Hacienda Barú is a 324-hectare (800-acre) national wildlife refuge located by the beach town of Dominical on the Pacific Coast. It encompasses a variety of habitats, from wetlands and secondary rainforests in lowlands to primary rainforest on a high coastal ridge. Despite its small area, 212 species of birds have been identified here,

One of Costa Rica's most popular national parks is also one of its smallest. Manuel Antonio National Park is a favourite destination for its white sandy beaches, rocky points, turquoise coves, and rainforests. It's also home to abundant wildlife, such as white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys and the unique endangered squirrel monkeys,

This small reserve is located near the Tárcoles River. Its transition forest, between the dry tropical forest of the northwest and the humid rainforest of the southern Pacific, is home to many different species of animals and plants. Carara is one of the most important nesting sites for endangered Scarlet Macaws.

Created in 1963, Cabo Blanco is the oldest wilderness area to be protected in Costa Rica. Cabo Blanco mainly protects colonies of seabirds and coastal dry tropical forest at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.