To view more detailed information on the protected areas, please click on the names
Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja
The Rincon de la Vieja National Park was created in 1973 to protect the flora and fauna and watersheds around the volcano. It stands at 1895 meters above sea level . It has an active crater which emits steam and gases of magmatic origin. A very interesting place to visit is the Sendero Las Pailas, a site with geysers and bubbling mud spots. Another attraction of this park is the group of 4 waterfalls. 
Zona Protectora Miravalles
Miravalles Volcano, the highest of the volcanic Guancaste Range soars 2026 meters above sea level. The summit is usually covered in thick clouds and dense rain. Due to its solfataric activity, evidenced by bubbling mudholes and vents that expel gases and hot steam. The ICE (Costa Rican Institute of Electricity) is using the geothermal energy from this volcano to transform it into electric energy.
Parque Nacional Tenorio
This recently created National Park consists of four volcanic peaks and two craters. Its area is covered mostly with well preserved primary forest which gives shelter to a great variety of mammals, for exapmple the endangered tapir that has quite a respectable population here. One of the park's main attraction is the Rio Celeste (light blue river) which is literally blue due to the emanation of sulfur from the volcano and precipitation of calcium carbonate.
Parque Nacional Arenal
It is one of the most famous parks of Costa Rica, featuring the active Arenal Volcano as the main attraction. The Arenal Volcano, that soars 1633 meters above sea level has been active since 1968 and is considered one of the 10 most actve volcanoes of the world. The Arenal Lagoon located just beneath the volcano is of great scenic beauty and generates about 70% of the electricity used in Costa Rica. There are many activities that can be done in the surroundings of the volcano.
Zona Protectora Arenal - Monteverde
The protected area of Monteverde was created in 1972 by two scientists and a resident Quaker, who were all concerned about the impact of the colonisation of the cloud forest. In 1975 a watershed reserve founded in the 60's by the Quaker community was added to Monteverde. Nowadays it is one of the most visited preserves of Costa Rica, being one of its main attraction the Resplendent Quetzal, the holy bird of the Mayas, among many other birds.
Refugio Vida Silvestre Caño Negro
Caño Negro is seasonally flooded forming lakes and marshes that are home to many different species, specially birds. In the dry season the area is reduced to little lagoons, channels and strips of beach inhabited by many different birds, like cattle egrets, wood storks, roseate spoonbills and the largest colony of cormorants. The rivers shelter tortoises, caymans and about 30 species of fish, including the gar, that is considered a living fossil.
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Barra del Colorado
Barra del Colorado is located just north of Tortuguero National Park and borders with Nicaragua in the North. Like Tortuguero Barra del Colorado consists of channels, lagoons, rivers, river islands, forests, marshes and small hills. Barra del Colorado is a well known fishing site and famous for tarpon fishing.
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