Parks for Nature Lovers

Costa Ricans take pride in their extensive national park system. Since Costa Rica is rich not only in natural beauty but in all varieties of wild life, Costa Ricans have set aside 20% of their territory and established 36 national parks and preserves to protect the flora and fauna of their country. This is reportedly the largest percentage of any country in the world. Five percent of the world's biodiversity can be found in Costa Rica. The country has 850 species of mammals, 218 species of reptiles, 160 species of amphibians and about 360,000 species of insects. The country also has 10,353 species of plants.

Costa Rica's parks are in every region of the country with some more accessible than others. The variety of birds, butterflies, amphibians, mammals, trees and flowers has to be seen to be believed.

Additional information and a list of parks may be obtained by calling 233-5673, 233-5284 or 233-4160. Most hotels and tourist information centers can be helpful to nature lovers. Foreigners pay about $6 admission and Costa Ricans and residents $1 to enter Costa Ricas parks. After an international uproar over hikes in park fees, the "Green Pass" was instituted to offer the most affordable way to visit Costa Rica's world famous parks. For $29, you receive a coupon booklet with four tickets to any national park and one ticket to one of 10 parks.

Costa Ricans take the same pride in their urban parks. Every neighborhood in Costa Rica, from the biggest cities to the tiniest villages, always has a park. San José's Sabana Park is the country's largest city park. The park is crisscrossed by miles of jogging, biking and walking trails that weekend visitors take full advantage of. Ticos flock by the hundreds to this park to indulge their loves of family, children, sports and the outdoors. Go to the park any Sunday and you will see people walking, jogging, picnicking, cycling or playing soccer on one of the many playing fields.

There are also free tennis and basketball courts. The park is located on the sight of the old national airport and the terminal building now houses the National Art Museum. The Sabana is also the home of the National Stadium and National Gymnasium where events of all types are held. There is an Olympic-size swimming pool just west of the gymnasium. In the center of the park there is a large lake and fountain which attract many people. It is a favorite gathering spot for families.

Another popular weekend destination in San José is Parque de La Paz. It does not have the peaceful seclusion of La Sabana but it still has all the activity. The park is set around three artificial lakes. Waterland is the country's first U.S.-style water park. There are several pools, water slides, miniature golf and a soon-to-be-completed pool with artificial waves.