National Parks of Costa Rica facts for kids

Costa Rica is a beautiful country known for its amazing nature. It has 26 special places called National Parks. These parks help protect the country's incredible plants, animals, and landscapes. A group called SINAC (which stands for Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación) takes care of all these parks. SINAC is part of Costa Rica's government, specifically the Ministry of Environment and Energy. Their job is to make sure these natural treasures are safe for everyone, including future generations.

List of National Parks of Costa Rica

• Arenal Volcano National Park
• Barbilla National Park
• Barra Honda National Park
• Braulio Carrillo National Park
• Cahuita National Park
• Carara National Park
• Chirripó National Park
• Cocos Island National Park
• Corcovado National Park
• Diria National Park
• Guanacaste National Park
• Irazú Volcano National Park
• Juan Castro Blanco National Park
• La Amistad International Park
• La Cangreja National Park
• Las Baulas National Marine Park
• Manuel Antonio National Park
• Maquenque National Park (proposed)
• Palo Verde National Park
• Piedras Blancas National Park
• Poás Volcano National Park
• Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
• Santa Rosa National Park
• Tapantí National Park
• Tenorio Volcano National Park
• Tortuguero National Park
• Turrialba Volcano National Park

Santa Rosa National Park

Santa Rosa National Park is located in the Guanacaste province. It is one of the most important historical areas in Costa Rica. This park protects important parts of the country's past.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is found on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is in the Puntarenas province. This park is quite small, covering about 6.8 square kilometers. Even so, it is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful parks.

Manuel Antonio is very popular with both local and international visitors. It was even named one of the world's 12 most beautiful national parks by Forbes magazine! The park has a tropical rainforest that is home to many different plants and animals. Some of these animals, like the Tití monkey, are in danger of disappearing.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano National Park is in the northern part of Costa Rica. It is located near the Sierra de Tilarán mountains. This park helps protect important plants and animals that live in the rainforest and cloud forest areas. These forests are very valuable for scientific study and for tourism.

Cocos Island National Park

Cocos Island National Park is a special place that scientists consider a natural laboratory. It is perfect for studying how different species evolve over time.

Cocos Island is full of amazing landscapes. You can find many ferns, bromeliads, rivers, creeks, and waterfalls there. It also has valleys, cliffs, and smaller islands. Many seabirds visit the island, and gulls often build their nests there.

See also

In Spanish: Parques nacionales de Costa Rica para niños