National Parks – Beachcomber Pete Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano, in the heart of Arenal Volcano National Park, is located approximately 90 kilometers northwest of San Jose, Costa Rica. Formed over 7,000 years ago, the volcano was thought to be extinct until a massive eruption occurred on July 29, 1968, which obliterated the small village of Tabacon, killing 78 residents. Arenal Volcano, measuring approximately 5,437 feet with a crater spanning 460 feet, is considered one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, with eruptions occurring approximately 40 to 45 times per day. The perfect conical shape of the volcano offers astounding views of volcanic activity at the summit and vibrant lava flows from the crater.

Arenal Volcano National Park, spanning over 30,000 acres, is home to Lake Arenal, the largest artificial lake in Costa Rica. The lake was enlarged in 1979 during construction of the Lake Arenal Dam and development of a national water resource system, which currently provides hydroelectric power to the country. Lake Arenal has become a worldwide travel destination for water sports, including wakeboarding, boating, kayaking and fishing. The lake is one of the premier windsurfing destinations in the world, with thousands of enthusiasts partaking in the sport throughout the year.

Arenal Volcano National Park, as a natural wildlife sanctuary and rainforest, is home to over 2,000 species of plants, as well as several species of mammals and exotic birds. The area is one of the foremost bird watching sanctuaries in the world, with species including hummingbirds, kingfishers, woodpeckers, parrots and toucans. Hiking trails course through the park, all with astounding views of Lake Arenal and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Walking tours begin in the early afternoon, reaching El Mirador, the ideal location for viewing evening volcanic eruptions.

The Arenal Butterfly Conservatory, containing exhibits of exotic butterflies, frogs and insects is a must for visitors to the park. Several atrium habitats, scientific laboratories and greenhouses are open daily, including the exotic frog sanctuary and orchid atrium. The park includes multiple volcano-heated natural hot springs, including 16 hot springs at Baldi and the multi-level hot springs at Tabacon.

A visit to Costa Rica would not be complete without a trip to Arenal Volcano National Park. Although it is only 90 kilometers from San Jose, the roads are primitive and not well marked. Travel by automobile can take up to four hours and can be frustrating. Direct bus travel and private shuttle services are available from many hotels and tourist centers in San Jose. In order to fully experience the wonder and natural beauty of the area, several days should be allocated for a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park. Lodging is available inside and surrounding the park.

Filed Under: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica, Featured, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, National Parks, Northern Lowlands, Travel Photos

Guanacaste National Park

Guanacaste National Park is located in Costa Rica. It’s the perfect day trip for locals and tourists. This is not a relatively small park considering it’s only 80,336 acres. If you’re staying in San Jose and you’d like to visit Guanacaste National Park, it’s recommended that you find a hotel in the area. This is a 173-mile drive. From Liberia the park is a 29 miles drive.There are many hotels to choose from. Camping in this park is not allowed. If you’d like to camp, consider doing so at Santa Rosa National Park, which is directly across from Guanacaste National Park.

Guanacaste National Park opened in 1989. It was opened for two reasons. One was for forest protection services. The other was to secure a migration route for animals during the dry season. In the park, you can find many different animals, amphibians and insects. Don’t worry. If you stay on the trail, then you likely won’t have to get too close. Creatures you might find include howler monkeys, long-nosed armadillos, pumas, white-tailed deer, black hawks, white-faced capuchins and ocelots. As far as insects go, there are over 10,000 types in the park.

Other interesting features include volcanoes, research stations, rivers, waterfalls, an education center, observation decks over the river, a swimming hole, sheltered picnic areas and a gift shop. Also keep in mind that this entire area is a tropical forest. Many people like to take advantage of the swimming hole. A standard trip to Guanacaste National Park begins with a short hike, follows with a picnic lunch and finishes off with an hour-long dip in the swimming hole. Others prefer to hike to one of the waterfalls and read a book or even take a nap. One of the research stations is opened to tourists. If you have never been to it before, it’s recommended. Another fun note is that some people have found ancient pottery pieces and artifacts on the trials. In addition to that, there is believed to be a Mayan underground chamber in the north end of the park, but archeologists have yet to explore the suspected site.

If you visit Guanacaste National Park, you need to register at the visitor’s center first. The cost for the park is small. If you’re from another country, it will be $5. If you’re a national, it will be $1. Always wear hiking shoes, long-sleeve shirts, bug spray and sunscreen. Also remember to bring a lot of water.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, Guanacaste National Park, National Parks, Santa Rosa National Park

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

The Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area World Heritage Site that was created as a wildlife refuge corridor for migrating animals to move between the rainforests and the dry northern areas of Costa Rica. Rincon de la Vieja is a volcano, and the most accessible of all the volcanoes in the range. The natural wilderness has not been impacted adversely by tourism and visitors are welcome to see the almost pre-historic natural beauty.

Visitors can climb the volcano during the dry season between February and April. This is the time the views are spectacular. At other times the clouds will obstruct the view. The beginning of the path at the Las Pailas Ranger Station, progresses for six kilometres in a gentle slope. The last two kilometres are steep and take visitors right to the edge of the crater.

The landscape is like a step back to when the earth was being formed with the barren volcanoes and steaming craters. The last eruption was 3,500 years ago, but the crater is still active. There is an acid lake in the crater 200 meters down and there are often strong winds on the edge, so visitors should not get too near the edge when the winds are high. The ground is gravel and ash and can be very slippery. Even if it is warm at the beginning of the hike, it may become cool or cold on the top so long pants and a warm jacket are recommended.

Santa Maria volcano is the highest volcano at 1,916 meters, but the crater is inactive. The park also has fascinating thermal mudpots and beautiful waterfalls as well as freshwater lakes and swimming areas that visitors can use.

The area is a refuge for wildlife and there is lots of it. Blue-throated goldentail, laughing falcon, whitefronted parrot, spectacled owl, black-faced solitaire, red trogon, emerald toucanet, curassow and Montezuma oropendola are some of the birds visitors watch in the area.

The mammals visitors are likely to see are peccaries, skunks, monkeys and coatis, two-toed sloths, anteaters and armadillos. There are also cougars, kinkajous, and jaguars that are rarely seen. The national flower Guaria Morada, an orchid, is also in abundance on the sides of the volcanoes.

Liberia is the closest city and can be reached from San Jose by the Interamerican highway. About five miles past Liberia turn right to Curubande and there will be park signs that direct visitors to the entrance of the park.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, National Parks, Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge

Located in the northeastern part of Costa Rica in the Caribbean Region you will find the Barra del Colorado National Wild Refuge. The refuge covers 350 square miles, and is home to many animals and plants. You can reach the refuge by flying from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, or by boat on one of the many intersecting waterways. The San Juan River runs through the Barra del Colorado Refuge, and both sides of the river have completely different characteristics.

Thick forests cover the Nicaraguan side of the river, while the Costa Rican side is mainly wetland forest and swamps. There are virtually no roads or trails, so what you see is mainly from your boat. Green macaws can be seen flying overhead, and jabiru storks with massive wings are also spotted regularly. On the riverbanks large crocodiles can be seen basking in the sun.

Game fishermen frequent the rivers for the vast amount of fish that can be caught. Tarpon are a local fish that can grow huge, and there are plenty of them. 90 million year old Gar can also be fished out of the river. These fish have long snout-like mouths full of razor sharp teeth – similar to a crocs. The San Juan River has also had bull sharks move in. Why these creatures come from the salty Atlantic Ocean to the fresh waters of the river is unknown.

The weather in the refuge is hot and humid most of the year. From February through April, dry weather makes the refuge a better place to visit and spot the wildlife. Caimans, toucans, jacanas and falcons are just a few of the animals you may see. Monkeys and three-toed sloths can be seen in the trees.

Being as remote as it is, the Barra del Colorado is only near two small towns. Brra del Norte and Barro del Sur. Tourism is not very well supported here, and the fishermen’s lodges are really the best place to book your stay. Lodges are available to rent, mostly for fishermen. They are all inclusive, and do include some extra perks as well.

Along the waterways, you will find lush raffia palms. It is here that many of the wildlife make their homes. White-faced capuchin and ocelots can be seen, as well as howler monkeys and mountain lions. Along the beaches, turtle nests are abundant. Both green and leatherback turtles can be seen nesting here.

Filed Under: Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Featured, National Parks

Marino Ballena National Park

Marino Ballena National Park, located along the Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is named after the whales who migrate there for mating through the winter months. The park is covered with beaches feature white and golden sand, many of which have gone untouched by humans. There is also a coral reef just off the coast, which is home to many different fish and other wildlife.

Snorkeling and dive trips provide visitors with a fascinating view of the coral reef off the coast, as well as the rest of the surrounding area. The beaches that are part of the park make a great place for visitors to spend time sunbathing or searching for sea shells and other treasures that may wash up on the beach. Whale watching is prime in the winter months from January through April when they mate in the waters along Costa Rica.

One of the greatest advantages of the Marino Ballena National Park is its isolation. There are no cities or towns within close vicinity, which means that there isn’t much traffic in the area. The quiet beaches are not frequently visited by tourists or locals. Many people often find themselves alone on the miles of beach that make up the park. If you are looking for a quiet place to commune with nature, Marino Ballena National Park is the perfect opportunity.

If visitors want to stay closer to the park than the larger cities of San Jose and San Isidro, there are several options. The beaches are open for camping at no charge; however, there are no amenities, including no fresh water so campers must be prepared. Small accommodations are also available along Highway 34 near Uvita and Pinuela.

From the north, such as San Jose and San Isidro, travelers can drive down the Interamerican Highway to highway 22. Once visitors reach Dominical, highway 34 continues on to the Marino Ballena National Park area. From the south, visitors must take highway 34. If visitors must first fly into Costa Rica, the nearest airports are in Quepos to the north and Palmar to the south. A bus is also available for visitors who want to visit the park from San Jose.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Marino Ballena National Park, National Parks, Southern Pacific

Barra Honda National Park

Costa Rica is located in Central America, with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast. It is a popular destination, well known for its beautiful beaches and tropical rain forests. However, in the northwestern section of Costa Rica, one area does not follow the description mentioned above. This is the Barra Honda National Park.

The Barra Honda National Park is located in the province of Guanacaste, northeast of Nicoya City. The weather here is not complicated. It is hot and humid during the months from May to December, and hot and dry from December to May.

A visitor can reach this park by car from San Jose or Liberia. It is also possible to take the daily bus from Nicoya to Santa Ana. From there, it is a short walk to the park entrance. Those coming from Samara will also find that it is only a short distance to this park.

The Barra Honda National Park is a unique area compared to the rest of Costa Rica. The most popular attraction in this park is its unique limestone caverns. The Barra Honda Hill consists of ancient coral reefs, approximately 60 million years old, pushed upward from the seabed. It was not until the late 1960s that scientists first explored the caves, and since then, they have surveyed only 19 of the 42 known caves. Before the exploration of the caves began, most people believed that Barra Honda was a volcano, complete with the natural sounds that often occur with active volcanoes. However, scientists discovered that bats caused the sounds that they heard. One of the caves, Pozo Hediondo, is the home of approximately 5000 bats, and the noises coming from that area are a result of their wings flapping when they leave the cave at sunset. More studies confirmed that Barra Honda is actually a series of limestone caves, not a volcano.

These caves contain many underground chambers, with magnificent formations made by stalagmites and stalactites within the caves. These features resemble mushrooms, pearls, flowers, soda straws and candlesticks, to name a few. In addition, some of the column shaped formations produce musical tones when tapped.

Barra Honda’s appeal does not rest with its caves alone. Above ground, one can traverse the numerous hiking trails that run through the park. By following the main trail, one will arrive at Cerro Barra Honda, where he/she can enjoy a view of the Nicoya Peninsula and the Tempisque valley below them.

This area, known as a dry tropical forest as opposed to a tropical rain forest, is a very rare type of habitat, especially in a country known for its warm, humid environment. One may be able to spot anteaters, deer, monkeys and armadillos during their hike. Many varieties of birds are also present in this area including scarlet macaws. Unlike the other national parks in Costa Rica, camping sites are available for those who wish to use them.

Many travelers with Costa Rica as their destination look forward to a quiet and restful time, perhaps a day at the beach or a leisurely walk through a rainforest area. Those looking for something different, however, may enjoy a visit to the Barra Honda National Park. Rappelling down the entrance of a cave, exploring the unique features in the caves, or just walking through the dry tropical forest above the caves will leave the visitor with memories that one can find only in the Barra Honda National Park.

Filed Under: Barra Honda National Park, Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, National Parks

Santa Rosa National Park

Santa Rosa National Park in Costa Rica is recognized as a World Heritage location. It is the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa in 1856, when the troops of filibusters who wanted to conquer Costa Rica were forced to retreat because the Tico troops attacked. At the time, Santa Rosa was a farm in Guanacaste Province. La Casona, a hacienda building, serves as the monument for the battles that occurred on the site. Because the area has been preserved as a park, wildlife and ecosystems have been saved from extinction.

The Santa Rosa National Park has 50,000 hectares of vanities of forests, grassland and land along the coast. It is a refuge for species of birds, thousands of insects including thousands of kinds of butterflies, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals. Some examples of these are black hawks, and trogons, 50 different kinds of bats, capuchin and howler monkeys, and crocodiles. The species threatened by extinction are the leatherback and green turtles.

The park has a variety of ecosystems including mangrove and mesquite-nacascol bogs, slopes with oaks and evergreen trees, forests near the shore and grasslands. While Guanacaste province has droughts during the dry season from December to April, the forest protects the park during the drought.

To reach the Santa Rosa National Park, drive the Inter American Highway from San Jose to Libera. Keep on the InterAmerican Highway on past Liberia to Potrerillos- a distance of 20 miles. The park entrance is on the left side of the road, six miles beyond Potrerillos. The total drive between San Jose and the park is over 250 km.

The park is ideal for those who enjoy outdoors, historical spots, camping and surfing. The beaches of Nancite and Narango are popular with campers and surfers. This park has some of the best campsites in the national park system of Costa Rica. It is recommended that campers bring water.

The entrance to the park is 35 km north of Liberia and is distinctively marked.
After paying at the entrance, drive six km to the Administrative Center which has a restaurant. Visitors can hire a guide for a $10 to $15 fee. Leading off from the center are routes into the forest or to the beaches.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, National Parks, Santa Rosa National Park

Corcovado National Park

The Corcovado National Parkwas formed in 1975 and is part of the Osa Conservation Area. It is located in the southwestern part of Costa Rica and is 263 square miles or 425 square kilometers.

The park is on the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica and is classified a lowland rainforest. This type of rainforest is usually the most bio-diverse and this is true of Corcovado National Park. It has been called “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic. Many animals there are highly or critically endangered.

Corcovado National Park Southern Pacific, Costa Rica

When you visit, you will be able to see a wide variety of wildlife, including all four Costa Rican monkey species. Other animals include anteaters, Baird’s Tapir, bull sharks, jaguars, ocelots, puma, scarlet macaw, sloths, toucans, and black vultures. Some of the many snake species include the boa constrictor which is the largest snake found there, eyelash pit viper, bushmaster, and coral snake.The best time to visit is during the dry season which runs from the middle of December to the middle of April. Drake Bay is north of the park and from there you can get into the park.

The nearest town is Puerto Jimenez and there you can hop on a bus to take you on the three to five hour trip to the south entrance of the park at Carate. You can also rent a 4WD vehicle if you prefer to drive yourself. There is plane service from Golfito to the ranger’s station in the park. Once at Carate, it is a 4 km walk to the park entrance.

To enter the park, you need a pass and it can be purchased online up to a month before your visit. Permits are needed to camp and if you want to eat or stay at the Sirena Ranger Station, you need reservations.

Inside the park there are no places to buy souvenirs and the only place to eat is at the Sirena ranger station. You are allowed to bring in your own food which needs to be non-perishable and lightweight. It is also recommended you bring water to drink even though there is potable water available at the ranger stations. You will also need sunscreen and insect repellant.

Filed Under: Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica, Featured, National Parks, Southern Pacific

Volcan Poas National Park

Costa Rica’s pleasant climate and beautiful scenery has led this country to become a popular tourist spot for travelers from all over the world. With numerous beautiful parks and culture rich cities, Costa Rica has something for everyone. The Volcan Poas National Park is one of the many spectacular tourist destinations. Located about one and a half hours from the capital city of San Jose and less than 30 minutes from Alajuela, Volcan Poas is easily accessible by vehicle and makes for a pleasant day trip on holiday.

The Volcan Poas National Park is home to an active volcano that still bursts out with small geyser and lava eruptions from time to time. The last significant eruptions were recorded in 1952 to 1954. With an interactive visitor’s center and handicap accessible routes, this national park is a great family outing for people of all ages and various abilities. The main crater of the volcano is a mere 15 minute walk from the visitor’s center. Visitors can enjoy the various wildlife and plant life along the way. If you spot a green yellow squirrel, do take note. This is the Poa green yellow squirrel and is only found in the Volcan Poas National Park, no where else in the world. Over 14,000 acres of lush habitat provides for many animals such as the coyotes, skunks and weasels as well as numerous birds including hummingbirds and the splendid quetzal.

With the captial of Costa Rica, San Jose, only about 90 minutes away, this park is easily reached for a day’s outing when staying in one of the many city hotels. San Jose is a bustling, busy capital that is rather utilitarian in design and appearance. However, beneath the industrial look are interesting museums, delicious restaurants and many fun things for tourists to explore. The city of Alajuela is closer to Volcan Poas National Park and is often more popular than the country’s capital. This is due to the smaller city being less crowded and prettier in general, drawing tourists from the busyness of San Jose to a slower pace of vacation. The climate for both cities is pleasant all year around with very few occasions of rain.

The accessibility and many short walking trails in the Volcan Poas National Park make for a great holiday outing, away from the cities and crowds as well as the daily routines of work and school. Rich in flora and fauna, the park is a beautiful destination for tourists and locals alike.

Filed Under: Central Highlands, Costa Rica, Featured, National Parks, Travel Photos, Volcan Poas National Park

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve will amaze travelers with its magnificence and diverse environment. Within its grounds are rainforests with mosses, orchids, ferns, and bromeliads, and small woodlands carved out by the winds.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is in the Cordillera de Tilaran Mountain range inside the Alajuela and Puntarenas provinces of Costa Rica. Currently the preserve has over 10,000 hectares. The Preserve contains six ecological areas with more than 90% virgin forests. Within its diversity, it has 2,500 species of plants, 400 different kinds of birds, 100 mammal species over 100 kinds of reptiles and amphibians, and thousands of varieties of insects.

Suspension Bridge, Moteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

The Monteverde Cloud Forest had its beginnings after a group of Quakers left the United States in the 1950s to avoid the draft for the Korean conflict. They set up farming in Monteverde and helped establish Monteverde and the Santa Elana Cloud Forests Reserves 20 years afterward. In the 1970s when local farmers tried to expand their farms in the forest, scientist George Powell and Wildford Guidon supported the development of the nature preserve. The private scientific organization, the Tropical Science Center, took up the job of owning and managing the area. The original 300 hectares was the basis of the preserve.The preserve has guided tours that lasts 2.5 hours and are in Spanish and English. Tours can be arranged at the website guide@monteverdeinfo.com. Visitors also have the alternative of a guided early morning bird watching tour. The cost for the tour also covers the cost of the reserve’s entrance fee.

The hours for the restaurant, art gallery and shop are 7 AM until 4PM. The park has restrooms at the entrance to the park but there are no restrooms on the trails.

Visitors can hike the trails in Monteverde. The trails are well kept. Visitors do not need rubber boots or hiking boots for a daily hike. However, hiking boots are recommended if visitors plan to stay overnight in the huts on the trails.

The park is located 3.6 miles from Santa Elana, Montverde.
Buses leave from Banco Nacional in Santa Elana at 6:15 AM, 7:20 AM, and 1:15 PM. Buses return from the reserve at 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The fee is $1. Travelers can get on the bus at any point along the road from St. Elena to the reserve. Taxis from Santa Elana cost $10 each way.
Travelers can reach Monteverde by bus from many Costa Rican cities: San Jose, Puntarenas, Guanacaste, Liberia, northern Costa Rica, and from the southern Pacific beaches, La Fortuna or the Arenal volcano area.

When driving by car, from San Jose, take the Pan American Highway north, continuing north through Miramar to a restaurant called Caballo Blanco where there will be signs for Monteverde. There is a turn off and follow the signs. The trip is approximately 3.5 hours. There are also directions from Arenal and Liberia.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, National Parks, Northern Lowlands

National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

It’s no wonder Christopher Columbus called Costa Rica “La Huerta”–the garden, because Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Slightly smaller than the state of Virginia, Costa Rica is packed with lush rainforests and cloud forests, spectacular beaches along the rich coast, active volcanoes and more wildlife than you could ever imagine. One of the best ways to see Costa Rica in all its beauty is to visit some of its many National Parks and Wildlife Reserves.

In the heart of Costa Rica, Volcan Paos National Park is the site for an active volcano that most recently erupted in 1954, with the last major eruption in 1910. An outstanding example of the effects of acid rain is in evidence all around. At nearly a mile across this volcano is the largest crater in the world. The clay-colored robin–Costa Rica’s national bird, the beautiful quetzal along with many other birds can be seen here. Volcan Paos National Park is the country’s second most visited conservation site.

For the true adventure seeker, more than forty limestone caves are the biggest attraction at Barra Honda National Park. Barra Honda is located in a tropical dry forest, which is one of the rarest habitats found on earth. The caverns have vertical entrances, which makes them impossible to access without climbing gear. A trained guide and advance permission from the park service is a must.Manuel Antonio National Park, on the west coast, the smallest of Costa Rica’s National Parks, is also one of the most visited. Scenic mountains, breathtaking beaches and captivating fauna such as raccoons, two-toed sloths, squirrel and white-faced monkeys can all be seen in one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful National Parks. Available activities include hiking, fishing, rafting, kayaking and championship surf tournaments.

Further south, Corcovado National Park contains thirteen ecosytems which include highland cloud forest, lowland rain forest, jolillo palm forest, and coastal marine habitats, with thirteen miles of beaches. In addition to beautiful scenery, many of Costa Rica’s endangered species can be seen here, such as Jaguars, Red-backed squirrel monkeys Baird’s tapirs, Scarlet Macaws, White-lipped Peccaries and Harpy Eagles. Camping equipment is available for rent and tours can be arranged.

On the east coast, the Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a humid tropical rainforest and is located right along the coast between the mouths of the Cocles and the Sixaola Rivers. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is just north of Panama and offers hiking trails with opportunities to see more than 360 kinds of bird species, monkeys, sloths, turtles, crocodiles, caimans, dolphins tarpons, and manatees. The most significant thing about this refuge is that it contains the only natural mangrove swamp in the Atlantic. Manzanillo is popular for fishing. Just north of Manzanillo Refuge is Cahuita National Park which offers snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking and camping.

The people of Costa Rica have worked hard to preserve the wildlife and natural habitat of this beautiful country. No visit would be complete without seeing at least a few of the many national parks and wildlife reserves offered by Costa Rica, the garden between two oceans.

Filed Under: Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica, Featured, Gandoca-Manzanillio National Wildlife Refuge, National Parks, Tortuguero National Park