Coastal Provinces

Guanacaste	Barra Honda National Park The geological importance of Barra Honda is highlighted by the size and number of underground caverns found within the park. The altitude of the hilltops affords visitors extraordinary views of the surrounding countryside. Palo Verde National Park This park was established as a large refuge for migratory waterfowl and resident water birds. In one of Palo Verde's sections (Laguna Foohas) approximately 50,000 birds are resident. The family of mammals is well represented by monkeys and felines. Rincón de la Vieja National Park This park is home to an active volcano with nine identified craters on the summit. At the foot of the ridge, in the Las Pailas area, hot springs and steam vents can be observed. The park is within the tropical forest zone. Santa Rosa National Park Dry, tropical and humid pre-montane transition forests characterize Santa Rosa National Park. Savannahs and non-deciduous forests are extensive. Santa Rosa National Park is also a seacoast sanctuary for the endangered Pacific ridley seaturtle. Wildlife of all species thrive in this rich tropical venue. Guanacaste National Park Guanacaste National Park, like other reserves and protected facilities in the Province of Guanacaste, displays Costa Rica's incredible variety of vegetation and wildlife in near pristine conditions. The warm conditions of the province allow for a perfect growing environment to the thousands of varieties of indigenous flowers and greenery. Monteverde Biological Reserve Monteverde is a cloud forest covering the upper slopes of the continental divide. It has wet and dry seasons, though the upper levels are cloaked in fog much of the year. Paths wind for miles through the reserve and from them one can see some of the rare species including the quetzal and the golden toad.
Limón	Cahuita National Park This park contains the only coral reef on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast. There is a great diversity of both flora and fauna. The vegetation within the park is typical of humid tropical forests. Tortuguero National Park This is the most important nesting grounds for the green sea turtle in the western Caribbean. Extremely rich flora and fauna grow in this park be and man-made canals that serve as waterways for transportation and exploration. Additional Parks Also located in the Province of Limón are Hitot-Cerere, International Friendship Park and Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge.
Puntarenas	The Beaches of Manual Antonio National Park Miles of white sandy beaches outline one of the most popular parks within the system. It is one of the best areas to view migrating marine birds anywhere in the country. The waters are crystal clear and the beaches begin right at the jungle's tree line. Islands in the Gulf Puntarenas is a starting point for cruises through the Bulf of Nicoya with its many islands. Most of the Islands are Bilogical Reserves or National Parks. Additional Parks Also located in the Province of Puntarenas are Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, Cano Island Biological Reserve, Guayabo, Negritos and Pájaros Islands Biological Reserves.