Rice Field in Quepos, courtesy David Thompson

Beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Hummingbird and Passion Flower, Costa Rica

Playa Dominical, South Pacific, Costa Rica, courtesy David Thompson

Playa Herradura, Central Pacific, Costa Rica, courtesy David Thompson

Playa Esterillos Este, Central Pacific, Costa Rica, courtesy David Thompson

Northern Caribbean

BARRA DEL COLORADO NATIONAL WILDLIFE RESERVE

Occupying the extreme northern region of the Caribbean coast on the border with Nicaragua, Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Reserve possesses 78,977 hectares composed of canals, lagoons, rivers, marshland, forests and hills, with an average altitude of less than 250 meters. With annual rainfall of above 5,500 millimeters, this region does not really have a dry season to boast. The extraordinary biodiversity is reflected in the variety of plants and wildlife including a few unique species found only in this protected area, like the gaspar fish, which is considered to be a living fossil. Crocodiles, caimans, manatees, tapirs, jaguars, three-toed sloths, howler and whiteface monkeys are among the inhabitants of this wild landscape with three prominent types of vegetations: flooded forest, yolillal palms and gamalotal plants. Because of the abundance of fish, this area is a world-class sports fishing paradise for licensed visitors. There are several famous fishing spots and world records have been set in these waters. Barra del Colorado can be accessed by boat from Moin, Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, or by plane from San Jose.

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Tortuguero National Park is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Costa Rica and its 16,156 hectares lay out some of the most sumptuous landscapes in the country. The main purpose in creating the park was to protect one of the most important nesting areas of green turtles on the western coast. In addition, three other turtle species also lay eggs on the beaches inside the park. The park has a very humid tropical forest due to the high rainfall – between 5,000 to 6,000 millimeters annually. These are wonderful climatic conditions for the habitat of more than 400 bird species, 60 amphibian species, 30 species of freshwater fish and various endangered mammal species: tapirs, monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, manatees, sloths and others. The canals, lagoons, rivers and waterways can be explored by boat, canoe or kayak. The park offers an information office, an exhibition area, drinking water, restrooms and trails.

BARBILLA NATIONAL PARK

Barbilla as a protected area was declared a biological reserve in 1982 and became a national park in 1988. It covers approximately 11,994 hectares and protects a large tropical and humid lowland rainforest and important watersheds. It is located about 20 km from the city of Siquirres and is the traditional home of the Cabecar indigenous group. With rainfall of up to 4,500 millimeters a year, and a variation of altitude from 110 meters above sea level to 1617, the park has a wealth of biological diversity with pumas, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, monkeys and many species of birds. The park is difficult to access and it does not have adequate visitor facilities. It is recommended that only hikers visit the area, after contacting local guides in the community of Las Brisas de Pacuarito, where the park’s administrative office is located.