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Parque Nacional Tapantí - Macizo de la Muerte: A Verdant Sanctuary

Explore Tapantí National Park: a Costa Rican paradise of cloud forests, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty in the Talamanca Range.

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Tapantí National Park, also known as Macizo de la Muerte, is a lush, rain-soaked paradise in Costa Rica's Cartago Province. Part of the Talamanca Range, it protects diverse ecosystems, from cloud forests to moorlands, and is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna.

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

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance through the SINAC website, as reservations are required and there is no cell service at the park.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for a rainforest environment, including good hiking shoes for muddy trails.
  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Bring your own water and snacks, as facilities within the park are limited.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From San José, take a bus to Cartago from the Terminal de Buses Caribe. Then, in Cartago, take the Mata Irola bus (Cartago-Orosi route) which departs from behind the Iglesia de los Capuchinos in the center of Cartago. From Orosi, you will need to take a taxi or walk approximately 9 km to reach the park entrance. Taxi fare from Orosi to Tapantí National Park is approximately $10 - $15.

  • Car

    From San José, take Route 2 to Cartago, then Route 10 to Paraíso. From Paraíso, take Route 224 to Orosi, and finally Route 408 (Río Macho-Purisil). The park entrance is approximately 10 km on a gravel road, 5 km southeast of the Purisil Catholic Church. Parking is available at the park.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Tapantí - Macizo de la Muerte

Parque Nacional Tapantí - Macizo de la Muerte, nestled within the Talamanca Range in Costa Rica's Cartago Province, is a haven of biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. Established in 1999 through the fusion of the Río Macho Forest Reserve (1964) and the Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge (1982), the park spans 58,495 hectares. Its name, translating to 'Death Mountain', reflects the dramatic topography of the region. Tapantí is renowned as one of Costa Rica's rainiest areas, receiving an average annual rainfall of over 6,500 mm, with some areas recording up to 8,000 mm. This constant precipitation feeds over 150 rivers that originate within the park, including the Reventazón and Pacuare rivers, which are crucial sources of water and hydroelectric power for the country. The park's varied altitudes, ranging from 700 to 3,491 meters above sea level, contribute to its diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore five distinct life zones: very humid premontane forest, premontane rain forest, lower montane rain forest, montane forest, and subalpine rain moorland. These zones are home to a wide array of plant life, including towering oak trees, magnolias, bromeliads, orchids, and mosses. Tapantí is also a refuge for numerous animal species. Approximately 45 species of mammals, including endangered animals like tapirs, jaguars, and ocelots, inhabit the park. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the opportunity to spot over 260 species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal. The park also shelters around 28 reptile and 28 amphibian species. The park offers several trails for visitors to explore its natural wonders. These trails lead to attractions such as the Poza del Río Grande de Orosí, a natural pool, and a waterfall with a scenic viewpoint. Facilities include a visitor center, picnic areas, restrooms, and potable water.

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