The Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge was created on February 15th, 1994, by Executive Order No. 22847-MIRENEM, in order to protect a lacustrine wetlands, primary and secondary forests, as well as groundwater recharge areas surrounding the zone of Cariblanco in Alajuela. The refuge is part of the Central Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area.
The Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge is home to the Congo Volcano (dormant for many years) and three beautiful lagoons Congo, Hule and Bosque Alegre, framed in a subsided volcanic caldera located on the northern slope of the Central Volcanic Cordillera. Among the major rivers in the area are the Hule River, Tercero River and Lapas watershed.
The soils are deep volcanic origin, characterized by the presence of a broken relief, with narrow valleys, peaks and narrow ridges. The slopes are very strong, exceeding 50%. They have good organic matter content, but weather conditions and topography are very susceptible to erosion, they need to maintain a dense cover of vegetation which serve to protection.
The Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge temperature is usually between 18°C and 27ºC (65ºF and 80ºF), with an average annual rainfall of 4500mm (180 inches) of rain per year.
The life zone of this region is tropical wet forest, so here flora is very varied, within which we can mention the Botarrama (Vochysia ferruginea), Campano (Gordonia fruticosa), Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata), Red Ucuubat (Virola sebifera) and Oil Tree (Pentaclethra macroloba).
In the primary and secondary forests covering a good part of this refuge, life howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) and white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) as well as several types of birds such as Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus), Highland Tinamou (Nothocercus bonapartei), Tiny Hawk (Accipiter superciliosus), King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) , Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculatus) and many others. In  Hule lagoon, there are five species of fish, including the Guapote (Cichlasoma dovii )and the Mojamarra (Cichlasoma lyonsi).
An ecological committee currently produces medicinal plants for use in shampoos and herbal teas, which has the added benefit of cultivating and supporting the butterfly population and diversity in the area. This ecological committee has a camping area with bathing facilities, 2 private cabins for rent, and a restaurant overlooking Hule Lagoon. The shop sells medicinal plants, teas, organic shampoos and butterfly art. Other national parks nearby include Poas Volcano National Park, Grecia Forest Reserve and Juan Castro Blanco National Park.
Getting to Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge:
From San Jose, take the road toward Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, passing through Alajuela, Carrizal, Varablanca and Cinchona until you reach the town of Cariblanco. A dirt road goes from the Cariblanco gasoline station to Hule lagoon. 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 from the route San José – Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí (Empresarios Guapileños, 2222-0610), which takes about 2.5 hours making the stop at Cariblanco.
Location: 6 km from Cariblanco in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Cariblanco GPS Coordinates: 10.264619,-84.182647 (10°15’52.63″N, 84°10’57.53″O)
Size: 850 ha (2,100 acres)
Altitude: from 300m to 750m (990ft to 2,460ft) above sea level
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 Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge in Alajuela, Costa Rica at Google Maps
The Juan Castro Blanco National Park was created on June 26th, 1975, in order to protect a large strip of primary and secondary forests, including cloud and rainforest, located between 700m and 2,267m, divided in five zones of important flora and fauna species. The park also protect a vital watershed on the slopes of Platanar Volcano of great importance to the northern area, both for human and industrial consumption, as well as hydroelectric power generation.
The Juan Castro Blanco National Park is part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area (ACA-HN in Spanish) and is located in the northwest of Central Valley in Alajuela province, to the east of Ciudad Quesada, surrounded by districts of Aguas Zarcas , Venecia, Zapote, Laguna, Tapezco, Palmira, Sarchi Norte, Toro Amarillo and Rio Cuarto, with the Poas Volcano to the southeast and Braulio Carrillo National Park to the east.
The Juan Castro Blanco National Park starts from 1975 when it was declared as Juan Castro Blanco Forest Reserve, with an approximate area of 13,700 ha, comprising the Hills Platanar, Volcan Viejo, El Siete, Avion and Pelon, covered mostly by natural forest. In 1989, in collaboration with the Government, the Municipality of San Carlos and Civil Society, the area was declared a protected zone with an area of 14,250 ha. Finally, on April 22th, 1992, under Decree No. 7297, was declared Juan Castro Blanco National Park.
This was achieved thanks to pressure from the forces of the area, as a transnational company wanted to exploit some deposits of sulfur and other minerals in the open, which cause severe pollution to water sources, which mostly are used for food and agribusiness.
The Juan Castro Blanco National Park is one of the least explored national parks in Costa Rica, located in the center of some of the most popular tourist destinations. However, it is well known for providing an incredible opportunity for bird watching in the primary forest and rainforest, which represents 50% of the park.
The temperature of the Juan Castro Blanco National Park is usually between 15°C and 27ºC (60ºF and 80ºF), with an average annual rainfall of 3500mm (140 inches) of rain per year. That’s why in this area has been possible to identify three major zones, containing the abundant natural life with pre-montane forests, humid forests and very humid forests, as well as low montane rain forest. (premontane rain forest, very wet premontane forest )
The vegetation of the area is very varied and diverse with more than 50% of the reserve covered by primary forest with some patches of regeneration forest, caused by the constant landslides of the steeper areas. These forests contain trees up to 30 meters high and over, among the most outstanding are the Alder (Alnus acuminata), Aguacatillo (Persea vesticula), Balsa Tree (Ochroma pyramidale), Spanish Elm or Salmwood (Cordia alliodora), Oak (Quercus seemannii), Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata), Cipresillo or Pinillo(Podocarpus guatemalensis) and Yayo (Xylopia sericophylla) as well as varieties of palms and ferns. In areas of lower slopes, landslides do not occur, which allows you to find very mature forest aged over a hundred years, while in the upper parts is a vegetation covered with lots of orchids, bromeliads, mosses, shrubs, and many different types of climbing plants, or epiphytes, that leech off of already established vegetation.
Like many national parks in the country, Juan Castro Blanco Park is an excellent place to see a diverse collection of wildlife, in a very isolated place. However, exploring the vast territory of Juan Castro Blanco National Park, is possible thanks an extensive, yet rugged trail system that allows visitors the opportunity to truly appreciate and discover the vast collection of flora and fauna of Costa Rica up close. The park has about 57  species of mammals, being the most common the Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliata) and Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus capucinus), Two-toed Sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) and Three-toed Sloths (Bradypus variegatus), Collared Peccaries (Tayassu tajacu), Coyotes (Canis latrans), Nine-banded Armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), Spotted Pacas (Cuniculus paca), Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii), White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus), Red Brocket (Mazama americana), at least 22 species of bats and various felines, such as Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), Cougars (Puma concolor) and Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). More than 44 species of amphibians (15% of national total) and reptiles are also found within the park such as frogs, lizards, basiliks, crocodiles and snakes. The park also boasts over 230 species of birds including the national bird of Costa Rica the Yigüirro or Clay-colored Robin (Turdus grayi), Black Guan (Chamaepetes unicolor), Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis), Blue Peacock (Pavo cristatus), Great Curassow (Crax rubra), Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula), Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), Black-faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops), Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua) and even the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) as well as a variety of hummingbirds, cuckoos, hawks and falcons, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Ii is important to explain that about 64 of these species are classified as threatened or endangered in Costa Rica.
Within the Juan Castro Blanco National Park are important geo-morphological features such as boilers (Fila Chocosuela), active and inactive volcanic foci, as well as Quaternary volcanic cones, alluvial cones and alluvial sedimentary forms of very steep topography. The grounds are deep with a good content of organic matter derived from volcanic ashes, but very susceptible to erosion. Several volcanoes surround the park, making this rugged destination an adventure for everyone. The three volcanoes that exist within the park are the active Platanar Volcano (2183m or 7162ft), Porvenir Volcano (2267m o7.438ft) and the inactive El Viejo Volcano (2122m or 6962ft) currently inactive with the Cerro Pelon. On the northern edge of Platanar sits the Aguas Zarcas group of nine cinder cones, which are hill-sized miniature volcanoes made up of lava rock or ash. Although there have been no eruptions recorded during recent history, these geological beauties heat the thermal waters and sulfur baths that can be discovered throughout the park that emerge from its northern flank flowing into the region’s important rivers, including Toro, Platanar, La Vieja, Tres Amigos and Aguas Zarcas.
In fact, the hydrology of the area is what gives special relevance to Juan Castro Blanco National Park. It is the tenth most important body of freshwater on the planet. It identifies several watersheds, which have numerous streams and cold and crystalline rivers with abundant lagoons and waterfalls. The streams of these rivers provide 15% of the country’s electrical power, as well as potable water to 105  surrounding villages and serve as a viable food source as they are also brimming with trout.
The Juan Castro Blanco National Park is also an excellent destination for history lovers, as archaeological findings have indicated that the site was used as a meeting place for the ancient civilizations of Costa Rica, bringing together North and South American cultures.
The MINAE (Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment) station can be found next to the police station in El Sucre, six miles away from the entrance to the park at San Jose de la Montaña. The station at Bajos del Toro Amarillo does not have a telephone, radio, or any other method of communication.
Except for the trail system, unfortunately, the government has yet to finance the purchase of the private property affected by the declaration of this park, and so to date there are no facilities for visitors at Juan Castro Blanco National Park, so a guide is highly recommended for hiking excursions. Only two of the eight entrances to the park are government sanctioned: one is located in San Jose de la Montaña and the other in Bajo del Toro Amarillo. Other national parks nearby include Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano Forest Reserve Emergency Zone and Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge.
Getting to Juan Castro Blanco National Park:
From San Jose take the Pan-American Highway to Naranjo and follow the road through the villages of Zarcero to Ciudad Quesada, also known as San Carlos. The entrance to the park is East of Ciudad Quesada. The main entrance to the park, is by the village of San José de la Montaña, 10 km east of Sucre. During the rainy season, it is highly recommended to use a 4×4 vehicle. Driving time from San José is about 4 hours.
From Liberia (Daniel Oduber Airport), equally scenic, take the road heading towards the city of Liberia. At Liberia’s intersection take the Pan-American Highway to Naranjo and follow the road through the villages of Zarcero to Ciudad Quesada, also known as San Carlos. The entrance to the park is East of Ciudad Quesada. The main entrance to the park, is by the village of San José de la Montaña, 10 km east of Sucre. During the rainy season, it is highly recommended to use a 4×4 vehicle. Driving time from Liberia is about 3 hours.
By bus:
You can take a bus from the route San Jose – Ciudad Quesada which takes about 3 hours (Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 2256-8914). From here you can take a taxi to the park entrance.
By plane:
You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to La Fortuna Airport, either with Sansa Airlines or Nature Air every day. From here you can rent a car and drive to the refuge, which is about 40 minutes, or you can take a bus from the route La Fortuna – San Jose, making the stop at Ciudad Quesada, and from here you can take a taxi to the park entrance.
Location: 10km east of El Sucre in Ciudad Quesada, Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Ciudad Quesada GPS Coordinates: 10.321064,-84.428653 (10°19’15.83″N, 84°25’43.15″)
Size: 14,453 ha (35,700 acres)
Altitude: from 700m to 2,267m (2,300 ft to 7,440ft) above sea level
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Juan Castro Blanco National Park Telephone: +(506) 2460-5462
Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area (ACA-HN) Telephone: +(506) 2460-0055
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Juan Castro Blanco National Park in Alajuela, Costa Rica at Google Maps
The Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve (RBAMB in Spanish) was created on August 5th, 1993 by Executive Order No. 7354, and published in La Gaceta on August 20th, 1993, in order to protect and conserve biodiversity around the canton of San Ramón in Alajuela. Earlier, in 1975, by Executive Order No. 4960-A it was created as a Forest Reserve and in January 24th, 1991, by Executive Order No. 20 172-M, was redefined as a Protected Area in San Ramon , which makes it vulnerable to mining and logging, so it acquires it status as a Biological Reserve, managed by the West Campus of the University of Costa Rica. protects tropical forest area in the highlands surrounding San Ramon, in the Tilaran Mountains.  which protects tropical forest area near San Ramon.
Another of its main objectives is to maintain natural processes in an unaltered state, so the area is available for studies and scientific research, environmental monitoring, education and maintenance of water, soil and genetic resources in a state of free and dynamic evolution for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve is part of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation Area and is located on the Atlantic slope of the Tilarán Mountain Range to the south and to the east from Quebrada Grande in Los Angeles of San Ramon, in the basin of San Lorenzo River. The reserve also lies alongside Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest to the Northwest. The reserve operates under the direction of the University of Costa Rica and the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET).
This reserve is characterized by a broken and rugged mountain system along the main rivers, with very steep slopes, fragile rainforest soils and natural ecosystems of great value. For example, the northeast and southeast region and the mountain ranges that run parallel to rivers in the basin of San Lorenzo River, have a volcanic relief. It is also an area with different altitudes ranging from 600m to 1700m (1970 to 5580ft), Which means that there are species of very hot and cold weather. The weather also can vary continuously, but the temperatures are moderate, ranging between 17ºC and 25°C, (62ºF to 77ºF)with an average of 21ºC (69ºF).
Although the reserve has a dry season from January to May, it is very rainy almost all year long, with an average annual rainfall of 3,500 mm (138 in). This makes this area a supply source for the large number of springs that exist within it, both for human and industrial consumption and electricity production. Its water wealth is invaluable, with waterfalls, springs and a large number of rivers (San Lorenzo River, San Lorencito River, Jamaical River, Palmital River and Quebrada Grande), which has led to the installation of some dams hydropower in the buffer zone. The San Lorenzo River basin is considered by the ICE (Costa Rican Electricity Institute) as an area of great hydroelectric potential.
The relief of the Tilaran Mountain Range is essential for precipitations, as here occurs the orogenic rain, which are the result of the rise of moist air from the lowlands along the slopes of the mountains, which as climbing, get cool causing the formation of clouds finally precipitated as fog and drizzle, to which must be added the abundant rains, typical of the region.
From the moment of its creation as a Forest Reserve, the West Campus of the University of Costa Rica, has been involved in conservation and research. The fact that the administration is in the hands of the University of Costa Rica, has given a great international reputation, particularly in its capacity as a natural laboratory. This has allowed the surrounding communities to understand the university work in three areas: teaching, research and social action based on a true sustainable development. Also there have been many investigations that have resulted in dozens of species of flora and fauna new to science. It has even discovered a new family and several new genera of plants.
The Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve provides researchers and students the opportunity to work in a forest of lush beauty and biodiversity. The discovery of new species, both flora and fauna and the presence of endemic species found only in the reserve and nearby sites, such as the showy Ramonean Heliconia (Heliconia ramonensis), as well as many trees such as the exotic Passion Flower Tree (Passiflora tica), Loquat or Japanese plum (Eriobotrya japonica), Styrax or Benzoin (Styrax argenteus), “Areno” (Qualea paraensis), Cristobal (Platymiscium pinnatum), Oak (Quercus bumelioides), Lloron (Gordonia brandegeei), White Sapote (Casimiroa edulis) Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata), Bully Tree (Sideroxylon capiri), Andiroba or Caobilla (Carapa Guianensis), Yos  (Sapium glandulosum), and a variety of palms, bromeliads, aroids and some 160 species of orchids.
In fact, in terms of biodiversity, the reserve vegetation here is one of the best known characteristics, both, from the collection made by Dr. Alberto Manuel Brenes in the past, as by long-term investigations that have made the botanists Dr. Jorge Gomez Laurito and M.Sc. Rodolfo Vargas Ortiz, in collaboration of biologist Victor Mora. These researchers have reported the presence of 1150 vascular plant species spread in over 500 species of trees and shrubs, 400 species of epiphytes and 100 species of vines and lianas.
Among the fauna to be found within the Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve listed 60 species of mammals, of which 8 species are endangered. Among the most notable species are the howler monkeys (Allouatta palliata) and capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus), tapirs (Tapirus bairdii), Bushy-tailed olingos (Bassaricyon gabbii), Red Brocket (Mazama americana), Spotted Pacas (Cuniculus paca), peccaries (Tayassu tajacu), kinkajous (Potos flavus), ocelots (Leopardus sparrows), jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), Neotropical Otters (Lontra longicaudis), Water Opossums (Chironectes minimus), and several species of bats and rodents. There is also some 35 species of reptiles, of which 22 are snakes, among which stand out the Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper), Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), Picado’s jumping pitviper (Atropoides picadoi) and Coral Snake (Micrurus mosquitensis), as well as 13 species of lizards, some 29 species of frogs and toads and at least one species of salamander (Nototriton abscondens), without leaving out some of the most diverse groups such as insects, with some 274 species of butterflies where highlights the White Witch or Ghost Moth (Thysania agrippina), and Peleides Blue Morpho or Common Morpho (Morpho peleides).
Similarly, it highlights the presence of some 233 species of birds in the reserve, of which 80% are in primary forest, 7.7% in “charral”, 5.5% in open fields and 1.7% are flying high. They have identified 19 species that are endangered, like the Bare-necked Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus glabricollis), as well as many others like the Great Black Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga), Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus), Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculata), White Hawk (Leucopternis albicollis), Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris), Black-faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops), Great Curassow (Crax rubra) and a wide variety of hummingbirds.
The Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve provides researchers and students the opportunity to work in a virgin forest where vegetation is notoriously particular, in the comfort of a Biological Station whose chief attribute is to be immersed in the forest. This station is a 450m2 building located on the right bank of the San Lorencito River, which has the capacity to comfortably accommodate up to 45 people, restrooms, dining room, its own power plant, consisting of a hydroelectric generator capable of producing up to 12 kW, a large living room used as a classroom/lab, computer equipment, audiovisual equipment (TV, VCR, slide and overhead projectors), communication equipment by means of radios, luggage transport service, an extensive network of very well-defined paths, allowing the realization of long walks without fear of getting lost (there are  trails on both banks of the San Lorencito River as well as mountain trails ranging from 800m to 1500m (2625 to 4920ft). the altitudinal gradient allows observation and studying the effect of environmental factors, both in the diversity of vegetation and the structure of the forest).
For your tranquility, at the Biological Station there is a whole rescue equipment, which includes beds, cardiopulmonary resuscitation tables, splinting, oxygen tank, a briefcase and a med kit with the basics to provide first aid. However it is recommended to bring clothes to change, rubber boots or shoes suitable for mud, rain coat, coats, repellent, towel, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush.
Access to the reserve is restricted because the admission is only possible for control and protection work as well as teaching and research activities. The official access is via the road to Colonia Palmareña, where is the Biological Station of San Lorencito River, with prior reservation at the Western Campus of the Biological Reserve Directorate.
Other nearby Costa Rica parks includes Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano Emergency Zone Forest Reserve and Juan Castro Blanco National Park.
Getting to Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve:
From San Jose, take the Pan-American Highway to the town of San Ramón. From there, follow the road to La Fortuna of San Carlos, passing through the towns of San Juan, Los Angeles and La Balsa until you reach, after 38 km, Los Lagos. From here turn left and continue for 9 km on a gravel road leading to the Colonia Palmareña, passing through the ranger station. In the first crossing of the road, turn right, down a slope that leads to San Lorenzo River, arriving to the bridge and from here go up the slope for about 500 m until you reach the entrance gate to the Biological Station, which is to the left of the road. From now on, you have to walk 4 km to reach the station, the road is passable only for the vehicle of administration of the Reserve. Driving time from San José is about 4 hours.
From Liberia (Daniel Oduber Airport), equally scenic, take the road heading towards the city of Liberia. At Liberia’s intersection take the Pan-American Highway to San Ramon. From there, follow the road to La Fortuna of San Carlos, passing through the towns of San Juan, Los Angeles and La Balsa until you reach, after 38 km, Los Lagos. From here turn left and continue for 9 km on a gravel road leading to the Colonia Palmareña, passing through the ranger station. In the first crossing of the road, turn right, down a slope that leads to San Lorenzo River, arriving to the bridge and from here go up the slope for about 500 m until you reach the entrance gate to the Biological Station, which is to the left of the road. From now on, you have to walk 4 km to reach the station, the road is passable only for the vehicle of administration of the Reserve. Driving time from Liberia is about 4 hours.
By bus:
You can take a bus San Jose – San Ramos which takes about 1.5 hours (Empresarios Unidos, 2222-0064) and then take another bus San Ramon – Bajo Rodriguez – La Fortuna (Transportes Carbachez e Hijos EIRL, 2451-1284) which takes about 1.5 hours.
By plane:
You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to La Fortuna Airport, either with Sansa Airlines or Nature Air every day. From here you can rent a car and drive to the refuge or take a bus La Fortuna – San Ramon, which is about 25 minutes.
Location: 13 km from Los Lagos town, road to Bajo Rodríguez at Los Ángeles of San Ramón in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
San Ramon GPS Coordinates: 10°05’13.90″N, 84°28’11.11″O.
Bajo Rodriguez GPS Coordinates: 10°18’30.60″N, 84°31’45.44″O.
Size: 7800 ha (19,266 acres)
Altitude: from 550m to 1650m (1800ft to 5410ft) above sea level
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve Telephone: +(506) 2437-9906
Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve Fax: +(506) 2445-6005
Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation Area (ACCVC) Telephone: +(506) 2268-1587 / 2268-8091
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Website: www.so.ucr.ac.cr/Enlaces/RBAMB/
Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve in Alajuela, Costa Rica at Google Maps
|
|
