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Tapantí National Park: A Verdant Sanctuary

Discover Tapantí National Park: A Costa Rican treasure of rainforests, rivers, and rare wildlife, perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

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Tapantí National Park, also known as Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte, is a lush, rain-soaked paradise protecting the northern slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca. Known as one of Costa Rica's wettest areas, the park boasts incredible biodiversity and serves as a vital water source for the region.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Tapantí - Macizo de la Muerte

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance through the SINAC website, as reservations are required.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for a rainforest environment, including shoes suitable for muddy trails.
  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Bring your own supplies, including food and water, as facilities within the park are limited.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From San José, take Route 2 (Interamericana) towards Cartago. Continue on Route 2 until you reach Cartago. From Cartago, follow signs for Route 10 towards San Rafael. After approximately 15 km on Route 10, turn left onto the road leading to the park entrance. The drive from San José takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Limited parking is available at the park entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from San José to Cartago from the Terminal de Buses de San José. In Cartago, take the Mata Irola bus (Cartago-Orosi route) from behind the Iglesia de los Capuchinos in the center of Cartago. From Orosi, Río Macho, or Purisil, you will need to take a taxi or walk to the park entrance. The bus from San José to Cartago costs approximately $1-2. A taxi from Orosi to the park entrance may cost around $10-15.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Tapantí - Macizo de la Muerte

Parque Nacional Tapantí - Macizo de la Muerte, nestled within the Central Conservation Area of Costa Rica, offers an immersive experience in one of the country's most biodiverse regions. Established in 1999 through the fusion of the Río Macho Forest Reserve and the Tapantí Wildlife Refuge, the park spans 58,495 hectares (144,544 acres) and protects a wide array of ecosystems, from páramos to cloud forests. The park's unique climate, characterized by its high rainfall (averaging over 6,500 mm annually), fosters an environment of unparalleled verdancy. This constant moisture feeds over 150 rivers, including the vital Reventazón and Pacuare, which supply water and hydroelectric power to the Central Metropolitan Area. Tapantí is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. It is home to approximately 45 species of mammals, including tapirs, ocelots and jaguars. The park also shelters around 260 species of birds, with unique species of amphibians, and over 28 species of reptiles. Visitors can explore several well-maintained trails, offering varying levels of difficulty. 'El Salto' trail leads to a lookout point with waterfall and mountain views, while others wind through steep slopes and along the riverbed. The park provides facilities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and a visitor center with information about the area's natural history.

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