Chirripo National Park and Parque Internacional de la Amistad Costa Rica- Panama

These two parks contain the greatest biological diversity in all of Costa Rica.  They protect the country’s largest stand of virgin forest. The region also has great hydroelectric potential. As a result of the difference in altitude, topography, soil type, and climate, an extraordinary number of habitats can be found.  These include paramos (flat land with stunted growth of Andean origin), highland swamps, oak forests (Quercus spp, characterized by straight tall trees), Arctostaphylos arbutoides forests, fern groves (Lomaria spp and Sphagum spp), and crystal clear glacier lakes. The fauna is incredibly rich and approximately 215 species of mammals have been sighted including the country’s largest population of tapir (Tapirus bairdii).  Some 400 species of birds have been recorded, including the quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno). 250 amphibians and reptiles and 115 species of fish can be found.  It has been estimatied that 60 percent of all Costa Rican invertebrate animals are found within these two parks.  The lakes that crown the summit were formed by glaciers over 25,000 years ago. The innumerable valleys with savannahs with valleys that exist in both regions are incomparably beautiful. The mountain peaks provide excellent scenic overlooks. The temperature ranges from 27 degrees C (80 degrees F) during the day to below freezing at night. Both parks, along with some of the neighboring areas, were declared a “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO in 1982.

Chirripo National Park and  is named after Cerro Chirripo. Chirripo covers 43,700 hectares (108,000 acres). Costa Rica’s highest mountain peak at 3,819 meters high. Most of this park rests over 2,000 meters above sea level. Climbing to the top of Chirripo takes 3-4 days.  Chirripo is worth visiting as well without climbing the summit. There is lowland trails, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and relaxing hot springs.The eastern boundary of Chirripo National Park and  coincides with the western border of Parque Internacional La Amistad.

The sizeable 1950 sq km Parque Internacional La Amistad is the largest protected area in Costa Rica. Amistad covers about 12% of Costa Rica’s total territory. This park continues into Panama, where it’s 2070 sq km are managed separately. In 1983 Amistad was given the status of a World Heritage site. All six species of Neotropical cats reside here, including the jaguar, puma, margay, ocelot, oncilla, and jaguarondi.  There are 20   species of hummingbirds and 3 inch long grasshoppers. Hiking near Las Tablas Forest Reserve is safe and rewarding, but only experienced tropical trekkers should venture into the interior.