GENERAL INFORMATION

The Tapantí sector is characterized by being one of the rainiest places of Costa Rica. Two life zones are found there: Low Pluvial Montain Forest and Premontane Pluvial Forest. The area is crossed by the river Grande of Orosí, towards which a large number of rivers and creeks flow. The mean annual temperature is 20° C.

LOCATION

The park’s extension is 58,326 ha., located in the district of Orosí, county of Paraíso, province of Cartago. It forms part of La Amistad-Pacífico Conservation Area.

ACCESS

Route to Paraíso of Cartago, continuing towards Orosi and Río Macho. Public Transport: Bus Terminal is on the south side of the church ruins, it will take you to Orosi and Río Macho; then you must walk 9 km, or take a taxi.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

In the Park, there are around 45 species of mammals, some of them in danger of extinction or with reduced populations, as the tapir, the agouti, the ocelot, the jaguarondi and wildcat, among others.

In the area you find 260 species of birds such as quetzals, hawks, falcons, guans, doves, linnets, hummingbirds, parakeets and black-breasted wood quails.

Some of the most characteristic vegetation of the area, are: oaks, magnolias, buríos (jeliocarpus popayanensis), iras (ocotea spp), jaúl (almo acuminata), canilla de mula (licaria arborea), papayillo (didymopanax pittieri), bromeliads, orchids, mosses, ferns, poor man’s umbrella and quebracho (lysiloma seemannis).

SERVICES OFFERED

General information, laboratory, restrooms, and trails; shelter for lunch, look-out. Gastronomy and lodging services are offered in the surroundings. To count with the services of a local guide you have to request it previously, by communicating with the park’s administration, T: 200-0090.

REGULATIONS

• All protect wildlife areas have rules which regulate the protection of resources and the activities of visitors. This park operates under these rules for public use and all visitors must respect them.
• Despite of its biological diversity, many animals living in Costa Rica are hard to observe because of their migratory or reproductive habitats; they are nocturnal and the forest is too dense to see them clearly. Move quietly and sharpen your observation skills in order to better appreciate the richness of this area.
• If you need help or have questions, please ask the rangers, they will be ready and willing to help you.
• All the living things, plants and animals alike, share this planet with you. Please respect them.
• Enjoy the peace and natural sounds of the forest. Do not play radios or make loud noises that might disturb the tranquility within it.
• Please keep inside the trails. Signs are there for the benefit of all, do not deface or destroy them.
• This area is a natural preserve. We invite you to observe, enjoy and take as many pictures as you like. But please do not remove plants, stones or other materials as souvenirs.
• Please collect your garbage and deposit it in the appropriate containers.
• Do not feed the animals. They can suffer serious health problems if they eat people's food.