Nearly 40 years ago, native Costa Ricans began to realize that, thanks to deforestation, their land was changing drastically. They saw a need to find a way to save what remained of the wilderness, therefore protecting native animals as well as unique flora. Recognizing that the ecosystems here were unique and should be shared not only with the people of Costa Rica but with the world, a concerned government and its citizens formed Costa Rica’s national park system in 1970.

 

Amazingly, Costa Ricans devised a plan to protect more of its land than any other country in the world. Over ten percent of Costa Rica is declared “inviolate” or protected. An additional seventeen percent, according to government statistics, is set aside as forest reserves, buffer zones, wildlife refuges, and Indian reserves. Costa Ricans have made sure that all the major ecosystems are represented in these national parks, making them the main reason most tourists travel to Costa Rica on vacation.

 

In all, the National Conservation Areas System protects more than 186 areas, including more than two dozen national parks, eight biological reserves, 13 forest reserves, and 51 wildlife refuges. These spots are favorite destinations for eco-tourists and adventure travelers and many of the regions boast nature lodges where travelers can experience these unique ecosystems up close.

 

Activities enjoyed in the national parks include hiking, trekking, and backpacking; mountain biking; wildlife and bird watching; and much more. Park rangers offer guided hiking tours on some of the trails inside the national parks and a variety of tour companies offer excursions that include various sites and activities in the parks.

 

Because the national parks are spread throughout the country, you’ll be able to explore at least a few, regardless of where in Costa Rica your travels take you. Some of the parks are much larger than the others and offer more amenities and opportunities for activities and sightseeing. The coastal parks might even include a few beaches, some appropriate for swimming and diving but others meant merely for turtle watching or other similar pursuits.