PROTECTED AREAS  

VOLCÁN TURRIALBA NATIONAL PARK

 This 1,257-hectare park’s most important feature is Volcán Turrialba. With an altitude of 3,340 meters above sea level, Turrialba shares a foundation with Volcán Irazú, which is why they are often identified as twin volcanoes. Turrialba features three well-defined craters as well as others misshapen by volcanic activity.

The central crater is the deepest, at approximately 50 meters. On its slopes are two possible cones, Tiendilla (2,791 meters above sea level) and Armado (2,750 meters). Current activity consists of gas and steam eruptions with sulfur deposits. The average temperature here is 16 degrees Celsius, and rainfall varies between 3,000 to 4,000 millimeters per year. Visitor services include trails and several natural viewpoints

GUAYABO NATIONAL ARCHEOLOGICAL MONUMENT

The Guayabo National Monument archeological site represents one of the highest degrees of socio-cultural development achieved by the country’s pre-Hispanic societies. Declared a National Monument in August 1973 for being the largest and most important archeological site discovered up to that time, Guayabo was occupied through four cultural phases from 1000 B.C. to 1550 A.D.

Based on the type of constructions—aqueducts, roads, retaining walls or bridges—and the area, it is estimated that between 1,200 and 1,600 people inhabited the site.  The architectural complexity and extraordinary artistic design of the features and artifacts found among the ruins suggest that the site was home to individuals of high social, political, economic and religious standing. The site is located 19 kilometers northwest of Turrialba; however, it may also be accessed via Santa Cruz de Turrialba by all-terrain vehicle. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, drinking water, signage and several natural viewpoints.

VOLCÁN IRAZÚ NATIONAL PARK  

This park protects colossal Irazú, which, at 3,432 meters above sea level, is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica. The active volcano has a long history of eruptions and eruptive cycles. The protected area’s many geological features include the Playa Hermosa, Principal and Diego de la Haya craters, as well as the Sapper formation, the highest point in the massif, from which both Caribbean and Pacific coasts may be seen. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, signage, a cafeteria, parking and several natural viewpoints.

BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK

Created by Law 8357-A of April 5, 1978, this park is located northeast of the Central Valley in the central Cordillera Volcánica, between the massifs of Poás and Irazú volcanoes. Covering more than 44,000 hectares, Braulio Carrillo is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica. Nearly the entire landscape is made up of tall volcanic mountains swathed in forest, with countless great rivers running through deep canyons. Several extinct volcanoes have been identified: Chompipe, at 2,259 meters tall; Turu, at 2,139 meters; Cerro Cacho Negro, at 2,250 meters; and Barva, which has several craters collectively known as Tres Marías with an average height of 1,725 meters. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, drinking water, signage and several natural viewpoints.

VOLCÁN POÁS NATIONAL PARK

Rising 2,708 meters above sea level, this volcano’s gas emissions have notably increased since 1989, causing acid rain that has damaged plant life in some areas of the park as well as neighboring agricultural plantations. The summit features two craters: the main one, at one and a half kilometers in diameter and 300 meters deep; and Laguna Botos, a cold, rain-fed lake that feeds the Río Ángel, a tributary of the Río Sarapiquí that flows into the Caribbean. Currently the volcano emits a great quantity of gases and steam from the various fumaroles located in the crater’s inner cone. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, drinking water, signage, a cafeteria, souvenir shop and several natural viewpoints.

BOSQUE ALEGRE WILDLIFE REFUGE

This group of volcanic lakes is made up of Bosque Alegre, Congo and Hule lakes, as well as a tropical wet forest. An organized community watches over protection policies and conservation of the refuge. Visitor services include trails, restrooms and natural viewpoints.

TAPANTÍ-MACIZO DE LA MUERTE NATIONAL PARK

With a 58,323-hectare area and altitudes ranging from 1,220 to 2,560 meters above sea level, this park is located in one of the rainiest parts of the country and is home to 45 species of mammals, 260 bird species and 30 reptile species, as well as ancient oak and alder forests. Fed by several tributaries, the Río Grande de Orosí runs through the area; its waters are used to produce hydroelectric energy and to provide part of the metropolitan area’s water supply. Macizo de la Muerte is home to Historical Heritage site “La Picada de Calderón,” a trail still used by horseback riders at various times of the year. Visitor services in the Tapantí area include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, drinking water, signage and natural viewpoints.

LOS SANTOS FOREST PRESERVE

Stretching west from the Interamerican highway between El Empalme and the little village of División, this preserve’s 62,000 hectares are rich in natural attractions and a large variety of flora and fauna. Among its treasures is the quetzal, a spectacular bird with majestic plumage.

CERRO VUELTAS BIOLOGICAL PRESERVE

Located in Copey, Cerro Vueltas contains 1,500 hectares. The preserve’s highest point is 3,156 meters above sea level; its lowest is in the vicinity of the community of Provincia de Dota. The most characteristic type of forest here is páramo (dwarf forest), with its great biodiversity and, in some cases, endemic species.