LAS QUEBRADAS BIOLOGICAL CENTER

This 750-hectare preserve enjoys a highly pleasant climate. Hiking visitors can observe a variety of moss, bromeliads, tree ferns and orchids. Raccoons and sloths may also be seen. Services include trails, signage, restrooms, drinking water and lodging.

CHIRRIPÓ NATIONAL PARK

Variations in altitude, climate and soil give rise to one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Costa Rica. This park is situated in the Cordillera de Talamanca, which, at 320 kilometers, is the longest mountain range in the country. To get to Chirripó, visitors must travel to San Gerardo de Rivas. Here begins the hike through this wilderness area comprising several life zones from an altitude of 1,400 meters on the Caribbean and Pacific slopes to 3,821 meters at the summit of Mount Chirripó, the highest point in the country. From its peak, on clear days, both Caribbean and Pacific coasts may be admired.

On the route to the summit, hikers can enjoy lush vegetation and bird-watching. Chirripó features various sculpted glacial formations such as U-shaped valleys, lakes (moraines) and terraces. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, signage, restrooms, drinking water, several natural viewpoints and lodging.

BALLENA NATIONAL MARINE PARK

This park is home to the southernmost migration point of the humpback whale, an endangered mammal 15 to 16 meters long, of which only around 5,000 remain in the world. Ballena was created in order to protect Bahía Coronado's coral reefs and rocks, as well as the migrating whales, which can be observed from December to April and from August to November. The coastal environment attracts colorful birds, and its rich waters are enticing to divers. Visitor services include information, trails, signage, restrooms and drinking water.

LA AMISTAD INTERNATIONAL PARK AND BIOSPHERE PRESERVE

Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, La Amistad International Park protects lands in both Costa Rica and Panama; hence, its name: "Friendship." Considered the largest tropical forest-covered mountain system in the country, the park contains wet, rain and cloud forest. An extraordinary number of different habitats gives rise to a wealth of biodiversity, the product of differences in altitude, soil, climate and topography.

The largest mountain system in Central America, this rich protected area is made up of Tapantí National Park-Macizo de la Muerte, Chirripó National Park, the Hitoy Cerere Biological Preserve and La Amistad International Park, in addition to several forest and indigenous preserves. Visitor services include a series of trails and natural viewpoints. The area designated as La Amistad Biosphere Preserve includes La Amistad International Park, Chirripó National Park, the Hitoy Cerere Biological Preserve and the Talamanca, Tayni, Telire and Cocles Indigenous Reservations.

TÉRRABA-SIERPE RAMSAR WETLAND

Located at the mouth of the Térraba and Sierpe rivers, this forest ecosystem is periodically flooded by tidal action and has a good supply of mud rich in organic material. Common tree species include red and piñuela mangroves. Numerous seabirds, fish, crustaceans and mollusks inhabit the mangrove swamps, which are their ideal breeding ground. Many canals connect and interweave this ecosystem and allow them to be explored on boat tours departing from Sierpe. Considered the richest mangrove swamp in the world in terms of biodiversity, this wetland comprises a total of 27,066 hectares of protected forest. Within this preserve, a project unique in Costa Rica is in operation, consisting of the sustainable use of 200 hectares of forest. Traditional and modern techniques are used to generate revenue from the mangrove swamps while ensuring the ecosystem's survival.

CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK

Protecting 41,788 hectares of shallow lagoons, marsh, mangrove swamps, rivers, wet forest and low-altitude cloud forest, as well as 46 kilometers of sandy beach, Corcovado is one of Central America's most unique ecosystems-which is why naturalists from all over the world come to study its riches. Within its extensive territory, visitors can observe the rich biodiversity of the last virgin natural area in all of Central America. Some 6,000 insect, 500 tree, 367 bird, 140 mammal, 117 amphibian and reptile, and 40 freshwater fish species live here in coexistence.

The park has numerous hiking trails and rustic camping refuges. A guide is recommended. Less adventurous visitors can also enjoy the park on boat excursions or arrive by plane at the Sirena station. Visitors who keep their eyes open can see whales and macaws in Corcovado, as well as many other animals in danger of extinction. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, signage, restrooms, drinking water, a landing field, camping area, radio communication and rustic lodging.

ISLA DEL CAÑO BIOLOGICAL PRESERVE

This preserve protects very important marine environments, particularly large coral reefs rich with life. The reefs are home to a variety of fish species, invertebrates, algae and mammals such as dolphins and whales. The island has great archeological importance as well; in pre-Columbian times it was used as an indigenous burial ground, traces of which still remain. Visitor services include trails, viewpoints, an archeological site and dive sites.

Source: Content and Images from Costa Rica Tourism Board - www.visitcostarica.com