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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Costa Rica

March 6, 2016by Costa Rica Info Link

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Reserva de Bosque Nuboso Monteverde Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Costa Rica is the most famous cloud forest reserve in the world and one of the most important protected areas in Costa Rica. It is visited by nature lovers from various countries desiring to enjoy, appreciate and study the abundant biodiversity of its ecosystems. It was created in 1972 to protect the watershed above the village of Monteverde (“Green Mount”), a small town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve entrance in Costa Rica Although majority of the reserve is located in the Puntarenas province, however parts stretch to the Alajuela province, along the Tilarán Mountain Range.

It is often considered a major tourist destination in Costa Rica, primarily frequented by ecotourists drawn by the high biodiversity of its numerous reserves, the most famous of which is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The area is also frequented by researchers and naturalists who come to study specialized areas of mountain and tropical biodiversity. The Monteverde area has been christened number 14 of the Americas in Newsweek’s 100 Places to Remember Before They Disappear, besides been deemed one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica, and also has been called “the jewel in the crown of cloud forest reserves” by National Geographic.

The reserve consists of 6 ecological zones, 90% of which are virgin forest, filled with extravagantly tall trees that range from 30 to 40 meters in heigh, with pathways that are embellished in orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. The unique landscape is home to over 2,500 plant species, so is also known as the site with the largest number of orchids in the world, as well as has over 161 species of amphibians and reptiles, been known worldwide as the habitat of the golden toad (Bufo periglenes), a species that disappeared in 1989.

The variable climate and large altitudinal gradient has helped produce an extremely high biodiversity, with more than 100 species of mammals such as marsupials, squirrels, porcupines, agouties, deer, monkeys, muskrats and felines such as the Jaguar, Ocelot, Baird´s Tapir, Three-wattled Bellbird, Bare necked Umbrella bird and the famous elusive Resplendent Quetzal. The beginning of the migration of the bell bird (Procnias tricarunculata) is similar to that of the quetzal, with reproduction occurring from March to June, and followed by a post-reproductive move downhill on the Pacific slope during the months of August and September. Besides, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has about 400 bird species, where 21% of them are long distance migratory birds, which reproduce in North America and pass through Monteverde during their migration. Three of these species, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve Quetzal in Puntarenas, Costa Rica Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), the Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius), and the Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis), reproduce in Monteverde and migrate to South America during their non-reproductive phase.

The majority of the bird species in Monteverde are primarily insectivores, given that the plants in the region offer a wide variety of fruit. The epiphytes are important resources for both, frugivores and insectivores in Monteverde. On a global scale, the cloud forests of Monteverde are home to ten species of birds that are considered to be endangered by the Birdlife International Organization, due to their very restricted habitat worldwide.

Resting roughly at 1400 meters above sea level, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is misty and windy, with a mean annual temperature of 18°C (64°F) and an annual rainfall averages around 3,000 mm (118 in), where humidity oscillates between 74% to 97%.

Early in the 50’s, a group of quakers from the United States and their families arrived to Costa Rica. Led by Hubert Mendenhall, John Cambell, Howard Rockwell, and Wilford Guindon, they settled in Monteverde, when colonization in the region was just beginning.

It was in 1972 that biologist George Powell joined Wilford Guindon, one of the Monteverde Quaker pioneers, to promote the establishment of the natural preserve now known as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, an area of extraordinary beauty and biodiversity; it is today the best-known private reserve on the Central American. The establishment of the reserve was fully backed by the Quaker community. During the first years they helped to obtain financing, and during the construction of “La Casona”, they received scientists and visitors as guests in their homes.

After the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve creation, the Tropical Science Center continued to secure the financial and human resources necessary to expand, consolidate and properly protect and manage the non-profit reserve.

The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve feels like walking in a grandiose green Cathedral, where poorly drained areas support swamp forests while parts dissected by numerous crystal clear streams tumbling over rapids and waterfalls. With its unique cloud canopy, Monteverde Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve Hanging Bridges in Puntarenas, Costa Rica Cloud Forest Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers and avid photographers. It comes as no surprise that people who visited Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve rank it as one of the most beautifully, stunning and breath taking nature reserves in the world.

The number of visitors to the preserve has risen consistently from 471 visitors in 1974 to 70,000 in 2005, so the income derived from entrance fees and charges for scientific research provides the budget to cover the cost of all administrative, managerial, security and educational expenses.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve offers ideal facilities for research, education and ecotourism. It has a lodging mountain “La Casona” with capacity for 47 persons with an agreeable service of cafeteria and restaurant, a room of audiovisuals and a sale of tickets, a center for environmental education, a scientific laboratory with a classroom of study, administrative offices and a shop of crafts and souvenirs. Other nearby Costa Rica reserve includes the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.

Getting to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve:

From San Jose take the Pan-American highway North to kilometer 133, then turn right towards Sardinal, 1 km after the Aranjuez River and Cuenca Restaurant, until you reach Santa Elena (about 29 Km). Once you reach Santa Elena, continue for another 6 km following the signs. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway to Puntarenas and then follow the same directions to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. From Sardinal to Monteverde, you will need a 4×4 car, even during the dry season, since some 20 km correspond to a gravel road.

From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south on the Pan-American Highway through Liberia, Bagaces, Cañas and Las Juntas to Sardinal. Here, turn to the left at the gas station to Santa Elena (about 29 km). Once you reach Santa Elena continue for another 6 km following the signs. From Sardinal to Monteverde, you will need a 4×4 car, even during the dry season, since some 20 km correspond to a gravel road.

By bus

Take a bus San Jose – Monteverde, which takes about 5 hours (Transmonteverde S.A, Phone: +506 2222-3854). We recommend buying the ticket the day before to secure your space.

You can also take a bus Puntarenas – Monteverde, which takes about 2 hours (Transmonteverde S.A, +506 2222-3854). There is also a bus service leaving from downtown Santa Elena to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Location: 6km (3.7 miles) southeast of Santa Elena, district: Monteverde, canton: Puntarenas, province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 60109.
Santa Elena GPS Coordinates: 10.317369,-84.824386 (10°19’2.53″N, 84°49’27.79″W)
Size: 17.000 ha (42.000 acres)
Altitude: 1,200 m to 1,600 m
Schedule: from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. all the year round.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Telephone: +506 2645-5122 / +506 2645-5579
Fax: +506 2645-5034
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Cacyra Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

March 10, 2023by Costa Rica Info Link

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cacyra Costa Rica

Location: southeast from Carara National Park, canton: Turrubares, in San Jose province, Costa Rica.
GPS Coordinates: 9.769392, -84.5277 (9°46’09.81″N, 84°31’39.72″W)
Size: 37ha (91 acres)
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephoe: +506 2416-7068
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Turrubares, San Jose, Costa Rica.

Cacyra Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica: created on 1995 as a private refuge to protect tropical forest areas near the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Also, this refuge was created in order to serve as a biological corridor between the Carara Biological Reserve, now the Carara National Park, and the Turrubares Hills Protected Area. That is why its biodiversity is very similar that the one you can find in Carara National Park.

Almost the entire area of the refuge is covered by secondary growth rain forests, so they are very common pioneer species such as balsa (Ochroma pyramidale), the guarumo (Cecropia sp), the guácimo (Guazuma ulmifolia) and buzzard (Schyzolobium parahyba), among others, as the life zone is tropical wet forest, with transition to premontane forest. The climate is humid, very hot, with a long dry season. The grounds are covered in tacotales and secondary forests that were transferred by IDA to be devoted to shaping the biological corridor.

Other nearby Costa Rica National Parks includes the Fernando Castro Cervantes Wildlife Refuge and the Carara National Park. There are no public park facilities at this wildlife refuge.

Getting to Cacyra Wildlife Refuge:

From downtown San Jose takes about 1 hour, take the Prospero Fernandez Highway, which starts at the National Gymnasium in La Sabana. From there continue directly through the towns of Escazu, Santa Ana, Ciudad Colon and Puriscal. From Puriscal is about 40 minutes to reach San Juan de Mata de Turrubares. Turrubares also has other alternative routes such as the canton of Orotina southwest and the canton of Atenas southeast.

From Puntarenas downtown, Caldera or Jaco, you should reach Orotina. Of there are 7 km, approximately 15 minutes.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Quepos by Puriscal which takes about 2 hours, (Transportes Delio Morales, +506 2223-5567). From here you can take taxi to Cacyra Wildlife Refuge.

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – Puriscal which takes about 1 hour, (Comtrasuli, +506 2258-3903). From here you can take taxi or take another bus Puriscal – San Juan de Mata, to Cacyra Wildlife Refuge.

For any of the routes we recommend consulting the respective schedules to make connections. Similarly, it is advisable to arrive early to be sure you get a seat.

La Cangreja National Park Costa Rica

March 8, 2023by Costa Rica Info Link

Location: district: Chires, canton: Puriscal, province: San José, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 10409.

Puriscal GPS Coordinates: 9.847961,-84.309414 (9°50’52.66″N, 84°18’33.89″W)
Size: 2240ha (5533 acres)
Altitude: 350m (1050ft) to 1305m (3915ft)
Entropica Foundation telephone: +506 2416-6359
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

La Cangreja National Park Costa Rica: virgin forest declared protected area in 1984 (Protected Areas in Costa Rica are areas with special regulation to protect the hydrographic and terrestrial resources and are meant to keep the environment). On June 5th, 2002, the World-Environment-Day, the government declared La Cangreja as a National Park, to protect the last stronghold of primary forest areas in Puriscal, Costa Rica. The preservation of La Cangreja was inspected by the Ecotropica Foundation with a special meaning, not only for the protection of the biodiversity, but also for the profit it involves for the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. Thanks to this, the government also enlarged the area up to 2240 hectares; mainly to prize the realized efforts of the Ecotropica Foundation and a big amount of coworkers who helped.

The name La Cangreja refers to the caracteristic shape of the “La Cangreja Hill”, with 1305m high. If you look at this hill from above, it gives the impression of an enormous crab (“cangrejo” in Spanish) of which the ridges leaving from the top seem to be the animal paws.

On the other hand, the Indian history talks about a giant crab, which placed itself on the top of the hill during earthquakes and blocked passage for the villagers who wanted to go to the nearby hamlets. At a certain moment, a brave warrior stood up against the crab and managed to cut off one of the animal paws. For this reason the crab got furious, but finally it surrendered by changing itself into a rock. This is why the highest part of the hill still is rocky.

Now La Cangreja National Park forms a precious heritage for the canton of Puriscal and the entire region. Its administration and protection is by the authority of the MINAE. This obviously doesn’t mean that the local community and municipality not longer take part in the development and protection of the park.

The study of a young American student, Ann-Marie Parsons, and other formal studies, confirmed that La Cangreja contains the last virgin natural areas that exist in the region of Puriscal. The forest is also the most important water supply for nearby communities and serves as well as climate stabilization. The presence of two different life zones, Tropical Humid Forest and Pre-Montane Humid Forest, a varied topography, heavy humidity and more than 160 inches annual precipitation, create an area with extremely diverse flora and fauna.

This area of Costa Rica is of particular interest to biologists. Researchers have already found several new species unique to the area. The site bears a striking resemblance to the forests of the Osa Peninsula, with a marked predominantly South American species. The climate is very humid and hot with a moderate dry season. The dry season runs from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. The precipitation and temperature annual average is 3435 mm and 27°C, respectively.

Preliminary studies until 1993 were identified approximately 800 plant species. However, some of the most diverse groups as ferns, orchids, aroids and bromeliads have been little studied. Several species have been identified endemic or restricted in the country, Plinia puriscalensis Myrtaceae family and Mastatalensis Ayenia Sterculiaceae family, have only has been collected at this site. Some other species like Unonopsis theobromifolia a Anonaceae and Ternstroemia multiovulata, family Theaceae were described for the flora of the country in this area protective, although subsequently been collected in other areas including the Osa Peninsula. In a study on the floristic composition done in 1998 (Acosta, 1998) was achieved identify 193 species of trees, which are distributed in 126 genera and 56 families. Of identified species 84 are new records for this protected area.

It also presents 17 species of timber widely used commercially in Costa Rica, some of which are in danger of extinction like the hide of a bull (Tachigalia versicolor), garlic (Caryocar costaricense), the quira (Caryodaphnopsis burgeri), the IPE (Tabebuia guayacan) rum rum (Astronium graveolens), Nazarene (Peltogyne purpurea), cachimbo (Couratari guianensis), Christopher (Platymiscium pinnatum) and balsam (Myroxylon balsamum).

Among the highlights fauna, white-faced monkey (Cebus capucinus), sloth (Choloepus hoffmanii), armadillo (Dasypus novemcintus), coyote (Canis latrans), raccoon (Procyon lotor), paca (Agouti paca), coati (Nasua narica), hairless fox (Didelphis marsupialis), lion jaguarundi (Herpailuris yaguaroundi) Caucel (Leopardus felis), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and a large number of bat species. The birds that have reported the gallina de monte (Tinamou), the bell bird (Procne tricarunculata), the quióro or Curre black (Ramphastos swainsonii), the Toucanet (Pteroglosus frantzii) and several species of owls.

La Cangreja can be retained by means of a plan of preservation, protection and sustained use, of which the task is the protection of La Cangreja and its buffer zone, by means of long term plans, to preserve the forest and to inspire to a sense of understanding, connection and responsibility with regards to the forest, to the people and to the adjoining communities. Other nearby Costa Rica parks include Fernando Castro Cervantes Wildlife Refuge, Carara National Park and Cacyra Wildlife Refuge.

Getting to La Cangreja National Park

Take the highway out of San Jose, Costa Rica towards Ciudad Colón and Puriscal (Santiago). From Santiago de Puriscal, you need to follow the old road to Parrita. Turn left, where signposting is indicated. The park is situated in the village of Mastatal, 45 kilometers southeast of Santiago de Puriscal. During the rainseason, this road is only accesible for 4×4 cars. In the dry season you can also reach La Cangreja with other vehicles.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Quepos by Puriscal which takes about 2 hours, (Transportes Delio Morales, Phone: +506 2223-5567). From here you can take taxi to La Cangreja National Park.

You can also take a bus from the route San Jose – Puriscal which takes about 1 hour, (Comtrasuli, Phone: +506 2258-3903). From here you can take taxi or take another bus Puriscal – Mastatal, which takes about 2 hours to La Cangreja National Park.

From Quepos, you can bus from the route San Jose – Quepos by Puriscal which takes about 2 hours, making the stop at Santa Rosa (Transportes Delio Morales, Phone: +506 2223-5567). Be sure to tell the driver you will get off there, and make sure you are on the bus that goes through Puriscal. From here you can take taxi or take another bus Santa Rosa – Mastatal which takes about 45 minutes to La Cangreja National Park.

For any of the three routes we recommend consulting the respective schedules to make connections. Similarly, it is advisable to arrive early to be sure you get a seat.

Address map: Click here to view directions from Central Park, San Jose, Costa Rica TO Puriscal, San Jose, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Rio Macho Forest Reserve Costa Rica

October 10, 2017by Costa Rica Info Link

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Reserva Forestal Río Macho Costa Rica

Location: between Tapanti and Chirripo National Parks, in Cartago province.
La Auxiliadora Sector GPS coordinates: 9.567953,-83.736736 (9°34’04.63″N, 83°44’12.25″W)
Size: 69,604ha (171,922 acres)
Altitude: from 2000m up to 3000m.
Pacific La Amistad Conservation Area (ACLA-P) Telephone: +506 2771-4836 / +506 2771-3155
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Central Park, San Jose, Costa Rica TO Piedra Alta, Cartago, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Rio Macho Forest Reserve Costa Rica: created on January 23rd, 1964 to protect forested areas in the southern Talamanca Mountain region near Tapanti National Park and Chirripo National Park. Is Costa Rica’s largest protected area, composed of 13 different units for a total of over 200,000 acres, which is also part of the La Amistad Biosphere designated by UNESCO, where is located the Villa Mills Experimental Biological Station, at the premises formerly occupied by the CATIE.

Rio Macho Forest Reserve in conjunction with other Protected Areas like Chirripó National Park and Tapantí National Park, form the largest latitudinal biological corridor of the country where there are as many mountain high forests, moors, bogs, cloud forests and fauna associated with these ecosystems, much of it endangered.

Thanks to its three different life zones blended together: Premontane Rain forest, Low montane rain forest and montane rain forest, is the natural habitat to an immense variety of animals such as tapir (Tapirus bairdii), puma (Puma concolor), jaguar (Panthera onca), collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), wild rabbits (Sylvilagus dicei), squirrels (Sciurus sp.) mice bats, etc. Similarly, visitors can find some salamanders of the Bolitoglossa and Oedipina genus and frogs of the Hylidae, Leptodactylidae, Ranidae Centrolenidae families, amongst Caecilidae family, lizards such as the common lizard (Sceloporus malachiticus) and the caiman lizard (Mesaspis monticola); of snakes can appoint the Godman’s pit viper (Cerrophidion goodmani), the Side-striped palm viper (Bothriechis side) and some non-poisonous.

In birds, one of the most representative of the highlands is the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) who lives here year round, as well as other species such as the Black-faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops), the Sooty Robin or Sooty Thrush (Turdus nigrescens), the Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), the Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis), the Black-billed Nightingale-thrush (Catharus gracilirostris), the Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager (Chlorospingus pileatus), the Collared Redstart (Myioborus torquatus), the Blue-and-white Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca), the Golden-browed Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia Callophrys) ,trogons, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, the unique silky flycatcher and the peg-billed finch, all of which are endemic, found only in this part of the world.

Some of the plant species include oaks, the cipresillo (querquis costaricensis), mountain needle and blueberry, all endemic to this area. Also, visitors can find hundreds of species of bromeliads, lichen moss, ferns and a multitude of orchids and colorful flowers such as “guesneracias”. These forests are also characterized by a high incidence of epiphytic plants. The wild avocados, cedrillos and wild blackberries found in the area are one of the main sources of food for the Resplendent Quetzal, besides the oak forest and trees contribute highly to clean the air, though the fixation and storage of carbon and liberation of oxygen.

This is also an area of rivers, where the Savegre River plays a very important role, as host of a large population of Rainbow Trouts (Salmo gairdneri) and a supply of potable water through rural aqueducts.

Temperatures range from 0°C to 17°C, being January the coldest month, with minimum temperatures below zero and highs around 20°C, and the hottest month is April. The dry season lasts from December to April, being February and March the driest months. The rainy season lasts from May to November with September and October as the wettest. The average annual rainfall is around 2000mm.

Other nearby Costa Rica National Parks includes the Tapanti National Park, Chirripo National Park, Cerro Las Vueltas Biological Reserve, Los Quetzales National Park (Former Los Santos Forest Reserve), Cataratas Cerro Redondo Wildlife Refuge and Paramo Wildlife Refuge. There are no public park facilities at this wildlife refuge.

Getting to Rio Macho Forest Reserve:

Take the road from San Jose to Cartago, and take the exit for the Cerro de la Muerte, the Inter-American Highway, and at La Auxiliadora Sector, at Kilometer 92, where the community of Villa Mills is, turn left on an unpaved road leads to the community of Piedra Alta and Alto del Jaular. The Biological Station is at 1.8 km from the entrance. You can enter all types of vehicles throughout the year, with a distance of travel from San Jose of 2 hours, and one hour from San Isidro de Perez Zeledon.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – San Isidro de El General – Perez Zeledon which takes about 2 hours, making the stop at Villa Mills (MUSOC, Phone: +506 2222-2422 / TRACOPA, Phone: +506 2222-26-66). From here you can take taxi to Rio Macho Forest Reserve.

Steve Friedman Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

April 1, 2015by Costa Rica Info Link

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio de Vida Silvestre Steve Friedman Costa Rica

Steve Friedman Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica: created on April 30th, 1997, to protect forested areas and part of the moors in the high elevations of the Talamanca Mountain region. The park is located just between the Los Santos Forest Reserve (now Los Quetzales National Park) and Tapanti National Park in Cartago province, near the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

Because of its location in the area of Los Santos its biodiversity is very similar that the one you can find in Cerro Las Vueltas Biological Reserve and Los Quetzales National Park (Former Los Santos Forest Reserve). It has tropical wet forest, transition to montane, rainy montane and lower rainy montane, with a very wealthy flora and fauna, where oaks and cypress are abundant and bird watching is the greatest attraction.

Other nearby Costa Rica National Parks includes the Cerro Las Vueltas Biological Reserve and Los Quetzales National Park (Former Los Santos Forest Reserve), Tapanti National Park and Chirripo National Park. There are no public park facilities at this wildlife refuge.

Getting to Steve Friedman National Wildlife Refuge:

From San José take the road to Cartago and take the exit for the Cerro de la Muerte, on the Interamerican Highway, until you reach kilometer 60 or so.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – San Isidro de El General – Perez Zeledon which takes about 2 hours, making the stop at Macho Gaf Restaurant (MUSOC, +506 2222-2422 / TRACOPA, +506 2222-26-66). From here you can take taxi to Steve Friedman Wildlife Refuge.

Location: in Cerro de la Muerte, between Los Quetzales and Tapanti National Parks, district: San Isidro, canton: El Guarco, province: Cartago, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 30802.
Santa Maria de Dota GPS coordinates: 9.653131,-83.969856 (9°39’11.27″N, 83°58’11.48″W)
Size: 19 ha (47 acres)
Altitude: from 2000 up to 3000 meters.
Pacific La Amistad Conservation Area (ACLA-P) Telephoe: +506 2771-4836 / +506 2771-3155
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Empalme, Cartago, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Los Quetzales National Park Costa Rica

March 9, 2023by Costa Rica Info Link

Location: in Cerro de la Muerte, near the exit to San Gerardo de Dota, in San José, Costa Rica.

GPS Coordinates: 9.615685,-83.818289 (9°36’56.46″N, 83°49’05.84″W)
Size: 5000 ha (12,355 acres)
Altitude: from 2000 up to 3000 meters.
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Empalme, Cartago, Costa Rica at Google Maps

The park encompasses what was previously the Los Santos Forest Biological Reserve, which, after the adoption of the constitution, is now the Los Quetzales National Park, which name is precisely because of the quetzal abundance found there. The park was created in July 2005, to promote the conservation of these birds and to protect critical habitat for a number of plants and animals that also inhabit the area. It also has the distinction of being the most recent park included in the extensive system of National Parks of Costa Rica. It is a sanctuary of biodiversity in the massif of Cerro de la Muerte, a whole green treasure located at high altitude along the Talamanca Cordillera.

Most of the park straddles by the Savegre River, which originates in the Cerro de la Muerte and empties into the Pacific Ocean near Manuel Antonio. With an average rainfall ranging between 79cm and 188cm, makes the topography of the park beautiful and full of life.

This new conservation area has seven different heights, so its biological variety is wide. With three tropical forest types and fourteen different ecosystems that form in accordance with elevation, have an enormous wealth of flora, fauna and water resources. That is why Los Quetzales National Park has a lot of oaks, cypress, “aguacatillo”, ferns and plants, such as the well-known Poor man umbrella, besides all kinds of exotic flowers that mark the landscape, adding a little color to the immense green field. There, multicolored moss living with lichen, fungi and small vegetation of moor forest on Cerro las Vueltas, about 3000 meters high. Also, the park has the presence of wetlands and seasonal lakes of glacial origin, which has a filtration of water function into the underground parts, so they are purifying and kind of “sponges” that protect natural flooding.

This rich area has about 25 endemic species and some 116 species of mammals such as tapirs, raccoons, armadillos, sloths, peccaries, pumas, coatis, coyotes, porcupines, foxes and cacomistle (relative of the raccoon), among others . In rivers you can find otters and trout. Visitors can also find snakes like the Costa Rican Coralsnake, the Fer-de-lance and the Side-striped Palm-pitviper.

It also has more than 14 endemic birds, so it’s no wonder that bird watching is very popular here, offering visitors the chance to say “I’m sure to see one”-referring to any bird belonging to the ecosystem, including species that are as ostentatious as the quetzal, which is abundant in this area. The quetzal (Pharomachrus moccino) lives in wet montane forests where large amount of epiphytes can be found. It breeds in the cloud forests and feeds of “Aguacatillo”, among others. In Costa Rica is located in the mountains of Tilarán, Central Volcanic and Talamanca, from 1200 meters to 3000 meters. Although the bird is known to be difficult to observe and capricious, park officials say that the quetzal is easier to find here than in the cloud forests of Monteverde and Santa Elena, which are located to the north, since in the park communities come to be seen up to seven individuals together, a very special show, because their behavior is solitary or in pairs. Other bird species that reside in the park include trogones, tanagers, and hummingbirds.

Los Quetzales National Park, located 47 southeast of San Jose, is easily accessible from Manuel Antonio. From Jaco it takes about two hours. The park entrance is on the Cerro de la Muerte, just before the turnoff to San Gerardo de Dota. It is located between Providence and San Gerardo de Dota, on the Talamanca Cordillera and Savegre River Basin.

Getting to Los Quetzales National Park:

From San José take the road to Cartago and take the exit for the Cerro de la Muerte, on the Interamerican Highway, until you reach kilometer 80 or so. Los Quetzales National Park entrance is on your right on the main road.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – San Isidro de El General – Perez Zeledon which takes about 2 hours, making the stop at Macho Gaf Restaurant (MUSOC, +506 2222-2422 / TRACOPA, +506 2222-2666). From here you can take taxi to Los Quetzales National Park.

Paramo Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

March 28, 2015by Costa Rica Info Link

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Páramo Costa Rica

Paramo Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica: created on December 7th, 1999 to protect tropical forest areas and part of the moors in the high elevations of the Talamanca Mountains in Costa Rica. It is located within the Los Santos Forest Reserve in San José province, near the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

The rainfall ranges between 2000 and 3000mm per year, with a temperature ranges between 12°C and 28°C. Because of its location in the area of Los Santos its biodiversity is very similar that the one you can find in Cerro Las Vueltas Biological Reserve and Los Quetzales National Park (Former Los Santos Forest Reserve), with tropical wet forest, transition to montane, rainy montane and lower rainy montane. Plant species found in the area are: oaks, Post Oak, Guettarda comata, Ruscus aculeatus, magnolia, Vantanea babourii, Alder, Hirtella racemosa, Mexican Elm, Inga alba, Ladenbergi brenesii, Prunus cornifolia, Palm hearts, Sapium glandulosum, Tree ferns, Clusia major (Copey, Autograph Tree, Pitch-apple), Mosquitoxylum jamaicense, Weinmannia, Cojoba arborea, Humiriastrum diguense, Poor man umbrella, Brunellia, “Arrayancillo” and Clethra costaricensis.

The fauna is rich and varied, where tapirs, peccaries, squirrels, goats, coaties, coyotes, porcupines, armadillos, partridges, raccoons, weasels, jaguarundies, margays, foxes, pigeons been observed. There are also a lot of snakes like the the Side-striped Palm-pitviper, the Fer-de-lance and the Costa Rican Coralsnake.

Getting to Paramo Wildlife Refuge:

Take the road from San Jose to Cartago, on the Interamerican Highway, and take the exit for the Cerro de la Muerte until you reach km. 51, El Empalme, turn right to Santa Maria de Dota.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Los Santos (Santa Maria de Dota, San Marcos de Tarrazu y San Pablo de Leon Cortes), which takes about 2 hours (Tranasportes Los Santos, 2546-7248 / 2227-3597). From here you can take taxi to Paramo National Wildlife Refuge.

Location: within the Los Santos Forest Reserve, in San José province.
Santa Maria de Dota GPS coordinates: 9.653131,-83.969856 (9°39’11.27″N, 83°58’11.48″W)
Size: 802ha (1,405 acres)
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Haga clic aquí para ver la dirección desde el Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, Costa Rica a Empalme, Cartago, Costa Rica en Google Maps

Cerro las Vueltas Biological Reserve Costa Rica

August 19, 2021by Costa Rica Info Link

Location: within the Los Santos Forest Reserve, district: Copey, canton: Dota, province: San Jose, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 11703.

Santa Maria de Dota GPS coordinates: 9.653131,-83.969856 (9°39’11.27″N, 83°58’11.48″W)
Size: 802ha (1,980 acres)
Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC) Telephone: +506 2416-7878
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Empalme, Cartago, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Cerro las Vueltas Biological Reserve Costa Rica was created since 1994, but it was decreed as one on July 26th, 1995. It is located within the Los Santos Forest Reserve in the district of the canton Copey de Dota in San José province, near the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It protects part of the moors that are in the highest parts of the Cordillera de Talamanca and oak forests, composed mainly of huge oak trees (Quercus spp), which surrounding them.

With its high biodiversity in this region are the following types of forests: tropical wet, transition to montane, rainy montane and lower rainy montane. Plant species found in the area are: oak, Post Oak, Guettarda comata, Ruscus aculeatus, magnolia, Vantanea babourii, Alder, Hirtella racemosa, Mexican Elm, Inga alba, Ladenbergi brenesii, “Horquetilla”, “Papayillo”, “Cucaracho”, “Quizarrá”, Prunus cornifolia, “Picarillo”, Palm hearts, Sapium glandulosum, “Yas”, “Palo de paja”, Tree ferns, Clusia major (Copey, Autograph Tree, Pitch-apple), Mosquitoxylum jamaicense, Weinmannia, Cojoba arborea, Humiriastrum diguense,, “Ciprecillo”, Poor man umbrella, Brunellia, “Arrayancillo”, “Candelillo” and Clethra costaricensis.

The fauna is rich and varied. It have been observed tapirs, peccaries, jaguarundies, margays, goats, coaties, foxes, coyotes, armadillos, raccoons, weasels, porcupines, squirrels, turkeys, partridges, pigeons. The Sooty Thrush (Turdus nigrescens,) a resident bird of high elevations, is very common. In rivers you can find otters and trout. There are also some snakes like the Fer-de-lance, the Side-striped Palm-pitviper and the Costa Rican Coralsnake.

The rainfall ranges between 2000 and 3000mm per year. The temperature ranges between 12°C and 28°C. Because of its location in the area of Los Santos, the region has evidence of sedimentary rocks, mainly shale, limestone and sandstone.

The Rounds Hill has 3156 m altitude, is located next to the Pan American Highway (km 74) and is an excellent vantage point Laps it covers a large area of the country. An interesting fact is that the historic road that connected the Central Valley to San Isidro de El General, passes through the reserve. Other nearby Costa Rica National Parks includes the Los Quetzales National Park (formerly Los Santos Biological Reserve), Paramo Wildlife Refuge, Tapanti National Park and Chirripo National Park. There are no public park facilities at this biological reserve.

Getting to Cerro las Vueltas Biological Reserve:

Take the road from San Jose to Cartago, on the Interamerican Highway, and take the exit for the Cerro de la Muerte until you reach km. 51, El Empalme, turn right to Santa Maria de Dota. At the park, turn left for 7 km to Copey. Shortly after you pass the turnoff to Copey de Dota, the road to the Station will be on your left.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Los Santos (Santa Maria de Dota, San Marcos de Tarrazú y San Pablo de Leon Cortes), which takes about 2 hours (Transportes Los Santos, +506 2546-7248 / +506 2227-3597). From here you can take taxi to Cerro las Vueltas Biological Reserve, which takes about 10 minutes.

Cocos Island National Park Costa Rica

March 18, 2020by Costa Rica Info Link

Location: 330 miles (523 km) southwest of Cabo Blanco in the eastern Pacific Ocean, in Puntarenas province.
GPS coordinates: 5.527958,-87.057419 (5°31’40.65″N, 87°03’26.71″W)
Size: 4660 hectares (11,500 acres)
Altitude: from sea level to 634m (2,100ft)
Cocos Island Marine Conservation Area (ACMIC) Telephone: +506 2291-1215 / +506 2291-1216
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Puntarenas port, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Cocos Island National Park Costa Rica was declared National Park on June 11th, 1978 because of its unique ecological diversity and the habitats the site provides for marine wildlife, including large pelagic species, especially sharks. In 1997, the Cocos Island National Park, located approximately 500 km off the pacific coast of Costa Rica, was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and in 2002, the World Heritage Site designation was extended to include an expanded marine zone of 1,997 km². In addition, it is included in the list of “Wetlands of International Importance”. This rugged and incredibly beautiful island is the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s many National Parks.

The island was discovered by the Spanish Joan Cabezas in 1526. Thanks to its palm trees and plentiful drinking water, this oceanic island became very well know, and today is famous because during the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a heaven and served as an excellent hide-away for pirates and corsairs, who thrived along the Pacific coast. Stories tell of buccaneers burying treasures here, like Edward Davis in 1685, Benito Bonito in 1820, and William Thompson in 1821. It is said that over 300 expeditions have gone in search of treasure, because some incidents of small caches have been discovered, leading many to believe the stories of vast pirate treasures to be true, of what some say that it was the inspiration for “The Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Cocos Island is an area that emerged from an underwater mountain range (the Cocos ridge) which has an irregular coastline. Its landmass is punctuated by four mountain peaks, the highest of which is Cerro Yglesisas, at 634m (2080ft). It is a terrain of volcanic origin with a vast number of rivers and streams which plunge over the spectacular cliffs that line its coasts. The largest rivers are the Genio and the Pittier, which drain their water into Wafer Bay. The mountainous landscape and the tropical climate combine to create over 200 waterfalls throughout the island. With four bays with safe anchorages and sandy beaches, three of them in the north side, Wafer, Chatham and Weston.

The climate of the island is humid and tropical with an average annual temperature of 24ºC (75ºF) and an average annual rainfall of over 7,000mm (275 in), resulting in a covering of lush green foliage. Rainfall is high throughout the year, although lower from January through March and slightly lower during late September and October. Numerous oceanic currents from the central Pacific Ocean that converge on the island also have an important influence. This extremely wet climate and oceanic character give Cocos Island an ecological character that is not shared with either the Galapagos Archipelago or any of the other islands (e.g., Malpelo or Coiba) in this region of the world, being home to dense and exuberant tropical moist forests; thus is a place of great scenic beauty and an ideal laboratory for nature studies. Everywhere there are ferns, bromeliads, rivers, streams, waterfalls, valleys, cliffs and islets.

The island was never linked to a continent, so the flora and fauna arrived via long distance dispersal from the Americas. The island has therefore a high proportion of endemic species. In fact, the Cocos Island National Park has 235 known species of flowering plants, of which 70 (nearly 30%) are endemic; also 74 species of ferns and fern allies (lycopodiophytes and pteridophytes), as well as 128 species of mosses and liverworts (bryophytes), 90 species of fungi and 41 species of slime molds. The coastal forests extend from the seacoast up to 50m elevation. Purple Coral Tree (Erythrina fusca), Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera), and Pond-apple (Annona glabra) are the predominant trees, as well as the endemic trees such as the Cupey (Clusia Rosea) and the Huriki (Sacoglottis holdridgei), all this with an understory of ferns, spermatophytes or phanerogams, shrubs of the Rubiaceae and Solanaceae families, sedges and grasses, mosses, herbaceous plants of the Leguminosae and Malvaceae families and the endemic Rooseveltia frankliniana palm.

The island has over 400 known species of insects, of which 65 (16%) are endemic. The greatest diversity is found among the Lepidoptera and Formicidae, as well as over 50 species of other arthropods have been described such as spiders, centipedes, millipedes and isopods. Besides, two species of lizard are found on the island, an anole or lizard (Norops townsendii) and a salamander or gecko (Sphaerodactylus pacificus); both are endemic.

Nearly 90 bird species have been reported. The island and neighboring rocks are home to large nesting colonies of migratory seabirds, including the Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster), Red-footed Booby (Sula sula), Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor), White Tern or the Holy Ghost dove (Gygis Alba) and Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus), as well as even species of land birds inhabit the island – including three endemics – the Cocos Cuckoo (Coccyzus ferrugineus), the Cocos Flycatcher (Nesotriccus ridgwayi) and the Cocos Finch (Pinaroloxias inornata). In the other hand, the island has five land mammal species, including pigs, deers, cats and rats. All these land mammals were introduced by humans, which is why the Costa Rican government has vowed to control the populations of these animals, as they are harmful to the local ecosystems.

The underwater world of the national park has become famous due to the attraction it holds for divers, who rate it as one of the best places in the world to view large pelagic species. The most important scuba reefs are located in Punta María, Punta Presidio, Punta Pacheco and some areas of the Iglesias, Chatham and Wafer Bays.

The rich coral reef, the volcanic tunnels, underwater caves, massifs and deeper waters surrounding Cocos Island are home to more than 30 species of corals, 60 species of crustaceans, 600 species of mollusks and over 300 species of fish. These include large populations of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), Giant Manta Rays (Manta birostris), Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), Parrotfishes, Catfishes, Giant Moray Eels, Marbled Rays, Marlins, Octopus, the exotic Red-lipped Batfish (Ogcocephalus darwini), as well as dozens if not hundreds of sharks, such as White-tip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) and Scalloped Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), the Silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), the Silvertip sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus), the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), besides other large marine animals like the Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), Pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus), Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). In fact, thanks to the breathtaking marine life in its waters, Cocos Island was named one of the best 10 scuba diving spots in the world by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors).

Unfortunately it takes more than a decree to protect an ecosystem. One of the biggest problems on Cocos Island is the loss of native species to species introduced by man (pigs, goats and rats). These numerous accolades highlight the urgent need to protect Cocos Island and surrounding waters from illegal large-scale fishing, poaching and other problems. Cocos Island was short-listed as a candidate to be one of the New7Wonders of Nature by the New Seven Wonders of the World Foundation.

This is why the only persons allowed to live on Cocos Island are Costa Rican Park Rangers, who have established two encampments, including one at one in Wafer Bay and other in Chatham Bay. Tourists and ship crew members are allowed ashore only with permission of island rangers and are not permitted to camp, stay overnight or collect any flora, fauna or minerals from the island. It has been estimated that Cocos Island Costa Rica receives an annual visitation of about 1,100 people, mainly concentrated in the period between March and May. Easy anchorage can be found in Wafer and Chatham Bays, where there are also dining huts and rest areas, with sanitary services and showers.

Cocos Island in fiction

The book “Desert Island” proposed the highly detailed theory that Daniel Defoe used the Isla dell Cocoze as an accurate model for his descriptions of the island inhabited by the marooned Robinson Crusoe. However Defoe placed Crusoe’s island not in the Pacific, but rather off the coast of Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Michael Crichton novel Jurassic Park, centers on the fictitious Isla Nublar that is off of the west coast of Costa Rica. Supporting this argument is the Dreamworks Interactive game Jurassic Park: Trespasser (1998), which used Cocos Island’s topography as a substitute for the fictional island on which it takes place. Also, “Isla Nublar” is intended to mean “Cloudy Island”, and Cocos Island is the only island with cloud forests in the eastern Pacific. (Source: en.wikipedia.org)

Getting to Cocos Island National Park:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway to Puntarenas, passing through San Ramon and Barranca. From the port of Puntarenas Isla del Coco can be reached by boat, a journey that takes approximately 36 hours. For more updated information regarding the tours and how to get to the Cocos Island, communicate directly with the offices of the island (see telephone number below). Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway, until you get to Puntarenas. The Caldera trip takes about 1 hour from San Jose while the other takes about 2 hours.

From Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR), drive south to Puntarenas. From the port of Puntarenas Isla del Coco can be reached by boat, a journey that takes approximately 36 hours. For more updated information regarding the tours and how to get to the Cocos Island, communicate directly with the offices of the island (see telephone number below).

BUS TO PUNTARENAS

Take a local bus from San Jose – Puntarenas, which takes about 3 hours (Empresarios Unidos, +506 2222-0064).

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Parque Nacional Isla del Coco / Cocos Island National Park

Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve Costa Rica

August 9, 2013by Costa Rica Info Link

Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco Costa Rica

Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve Costa Rica protects tropical forest and beach areas at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica. Cabo Blanco received its protected status in October 21st, 1963, due primarily to the efforts of the late Olof Wessberg, who a decade earlier had come to Costa Rica from his native Sweden. Living on a farm in the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Wessberg was saddened by the amount of deforestation in the region and took steps to interest the government in doing something to save a patch of remaining forest. He was instrumental in gaining the financial support of conservation organizations in Sweden, England, Austria and the United States. Enough funds were contributed to allow the purchase and administration of what is now the Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve. Cabo Blanco is the only government protected area created before the inception of the park service in 1970 that has survived to this day.

The absolute part comes from the fact that for the first 25 years of its existence Cabo Blanco was absolute and completely a nature reserve and nothing else, where no visitors were allowed. Offshore from the point lies the Cabo Blanco Island (“White Cape”), from whence the area’s name is derived. This rugged piece of rock is devoid of plant life, but harbors abundant roosting seabirds. It is estimated that more than 800 Brown Boobies alone live here, making it the largest colony of this species in Costa Rica. The accumulated guano from so many birds causes the white color visible from the mainland.

Even though this sector of the Nicoya Peninsula receives an average of 2.3 meters of rain annually, making it the wettest part of the region, there is still a pronounced dry season from December through April. In fact, the southern zone of the peninsula receives more rain than the area to the north which results in a different look and feel to the forest, with some 2300mm (58in) more than the rest of the area. Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve is characterized by tropical moist forest with many evergreen areas, although numerous plant species found in the tropical dry forest also occur here. One of these is the spiny cedar, or “Pochote”, which can be identified by the sharp, conical spines protruding from the bark, with white “shaving brush” flowers are pollinated at night by bats.

About a15% is primary forest, with the remaining secondary forest some 50 years old. Around 150 trees have been identified in the zone; evergreen species predominate, but dry forest types are found as well. Among the most common trees are Bastard Cedar, Wild Plum, Gumbo-limbo, Lancewood, Frangipani and Spiny Cedar – mentioned before.

The forest is home to a wide variety of animals, including Howler, Capuchin and Spider Monkeys, Armadillos, Coaties, Anteaters, Agouties, Porcupines, Kinkajous, Curassows, Crested Guans, Brocket Deers, Collard Peccaries and Raccoons. Smaller cats such as the Ocelot and Margay leave traces, but are unlikely to be seen, and with some luck even the Jaguarundi, the most diurnal of Costa Rica’s six species of wild cats. The shoreline is inhabited by many sea birds, such as Brown Pelican, Laughing Gulls and Frigatebirds, while Cabo Blanco Island is the nesting site of up to 800 pairs of Brown Boobies. The forest contains a rich array of birds, such as the Magpie-Jay, Motmots, Long-tailed Manakin, Crested Caracara, Elegant Trogon, White-bellied Chachalaca and Sulphur-winged Parakeet. Butterflies, such as the Blue Morpho and Owl Butterfly are common. Beware of snakes, Boa Contrcitor have been reported.

There is an area along the beach at the southern end of the cape where marine fossils dating back at least 20 million years can be found in the exposed rocks, where an extinct species of giant oyster is among the more common fossils.

The rich concentration of nutrients from the seabird colony on Cabo Blanco provides for abundant fish life around the point and ocean currents bring in pelagic species such as billfish and tuna making for excellent sport fishing opportunities.

Despite its restrictive sounding administrative category, visitors allowed into the reserve are only permitted to use one of the existing trails that run for 5km (3 miles) down through the forest to the beach. Visitors to Cabo Blanco are limited to 40 a day, so it is better if you book in advance and report to the Ranger Station.

There are trails that lead between the Administration Station and Cabo Blanco Beach, Balsitas Beach and the San Miguel Station – the San Miguel Biological Station of Costa Rica was developed to promote and support teaching, research, and environmental education, taking advantage of the well-protected tropical marine and dry forest habitats present on site. Potable water and restrooms are available at stations, picnic areas and showers at Playa Cabo Blanco and the San Miguel Biological Station include classrooms, laboratories and a reference library. Camping permits are limited.

Getting to Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve:

From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway to Puntarenas, passing through San Ramon and Barranca. Probably the easiest way to get there is by taking the Ferri to Tambor or Paquera. (Tambor Ferri is the largest and most comfortable, we recommend you get to Puntarenas an hour before the ferry leaves), and then drive through Tambor, Cobano and Cabuya. The Administration Station is 2 miles south of Cabuya. To get to Montezuma, continue south for approximately 40 km from Paquera. The reserve lies 11 km south of the funky beach village of Montezuma (the nearest accommodations). From Montezuma, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is practically a necessity, even during the dry season. Now you can also take the new Caldera Highway, until you get to Puntarenas. The Caldera trip takes about 3 hours from San Jose while the other takes about 5 hours.

From Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR), drive south through Santa Cruz, Nicoya, Nandayure, Lepanto, Paquera, and then drive through Tambor, Cobano and Cabuya. The Administration Station is 2 miles south of Cabuya. It is a very scenic trip as you go down the coast (this route exemplifies rural Costa Rica and is very beautiful).

By bus

Take a local bus from San Jose – Malpais – Montezuma, which takes about 5 hours (Transportes Rodriguez, 2642-0219). We recommend buying the ticket the day before to secure your space.

You can also take a shuttle bus that goes several times a day from Montezuma to the park entrance.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Tambor Airport, either with Sansa Airlines or Aerobell every day. From here you can rent a car and drive, or take a bus or taxi to Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve, which is about 15 minutes.

Location: 11km (7miles) from Montezuma, in Puntarenas province.
GPS coordinates: 9.562392,-85.112881 (9°33’44.61″N, 85°06’46.37″W)
Puntarenas Ferry GPS Coordinates: 9.977431,-84.848553 (9°58’38.75″N, 84°50’54.79″W)
Size: 1175ha (2903 acres)
Altitude: sea level to 150m (942ft)
Ranger Station Schedule: from Wednesday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve Telephone: +(506) 2642-0093
San Miguel Station Telephone: +(506) 2645-5277 / 2645-5890
Tempisque Conservation Area (ACT) Telephone: +(506) 2686-4967 / 2686-4968
Tempisque Conservation Area (ACT) Fax: +(506) 2686-4969
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve, Puntarenas, Costa Rica at Google Maps