More than 25% of Costa Rica's land is officially protected. Knowledgeable guides show you the wealth of diversity

"The refreshingly cool interior of primary rainforest is noticeably clear of entangling vegetation. Stepping back in time, you walk the forest floor that is shared with jungle cats, monkeys, tapirs, sloths, armadillos, peccaries, agoutis and coatimundis."

In dozens of rainforest, cloudforest and natural reserves you will readily find an amazing variety of flora and fauna.

Pamela's Story

"Rodolfo is guiding Pamela and her family through the reserve. He points out a pair of pale-billed woodpeckers preparing their nest in a tree trunk. They see a tiny hummingbird nest slung under a shiny green leaf next to the trail. Later they cross a mile-long procession of Leafcutter Ants, each carrying a tiny slice of leaf back to their colony. They look like a procession of sailboats gliding along the forest floor. The leaves are dropped off at the colony and composted and used to grow a fungus the ants prepare as food. Our guide explains how different animals and plants have coexisted here for millions of years. We hike through primary and secondary rainforests listening carefully for the rasping of Cicadas, howling of monkeys, cackling parrots and the whistled notes of Wrens and Antbirds. Breathe in the humid air that rejuvenates our atmosphere. Sample life to the fullest in amazing Costa Rica."

Detailed Map

The Resplendent Quetzal and the stunning Blue Morpho.
Be sharp and you may see them!



Some say this is the most striking and beautiful butterfly in the World. You can decide for yourself!

Park	Close to:	Location:		M = Marine Parks
Poas Volcano National Park	North of San Jose	Central Zone	Driveable from San Jose
Braulio Carillo Nat. Park	North of San Jose	Central Zone	Driveable from San Jose
Irazu Volcano Nat. Park	East of San Jose	Central Zone	Driveable from San Jose
Guayabo Nat. Monument	East of San Jose	Central Zone	Driveable from San Jose
Tapanti National Park	S.E. of San Jose	Central Zone	Driveable from San Jose
Carara National Park	West of San Jose	Central Closer to Pacific	Driveable from San Jose
Manuel Antonio Nat. Park	S. West of San Jose	On Pacific Ocean	Near Quepos/Jaco
La Selva Protected Area	N. West of San Jose	Central Zone	Important Research Facility
Arenal National Park	Northwest of San Jose	North Pacific Zone	North of Puntarenas
Lomas Barbudal Reserve	East of Liberia	North Pacific Zone
Palo Verde Nat. Park	South of Liberia	North Pacific Zone
Barra Honda Nat. Park	South of Liberia	North Pacific Zone
Cabo BlancoReserve	South of Liberia	North Pacific Zone	Remote	M
Marino las Baulas Nat. Park Silvestre Tamarindo Park	West of Liberia	North Pacific Zone	Near Pacific Ocean	M
Santo Rosa Nat. Park	N. West of Liberia	North Pacific Zone	Near Pacific Ocean	M
Guanacaste Nat. Park	N. West of Liberia	North Pacific Zone	Adjacent to Santa Rosa
Cano Negro Nat. Refuge	Far North Central	Central Pacific Zone	Close to Nicaragua Border
Rincon de la Vieja Park	Near Liberia	Central Pacific Zone
Silvestre Barra Colorado	North Caribbean Coast	Central Pacific Zone	North of Tortuguero
Tortuguero National Park	North Caribbean Coast	Central Pacific Zone	South of Tortuguero	M
Cahuita National Park	South Caribbean Coast	Atlantic Zone	Near Puerto Viejo & Cahuita town	M
Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge	South Caribbean Coast	Atlantic Zone	On border with Panama	M
Detailed Map
Corcovado National Park	South Pacific Coast	South Zone	Far South and Remote	M
Cano Island Reserve	South Pacific Coast	South Zone	Far South and Remote
Marino Ballena Nat. Park	South Pacific Coast	South Zone	South  Pacific Coast	M
Coco Island Nat. Park	South Pacific Coast	South Zone	South  Pacific Coast	M
Silvestre Golfito Refuge	South Pacific Coast	South Zone	South  Pacific Coast	M
Amistad International Park	Atlantic Zone	Borders South/Atlantic Zone	Far South Inland -Remote
Chirripo National Park	Atlantic Zone	Borders South/Atlantic Zone	Far South Inland -Remote
Hitoy-Cerere Reserve	Atlantic Zone	Cenral Pacific Zone	Far South Inland -Remote
Detailed Map