Trekking Through Costa Rica’s Nature Reserves
Costa Rica is a global leader in nature conservation, boasting 145 protected areas, including 28 national parks. These reserves cover around 30% of the country’s landmass, establishing Costa Rica as one of the top countries in Latin America for environmental preservation.
Costa Rica is home to around 500,000 species and harbours almost 4% of the world’s biodiversity, ranking it among the top 20 most biodiverse countries on the planet. Its unique position between two continents and two oceans near the equator makes Costa Rica a true biological bridge.
Several of Costa Rica’s natural areas have been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These include:
- La Amistad International Park (shared with Panama)
- Isla del Coco (Cocos Island)
- Área de Conservación Guanacaste
Highlights of Costa Rica’s Natural Areas
Among the many parks and reserves, some have become iconic for travellers and nature lovers alike:
- Corcovado National Park is remote and wild, and home to a rich variety of rainforest biodiversity
- Tortuguero is known for its sea turtle nesting grounds and maze of mangroves and canals
- Caño Negro is home to wetlands, swamps and bird nesting grounds in the northern lowlands
- Chirripó is home to Costa Rica’s highest mountain and alpine ecosystem
- Manuel Antonio, where white-sand beaches meet abundant wildlife
- Marino Ballena National Park is a coastal marine park offering opportunities for whale watching and sea turtle breeding
- The Volcano Parks, including Arenal, Irazú, Poás, Tenorio and Rincón de la Vieja, each have unique geothermal activity and scenic trails
Explore with Into Nature
At Into Nature, we offer curated routes that take you to some of the country’s most beautiful and ecologically diverse areas. Whether you’re trekking through lush rainforests, climbing volcanic slopes or strolling along tranquil coastal paths, each journey is designed to strengthen your bond with Costa Rica’s extraordinary natural world, taking you far beyond the usual tourist trails.
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