Costa Rica is recognized for environmental conservation and its Protected Areas System, being national parks, best-known and most characteristic of the country. By 2013, according to the Management of Wilderness Areas protected, (SINAC, by its acronym in spanish) 807.709 foreigners visited these protected Areas.
We are going to give you some information about the most popular conservation areas according to SINAC.
Arenal Huetar Norte (ACAHN)
Arenal Volcano:
Arenal volcano is located in the District of La Fortuna, canton of San Carlos, Alajuela province. Here you can find accommodation, thermal waters and strategic points to observe the volcanic activity and the abundant wildlife that inhabits the rainforest.
Arenal Tempisque (ACAT)
Tenorio Volcano:
Is between the provinces of Guanacaste and Alajuela to the Northwest of the country, between the cantons of Upala, Guatuso, Bagaces, Cañas and Tilaran. Within this conservation area, aside from being the Tenorio Volcano, it is also Celeste River, a place of great tourist attraction due to its peculiar colour and the Blue Lagoon that forms a waterfall of the river. It is the richest conservation area in biodiversity within the Arenal-Tempisque Conservation Area.
Cordillera Central (ACCVC)
Poás Volcano:
This is the oldest National Park in Costa Rica and is considered one of the Natural Wonders of the country. It is located in Alajuela. The Park has a variety of wildlife such as squirrels, various kinds of birds, peccaries and dozens of orchids and bromeliads. The Park has a Visitor Centre, basic services and marked trails. This is the most visited National Park in Costa Rica and Central America, and one of the most visited in Latin America, and its tourist offer is based on ecotourism.
Guanacaste (ACG)
Rincón de la Vieja:
Is located in Guanacaste, near Liberia and very accessible for tourists. There is a wide variety of wildlife where are 300 types of different birds as well as mammals such as monkeys, Jaguars, kinkajus and pumas, among others.
Friendship Caribbean (ACLAC)
Cahuita:
The park is located in the Caribbean, specifically in the province of Limón. Is very attractive because of the snorkeling and the nestling of sea turtles. Among the fauna that can be found there: tamanduas (species of anteater), coatis, pacas, raccoons, sloths, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, agoutis and birds of different species.
Friendship Pacific (ACLAP)
Tapantí Macizo, Cerro de la Muerte:
Is one of the rainiest places in the world. The area is crossed by the Río Grande de Orosi, which lead many waterways, supplying water to the Costa Rican society. This water system supplies water to 50% of the Greater Metropolitan Area. It also has a large number of endemic species and walks can be made.
Isla del Coco (ACMIC)
Coco Island:
The island is located in the Pacific Ocean and is considered a natural laboratory for the study of the evolution of species. On the island have been identified 235 species of plants (70 endemic), 362 of insects (64 endemic) and 2 of endemic reptiles: lizard and salamander; 3 spiders, 85 birds including marinas (4 endemic), 57 of crustaceans, 118 marine molluscs, over 200 of fish and corals 18.
In its waters abound the white-tipped reef sharks, the giant hammerhead sharks, tuna, parrot fish, blankets and horse mackerel.
Central Pacific (ACOPAC)
Manuel Antonio:
Located in Quepos, Puntarenas and was chosen by Forbes as one of the 12 most beautiful parks in the world. It has a large terrestrial biodiversity and marine with wonderful coral reefs. Currently works in a harmonious with nature trails, rest areas, panoramic viewpoints highlighting and infrastructure of scientific interpretation.
OSA (ACOSA)
Marino Ballena:
Is located in the District of Bahía Ballena, Osa canton, province of Puntarenas, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is recognized due to visit during their journey to play humpback whales. It has other areas protected and visited such as Playa Ballena, Playa Bahía Uvita and Playa Piñuela.
Tempisque (ACT)
Camaronal:
This is a Wildlife Refuge located in Nandayure and Hojancha, Guanacaste. Its importance lies in conservation of four species of sea turtle: leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), lora (Lepidochelys olivacea) and black (Chelonia mydas agassizii).
Playa Camaronal is also used for boat gliding, surfing, and fishing with cane or rope, so you can fish Snook, snapper and sea bass.
Tortuguero (Act)
Tortuguero:
Tortuguero is located in the province of Limón and is the third most visited National Park in Costa Rica. This Park has a wide variety of biological diversity. This park offers 20 miles of coast for turtles spawn. It’s known for ecotourism and the only access to the Park is by plane or boat.
At Avis, we invite you to learn about these Natural Conservation Areas. Costa Rica is a little country but rich in biodiversity. In addition, the accesses are fast due to the short distances that can be if you rent a car and drive on the roads of Costa Rica.
Contact us at + 506 2293 2222 and we will help you with your car rental for Costa Rica.