Heredia

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

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Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Parque Natural La Paz Waterfall Gardens Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica: located on the southern slope of Poas Volcano, where La Paz River forms one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking waterfalls, La Paz Waterfall. This park aimed at preserving and exhibiting the country’s diverse flora, fauna and history through its many observatories and gardens.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge is the most visited privately owned ecological attraction in Costa Rica, featuring the best hiking near San José, the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, rescued wildlife preserve with over 100 species of animals and an environmental education program.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge has over 3.5 km of walking trails and 10 animal exhibits to enjoy, where you can see the magic of the cloud forest and rain forest with lush vegetation with a large exhibit of orchids, heliconias and bromeliads, flowing clear rivers, five spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies and much more.

In fact, the park has the closest waterfalls to San Jose and Poas Volcano, being La Paz Waterfall the most famous waterfall in Costa Rica. However the best waterfalls, El Templo, Magia Blanca, Encantada and Escondida, are actually above the La Paz waterfall along a steep canyon, all with access to various platforms with afforded views from above, below and in front of falls, giving the opportunity for great waterfall photo opportunities. In addition to lush waterfalls, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge has:

Butterfly Garden

The park is home to the world’s largest butterfly sanctuary, with a laboratory that serves as a breeding ground for more than 25 species of butterflies from Costa Rica. This will provide an interesting perspective into the stages of development of the most colorful species, where you can closely watch how butterflies emerge from their cocoons as well as other growth stages and forms of mating. Here visitors will feel part of nature, with more than 4,000 of these beautiful creatures in all colors and sizes, some larger than the palm of your hand, flying around at the same time.

Hummingbird Garden

The Hummingbird Garden at La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge attracts around 26 different species of hummingbirds from Costa Rica, more species than anywhere else in the country and quite possibly the world. Here you can stand just inches away from the feeders, and if you arrive before 9 am or after 4 pm you can feed them by hand with their specially designed hand feeding flower, as this hummingbirds have no fear of humans, making this garden, the best place in the world to photograph hummingbirds close up.

Aviary

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge Aviary is a refuge for wild birds that have been captured illegally by hunters and confiscated by the government, making it a bird watcher’s paradise, as you will see some of the most exotic and colorful birds of Costa Rica without binoculars, such as toucans, scarlet macaws, grosbeaks, tanagers, wild turkey and more fly freely around you!

Monkeys

Everybody wants to see monkeys when visiting Costa Rica, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge has the best natural habitats to photograph monkeys and interact with them. The park has White Faced monkeys and Spider monkeys, not forgetting the visitor from Brazil, the White Tufted Eared Marmosets. The park provides educational information insight into the behaviors, reproduction and future survival of these monkeys in Costa Rica (all of these monkeys were donated by the MINAE, the Costa Rican Ministry of Wildlife, and were confiscated from people who held them illegally).

Jungle Cats

Here you can also see face to face five out of the six endangered species of wild cats in Costa Rica, such as the Jaguarundi, margays, pumas, ocelots and jaguars.

Serpentarium

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge Serpentarium exhibits 30 of the most beautiful and deadly snakes of Costa Rica. Here you will come face to face with such famous snakes as the Bushmaster, Terciopelo, Green Vinesnake, Golden Eyelash Viper and the colorful but venomous sea snake found off the Pacific Coast of Central America.

Frogs (Ranarium)

Without doubt, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge Ranarium is the best place to see frogs in Costa Rica, including the endangered poisonus dart frog, here frogs roam freely throughout their enclosure landscape. Because you are not looking at them through glass it is the perfect environment for taking photos of the frogs.

Casita de La Paz

This unique historical Costa Rican farmhouse reproduction was built using only the tools available to the average farmer a century ago, such as axes, hand saws, hand planers, picks and chisels. Here you can travel back in time and taste typical foods of Costa Rica including sample freshly made corn tortillas and fresh milk (right from the cow), take a ride in an ox-driven cart, in addition to be able to see how the Ticos lived and worked on rural farms, enjoying life as it was a hundred years ago in Costa Rica.

Since La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge is located within a cloud forest and a rain forest, it’s to imagine that the rain is a daily thing, receiving from 3500 to 3800 mm per year. This is why their paths were designed so that during walks visitors can stop and get cover. However, La Paz Waterfall Gardens offer raincoats and umbrellas for sale! (Keep in mind that the park ranges in altitude from 5,200 feet to 4,200 feet so it can get chilly when the clouds roll in.).

Please note that La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge is completely against the capture or trade of illegally confiscated animals and one day we will seek to release the offsprings of our cats into protected zones if a safe and reliable training program can be developed to do so.

Other nearby Costa Rica parks includes Poas Volcano National Park, Cerro Dantas National Wldlife Refuge, Jaguarundi National Wildlife Refuge and Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Getting to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge:

Take the Pan-American Highway towards the Juan Santamaria International Airport and then take the Alajuela exit. Continue straight on this road for 12 miles following the signs for Poás Volcano. At the three-way intersection, where you see Jaulares Restaurant, take a right. Proceed for 1 mile to the town of Poasito and make another right at the intersection where it says Heredia – Varablanca – Sarapiqui. Make a left at the gas station in Varablanca and proceed for 3 miles. The hotel is on the left.

From Heredia take the main road passing the National University and follow the signs for the town of Barva. Upon reaching Barva follow the signs for the Poás Volcano – Varablanca – Sarapiqui. Proceed 25 miles following the signs for Poás Volcano until you reach the town of Varablanca. At the gas station make a right towards Sarapiqui and continue on this road for 3 miles until you see the hotel on your left.

By bus:

You can take a bus San Jose – Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí by Varablanca (Empresarios Guapileños, 2222-0610 / 2222-2727, 11th Av. Central St.) at 6:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m, which takes about 2 hours, making the stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge. You can also take this bus at the National University (UNA) in Heredia, or in Barva’s park, also in Heredia.

Location: 3 miles from Varablanca gas station, district: Varablanca, canton: Heredia, province: Heredia, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 40105.
GPS coordinates: 10.205097,-84.162233 (10°12’18.35″N, 84°09’44.04″W)
Size: 28 ha (70 acres)
Altitude: from 5,225 ft to 4,200 ft.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge Phone: +(506)2482-2720
Reservations Office Phone: +(506)2482-2100
Fax: +(506) 2482-1094
From U.S. Phone: +(954) 727-3997
From U.S. Fax: +(954) 727-3999
Schedule: open year round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Peace Lodge Hotel: www.costaricainfolink.com/hotels/the-peace-lodge-hotel
Website: www.waterfallgardens.com

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge in Heredia, Costa Rica.

Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

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

Location: at Rojomaca community, about 12 km (7 miles) north of Puerto Viejo, district: Puerto Viejo, canton: Sarapiquí, province: Heredia, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 41001.
For reservations please call: (506) 8973-8488, (506) 8955-8869
Puerto Viejo of Sarapiqui GPS Coordinates: 10.455164, -84.008597 (10°27’18.59″N, 84°00’30.95″O)
Size: 129 ha (320 acres)
Altitude: from 100m to 350m (330ft to 1,150ft) above sea level
Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC) Telephone: +506 2268-8087/ +506 2268-9150
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge in Heredia, Cartago and Limon, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica: created on September 20th, 2011, by Executive Decree No. 36 681-Minaet, to contribute to the conservation of species of plants and animals that are typical of tropical rain forest, located in Puerto Viejo of Sarapiqui, Heredia. This new refuge is part of the Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC).

Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge also integrates the biological corridor known as San Juan – La Selva, which extends from the border with Nicaragua to Sarapiqui, and serves as a route for hundreds of migratory birds like the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus), which is in danger of extinction.

This refuge was born thanks to the transfer of land made by the Institute of Agrarian Development (IDA in Spanish) to the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC in Spanish).

The Rojomaca community, through the Jalapa Lake Agroecoturistic Association, is responsible to develop an ecotourism project that includes a guided tour through the nature trails and a boat ride on Jalapa Lake, where visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty, as well as the flora and fauna, as it has a use permit issued by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET in Spanish). Indeed, these use permits are seen as a way to benefit the 12 neighboring families, who provide a service for the people who want to visit the site, and, in return, are part of a monitoring committee of natural resources that supports the work of control and surveillance. Community members who were inducted as honorary Ad-honorem Wildlife Inspectors, pledged to protect the site against the hunters and poachers.

Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge is a stronghold of tropical rain forest that protects at least 142 species of trees and 22 types of mammals, such as spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis), tayras (Eira barbara) and margays (Leopardus wiedii), among others. Likewise, provides a habitat for a variety of bird species, among which are the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus), the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) and two species of toucans. In addition, the Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge seeks to achieve the conservation of species that have been affected by the change in land use, such as the Strawberry Poison-dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio) and Green and Black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus).

Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge also protects an important wetland known locally as Jalapa Lake, which serves as a breeding area for several waterfowl including Anhinga or American Darter (Anhinga anhinga), the Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius), Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) and Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata).

Other nearby Costa Rica parks includes the Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge, Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve and Poas Volcano National Park.

Getting to Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge:

From San Jose, take the road towards Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, passing through Alajuela, Carrizal, Varablanca and Cinchona until you reach the town of Rojomaca, at approximately 11km from Puerto Viejo downtown. During the rainy season, it is highly recommended to use a 4×4 vehicle. Driving time from San José is about 1.5 hours.

By bus:

You can take a bus San José – Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí (Empresarios Guapileños, +506 2222-0610), which takes about 2 hours, and by Varablanca takes about 3 hours.

Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

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Location: 20 km NE of the National University in Heredia, or 7km NE from el Monte de la Cruz, district: Varablanca, canton: Heredia, province: Heredia, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 40105.
Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge GPS Coordinates: 10.094386,-84.058647 (10°05’39.79″N, 84°03’31.13″W)
Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge entrance GPS Coordinates: 10.086671,-84.070988 (10°05’12.01″N, 84°04’15.55″W)
Size: 57 ha (141 acres)
Altitude: from 1500 to 2100 ( 4,920 to 6,800 feet) above sea level.
Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge Telephone: +506 2274-1997
Cellphone: +506 8354-9271 / +506 8866-7380
Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC) Telephone: +506 2268-1587 / +506 2268-8091
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge in Heredia, Costa Rica at Google Maps

WAZE location Cerro Dantas Wildlife RefugeeGoogle maps location Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refugee, Costa Rica

Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica: created on February 16th, 1998, to protect and contribute to initiatives, programs and research to preserve and maintain the natural resources surrounding the Cerro Chompipe in Heredia.

Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge wants to help create awareness about the importance of environmental protection, through the development and introduction of strategic educational programs to schools and visitors related to the investigations and research held by researchers at the refuge, enabling general and specific education to the country and its future generations, placing emphasis on the conservation of the countries and planets natural environments and resources.

With 57 hectars, the Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge has primarily and secondary cloud forests, which hosts many research projects of the varying disciplines, as well as university monitoring programs, located within the Central Volcanic Forest Reserve, at the south west borders of the Braulio Carrillo National Park.

The Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge is a rain forest with evergreen vegetation, with an abundance of epiphytes and mosses. It contains about 4000 different kinds of plants, among which stand out the Oak (Quercus costaricensis), Aguacatillo (Ocotea mollifolia), “Chile Muelo” (Drimys granadensis), “Arrayán blanco” (Weinmannia pinnata), “Lengua de Vaca” (Miconia tonduzii) and Poas Magnolia (Magnolia poasana). The topographical area consisting of hills and cliffs with various trails in which you can hike and appreciate the diverse types of trees, orchids, birds, springs and waterfalls.

Probably the most representative group of wildlife at Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge are birds, such as the Grey-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucophrys), Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager(Chlorospingus pileatus), Common Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus), Black-cheeked Warbler (Basileuterus melanogenys) and the Ruddy Treerunner (Margarornis rubiginosus). There are also other less common species such as the Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris), Black-faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops), Golden-browed Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia callophrys), Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus), Brown Jay (Psilorhinus morio), Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis).

Similarly been reported several species of mammals such as the Brown-throated Sloth (Bradypus variegatus),Tayra (Eira barbara), Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), Red Brocket (Mazama americana), Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), as well as Kinkajou (Potos flavus) and Variegated Squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides). In regards to amphibians and reptiles, the sectors located on the slopes of Cerro Chompipe, researchers have found some interesting species, including jungle-runners (Ameiva), as well as the endemic Holdridge’s Toad (Bufo holdridgei), which also is included in the official list of wildlife species with small populations.

The Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge has an average temperature of 23ºC (75ºF), receiving some 3000 mm (150 inches) of rain annual average, which is distributed unevenly throughout the year. The precipitations are scarce during the dry season which lasts from December to April and has an average minimum rainfall during the month of January. On the other hand, rainfall increases during the rainy season which covers the period from May to November, being October the wettest month.

The Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge’s staff will feel glad to welcome the visitors who want to take the adventure of hiking this beautiful area. Due to regular climate changes it is recommend to always bring a rain coat and change of clothing, good hiking shoes, binoculars or a camera, water bottle and a plastic bag.

Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge offers the public a variety of activities to do such as ecotourism and educational activities, guided trails to waterfalls, Natural History Workshops (art with waste, art from the forest, open space classes about biodiversity and ecosystems, etc). Besides, with previous planning you can arrange activities for groups and special events such as weddings, company employee development and scouts training.

Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge has an administrative house, 6 rooms with capacity for up to 36 people, restrooms, showers with hot water, electricity and cell phone communication which can be limited due to weather conditions, as well as a dining area with fully equipped kitchen. Other nearby Costa Rica National Parks includes Jaguarundi Wildlife Refuge, La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge and Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Getting to Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge:

From San Jose, take the highway to Heredia City. From Costa Rica’s National University head north approximately 2 Km to San Rafael. From the NW corner of the towns main church, again head north for 5 km, past El Castillo country club and continue approximately 1 more kilometer. To your right look for a large wooden sign that says Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cerro Dantas, and continue NE for another 3 km. At this point there are places where your car can be left. There is one 3.5 km from the refuge, if you plan to stay the whole day or to sleep. The next place, located 700 m closer to the refuge, is a public area ideal if staying just a couple of hours.

The refuge must inform that they are not responsible for cars left here, but generally is a safe place to park. If you visit with a 4WD vehicle and are an experienced driver, you can continue down the trail towards the refuge 1.25 km further to the first gate you see, or rather back before the first bridge is fine.

BY BUS

Take a local bus from San Jose or Heredia to San Rafael (Buses Heredianos, +506 2222-8986), or take Ruta nº 424 bus from San José – Santo Domingo – San Pablo to San Rafael de Heredia (Transportes Rutas 407, +506 2261-8766). From San Rafael take another bus to Monte De La Cruz. You can catch this bus next to the big yellow church.

Take a bus from Heredia directly to Monte De La Cruz. This bus stops next to the National University. These buses come every hour and are bright purple and have Monte De La Cruz written on its front. You can also take a bus from the university to San Rafael and then go on to Monte De La Cruz from there.

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Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge and Research Center

Jaguarundi National Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

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

Jaguarundi National Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica: created on August 18th, 1998, in order to protect primary and secondary rainforests in the mountains of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, which is located just south of the Barva Volcano in Heredia.

The Jaguarundi Wildlife Refuge is a rain forest with evergreen vegetation, with an average height ranges from 20 m to 30 m (65ft to 98ft) and an abundance of epiphytes and mosses. Contains about 4000 different kinds of plants, among which stand out the “Chile Muelo” (Drimys granadensis), Oak (Quercus costaricensis), “Arrayán blanco” (Weinmannia pinnata), “Lengua de Vaca” (Miconia tonduzii), Aguacatillo (Ocotea mollifolia), “Tucuico” (Ardisia revoluta) and Poas Magnolia (Magnolia poasana).

Probably, the most representative group of wildlife at Jaguarundi Wildlife Refuge are birds, such as the Common Bush-tanager (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus), Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager (Chlorospingus pileatus), Grey-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucophrys), Ruddy Treerunner (Margarornis rubiginosus) and the Black-cheeked Warbler (Basileuterus melanogenys), which are commonly observed form mixed flocks. There are also other less common species such as the Black-faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops), Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris), Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus), Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis), Brown Jay (Psilorhinus morio) and the Golden-browed Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia callophrys), which by its songs and bright plumage are highly valued by local people.

Similarly, it have been reported several species of mammals such as the Tayra (Eira barbara), Brown-throated Sloth (Bradypus variegatus), Red Brocket (Mazama americana), Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), as well as Kinkajou (Potos flavus) and Variegated Squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides).

Regarding the herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), special mention is the sectors located on the slopes of Cerro Chompipe, where researchers have found some very interesting, including an endemic species: the Holdridge’s Toad (Bufo holdridgei), which also is included in the official list of wildlife species with small populations, as well as jungle-runners (Ameiva).

The Jaguarundi Wildlife Refuge has an average temperature of 23ºC (75ºF), receiving some 3000 mm (150 inches) of rain annual average, which is distributed unevenly throughout the year. The precipitations are scarce during the dry season which lasts from December to April and has an average minimum rainfall during the month of January. On the other hand, rainfall increased during the rainy season which covers the period from May to November, being October the wettest month. During the rainy season presented an interim period during the month of July, when rains are less in comparison with the rest of the rainy season. This phenomenon is popularly known as San Juan Little Summer.

Other nearby Costa Rica parks includes Cerro Dantas National Wildlife Refuge, La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge and Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Getting to Jaguarundi National Wildlife Refuge:

From San Jose, take the highway to Heredia City, and then follow to San Rafael de Heredia. Go about a mile and past the recreation center at Monte de la Cruz, until you reach the foot of Cerro Chompipe.

By bus:

Take a local bus from San Jose or Heredia to San Rafael (Buses Heredianos, 2222-8986), or take Ruta nº 424 bus from San José – Santo Domingo – San Pablo to San Rafael de Heredia (Transportes Rutas 407, 2261-8766). From San Rafael take another bus to Monte De La Cruz. You can catch this bus next to the big yellow church.

Take a bus from Heredia directly to Monte De Le Cruz. This bus stops next to the National University. These buses come every hour and are bright purple and have Monte De La Cruz written on its front. You can also take a bus from the university to San Rafael and then go on to Monte De La Cruz from there.

Location: near Monte de la Cruz recreation center, until you reach the foot of Chompipe Hill in Heredia, Costa Rica.
GPS coordinates: 10.086333,-84.078584 (10°05’10.80″N, 84°04’42.90″W)
Altitude: from 1500 to 2100 (6,500 feet) above sea level.
Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC) Telephone: +(506) 2268-1587 / 2268-8091
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Jaguarundi Wildlife Refuge in Heredia, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Braulio Carrillo National Park Costa Rica

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Quebrada Gonzalez Sector Location: 20km (12 miles) northeast of San José, going through the San José-Guápiles Highway.
Barva Volcano Sector Location: 21 km (13 miles) Northeast of San Jose, between Irazu and Poas Volcanoes in Heredia, Costa Rica.
Quebrada Gonzalez Sector GPS Coordinates: 10.066692,-84.005939 (10°04’00.09″N, 84°00’21.38″W)
Barva Volcano Sector GPS Coordinates: 10.119942,-84.122278 (10°07’11.79″N, 84°07’20.20″W)
Size: 46,000ha (113,666 acres)
Altitude: 36m (118ft) to 2906m (9535ft) at the summit of the Barva Volcano
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Braulio Carrillo National Park Ranger station telephone: +506 2268-1038 / +506 2268-1039
Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC) Telephone: +506 2268-1587 / +506 2268-8091
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Quebrada Gonzalez Sector Braulio Carrillo National Park Costa Rica WAZE locationQuebrada Gonzalez Sector Braulio Carrillo National Park Costa Rica Google Maps location

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

When it was decided to build a new highway from San José to Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast via Guápiles, environmentalists were concerned that the virgin rain- and cloud-forest on the eastern watershed of the Central Valley would be under threat. It would be easy to imagine ribbon development of motels, sodas (similar like American diners), filling stations and settlement lining the road and running the environment. In 1978 it was therefore decided to set up the Braulio Carrillo National Park, named after one of the country’s 19th-century presidents.

The park includes a range of five altitudinal life zones and holds a tremendous variety of fauna and flora. The new highway effectively cuts the park in two, but gives an excellent opportunity to get a flavor of the area, with luxuriant vegetation draped with epiphytes and lianas visible through the mist, along with foaming waterfalls and vast tracts of Gunnera, which, with its massive leaves, is known as “the poor man’s umbrella.” As the road nears the Caribbean coastal plain, look out for the Rio Sucio Bridge (Dirty River Bridge). The view upstream shows the confluence of the Rio Sucio and the Rio Hondura, which is a crystal clear mountain stream. The Sucio, on the other hand, has its headwaters on the ash-covered slopes of the Irazú Volcano, turning the water a reddish brown.

Braulio Carrillo National Park contains 84% of primary forest and altitude-wise it ranges from 36m (118ft) at La Selva to 2906m (9535ft) at the summit of the Barva Volcano, the greatest altitudinal range of any Costa Rican national park. Rainfall and temperature correspondingly vary greatly. The range of wildlife is staggering. It is estimated that the forest contains around 6000 species of plants, with 600 trees, providing a habitat for more than 500 species of birds, including rarities such as the Resplendent Quetzal, King Vulture, most of the toucan family, the Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Flame-throated Warbler, Black-crowned Antpitta, Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, (Ptilogonys caudatus), Golden-browed Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia callophrys) and a vast range of hummingbirds, trogons, eagles and parrots. Among the common mammals there are numerous felines such as Jaguar, Ocelot and Puma, and there are also Baird’s Tapir, Pacas, Raccoons, Peccaries and three types of monkeys.  Butterflies abound inside the park and you would be unlucky not to see a Blue Morpho, a Magnificent Owl, a Zebra Longwings (Heliconius charithonia) and the Swallowtails. Hikers should beware of snakes because the park contains two of the most venomous:  the Bushmaster or “Matabuey” (Lachesis)  and the feared Fer-de-lance or Terciopelo snake (Bothrops asper).

For administrative purpose and because of its size, the Braulio Carrillo National Park is divided into two sections: the Quebrada González Sector and the Barva Volcano Sector (explaining that while many think that the Barva Volcano is an independent National Park, this belongs to the Braulio Carrillo National Park).

The Quebrada González sector is the part of the park that is bisected by the Guápiles Highway. There are two ranger stations, the Zurquí station – just past the road tunnel of the same name – with an information center and three short trails, varying from 1 to 3km (0.6 to 1.9 miles) in length; and the Carrillo ranger station that is further 22km (14 miles) along the road, close to the toll booth in the center of the road. Here there are two further trails. One, named La Botella (the bottle) leads to waterfalls and a view down the Patria Canyon.

In the other hand, the Barva Volcano sector has to be approached from a different direction. The road from San José winds through coffee plantations and dairy farms to the village of Sacramento, where paved roads ends.  From here there is a rough track to the station. A 3km (1.9 mile) trail leads up through deciduous forest and cloud forest to the summit of the Barva Volcano, which is extinct, but there is an impressive crater filled with a blue-green lake. Unlike the Poás and the Irazú volcanoes, the crater rim has epiphyte-laden cloud forest trees, with a range of highland forest birds, including those named above.  For the really intrepid hiker there is a 30km (19 miles) trail from the top of the Barva Volcano to La Selva Biological Station, involving a descent of some 3000m (9843ft). This could take about four days and hiring a guide is strongly recommended.

Last but not least, if you’re already in the Braulio Carrillo National Park, it’s definitely worth visiting the Aerial Tram, located at the end of the protected area (towards Guápiles). This unique tram lets visitors travel in one of its twenty cable cars and to go through the forests’ canopy in order to spot flora and fauna that would otherwise be hidden from view. Visitors must realize that it isn’t a zoo, where animals will be spotted at all times, but even if tourists don’t see many creatures, the visit is still worth it. The Aerial Tram also offers a restaurant and a visitor’s center. (Tel. +506 2257-59-61 or fax 2257-60-53).

The Braulio Carrillo is one of the easiest parks to access from San José, but its tropical splendor and magnificence set it apart from the rest of the country. After only a thirty or forty minute drive from San José, you will encounter this amazing place, which reminds people of what ¾ of the country used to be like, only fifty years ago. Whenever you go to this park you will find that the vast majority of people are just passing through.  Weather is not a major consideration (March and April are slightly drier). You can expect afternoon shower year round and should always be ready for a downpour.

Getting to the Quebrada González Sector:

To the Quebrada González sector take the Guápiles Highway toward Limón from San José. This highway winds through the Park, and passes by two ranger stations; the Zurquí sector and the Carrillo (Quebrada Gonzalez).

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Guápiles – Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo, which takes about 1.5 hours (Empresarios Guapileños, +506 2222-2727 / +506 2222-0610). It is important to note that you must warn the driver that you are going to the park, because otherwise it will not stop. Visitors who don’t want to travel by bus, might take a cab (the approximate cost from San José is $40)

Getting to the Barva Volcano Sector:

To the Barva Volcano sector, drive through Heredia, then turn north and drive through Barva, San José de la Montaña, and Sacramento. The last 4 km to the ranger station is generally only accessible by hiking. The station is two miles (3 km) northeast of Sacramento on a jeep trail.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Heredia, which takes about 45 minutes (Rapiditos Heredianos, +506 2233-8392 / Busetas Heredianas, +506 2261-7171 / Transportes Unidos La 400, +506 2222-8986) and then take another bus Heredia – Sacramento – Volcán Barva , which takes about 2 hours.

Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve Costa Rica

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Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Reserva Forestal Cordillera Volcánica Central Costa Rica

Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve Costa Rica was created on June 26th, 1975, by Executive Decree No. 4961-A, in order to conserve and manage the hydrological and ecological potential that surrounds the National Parks Braulio Carrillo, Poas Volcano, Irazu Volcano and Turrialba Volcano, in the Central Volcanic Cordillera.

The objectives of its creation were based on the need to protect watersheds, to maintain hydropower production and to ensure safe handling and use of forest resources. In general, it should be noted that the Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve has an important hydrological network, as with the Braulio Carrillo National Park are the main recharge area that supplies water to the Central Valley and a considerable drainage network, which flows into the plains of the North Atlantic region of the country.

Originally the Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve comprising an area of 104.300 hectares, however, in the course of time was segregated and giving land to the Braulio Carrillo National Park among others, so that today covers 60.100 hectares. In fact, nowadays, this reserve is distributed by sectors surrounding the areas of Varablanca and Sacramento in Heredia, and the areas of Turrialba and Guápiles in Cartago and Limon.

Forests in this forest reserve are of extraordinary importance, not only for the protection they provide to the vast system of river basins that exists here, but also because it is a biological corridor that connects the Braulio Carrillo, Poas Volcano, Irazu Volcano and Turrialba Volcano National Parks. Two species characteristic of these forests are tree ferns (Cyathea fulva) and Poor Man Umbrellas (Gunnera insignis), with enormous size leaves. Some roads from Sacramento and Rancho Redondo let in a little bit in the southern part of this reserve.

The Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve has several life zones that correspond to tropical wet forest, montane rain forest, lower montane rain forest and montane rain forest. Thanks to this variety of life zones, the Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve has a vast collection of flora and fauna. It can be determine that 62% of the reserve is covered by forests, with a 3% in the process of recovery, while the area occupied by crops, grasses and trees covers approximately 14% of the reserve, such as the Aguacatillo (Persea caerulea), Oak (Quercus seemannii), Cedar (Cedrela salvadorensis), Cabbage Tree or Carne Asada (Andira inermis) and Cristobal (Guatteria oliviformis), Lengua de Diablo (Anthurium scherzerianum), Cacho de venado (Oreopanax standleyi) and Quina (Ladenbergia brenesii), among others. Similarly, the reserve has a variety of bromeliads, orchids, ferns, epiphytes and mosses.

Among the mammals that abound the reserve are the howler and white faced monkeys, tapirs, raccoons, sloths, porcupines, coatis, pacas, coyotes, peccaries, rabbits, foxes, squirrels, pocket gophers, juaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays and the jaguarundi. In addition, the Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve has some 500 species of resident and migratory birds, among which highlights the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), Bare-necked Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus glabricollis), Black-crowned Antpitta (Pittasoma michleri), Golden-browed Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia callophrys), Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher (Ptilogonys caudatus), Flame-throated Warbler (Oreothlypis gutturalis), as well as variety of hummingbirds, toucans, eagles and parrots.

There are no public facilities at the Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve. Other nearby Costa Rica parks includes the Braulio Carrillo National Park, Poas Volcano National Park, Turrialba Volcano National Park and Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge.

Getting to Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve:

To get to the Varablanca surrounds Sector, from San Jose, take the Pan-American Highway towards the Juan Santamaria International Airport and then take the Alajuela exit. Continue straight on this road for 19km (12 miles) following the signs for Poás Volcano. At the dead end three-way intersection, where you see Jaulares Restaurant, take a right. Proceed for 1 mile to the town of Poasito and make another right at the intersection where it says Heredia – Varablanca – Sarapiqui. Make a left at the gas station in Varablanca and proceed for 5km (3 miles). Driving time from San José is about 1.5 hours.

To get to the Sacramento surrounds Sector, from San Jose, drive through Heredia, then turn north and drive through Barva, San José de la Montaña, and Sacramento. Driving time from San José is about 1.5 hours.

To get to the Guapiles surrounds Sector, from the Juan Santamaria International Airport drive for about 8 km in direction to San Jose. On your right hand the Hospital Mexico will appear.After the Hospital Mexico, you must take the exit to La Uruca (on the rotonda, the third exit). Turn right at the traffic lights and follow to San José (keep the middle lane as much as possible) until you get to Shell gas station at a Y-junction, keep left. Take the exit Guapiles-Limon and follow the road (nr. 32) to Limón, passing through the Zurqui bridge and the Braulio Carrillo mountains. It is likely that you will encounter fog and rain. Please drive with your lights on. After the mountains the road to Limon is practically straight with no hills.. Driving time from San José is about 3 hours.

To get to the Turrialba surrounds Sector, from San Jose, drive to Cartago and continue on Highway 10 following signs to Turrialba, which is about 40 km west of Cartago. Pass through the towns of Paraiso, Cervantes and Juan Viñas. Driving time from San José is about 3 hours.

Location: in Heredia, Cartago and Limon provinces, Costa Rica.
Varablanca GPS Coordinates: 10.168117, -84.156164 (10°10’5.22″N, 84°09’22.19″O)
Sacramento GPS Coordinates: 10.109086, -84.123036 (10°06’32.71″N, 84°07’22.93″O)
Guapiles GPS Coordinates: 10.202261, -83.795883 (10°12’8.14″N, 83°47’45.18″O)
Turrialba GPS Coordinates: 9.905747, -83.683928 (9°54’20.69″N, 83°41’2.14″O)
Size: 60,100 ha (150,000 acres)
Altitude: from 450m to 1,800m (1,480ft to 5,900ft) above sea level
Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC) Telephone: +(506) 2268-8087/2268-9150
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve in Heredia, Cartago and Limon, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge

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Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio de Vida Silvestre Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua

Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge was created on February 15th, 1194 to give protection to the forest, as well as to recuperate it from past degeneration, since in this area logging the forest reduced it to critical levels.

It crosses the entire range of life zones, from Pacific Coastal, rainforest and mountains, to the Caribbean coastal zone, which extends as a biological corridor of 2,000m wide along the border with Nicaragua, from Punta Castilla, in the Caribbean, to Salinas Bay on the Pacific. It is an important biological corridor that connects the Tortuguero Conservation Area with the Maquenque and Tamborcito wetlands, the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, El Jardin and Cureña Forest Reserves and the Guanacaste Conservation Area. This refuge, partially disturbed, includes beaches, dry forests, wetlands, rain forests and coastal lagoons, so the refuge has a big number of research programs of different disciplines.

Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge has a large variety of ecosystems such as tropical broadleaf forests, tropical moist broadleaf forests, Central American Atlantic moist forests and tropical dry broadleaf of the Central America Pacific region. Similarly, this area has the highest biodiversity indices for trees and shrubs, with endemic species such as Capparis pittieri, Dussia macrophyllata, Costa Rican Sclerolobium and Vochysia allenii.

With its variety of ecosystems, Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge has a great variety of wildlife with large populations of jaguars, deers, coyotes and peccaries, as well as wading and waders birds. On the other hand, in the San Juan River the Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) and two species of sawfish (Pristis pectinata and Pristis perotteti) are easily observed, while in the Remolinos and Caño Tambor sector, in the same river, are the most important populations of manatees (Trichechus manatus) and garfish (Belone belone).

This zone hosts many research projects of the varying disciplines, as well as university monitoring programs. For more information on research projects in the area, contact MINAE.

There are no public facilities in Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua Wildlife Refuge. Other Costa Rica Parks near the northern borderlands include Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, Guanacaste National Park, Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park.

Location: extends along the border with Nicaragua, from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast in Costa Rica
Size: 59,276 ha (146,000 acres)
Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTO) Telephone: +506 2710-2929
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

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

Costa Rica’s National University Popular Culture Museum

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Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Museo de Cultura Popular de la Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s National University Popular Culture Museum is located in Santa Lucia of Barva, Heredia. Inaugurated in 1994, thanks to the academic activities in research and extension of the National University Social Sciences Faculty, specifically the History and Sociology School, whose purpose was to implement the Costa Rica Society-University link, which was based on the study of Costa Rican traditions and customs, conceptualized as culture components, in a dynamic way, with the potential to transform the past in light of the needs and challenges of the present.

The museum aims to benefit communities through individual carriers of cultural traditions, through the implementation of actions seeking the enhancement heritage and it’s responsible use, since their work is directed towards developing aspects of heritage such as dance, meals, daily tasks and festivals, among others. The school records for it’s study, preservation and revitalization those cultural practices related to a “lifestyle”, characteristic of the time, and that were significant in the construction of what built the “Costa Rican” imaginary (group of characteristics that define being Costa Rican).

The museums is equally interested in the cultural practices that were relevant and that changed by the incursion of new cultural forms. An example is the adobe-style architecture widespread during the second half of the nineteenth and prohibited by the Costa Rican Seismic Code from the 1910s, which was forced to extinction as a construction system.

In the early decades of the twentieth century, “lifestyles” of the masses were impacted by changes in the new century and business development. Many popular cultural practices lost interest and force, so it began a period of deterioration, neglect and extinction. These cultural practices are our heritage today and for that reason, the Popular Culture Museum (Popular Folk) has taken them as an object of study so that they are studied and preserved for the enjoyment of present and future generations. This is why the programs, projects and activities of the museum are aimed at different sectors, such as students, teachers, families, seniors, organized groups and tourism.

The museum is an adobe house in a 3000 mts2 area, representative of the traditional architecture of the Central Valley. It is a coffee house built between 1885-1887 by the parents of former President Alfredo González Flores. The furniture is older than it’s visitors and the museum also displays tools, costumes and musical instruments from ancient times. Restoration and refurbishment of the permanent exhibition was created through the collaboration of national and international agencies (National University, Ministry of Culture and Youth, ICOMOS of Costa Rica, and Germany Embassy) with the active participation of the traditional builders in the region. The ambient of its interior spaces and the reproduction of their natural environment has created the eco-cultural framework from which the museums’ proposal is constructed.

The Popular Culture Museum also holds workshops on traditional cuisine (tortillas, prestiños and roasted oven bread), development of traditional toys (dolls embroidery and kites) and environmental education. The museum also has a multipurpose hall, restaurant, landscaping and parking area.

Address: from the Auto Mercado in Heredia 700 meters north, 450 meters east, 50 meters north and 100 meters west, district: Santa Lucía, canton: Barva, province: Heredia, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 40205.
GPS coordinates: 10.013331,-84.116653 (10°00’47.99″N, 84°06’59.95″)
Schedule: from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: www.pdmuseologia.una.ac.cr
Phone: + (506) 2277-3857 / 2260-1619

Address map: Click here to view directions from Central Park, San Jose, Costa Rica TO The Popular Culture Museum from Costa Rica National University in Heredia, Costa Rica at Google Maps

INBioparque Costa Rica

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Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: INBioparque de Costa Rica

INBioparque Costa Rica is a private association, of public interest and non-profit, which mission is to promote a greater awareness of the importance of biodiversity, to achieve its conservation and improve the quality of human’s life. Its role is to teach society in biodiversity, to raise awareness of the biological richness of Costa Rica, its value and the importance of conserving it, these is what led to the creation of INBioparque.

INBioparque is an amazing theme park that offers an interactive experience with nature, where visitors can find groups of plants from the tropical rainforest, the Central Valley forest, the tropical dry forest and wetlands. In more than 5 hectares people can watch birds and marvel at the colors of: the orchids, bromeliads and heliconias. Around the lake you can enjoy the butterfly farm, the aquarium and get to know about the land and its crops.

When walking through the INBioparque trails, visitors can closely see poisonous frogs, bullet ants, boas, alligators, turtles, iguanas and tarantulas, as well as sloths and other native species; through INBioparque people can see Costa Rica’s biodiversity through interactive exhibits and living ecosystems. The INBioparque is located in Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica.

Click here to see larger map

Address: 400 meters north and 250 meters west of the Shell service station in Santo Domingo de Heredia, or 2.5 km east of the Valencia road to Heredia, district: Santa Rosa, canton: Santo Domingo, province: Heredia, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 40306.
GPS Coordinates: 9.975189,-84.093558 (9°58’30.68″N, 84°05’36.81″W)
Schedule: From Tuesday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Website: www.inbioparque.com
 Phone: + (506) 2507-8107
Fax: + (506) 2507-8271

Address map: Click here to view directions TO the INBioparque in Heredia, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Dionisio Theater from Britt Coffee, Costa Rica

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The Dionisio (Dionysus) Theater is located on the premises of Britt Coffee, on the road to Barva, Heredia. From Automercado, 500 m North and 400 m West. Dionisio Echeverria was born in Navarra, Spain. He traveled to Chile when he was 17 years old, where he earned his living as an actor. In 1973, Echeverria came to Costa Rica with the Del Angel and Lucho Barahona Theaters, Belgica Castro and Alejandro Sieveking.

Dionisio gave a different vision to the national culture. He was not an artist, but a major project generator. Dionisio was the National Theater administrator, director of the National Theater Company, general director of the International Arts Festival, creator of the CoffeeTour and manager of the coffee shop at the National Theater.

Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez said: “As an artist, as an organizer and administrator of cultural activities, Dionisio was of extraordinary professional competence. He was a great friend and we should thank him for his great generosity in the promotion of young people dedicated to theater and dance that today give prestige to Costa Rica.”

Address: At Britt Coffee, 500m North and 400m west from AutoMercado Heredia, district: Mercedes, canton: Heredia, province: Heredia, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 40102.
GPS coordinates: 10.008233,-84.121036 (10°0’29.64″N 84°07’15.73″W)
Phone: (506) 2277-1600

Address map: Click here to view directions from Central Park, San Jose, Costa Rica TO the Dionisio Theater from Britt Coffee in Heredia, Costa Rica at Google Maps