Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
Location: Borders of Costa Rica and Panama
Year of Inscription: 1983, updated 1990
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: A transboundary park located on the border between Costa Rica and Panama. The park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including high-altitude forests, cloud forests, and lowland rainforests. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including several endangered species such as the jaguar, the tapir, and the quetzal bird. The park is also of significant cultural importance, as it is home to several indigenous groups such as the Bribri and the Ngobe-Bugle.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park include:
Cerro Chirripo: The highest peak in Costa Rica, standing at an elevation of 3,820 meters (12,533 feet).
La Amistad International Park: A transboundary park that straddles the border between Costa Rica and Panama.
Cahuita National Park: A coastal park in Costa Rica that is home to several coral reefs and a variety of marine species.
The Quetzal Trail: A popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
The Bribri and Ngobe-Bugle Indigenous Communities: Several indigenous communities that have lived in the park's region for thousands of years.
History: The Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park region has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It was home to several indigenous groups, including the Bribri and the Ngobe-Bugle, who relied on the area's natural resources for survival. The region was also a key center of trade and commerce for the ancient Maya civilization. In the modern era, conservationists began lobbying for the preservation of the park's unique natural beauty and cultural significance in the 20th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available at Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park, including:
Fun Fact: The Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Central America, covering over 2 million acres of land across two countries.
Entry Fees: In Panama the fees are;
How to Reach it: The nearest major city is David, which is about an hour's drive away. From there, visitors can take a bus or taxi to get to the town of Volcán, which is located at the base of the mountain.
There are regular buses that run between David and Volcán, with a travel time of around 90 minutes. The cost of a bus ticket is generally very affordable, typically less than $5.
Where to Stay: On the Panamanian side of the park, there are a few options for accommodations. Some of the popular places to stay include:
Next Stop: Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
Year of Inscription: 1983, updated 1990
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: A transboundary park located on the border between Costa Rica and Panama. The park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including high-altitude forests, cloud forests, and lowland rainforests. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including several endangered species such as the jaguar, the tapir, and the quetzal bird. The park is also of significant cultural importance, as it is home to several indigenous groups such as the Bribri and the Ngobe-Bugle.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park include:
Cerro Chirripo: The highest peak in Costa Rica, standing at an elevation of 3,820 meters (12,533 feet).
La Amistad International Park: A transboundary park that straddles the border between Costa Rica and Panama.
Cahuita National Park: A coastal park in Costa Rica that is home to several coral reefs and a variety of marine species.
The Quetzal Trail: A popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
The Bribri and Ngobe-Bugle Indigenous Communities: Several indigenous communities that have lived in the park's region for thousands of years.
History: The Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park region has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It was home to several indigenous groups, including the Bribri and the Ngobe-Bugle, who relied on the area's natural resources for survival. The region was also a key center of trade and commerce for the ancient Maya civilization. In the modern era, conservationists began lobbying for the preservation of the park's unique natural beauty and cultural significance in the 20th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available at Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park, including:
- Hiking on the park's many trails, which range from easy to difficult and offer a variety of stunning views and landscapes.
- Visiting the park's many waterfalls and swimming holes, which offer opportunities for swimming and picnicking.
- Participating in the park's interpretive programs, which offer guided hikes, educational exhibits, and cultural experiences with the local indigenous communities.
Fun Fact: The Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Central America, covering over 2 million acres of land across two countries.
Entry Fees: In Panama the fees are;
- Foreign adult visitors: $10 for one day, $20 for three days, or $25 for seven days.
- Foreign student visitors: $5 for one day, $10 for three days, or $12.50 for seven days.
- Panamanian citizens and residents: $3 for one day, $6 for three days, or $7.50 for seven days.
How to Reach it: The nearest major city is David, which is about an hour's drive away. From there, visitors can take a bus or taxi to get to the town of Volcán, which is located at the base of the mountain.
There are regular buses that run between David and Volcán, with a travel time of around 90 minutes. The cost of a bus ticket is generally very affordable, typically less than $5.
Where to Stay: On the Panamanian side of the park, there are a few options for accommodations. Some of the popular places to stay include:
- Finca Lérida Coffee Estate: This is a beautiful coffee plantation turned eco-lodge that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The lodge offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and various activities such as coffee tours and birdwatching.
- Hotel Bambito: This is a cozy mountain lodge located in the Chiriquí Highlands, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The hotel has spacious rooms, a restaurant, and activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching.
- Los Quetzales Eco Lodge & Spa: This lodge is located in the heart of the park, offering beautiful views of the cloud forest and the Barú Volcano. The lodge offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and various activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cultural tours.
- Hotel Dos Rios: This is a budget-friendly hotel located in the town of Volcán, close to the park entrance. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to nearby attractions.
- Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort: This eco-resort is located in the highlands of Boquete, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and mountains. The resort offers comfortable cabins, a restaurant, and activities such as ziplining, hiking, and birdwatching.
Next Stop: Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection