In recent years, Costa Rica has become a great example for global conservation. An astonishing 25% of the land is protected in Costa Rica National Parks, refuges and reserves. With 12 distinct climate and life zones, these protected areas range from coastal mangroves to primary cloud forests.
Costa Rica National Parks provide protection to over 200 species of mammals, 850 species of birds, 150 species of amphibians, 200 reptile species, and 35,000 species of insects. This accounts for 5% of the species in the world! This despite the fact that Costa Rica (including Coco Island) is roughly the size of West Virginia.
To date, there are approximately 161 Costa Rica national parks, reserves, refuges and protected areas. Click here for a complete listing of Costa Rica National Parks.
How did Costa Rica become home to so much biodiversity? There are over 200 (less than 5% are active) volcanoes in Costa Rica, which have provided an abundance of nutrients and minerals to create lush forests. This coupled with the fact that Costa Rica is a comparatively narrow land bridge located in Central America between North & South America. As the seasons change for each hemisphere, many species of wildlife migrate to Costa Rica to take advantage of a more comfortable climate. Over thousands of years, many of these species settled in as year round inhabitants. Therefore, there is an unique combination of wildlife in Costa Rica that can only be found here.
Costa Rica National parks are protected and administered by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). This is a daunting task and many volunteers help with conserving the land as well. Have a look at the numbers.
Distribution of Costa Rica protected areas:
Category |
Number |
Percent of Costa Rica land |
Biological Reserves |
8 |
0.42% |
Forest Reserves |
11 |
4.47% |
National Parks |
25 |
12.23% |
Protected Zones |
32 |
3.06% |
Wetlands and Mangroves |
15 |
1.53% |
Wildlife Refuges |
58 |
3.53% |
Others |
12 |
0.34% |
Totals |
161 |
25.58% |
Top 10 Most Popular Costa Rica National Parks and Refuges:
Arenal Volcano National Park: This is one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica, surrounding Arenal Volcano. Arenal is the most active volcano in Costa Rica, with mini lava spewing eruptions at regular intervals.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Manuel Antonio is the smallest Costa Rica national park, but one of the largest in terms of biodiversity. Couple lush rainforest, abundant wildlife, and beautiful white sand swimming beaches and you have one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: This is the most popular cloud forest reserve in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, primary cloud forests are slowly being cut down. It is anybody's guess what will happen to the many endemic species of birds that inhabit cloud forests such Monteverde.
Tortuguero National Park: This Costa Rica national park was created in the 1970's to protect several species of sea turtles that migrate here annually to nest. The park also includes a canal system that is teaming with life such as monkeys, sloths, crocodiles etc..
Corcovado National Park: A writer for National Geographic Magazine labeled this Costa Rica national park as the most biodiverse place on Earth! Corcovado is the largest Costa Rica national park. It is also the most remote, located on the Osa Peninsula.
Palo Verde National Park: This Costa Rica national park is home to many species of wildlife. It is also a shelter for many species of migratory birds from both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge: An island of rainforest, Cano Negro is a sanctuary for many species of wildlife that otherwise simply would not be able to survive. Cano Negro is home to 4 species of monkies, caimans, crocs, 2 species of sloths, and many migratory birds.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park: The name translates to "Old Lady in the Corner". This Costa Rica national park surrounds Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and is covered with tropical dry forest.
Santa Rosa National Park: This Costa Rica national park is also covered with tropical dry forest. Sea turtles utilize the beaches of Santa Rosa for nesting and this is one of the few places that jaguars still remain.
Cahuita National Park: Located on the southern Caribbean coast, this Costa Rica national park not only protects forests, but also coral reefs which are teaming with life.
