Costa Rica's progressive policies on environmental protection and sustainable eco-tourism in the National Parks System have been lauded as a model for other countries. The rainforests, tropical forests, marine areas and wetlands of Costa Rica are the subject of many university and scientific organization studies. The enrichment of the world's knowledge of these important habitats is an invaluable contribution from the National Parks System of Costa Rica.

Tapantí National Park: Tucked away to the south of the Orosi Valley and north of Cerro de la Muerte, lies this 5,090 hectare middle- to upper-elevation rain forest. Although originally created as a National Wildlife Refuge, Tapantí National Park is not an easy place to see mammals, even though many species inhabit the area. Observation of birds, butterflies, and plant life will surely prove more rewarding pursuits.

Birds at this elevation often forage in flocks containing a variety of species, the most common ones being the Three-striped Warbler and the Common Bush-Tanager, but the sharp-eyed observer will also be able to pick out other species such as Spotted Barbtail, Spotted Woodcreeper, Redheaded Barbet, and Spangle-cheeked Tanager. Numerous hummingbird species are also often quite active around clumps of flowering epiphytes.

From San José, take the PanAmerican Highway to Cartago, drive through the town and follow Highway 10 to Paraíso (the next town to the east). Here look for signs or ask directions to Orosi, and once in Orosi do the same for Tapantí which is still another 14 km. distant. The road between the town of Orosi and the national park consists of more potholes than pavement, so take it carefully. Ironically, once you leave pavement (shortly before entering the national park) the gravel road actually becomes much better; this is due to its upkeep by the national electric company versus the Municipality of Paraíso which supposedly takes care of the "paved" portion. By public bus from either Cartago or Orosi you can only get as far as the village of Río Macho, some 9 kilometers short of the park entrance.

Manuel Antonio

About 3 hours by car from San José. If you go by car or shuttle service you should really stop at Puente Río Tarcoles (the bridge over Tarcoles river) about halfway between San José and Manuel Antonio. This is a favorite spot for crocodiles. They come here to warm up before the hunting at night. You will normally be able to see at least 30 crocodiles here. The reptiles pose no threat (unless you plan to jump down to them), but you should pay attention to the traffic, especially when you cross the road to see the crocodiles on the other side.

There is a bus driving the route Quepos-Manuel Antonio that leaves every 30 minutes. You can catch the bus at any of the many stops along the way. Fare 200 colones (US $0.50) each way.

* The Manuel Antonio National Park, open Tu-Su 07:00-16:00. Entrance fee $7. There is a limit of 600 allowed (simultaneous) visitors on weekdays and 800 on weekends. According to locals this is only a problem in the Easter week and the last week of the year. At these times you might have to stand in queue and wait for someone to leave before you are let in if you arrive late. It is not possible to buy food or drinks inside the park. In the park there is a lot of wildlife to be seen, for instance: Squirrel monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crabs, toucans, bats, birds ++

Do

* Hiking in the national park. There are 4 short trails in the park (1-3 km).
* Wildlife watching with guide. $20 per person.
* Relax at the beautiful beaches inside the park.
* Please DO NOT feed the monkeys As tempting as it may seem and even if others are doing it, please do not feed the monkeys. The reasons to avoid this are endless and doing so contributes to the endangerment of the animals in and around the park.

Corcovado

Parque Nacional Corcovado is located on the Osa peninsula in the southwest of Costa Rica. While the park is one of the more remote in the national park system, Corcovado provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Travel to and through the park is perilous and is best accomplished during the dry season (January-March).

The nearest sizeable town to the park is Puerto Jimenez. Most people entering the park will probably need to pass through this town. There are three entrances to park. Entrance along the beach is achieved from the north through San Pedrilla and from the south through Carate. Access on the east side of the park is through Los Patos. There is a ranger station at each station where camp sites are available. The central ranger station, Sirena, is 20 km by foot from each entrance. Sirena is a good central base for exploring the park.

By bus Regular bus service is available to Puerto Jimenez. Passenger truck service from Puerto Jimenez to the southern entrance at Carate occurs on a biweekly or greater basis.

A 4WD taxi is also available for the passage to Puerto Jimenez. All roads on the Osa Peninsula exhibit the disrepair characteristic of Costa Rica outside of the main tourist destinations. The road from Puerto Jimenez to Carate require a 4WD vehicle as it is a gravel road with several required river fordings. It recommended that this drive should only be attempted during the dry season. Note that Carate is next to the beach. Take care not to pass Carate poorly marked. Parking is available by paying the store/bus stop which is Carate.

From Carate, it is a 4 km walk on the beach to the park entrance at the ranger station Las Leonas. Park permits and camping are available at the ranger station.