Southern Pacific Biodiversity
CHIRRIPÓ NATIONAL PARK
The hike up to the highest point in Costa Rica, the Chirripo Peak in the Talamanca Mountain Range, begins in San Gerardo de Rivas in the southern zone, advancing from 1400 meters on the Caribbean and Pacific slopes of the continental divide up to 3819 meters at the peak. At Chirripo Peak hikers are rewarded by the stunningly beautiful view of ancient glacial lagoons, rocky outcrops and high peaks, especially if the weather is sunny. A variety of visitor’s services are available in the Chirripo National Park, including an information center, park warden posts, trails, signs, restrooms, drinking water, observation points and a lodge.
BALLENA NATIONAL MARINE PARK
With only about 5000 Humpback Whales remaining in the world’s ocean, Costa Rica is one of the privileged hosts of these migratory sea mammals who traverse the waters off the country’s southern Pacific coast annually between September and April. In Uvita, at the heart of the Ballena National Marine Park, a festival is held annually to mark the beginning of the whale-watching season. Growing to lengths of 15 to 16 meters, these friendly giants are a sight to behold from the comfort of tour boats. Aside from the observation of whales, the underwater wealth in the marine park offers excellent scuba diving experience. Tour companies which operate around the marine park also offer land activities such as horseback riding to waterfalls, kayaking through mangroves and day trips to Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula.
THE FRIENDSHIP INTERNATIONAL PARK AND BIOSPHERE RESERVE
The name ‘La Amistad’ or Friendship International Park reflects the fact that this mountainous region is under the joint custody of Costa Rica and Panama, covering extensive areas on both sides of the border. The park encompasses the most widespread tropical forest in the country, and is a part of a biosphere reserve which also consists of Tapanti-Marcizo National Park (Central Valley), Chirripo National Park, Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve (Southern Caribbean) and parts of several indigenous territories.
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
The National Geographic Society has defined the Corcovado National Park as the most biologically diverse area on the planet; protecting 41,788 hectares of lagoons, marshes, mangrove-swamps, rivers, rainforests and low altitude cloud forests in the Osa Peninsula. In addition, 46 km of sandy coastline is under the park’s protection. Within the park, scientists have identified about 6000 insect species, 500 tree species, 367 bird species, 140 mammal species, 117 amphibian and reptile species, and 40 freshwater fish species that exist in its streams and rivers. All of these biological wonders are observed and studied in natural, virgin and pristine condition, which explains the magnetism of this destination for naturalists and nature worshippers from all over the world. Park visitors can explore the area on foot or by boat with the help of a naturalist or a knowledgeable tour guide. Services in the park include an information center, warden posts, trails, signs, restrooms, drinking water, landing strip, camping area, radio communication and a variety of lodges.
CAÑO ISLAND BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
A short boat ride from Corcovado off the Osa Peninsula, Cano Island was used as a cemetery by the indigenous people in the pre-Colombian era. The island is known for its rich marine environment, with corals, algae and a vast variety of fish. Dolphins and whales also thrive around the reefs surrounding the island, making this reserve a favorite for scuba divers and those who come to picnic and snorkel. On land, archeological sites, trails and observation points add to the attractions.
LAS CRUCES BIOLOGICAL STATION
More widely known as the WILSON BOTANICAL GARDEN, which is an integral part of the biological station, Las Cruces is located less than 6 km from San Vito close to the Panamanian border. The station has been set up especially for scientific research and education by the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS) which also administers the Palo Verde Reserve in Guanacaste and the La Selva in Sarapiqui de Heredia. Visitors to Las Cruces are invariably astounded by the enormous diversity of tropical and subtropical ornamental plants being nurtured here, such as ferns, bromeliads, heliconias, prayer plants and gigantic palm trees. Located in the secondary foothills of the Talamanca Mountains at 1200 meters above sea level, the station protects and conserves 304 species of birds, 80 species of mammals, 71 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 3,000 species of daytime and nocturnal butterflies. Lodging facilities are available at the Wilson Botanical Garden.
HACIENDA BARU DEL PACIFICO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Located just 2 km from Dominical, Hacienda Baru is an eco-friendly adventure park set in a privately own National Wildlife Refuge. It has an area of just two square kilometers, but has recorded over 310 species of birds (the whole of United States has 996). Visitors can go on self-guided walks using an interpretive pamphlet, or go with a trained guide. The trails lead through primary and secondary rainforests, to the mangroves along the beach and an observation tower where three-toe sloths, white-face capuchin monkeys and peccaries can be spotted. Beyond the trails, activities include tree-climbing, canopy tours, a full day guided walk through the jungle or overnight camping. The Baru Beach that borders the refuge is wild and deserted, and occasionally solitary olive ridley turtles come ashore to nest from July to October.
