National Parks
Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation Areas
Poás National Park
Poás National Park is a protected wildlife area that receives the largest influx of visitors in the country. Its natural riches are its main draw, especially the spectacular crater surrounded by vast biodiversity.
Location: It is located northeast of Alajuela and measures 16,076 acres.
Services Offered: Paved roads, paths, a visitor center, parking, a Red Cross station, cafeteria, arts and crafts, restroom services, lookout points, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
More Information:
http://www.sinac.go.cr
Irazú Volcano National Park
With an altitude of 11,259 feet above sea level, it is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. Around the craters, you can find lowland vegetation and a diversity of flora and fauna species.
Its geological characteristics are of great interest to students and scientists, especially the eruptions over the last few years.
Location: Located northeast of Cartago, in the Irazú massif that forms part of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.
Services Offered: Paved roads, parking, lookout points, paths, a cafeteria, potable water, restroom services, an information center, and picnic areas.
More Information:
http://www.sinac.go.cr
Guayabo National Monument
The Guayabo National Monument was established to protect and conserve one of the country's most important archeological resources.
The archeological area is made up of approximately 37 to 49 acres, of which only 10 acres have been excavated. Structures have been uncovered that reveal advanced archeological development.
Moreover, the Pre-Colombian petroglyph structures (chiseled stone) reveal communication and cultural characteristics that have yet to be investigated.
Location: Located on the hillsides of the Turrialba volcano.
Services Offered: Natural paths, potable water, general information, lookout points, an amphitheater, picnic areas, restroom services, a camping area, and an exhibition room.
More Information:
http://www.sinac.go.cr
Braulio Carrillo National Park
The Braulio Carrillo National Park is the largest park in the Central Costa Rican region. Its location is important for the protection of water tables. Its dense and lush vegetation is characteristic of an evergreen forest, and it also features a complex floral habitat.
The majority of the protected area is covered by primary forest, where it is estimated that 6,000 plant species exist, representing half of the total species found in the country. It also has a rich bird habitat, with around 515 bird species, both native and migratory.
Location: The area comprises Sarapiquí, Heredia, Vásquez de Coronado and Oreamuno.
Services Offered: An information booth, picnic area, restroom services, parking in some areas, hiking trails, lookout points, and camping areas in some zones.
More Information:
http://www.sinac.go.cr
Turrialba Volcano National Park
This volcano is located in the far western part of the Central Volcanic Mountain range and is the second highest volcano in the country.
It is the only national park where you can walk into an actual volcanic boiling pit. From various points on the peak and on a clear day, you can see the Caribbean coastal lands, the massifs of the Braulio Carrillo National Park, the Poás volcano, the Turrialba valley, and even Mount Chirripó.
Location: It is located in the Turrialba district of Cartago.
Services Offered: Potable water, parking, general information, restroom services, and hiking trails.
More Information:
http://www.sinac.go.cr
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