Tapantí National Park Voyage Tips and guide

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Tapantí National Park is a large protected tropical rainforest in the mountains of Costa Rica's Central Valley. It is a magnet for eco-tourism, providing habitat for more than 400 species of birds, almost 50 mammal species (and a similar number of reptiles and amphibians).

The Tapanti National Park is now officially known as Parque Nacional Tapantí - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte with the addition of Cerro de la Muerte in early 2000. The park is very large, covering an area of more than 580 square kilometers. The park was added to the Costa Rica national park system in 1982.

More than 150 streams flow through the park, feeding rivers like the El Rio Grande, which provide water for towns throughout the region as well as supplying hydroelectric power.

The park's rainforests are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Mammals living in the park include tapirs, coatis, monkeys, pacas, agoutis, ocelots and jaguarundi. Birdwatchers will find a smorgasbord of colorful feathered photo subjects including the resplendent quetzal, toucans, trogons, sparrow hawks, parrots, hummingbirds and some 400 more.

The park boasts more than 1,200 identified plant species including oak trees, magnolias, Panama trees, bromeliads, and the poor man’s umbrellas. Rocks and trees are covered in bright green lichen and moss with ferns and orchids carpeting the soggy hillsides.

The park is one of the wettest areas of Costa Rica, particularly between May and October (the rainy season). A raincoat and hat would be a good idea, no matter how sunny the weather might be back in San José. It's a rainforest, so expect gray clouds, drizzle, and fog at any time. Temperatures are likely to be cooler than locations in the city, so a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt might be warranted.

Tapanti is an easy day trip from San Jose, lying just 22 miles from the capital (about a 90-minute ride). If you have your own car, you'll drive south on the Pan-American highway (Carraterra Interamericana, CA-2) toward Cartago, where you'll turn east onto secondary roads for the remainder of the trip (toward Paraiso, then toward Orosi).

There are tours available from San Jose and these might be a good idea since you don't need to drive unfamiliar roads. The tours to Tapanti often include a stop at the Lankaster Botanical Gardens which is famous for its outstanding orchid collection.

The park is open daily from 8am to 4pm. No entries are permitted after 3pm. Pets are not allowed in the park.

Foreign travelers pay US$10 per adult and $5 per child under age 12. Costa Rican citizens pay 600 colones.

Walking is the only way to explore the park. There are no publicly accessible roads after you enter the park. Maps are available at the ranger station at the park entrance.

• over 400 bird species
• over 1200 plant species
• spectacular views of lush mountainous rainforest with rivers and waterfalls

A number of marked, cleared hiking trails provide access to scenic points of interest in the park. Some of the park's more popular trails include:

• Oropendola Trail - short 1-km trail that runs along the river. It's flat, free of obstacles, and has some good scenic spots so it's a good choice for casual visitors or families with young children or older family members who might have difficulty on longer, or more rugged terrain. There are some good spots to stop for a picnic lunch.

• Waterfall and Kettle Trail starts off as a single trail, but then splits into two separate trails. The Kettle Trail goes down to the river while the Waterfall continues through the forest to a mirador called Waterfall Lookout that provide views of a distant waterfall (the trail doesn't actually go to the waterfall). Around the Waterfall Lookout is a veritable wall of lush greenery.

• Fallen Trees Trail is a good choice for a younger, more fit traveler who can handle steeper terrain that includes a lot of steps that are often wet and slick.

There are no stores or restaurants in the park. You may be able to buy food and drink in Orosi or at roadside businesses on the road into the park. Bring what you need, including drinking water. Note that fires in the park are not allowed and no grills or firepits are available. Bring food that does not require cooking.

No camping facilities are available in the park.

There are two inns in Orosi (about 10 km from the park). The closest place to sleep is:

• 9.766945-83.7932571 Hacienda Ganadera Tapantí, 6 Km al Nor-Este Parque Nacional Tapantí, ruta 408, ☏ +506 2533 9090. Working ranch that offers home-cooked meals, horseback tours, rooms to rent for the night, and an open area for camping (if you have your own tent, no glamping here). Kids can milk the cows. 

Conditions in the rainforest are wet (duh!) so wear appropriate shoes and bring some dry socks. Also be aware that a number of dangerous animals live in the rainforests, including venomous snakes (like the fer-de-lance) and poisonous tree frogs. Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts that can offer some protection and be cautious about where you step and where you put your hands.

• Los Quetzales National Park
• Chirripo National Park