La Cangreja National Park is situated in the province of San José, Puriscal canton, in the Mercedes Sur and Chires districts. To be more precise, the main entrance is located about 35 km southeast of Santiago de Puriscal.
The name of this scenic destination, which comes from the Spanish word for “crab”, refers to the particular shape of the hill at its highest point, at 1305 meters above sea level. According to an indigenous story, the mountain resembles a crab and the hills to either side its claws.
The park protects the abundant and crystalline springs of the Río Negro and Quebrada Grande, which flow amidst naturally formed rock formations, allowing visitors to enjoy a swim or relax and take in the surroundings.
The park is home to over 300 bird species, including macaws, trogons, toucans, sunbitterns, guans and many more. Notable animal species include agoutis, coatis, lowland pacas, collared peccaries, deer, pumas, ocelots and green-and-black poisonous frogs.
The name of this scenic destination, which comes from the Spanish word for “crab”, refers to the particular shape of the hill at its highest point, at 1305 meters above sea level. According to an indigenous story, the mountain resembles a crab and the hills to either side its claws.
The park has an area of 2570 ha and contains some 44 plant species that are endemic to the country, including some that are only found in the region: Ayenia mastatalensis (Sterculiaceae) and Plinia puriscalensis (Myrtaceae) – the latter is particularly striking due to the fruits it grows directly from its trunk.
The maximum elevation in the park is 1305 meters above sea level and the minimum is 300 masl, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 40°C. Average annual precipitation is between 2400 and 3500 mm.
Attractions:
The name of this scenic destination, which comes from the Spanish word for “crab”, refers to the particular shape of the hill at its highest point, at 1305 meters above sea level. According to an indigenous story, the mountain resembles a crab and the hills to either side its claws.
Sendero Río Negro y Plinia: the main Río Negro trail is an out-and-back trail of approximately 6 km in length (12 km round trip).
Cascadas: these trails will lead you to several refreshing waterfalls.
Río Negro: the park’s main river.
Cerro La Cangreja: the park’s famous rocky formation, located between the elevations of 900 and 1300 m.
Services:
- Trails.
- Lookout.
- Local guides (not affiliated with the park).
Admission:
Costa Rican citizens and residents
Adults: ₡1130
Children aged: 2-12 ₡565
*Adults must show their ID cards when they enter the park.
*Admission is free for adults aged 65 and up who show their ID card.
Foreigners
Adults: $11.30
Children: $5.65
Currently, only debit and credit card payments are accepted for the admission fee.