Protected Areas in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is renowned for its dedication to environmental conservation, and one of the country's most striking examples is the Agua y Paz Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is a testament to the country's efforts to harmonize ecological preservation with sustainable human development. Named "Water and Peace" to reflect its rich water resources and role in fostering peaceful coexistence with nature, the reserve covers diverse landscapes, from towering volcanoes to wetlands, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

The Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve, nestled in the southeastern Cordillera de Tilarán in north-central Costa Rica, is a vibrant sanctuary of tropical biodiversity. Part of the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area, this Reserve safeguards the rich forested regions near San Ramón in the province of Puntarenas, making it a crucial ecological haven in the country.

Located in northern Costa Rica and positioned at the center of Arenal Volcano National Park, the Arenal Volcano stands as a symbol of Costa Rica's volcanic activity, natural beauty, and commitment to conservation. Arenal is renowned for its symmetrical cone shape, geological history, and the dramatic eruption that reawakened it in 1968. Although it has been dormant since 2010, Arenal continues to attract visitors from around the world who are drawn to its stunning landscape, biodiversity, and geothermal hot springs.

Barbilla National Park in Costa Rica is an important conservation area that protects natural and cultural treasures. It covers a humid lowland rainforest and plays a critical role in safeguarding the region's biodiversity and water resources. Despite being one of Costa Rica's least-visited national parks, its ecological richness and connection to the Indigenous Cabécar people provide an invaluable opportunity to understand the complex relationships between natural ecosystems and human communities.

Located in the volcanic Cordillera Central mountain range of central Costa Rica, Braulio Carrillo National Park is an impressive protected area showcasing its commitment to preserving its natural heritage. This vast park is one of the largest in Costa Rica and boasts several noteworthy geological features, including the Barva Volcano and several dormant volcanoes.

Cocos Island, known as Isla del Coco in Spanish, is a remote and pristine volcanic island located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, south of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. This island is a natural wonder teeming with unique biodiversity and rich marine life. Cocos Island and its surrounding marine environments are protected as part of the Cocos Island National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica, is a globally recognized haven for biodiversity and a cornerstone of the country's conservation efforts. It is the largest park in Costa Rica's renowned national park system and protects one of the last remaining areas of lowland tropical rainforests in Central America. National Geographic once described Corcovado as the "most biologically intense place on Earth," a fitting testament to its unparalleled natural wealth.

Nestled on the picturesque Nicoya Peninsula in western Costa Rica, Barra Honda National Park stands as a testament to the country's geological marvels and rich biodiversity. Established in 1974, this protected area in the province of Guanacaste encompasses a fascinating landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes and teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

Cahuita National Park, located along Costa Rica's stunning Caribbean coast, is a small yet ecologically rich protected area that is immensely significant for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its purpose is to preserve one of the country's most extensive coral reefs and protect the diverse tropical ecosystems that thrive along Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline. Renowned for its biodiversity and historical ties to the Indigenous Bribri people, the park is a testament to the interconnection between natural conservation and cultural preservation.

Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica's Central Highlands, the Cordillera Volcánica Central Biosphere Reserve is a testament to the country's rich natural and cultural heritage. Recognized for its immense ecological and cultural significance, the Cordillera Volcánica Central Biosphere Reserve offers a captivating journey through Costa Rica's volcanic heartland, where ancient peaks, dense forests, and vibrant ecosystems converge to create a breathtaking tapestry of natural wonders.