Cerro de la Muerte - Tapanti National Park

General Information

Tapanti National Park formerly known as Tapanti National Wildlife Refuge was established on April 23, 1992. It forms part of La Amistad Conservation Area and is one of Costa Rica’s most diverse areas.

The park covers 6,080 hectares (15,057 acres) and is located in the district of Orosi, in Paraiso de Cartago. It is mostly surrounded by the Rio Macho Forest Reserve.

The Park’s altitude ranges from 1,220.560 meters (4,002.397 feet) above sea level. Tapanti has four different life zones: Pre-mountain Rain Forest, Pre-mountain Forest, Low Mountain Rain Forest, Mountain Rainl Forest.


Tapanti National Park stands out for being one of Costa Rica’s rainest areas. The rainest month is October.
The area is bisected by the Grande de Orosi River into which many smaller rivers and creeks empty their waters. This vital liquid is used to generate hydroelectric power and to supply drinkable water to a great part of the population of the San Jose Metropolitan Area by the Orosi aqueduct.

Access

* By car: Take the road to the city of Cartago. Continue towards Paraiso, Orosi, Rio Macho and Tapanti. The road is passable through the year and is adequate for any vehicle.
* By bus: first, head to Cartago. There catch the bus to Orosi, Rio Macho (on the south side of the ruins of the church of Cartago).This bus drops you off about 9 km (5.6 miles) from the park entrance. From here, you have to walk this distance.
* By taxi: from Orosi to Tapanti. There is a very good taxi service.

Flora and fauna

Around 45 species of mammals live in the park. Among them, some are in danger of extinction such tapir, pace, brocket deer, cotton tail rabbit, kinkajou, racoon, coatimundi, white face monkey, agouti and wild cats like ocelot, jaguarundi and margay.
The park is home to 260 species of birds such as quetzals, hawks, falcons, black guan, scoly robin, tinamou, tanagers, pigeons, doves, oropendola, golden oriole, among others. Many lizards, basilisks and snakes such as the Picado Pitviper, eyelash viper, jumping viper and side-striped palm pit viper can be found. In total there are some 28 different species of reptiles. As well there are 28 species of amphibians including salamanders, frogs and toads.

Insects are abundant and there are many species that have not yet been identified. Butterflies of brilliant colors flap theirs wings through the rich vegetation. Among the moths found there, the Thysania agripina is the largest found within North and South America. There are also numerous examples of bees, wasps and crickets.
The rich abundance of vegetation includes different species of bromeliads, ferns, epiphytes, palms, moss, orchids, heliconias. In order to have and idea what biodiverse areas these kinds of forests have, one hectare could contain from 80 to 160 tree species.

Interest facts

The average annual temperature is 20ºC (68ºF)
The average annual rainfall is 6.500 mm (255,5 inches)

Regulations

* All protect wildlife areas have rules which regulate the protection of resources and the activities of visitors. This park operates under these rules for public use and all visitors must respect them.
* Despite of its biological diversity, many animals living in Costa Rica are hard to observe because of their migratory or reproductive habitats; they are nocturnal and the forest is too dense to see them clearly. Move quietly and sharpen your observation skills in order to better appreciate the richness of this area.
* If you need help or have questions, please ask the rangers, they will be ready and willing to help you.
* All the living things, plants and animals alike, share this planet with you. Please respect them.
* Enjoy the peace and natural sounds of the forest. Do not play radios or make loud noises that might disturb the tranquility within it.
* Please keep inside the trails. Signs are there for the benefit of all, do not deface or destroy them.
* This area is a natural preserve. We invite you to observe, enjoy and take as many pictures as you like. But please do not remove plants, stones or other materials as souvenirs.
* Please collect your garbage and deposit it in the appropriate containers.
* Do not feed the animals. They can suffer serious health problems if they eat people's food.

The Costa Rica National Park System protects more than 25 % of Costa Rica