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Guanacaste National Parks and Nature Reserves

Sailing Guanacaste

Private catamaran charters in Guanacaste, Papagayo, Flamingo and Conchal 

Guanacaste National Parks

Nature reserves and national parks in Guanacaste Costa Rica

Guanacaste vacations

Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is home to several national parks and protected areas, each offering a unique blend of ecosystems, wildlife, and natural beauty. Here are some notable national parks and reserves in Guanacaste:

  1. Santa Rosa National Park:

    • One of the oldest national parks in Costa Rica, Santa Rosa is known for its diverse ecosystems, including tropical dry forests and wetlands. It protects important historical sites and is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

  2. Rincon de la Vieja National Park:

    • This park is famous for its active volcano, Rincon de la Vieja, which gives visitors the opportunity to explore steaming fumaroles, mud pots, hot springs, and diverse flora and fauna. The park encompasses tropical dry forest and cloud forest ecosystems.

  1. Las Baulas Marine National Park:

    • A crucial nesting site for endangered leatherback sea turtles, Las Baulas protects important beaches such as Playa Grande. The park also includes mangrove estuaries and marine habitats.

  2. Guanacaste Conservation Area:

    • While not a specific park, the Guanacaste Conservation Area is a vast protected region that includes Santa Rosa National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and several other protected areas. It encompasses diverse ecosystems, including dry forests, cloud forests, and marine environments.

  3. Diria National Park:

    • Located near the town of Santa Cruz, Diria National Park features tropical dry forests and is part of the Tempisque Conservation Area. It offers hiking trails and the chance to observe a variety of wildlife.

  4. Miravalles Volcano National Park:

    • This park is home to the Miravalles Volcano, an active volcano known for its geothermal activity. Visitors can explore hot springs, mud pots, and lush forests surrounding the volcano.

  5. Ostional Wildlife Refuge:

    • While not a national park, Ostional is an important wildlife refuge famous for the arribada, a mass nesting event of olive ridley sea turtles. It’s one of the most significant nesting sites in the world.

These protected areas showcase the rich biodiversity of Guanacaste, encompassing tropical dry forests, beaches, marine ecosystems, lagoons, wetlands, and volcanic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife watching, and experiencing the unique natural features each area has to offer.

 
 
 
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