

Costa Rica's territory covers approximately 51,000 square Kilometers and more than 25% of this land is either a National Park of Costa Rica or a protected area. Costa Rica has 161 parks and refuges; you will be able to find information about many of them on this site. These protected areas are the treasure of this country since thousands of tourist and local people come every year to witness these natural protected marvels. The most visited Parks in Costa Rica are: Poas Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park,Tortuguero, Cahuita and Arenal.

The rest of the parks get very few visitors basically because there is not proper information available for the potential tourists. This section of Costa Rica guides will provide you with full descriptions of Costa Rica National Parks, its size, location, directions and facilities. A map of each park with its trails is also available to help you plan your Costa Rica Vacation.

In the protected areas of Costa Rica you may do activities like hiking, camping, mountain biking, snorkeling, sea kayaking, and birdwatching. These activities can be done year round but is good to check a weather chart about Costa Rica, because rain in some areas may be intense.

When to Go to Costa Rica and its Parks.

Costa Rica is a country with an enormous variety of microclimates, so while in a certain area you may experience some rain, in another area not far away you may witness a beautiful sunny weather. There are two climatic seasons in the country. The dry season ( Costa Rica’s summer) and the green season ( Costa rica´s winter). On the green season usually you may experience rain during the day for short periods.

With the Global warming sometimes weather is not that predictable but usually Costa Rica is nice to visit all year round. In September and October is where most rain usually occurs, but for those who want to whiteness the Arenal Volcano with all its activity and with no clouds covering its peak this are the best months to see it.

National Parks and Fees

1. Barra Honda National Park
2. Coco Island National Park
3. Guanacaste National Park
4. Juan Castro Blanco National Park
5. Las Baulas National Marine Park
6. Palo Verde National Park
7. Rincon de la Vieja National Park
8. Tortuguero National Park
9. Santa Rosa National Park
10. Braulio Carrillo National Park
11. Manuel Antonio National Park
12. Corcovado National Park
13. La Amistad Internacional National Park
14. Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve

There are different fees to different parks but most parks charge $7 u.s.d. per person (Adults and Children) for a full day.

Costa Rica was one of the first Latin American countries to recognize the importance of protecting natural resources. Nearly 25% of the country’s territory, and part of its maritime zone, has been declared National Parks and Protected Areas. As well, there are several private initiatives dedicated to protect the environment, many of them helped by international organizations and universities.

National Parks’ History

In 1970, Costa Rica created the National Park System, administered by the SINAC (National Conservation Areas System) since 1994. The SINAC is in charge of providing maintenance, organization and strategic planning in all areas of the protected territories.

Eleven Protected Areas (also known as Conservation Areas) have been established to the date. Within these areas, SINAC protects more than 186 areas, including national parks, biological reserves, forest reserves, and wildlife refuges.

Costa Rica’s Biodiversity

Hundreds of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, insects, fish, fungus and plants take refuge in Costa Rica’s Protected Areas, many of them considered to be endangered species worldwide. Some international organizations have shown an interest in studying these species and their habitats, in order to stop the number of specimen from dropping down.

Ecological and Economical Value of Protected Areas

Protected Areas have provided us with raw materials, food, water and recreational opportunities over the years, and have a fundamental value in maintaining life on Earth. In Costa Rica, the tourism industry has greatly benefited from the existence of National Parks and Protected Areas, as thousands of foreign visitors come to explore these natural treasures every year.

Interesting Facts