Costa Rica National Parks: if you scroll down, after the text you will find a list ordered by province, if you click on top of the name of each National Park, the link will take you to the page dedicated to your selection, with information, schedules, phone numbers (if available), GPS coordinates, photos and address maps.
Costa Rica, with more than 615 wildlife species per 10,000 km2, is located on the top of the list as the most bio-diversify region of the world, because it is home to an incredible abundance of exotic tropical flora and fauna. This small country in Latin America is home of 12 key ecological areas. With an estimated 5% of global biodiversity, makes undoubtedly that many scientists and  naturalists from around the world refer to Costa Rica as an “Alive Eden”.
That is why in 1970, Costa Rica established the National Park System to avoid the destruction of wilderness areas, so that 25% of the country’s land, in an effort to preserve much of the natural beauty and its surroundings, has been set aside and turned into parks and protected reserves to safeguard the spectacular environment and beauty, preventing deforestation and exploitation. This means that more than a quarter of Costa Rica has set aside for conservation.
Now 12 percent of the areas in Costa Rica are protected as national parks, and another 16% as biological reserves, wildlife refuges, protected areas and biological corridors. Costa Rica has about 27 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected areas, 15 swampy wetland areas, 11 forest reserves and 8 biological reserves, as well as 12 other conservation areas that protect the diverse natural habitats found throughout the country.
Costa Rica is home to 10,000 species of plants and trees, and at least 850 species of endemic and migratory birds, 205 species of mammals, 220 species of reptiles, 160 species of amphibians, about a 1013 species of freshwater and salt water fishes, and more than 35,000 species of insects. This diversity and richness of natural wildlife, makes Costa Rica a paradise.
Primary forests, rainforests, cloud forests, swamps, mangroves and coral reefs are just some of the habitats protected by Costa Rica national parks and reserves. Areas of geological and geophysical interest as active volcanoes, caves, areas of historical and  archaeological sites such as battlefields and Pre-Columbian settlements, areas of beautiful scenery such as beaches, waterfalls and important conservation areas for species such as the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) and the Magnificent Frigate (Fregata magnificens) nesting islands, or recent Mesoamerican dry forest left standing, or beaches where whales of the immense sea meet, are some of the sites are within protected parks and reserves in Costa Rica.
Some of the most popular parks in Costa Rica include the Poas Volcano National Park with its stunning crater and lake; Manuel Antonio National Park is definitely one of the most exuberant in Costa Rica, with spectacular white sand beaches bordered by the lush tropical jungle; Arenal Volcano National Park being the most active volcano in the country; the Tortuguero National Park, where thousands of turtles as the Green, the Leatherback and the Hawksbill Turtle, come to nest along the vast beach; the Chirripo National Park with the highest mountains of Costa Rica; Corcovado National Park, a pristine tropical jungle of undeniable beauty, considered one of the most biologically intense places in the world, as well as one of the most important natural resources of America; the Ballena Marine National Park, where visitors can see large populations of humpback whales and dolphins; and Cahuita National Park, one of the best areas for diving in the world thanks to the extraordinary spectacle of the coral reef and colorful fishes.
Most national parks and reserves in Costa Rica are easily accessible for visitors, where ecotourism is an important factor in generating the necessary funds to continue the protection of the wilderness. Below is a list of parks and reserves in Costa Rica that are running at the time by province:
San Jose National Parks:
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Chirripo National Park
La Cangreja National Park
Los Quetzales National Park
Cacyra National Wildlife Refuge
Fernando Castro Cervantes National Wildlife Refuge
Paramo National Wildlife Refuge
Steve Friedman National Wildlife Refuge
Surtubal National Wildlife Refuge
Cerro Las Vueltas Biological Reserve
Alajuela National Parks:
Arenal Volcano National Park
Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Miravalles Volcano National Park
Poas Volcano National Park
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Las Camelias National Wildlife Refuge
Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge
Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve
Arenal Volcano Emergency Zone Forest Reserve
Cerro El Jardin Forest Reserve
Children’s Eternal Rainforest Private Reserve
Grecia Forest Reserve
La Cureña Forest Reserve
Heredia National Parks:
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Cerro Dantas National Wildlife Refuge
Jaguarundi National Wildlife Refuge
Tapiria National Wildlife Refuge
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Wildlife Refuge
Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve
Cartago National Parks:
Barbilla National Park
Chirripo National Park
Irazu Volcano National Park
Tapantí National Park
Turrialba Volcano National Park
Guayabo National Monument
Lankester Botanical Garden
Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve
Rio Macho Forest Reserve
Rio Pacuare Forest Reserve
La Marta National Wildlife Refuge
Puntarenas National Parks:
Carara National Park
Corcovado NationalPark
Cocos Island National Park
Manuel Antonio NationalPark
Ballena National Marine Park
Piedras Blancas National Park
Agua Buena National Wildlife Refuge
Baru del Pacifico National Wildlife Refuge
Carate National Wildlife Refuge
Cataratas Cerro Redondo National Wildlife Refuge
Curú National Wildlife Refuge
Cueva Murcielago National Wildlife Refuge
Donald Peters Hayes National Wildlife Refuge
Finca Hacienda La Avellana National Wildlife Refuge
Golfito National Wildlife Refuge
Hacienda Copano National Wildlife Refuge
La Ensenada National Wildlife Refuge
La Ceiba National Wildlife Refuge
Lagunazul National Wildlife Refuge
Osa National Wildlife Refuge
Pejeperro National Wildlife Refuge
Peñas Blancas National Wildlife Refuge
Playa Hermosa National Wildlife Refuge
Portalón National Wildlife Refuge
Platanares Preciosa National Wildlife Refuge
Punta Leona National Wildlife Refuge
Punta Rio Claro National Wildlife Refuge
Quillotro National Wildlife Refuge
Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge
RHR Blancas National Wildlife Refuge
Rio Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Rio Piro National Wildlife Refuge
Romelia National Wildlife Refuge
San Lucas Island National Wildlife Refuge
Transilvania National Wildlife Refuge
Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve
Nicolas Wessberg Absolute Natural Reserve
Guayabo, Negritos and Pajaros Islands Biological Reserves
Guayabo Island Biological Reserve
Los Negritos Island Biological Reserve
Pajaros Island Biological Reserve
Caño Island Biological Reserve
Children’s Eternal Rainforest Private Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve
Guanacaste National Parks:
Barra Honda National Park
Diria National Park (Diria National Forest Wildlife Refuge)
Guanacaste National Park
Las Baulas National Marine Park
Palo Verde National Park
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Santa Rosa National Park
Bahia Junquillal National Wildlife Refuge
Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge
Cipanci National Wildlife Refuge
Costa Esmeralda National Wildlife Refuge
Curi Cancha National Wildlife Refuge
Dr. Rafael Lucas Rodriguez Caballero National Wildlife Refuge
Iguanita National Wildlife Refuge
Mata Redonda National Wildlife Refuge
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge
Werner Sauter National Wildlife Refuge
Bolaños Island Biological Reserve
Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve
Taboga Forest Reserve
Limon National Parks:
Barbilla National Park
Cahuita National Park
Chirripo National Park
La Amistad International Park in Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park
Aviarios del Caribe National Wildlife Refuge
Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge
Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge
Dr. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife National Refuge
Limoncito National Wildlife Refuge
Central Volcanic Cordillera Forest Reserve
Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve
Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve
The Poas Volcano National Park was created on January 25th, 1971, by Law No. 4714, in order to protect one of the most spectacular and extraordinary beauty volcanoes of the country. It is also a valuable energy source, product of its water and geothermal resources of great importance for human and industrial consumption, as well as for the protection of flora and fauna species. The park is located northeast of Alajuela, in the so-called Central Valley, so it is part of the Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area (ACCVC in Spanish). 
The Poas Volcano National Park is one of the most developed parks in Costa Rica, and is recognized by most as one of the most impressive with a breathtaking scenery, being one of the most important natural attraction for national and international tourism. In fact, it is one of the parks in the protected areas system in Costa Rica that receives the most number of visitors. Here you can learn about the history of the volcano and get updated information on the geomorphological processes that makes this ecological attraction.
The Poas Volcano is one of the most active and widest of any subconical volcanoe in the world, whose summit presents boilers depressions limited by faults, volcanic cones and craters which are the result of recent activity. This volcano, which exceeds the 2.708m (8,890ft) above sea level, has different habitats and life zones. Its main crater is a show and is considered one of the largest in the world with 1.5 km (4,920ft) in diameter and 300m (985ft) deep. At the bottom of the crater is formed a circular hot lake rich in sulfur and acids, which while drying, intensifies the emission of sulfur and produces acid rain. In addition, you can also enjoy the Botos Lagoon, located southeast of the crater, formed by cold rain water with a green-blue color that flows into the Caribbean by Angel River, a tributary of the Sarapiqui River, and last erupted about 7,500 years ago; while to the north is the Von Frantzius cone, the oldest eruptive focus on the top of the mountain, and at least half a dozen piroclastic cones nearby, composed of dried lava and ash, as well as nature trails, and its wide range of landscapes such as cloud forest and dwarf forest.
Poas Volcano eruptions are known at least since 1747, when the Spanish governor Juan Gemir reported about its activity. In its long history stand out other dates, as the one recorded by Andrew Oersted in 1834, which alerts about underground detonations and ash thrown up by the volcano 30 miles away; as well as the one in January 25th, 1910, considered the biggest eruption of mud, gases and ash blocks. In 1989 the crater lake was dried up gradually. Then, the researchers found a small lake of liquid sulfur around 2m (6.5ft) in diameter. This is the first observation of liquid sulfur in the earth’s surface. Furthermore, since 1989 it has significantly increased the emission of gases causing acid rain phenomena that have damaged the flora in some areas of the park and agricultural plantations surrounding the area.
The latest eruptive period occurred between 1952 and 1954, with emission of large clouds of ash and incandescent rocks, accompanied by subterranean noises, which formed their current structure. In 1994, was registered it last major eruption which consisted of increased activity of the fumaroles in the degassing process with a high content of sulfuric acid.
Although its last major eruption was in 1910, visitors can still see geysers explode in the air up to 250m (820ft) high. The fallout from this eruption has been estimated to have been nearly three-quarters of a million tons of ash. Permanently visitors often smell the sulfur in the air, which has sometimes proved to be enough acid to close the park. It is from this crater that the effects of acid rain can be seen in the vegetation surrounding landscape. Currently the volcano emits a great amount of gases and water vapor from different fumaroles located in the inner cone of the crater.
The Poas Volcano National Park has an average temperature of 12ºC (54ºF) and an average of 3,500 mm (140 inches) of rain per year. The park  is characterized by the presence of fog and horizontal rain, especially in the afternoons. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, from December to April, during the morning as after noon the clouds begin to obscure the crater, making it difficult to observe this beautiful show. However, on a clear day you can see both the Pacific and the Atlantic coast and even the top of Arenal Volcano.
In the Poas Volcano National Park is possible to identify four major habitats, although dominated by height forest and dwarf vegetation, it is also possible to find cloud forest and areas with little or no vegetation at all. The different zones within the protected area are mainly the cloud forest that surrounds the Botos Lagoon and around Potrero Grande; mountain rain forest, characterized by arborescent and epiphytes species; the lower montane wet forest and dwarf forest, which can be observed along the path between the Main Crater and Botos Lagoon and areas with sparse vegetation around the crater.
Except for the area around the main crater, the park is full of lush vegetation and a small fauna. In the cloud forest, which is very moist and dense, there are trees such as the Oak (Quercus costaricensis), Cedrillo (Brunellia costaricensis), Azahar del Monte (Aloysia gratissima), Papayillo (Didymopanax pittieri), cipres blanco (Podocarpus macrostachyus) and 2 ciprecillo species, which reach a height of 20m (66ft) and are covered with epiphytic plants such as mosses, ferns, bromeliads, orchids and other plants that grow on the trunks of trees. On the slopes of the Caribbean area, forests are higher and very humid, so abundant palms, arborecentes ferns and epiphytes. In other areas of the park where the emission of gases and the ancient eruptions destroyed the primary vegetation, grow species that have adapted, such as the Lengua de Vaca or Red Sorrel fern (Rumex acetosella), Arrayan (Weinmannia fagaroides), Copey (Clusia rotundata), Cipresillo (Escallonia myrtilloides) and Tucuico (Ardisia compressa). In addition, the park is surrounded by giant ferns and epiphytes, as well as the famous Sombrilla de Pobre or Poor umbrellas (Gunnera insignis).
Although mammals are not abundant in the highlands of the Poas Volcano National Park, you can see Talamancan Small-eared Shrew (Cryptotis gracilis), Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata), Coyote (Canis latrans), Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius), Mexican Hairy Dwarf Porcupine (Sphiggurus mexicanus), Dice’s Cottontail (Sylvilagus dicei), Bangs’s Mountain Squirrel (Syntheosciurus brochus), marmots, bats and some felines, as well as some reptiles such as frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes and countless insects that are always present. Although the fauna in general is scarce, the birdlife is abundant. It have been identified 79 species of birds including Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher (Phainoptila melanoxantha), Flame-throated Warbler (Parula gutturalis), Mountain Elaenia (Elaenia frantzii), Sooty Thrush (Turdus nigrescens), Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus), Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager (Chlorospingus pileatus), Large-footed Finch (Pezopetes capitalis), Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea), Black-billed Nightingale-thrush (Catharus gracilirostris),  Yellow-thighed Finch (Pselliophorus tibialis), Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis), Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) and Black Guan (Chamaepetes unicolor) as well as a variety of sparrows, robins, toucans and hummingbirds.
Undoubtedly, the spectacle of his main crater with frequent small geyser and lava eruptions, Botos Lagoon, its nature trails and its biodiversity, make the Poas Volcano National Park an unique experience.
The Poas Volcano National Park has several trails and viewpoints, whose access to the top is paved, so it allows all people with disabilities reach the top without any problem. With a 15 minutes walk from visitors center you will find the main crater with a spectacular view of the crater with its bubbling sulphurous pool emitting smoke in the air, showing its impressive activity. Walking along the Botos trail, about 30 minutes, you get to the Botos Lagoon, which is frequented by many species of birds in the park. A portion of this trail goes through an eerie-looking section of stunted forest. The trunks and branches of the small trees here are gnarled and twisted from the harsh climatic conditions in exposed areas at high elevations. Also, once at Botos Lagoon notice that you’ll be near the highest point in the park which is 2,704m. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, sweaters, coats and umbrellas, as temperatures may be low, often accompanied by rain or drizzle. Also, if it is sunny, use plenty of sunscreen because the thinner air lets the UV rays through even more intensely than if you were at the beach.
Given its high visitation, the National Park Service has chosen Poás as a model park. One of the benefits of this is the Visitors’ Center which presents a thorough explanation of volcanism and the natural history of Poás using a variety of entertaining and informative displays, with interactive educational presentations and activities. The park also has an informative museum, cafeteria, lunch area, restrooms, souvenir shop, a Red Cross stand and parking lot, all with facilities for people with disabilities. Other nearby national parks include Grecia Forest Reserve, Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge and Juan Castro Blanco National Park.
Getting to Poas Volcano National Park:
From San Jose take the take the highway to Alajuela city. From there, take the Route N°712 to Poasito, passing through the towns of Itiquis and Fraijanes, following the signs to the volcano. Driving time from San José is about 1 hour.
By bus:
You can take a bus San José – Poas Volcano (TUASA, 2442-6900), which takes about 1.5 hours.
Location: 10km (6.2 miles) from the community of Poasito from Poás Canton, in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Poas Volcano National Park GPS Coordinates: 10.169559,-84.232221 (10°10’10.36″N, 84°13’56.00″O)
Size: 6,506 ha (16,076 acres)
Altitude: from 1,200m to 2,708m (3,940ft to 8,885ft) above sea level
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Poas Volcano National Park Telephone: +(506) 2482-2424 / 2482-2165
Central Volcanic Mountain Range 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 Poas Volcano National Park in Alajuela, Costa Rica at Google Maps
The Grecia Forest Reserve was created on December 5th, 1973, by Executive Order No. 5463, in order to protect the Poas River watershed that, and a significant patch of forest that borders the Poas Volcano National Park, which serves as a biological corridor for various species as well as for soil conservation. The reserve is also used as a recreational area to recover disturbed areas and encourage ecotourism  and environmental education.
Grecia Forest Reserve is part of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation Area and is located on the southwestern slopes of the Poas Volcano, between Sarchi and Prendas rivers in Greece, Alejuela.
There are several streams that originate the rivers Prendas, Rosales, Vigia and Achiote rivers, of which, lands below use part of the water to agricultural and livestock uses, and a significant amount for human consumption. This water intakes supply drinking water the cantons of Grecia, Poas and Valverde Vega.
It also important to highlights that the reserve is an aquifer recharge area, where the major city of Grecia springs are supply, as the Patal, Amelia and ls Angeles, which satisfy the water needs of the community.
Grecia Forest Reserve has an average temperature of 16ºC (60ºF), with rainfall ranging between 3,500 and 4,000 mm (140 and 160 inches) of rain per year, with two stations clearly marked, a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.
Grecia Forest Reserve, has a very irregular and pronounced topography of volcanic origin. The soils are deep with lots of organic matter originating from volcanic ash and sand. It also has three habitat types: natural forest, pastures and conifers plantations, since it is located in four life zones: very humid low montane forest, premontane wet forest, lower montane rain forest and montane rain forest.
The flora is abundant, 75% of the area is primary forest, which in their natural forest overstory reaches 30m, while the understory is covered with moss and bryophytes, with species such as the Peine de Mico (Apeiba tibourbou), Ciprecillo (Podocarpus oleifolius), West Indian laurel (Ficus americana), Lorito (Weinmannia pinnata), West Indian cedar (Cedrela tonduzii), Ronron (Astronium graveolens), Quizarrá amarillo (Ocotea stenosaura), Ira (Ocotea ira), Aguacatillo (Persea vesticula), Coyo (Persea schiedeana), oak (Quercus bumelioides), Ratoncito (Rapanea pelleido) and cedars, while in the conifers and eucalyptus forest, found in some farms inside the reserve, including the Children’s forest, are species that were planted in the eighties, such as cypress (Cupressus lusitanica), Pine (Pinus patulata) and Alder (Alnus acuminata).
The fauna is diverse, among the most common mammals are the howler and capuchin monkeys, armadillos (Dasypus novemcintus), kinkajous (Potus flavus), coatis (Nasua narica), three-toad sloths (Bradypus variegatus), red brockets (Mazama americana), two-toad sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni), coyotes (canis latrans), porcupines (Coendou mexicanus), central american agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata), tapetis or forest rabbits (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), tayras (Eira barbara), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), gray four-eyed opossums (Philander opossum), variegated squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides) and red-tailed Squirrel (Sciurus granatensis), as well as some felines. Among the birds you can see the Costa Rican National Bird Clay-colored Robin or Yigüirro (Turdus grayi), as well as the Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis), Yellow-bellied Siskin (Carduelis xanthogastra), Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris), Black Guan (Chamaepetes unicolor), Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana),  Dark-backed Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria), Brown Jay (Psilorhinus morio), Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocino), Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus), Buffy-crowned Wood Partridge (Dendrortyx leucophrys), Red-billed Pigeon (Patagioenas flavirostris), Black-faced Solitaire, (Myadestes melanops), as well as several species of hummingbirds, wild turkeys and owls, among others.
Bosque del Niño Sector:
Inside Grecia Forest Reserve Forest is located the Bosque del Niño (Children’s Forest), which is a 40 ha farm which was purchased in 1979. It takes this name because eight hectares were reforested with pine, cypress and eucalyptus, by children from neighboring communities in September 9th, 1979, a date that corresponded to the International Year of the Child.
This sector has panoramic hiking trails with scenic overlooks of the Central Valley, and thanks to its climate, is suitable for conducting outdoor activities in harmony with nature. It has three trails: Las Carboneras, El Panorámico and Los Pinos, all with topographic features quite acceptable for all audiences.
The reserve also has a picnic and camping areas, restrooms, parking lot and information. Other national parks nearby include Poas Volcano National Park, Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge and Juan Castro Blanco National Park.
Getting to Grecia Forest Reserve:
From San Jose take the Interamerican Highway to the Grecia intersection, continue 9km to Grecia downtown and from here take the road to San Pedro de Poas. Take the exit heading toward Calle Rodriguez community. From Calle Rodríguez community you have to walk 4km to Bosque del Niño Sector. Driving time from San José is about 1.5 hours.
By bus:
You can take a bus San José – Grecia (TUAN, 2258-2004), which takes about 1.5 hours, and then you can take another bus route Grecia – San Isidro (making the stop at Calle Rodriguez School), or take a taxi to the reserve entrance.
Location: 14 km Northeast from Grecia in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Grecia GPS Coordinates: 10.072419,-84.311164 (10°04’20.71″N, 84°18’40.19″O)
Calle Rodriguez GPS Coordinates: 10.096408,-84.274439 (10°05’47.07″N, 84°16’27.98″O)
Size: 2.302 ha (5,690 acres)
Altitude: from 1,600m to 2,500m (5,250ft to 8,200ft) above sea level
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Central Volcanic Mountain Range 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 Grecia Forest Reserve in Alajuela, Costa Rica at Google Maps
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