4 Exhilarating National Parks and Reserves in Costa Rica
Los Sueños Resort and Marina is right in the middle of Costa Rica’s many national parks. In fact, the country of Costa Rica is covered in about 25% of either national park or protected areas—for a country that’s only 51,000 square kilometers, that’s quite a big chunk. The country has worked for years to restore and maintain the integrity of the vegetation and animal population.
Los Sueños, in its conception, joined this goal to restore and showcase the natural beauty of Costa Rica. As planners created the resort, they hired a nature biologist to study the property’s flora and fauna—with that study came a million dollar investment in the restoration and preservation of natural areas. When you purchase luxury real estate in Costa Rica, Los Sueños gets you right up close with nature. The property is flanked by lush mountains, and 600 acres of the resort are dedicated to a rainforest reserve meant to protect and maintain nature in Costa Rica.
Los Sueños’ rainforest is just one example of Costa Rica’s green areas. Here are four beautiful national parks and reserves in Costa Rica close to Los Sueños you can check out, so you can get your fix of mother nature.
4 Stunning National Parks and Reserves in Costa Rica
1. Carara National Park
Not far from Los Sueños, Carara National Park is over twice the size of the better-known Manuel Antonio National Park. Originally, the park was a biological reserve, but upgraded to national park status in 1998. Quite an important ecological transition zone, the Amazonian and Mesoamerican ecosystems converge here, which means as you hike through the forest, you can see a massively wide range of wildlife.
Animals typically seen:
Armadillos, monkeys, agouti, kinkajou, and an abundance of crocodiles!
2. Manuel Antonio National Park
One of the smallest parks in Costa Rica, what Manuel Antonio National Park lacks in size, it more than makes up in diversity. Often considered one of the most biodiverse parks in the world, Manuel Antonio boasts more than 109 different mammal species and 184 bird species. The beauty of this park is found in the white sand beaches backed by a glorious evergreen forest. If you hope for a unique experience, hire a guide to take you through the culture of the area as you explore.
Animals typically seen:
Squirrel monkeys, sloths, iguanas, pacas, and toucans.
3. Playa Hermosa – Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge
Previously known just as the Playa Hermosa National Wildlife Refuge, the main purpose of this refuge is to protect the hundreds of olive ridley sea turtles born there each year. This refuge represents an important contribution to the conservation of the turtles, as the refuge protects the various beaches in the area where they nest. The area is unique for both researchers and tourists.
Animals typically seen:
Olive Ridley sea turtles, Green and Hawksbill turtles.
4. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was the first of its kind. Now, the reserve focuses on growing an individual’s connection with nature and sustainable tourism. Monteverde itself houses 2.5% of worldwide biodiversity, a big deal for an area so small. Visit this area to bring you up close and personal with nature’s beauty, bounty, and biodiversity.
Animals typically seen:
Quetzal birds, ocelot, porcupines, pumas, and howler monkeys.
