This 1,300 hectare reserve is home to virtually all the tropical animal species of the Osa region except the tapir. One of the most common animals on the reserve is the collared peccary. Curassows, ibis, herons, jaguars, anteaters, mountain goats, raccoons, monkeys and coatis also live here. There is a short, well-marked, self-guided trail that starts beyond the main park office. You can inquire at the park office about where to find other trails within the reserve, or hire a local guide to take you around.

The accessibility of this reserve may be due to change in the near future, as it is about to be joined with Piedras Blancas National Park, which is also meant to be joined with Corcovado National Park. The merge is a protective measure, since at this time human activities on the reserve are restricted but not completely prohibited. Currently, for example, people can apply for permits to build in the park, but once it becomes part of Piedras Blancas this kind of development will cease.

The road to the wildlife reserve is located just behind the airport on the right. You can hire a taxi to take you up to the entrance, or follow the road for 10-15 minutes by foot until you reach the little park office. The entrance fee is $10 for adults and $1 for kids. Scouts, volunteers, kids under six and student groups that get permission beforehand get in free.

National Park

By Laura Granfortuna

I've always had the travel bug - maybe it's because I've been traveling around with my family since I was an infant, but mainly I think it's because...