National Parks and Reserves of Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been a world leader in conservation policies. Its protected areas encompass over 25% of the country’s total landmass- the highest percentage in the world. Its network of national parks and nature reserves stretches over rainforests, tropical dry forests, cloud forests, marine areas, and wetlands. The parks and reserves seek to preserve and rehabilitate Costa Rica’s tropical ecosystems and maintain their vast biodiversity.
One of the best ways to support Costa Rica’s progressive and sustainable conservation policies is to visit national parks and
reserves during your visit. Community and conservationist groups manage many of the nature reserves, and the visitor fees and donations are used to maintain the trail systems, pay park staff, and purchase surrounding land for protected-zone expansion.
National Parks of Costa Rica |
Nature Reserves of Costa Rica |
Rivers of Costa Rica |
Costa Rica Waterfalls |
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Costa Rica’s National Park System is a network of protected rainforests, tropical dry forests, cloud forests, marine areas, and wetlands. Costa Rica has been a world leader in conservation policies with protected areas that encompass over 25% of its total landmass- the highest percentage in the world. The best way to support these progressive and sustainable conservation policies is to visit national parks during your visit. All fees and donations support the local community and park maintenance. Check out our <a href="/maps/parks-reserves-rivers">Costa Rica National Parks, Rivers and Reserves Map</a> to view the location of these natural attractions. Besides Costa Rica's National Parks there are dozens of <a href="/attractions/reserve">private nature reserves</a> that have been established to protect the natural habitat and biodiversity. |
Nature Reserves seek to preserve and rehabilitate Costa Rica’s tropical ecosystems and their biodiversity. The reserves differ from National Parks in that community and conservationist groups manage their land. Visitor revenues are used to maintain the trail system, pay park staff, and purchase surrounding land for protected zone expansion. Visit the <a href="/maps/parks-reserves-rivers">Costa Rica National Parks, Rivers and Reserves Map </a> to view the locations. Find photos and profiles of the famous <a href="/attractions/national-park">National Parks of Costa Rica </a> |
During the course of a single year many zones in Costa Rica receive between 150-200 inches of rain which keeps everything lush and green but also swells many River valleys as the water rushes throughout the country out to sea. With so much water Costa Rica has opted to use some rivers for hydro-electric projects which provides 80% of the Costa Ricas energy needs. In addition to a renewable energy source there are dozens of a river activities in Costa Rica ranging from action packed rafting adventures to slow paced wildlife observation floats. |
In Costa Rica, dozens of mountain springs, streams, and rivers snake through the forest, and with so much freshwater, Costa Rica has managed to meet a significant portion of its energy needs through the generation of hydroelectric power. As runoff moves through lush terrain on its way out to sea, hundreds of cascading waterfalls can be found throughout the rainforests and mountainous areas. Numerous waterfalls are unknown or remain closed to the public, but many breath-taking ones make great destinations for a day hike and refreshing afternoon swim. |
